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In an interconnected world, where a single plane ride or a single mouse click can bring you into contact with someone who doesn’t speak your language, translation services need to be fast, quick and affordable. Spending weeks trying to learn a single language, or riffling through a paper phrasebook, isn’t good enough when speed or fluency is required. A language translation device that lives in your pocket or rests in your ears can do what used to be the realm of science fiction: translate someone else’s language into your own, and your own into theirs, in close to real time.
Anyone who has a modern smartphone already has an electronic translator at their beck and call. Dedicated language translation devices, however, promise to be faster and more precise. They connect via the Internet to powerful AI translators that allow them to handle dozens, if not hundreds, of languages, and do so with conversations, meetings, groups and even photos and text. Some of them even come with their own data connections, so you don’t have to spend an extra dime on connectivity.
Our editors here at BestReviews have gone over several promising language translation devices available on the market. And we’ve found some impressive, dedicated translator gadgets for mission-critical use. But we think that the best overall language translation device is the Apple AirPods Pro 3 wireless earbuds, thanks to its ease of use, ubiquity and convenience.
Editors' Choice
Type: Earphones | Languages: 12 | Connection: Bluetooth (to iPhone) | Visual translation: No | Battery life: 6 hr
Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are a top pick among earbuds and noise-canceling headphones, but they’re also effective language translation devices. When connected to an iPhone capable of running Apple Intelligence and the Apple Translate app preloaded, AirPods Pro 3 can be all the translation you need for travel and tourism.
The Apple AIrPods Pro 3 works in tandem with Apple Intelligence and the Apple Translate app on compatible iPhones or iPads. With the Translate app open, just choose the Live Translation option while wearing the AirPods. Their mics will pick up the language you’re hearing and translate it to you with your chosen Siri voice with a delay of just a few seconds.
If you’re in a conversation with someone also wearing AirPods Pro, they’ll be able to use Live Translation to understand you as well. However, using AirPods Pro 3 earbuds as translation devices isn’t the most efficient method, since they depend on Apple Intelligence and a separate Apple device for most of the heavy lifting. But they’re some of the most popular all-around earbuds on the planet, so what they lack in self-sufficiency, they more than make up for in ubiquity, sound quality, versatility and ease of use.
Great Value
Type: Earphones | Languages: 164 | Connection: Bluetooth (to smartphone) | Visual translation: No | Battery life: 13.5
A pair of translator earpieces at a low price, the Tagry AI Translation Earbuds make travel and one-on-one conversations easy and affordable.
The Targy AI earbuds are app-centric translation devices that use your smartphone for most of their processing. The earbuds themselves rest on your outer ear and don’t penetrate your ear canal like in-ear buds do. They offer up to 13.5 hours of battery life with up to 80 hours with their charging case, which has a handy charge meter display. They act as all-around audio earbuds if needed as well.
When paired with their app, the Targy AI earbuds boast support for 164 different languages. They can handle real-time translation and two-way conversations when shared between two speakers, plus speech-to-text and media translation as well. They even have an AI chat for language practice. They do require a smartphone, however.
Best Standalone Device
Type: Standalone | Languages: 112 | Connection: Cellular, Wi-Fi | Visual translation: Yes | Battery life: 180 hrs
The Vasco V4 Language Translation Device is a heavy hitter that fits in your pocket. This smartphone-sized gadget can handle well over a hundred different languages in a self-sufficient unit that you can use virtually anywhere.
The Vasco V4 is an all-in-one language translation device with a large 5-inch touch screen as well as physical buttons. It’s self-contained and doesn’t require a smartphone or app to use. The V4 can do live translation between 112 different languages, and also translate photos and text with its screen and built-in camera. Notably, it comes with lifetime free cellular connectivity across some 200 countries, plus can connect via Wi-Fi as well.
The V4 uses multiple translator engines, increasing the quality of its comprehension and output. Slightly smaller than a smartphone, it’s designed to be dustproof, shockproof and water-resistant. With a battery that can run for up to five days or standby for more than seven days, it’s an excellent option for long travels all across the world.
Best for Business Use
Type: Earphones | Languages: 40 | Connection: Bluetooth (to smartphone) | Visual translation: No | Battery life: 6 hrs
When conducting business, conversation is key. The Timekettle W4 Pro AI Interpreter Earbuds make real-time translation a reality, as well as doing media and meeting translation and providing offline functionality as well.
The Timekettle W4 Pro earphones can handle 40 separate languages and 93 different accents. Their primary feature is providing real-time translation in a two-way conversation, ideal for business use where directness, accuracy and privacy are paramount. In addition, the W4 Pros offer group and media translation of videos, meetings and chats, with AI analysis of content and even note-taking if desired.
Unlike lower-end translation earbuds, the Timekettle W4 Pro models can work offline with 13 downloadable translation pairs. They offer six hours of battery life with 18 hours in their case, and 300 minutes of translation for audio, video and calls.
Includes Data Access
Type: All-in-one | Languages: 92 | Connection: Cellular, Wi-Fi | Visual translation: Yes | Battery life: 132 hrs
Another all-in-one, standalone translation device, the Pocketalk S Two-Way Voice Translator is compact and versatile, emphasizing privacy and security while offering up to two years of wireless LTE data access.
The Pocketalk S is roughly the size and thickness of a set of playing cards, making it highly convenient to carry around even if you already have a smartphone on you. Its bright 2.7-inch screen allows you to read translated text and to view camera translations of signage and instructions. It can handle real-time conversation translation as well as voice-to-text translation and even conversion between currency and measurements.
The Pocketalk S comes with two years of fast LTE data connections, allowing it to work without Wi-Fi in over 140 countries without need to purchase a separate data plan. It can handle 92 languages and features PIN security and auto-deletion for enhanced privacy.
We researched the history and status of the language translation device market segment, learning the different use cases and capabilities of each product and product type. We selected models based not just on features and price, but also on usability, portability and convenience. We considered all options most users have for on-device translation as well, including the translation apps commonly found on Android and iOS devices. We also took into account user reviews and discussions as well as published media reviews.
Language translation devices offer real-time translation between you and speakers of other languages. These devices are two-way and are capable of translating between pairs of supported languages. Mics capture spoken words and translate them in as little as 0.3 seconds, outputting them as speech or text depending on the choice of the user. Translation devices can handle one-on-one conversation, dictation, speeches, chats, meetings and even crowds. Many models, both standalone and app-based, also offer visual translation of text and signage. With the rise of AI, language translation devices can tap into powerful translation engines for improved speed, clarity and even idiom over previous generations.
Depending on the device, you need a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. The majority of language translation devices work over a Wi-Fi connection or cellular data plan, as they’re the easiest to find in most countries. Standalone devices often offer their own built-in cellular models and data plans, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity, while app-based systems need to use your smartphone’s connection for their translation links.
These devices are capable of translating between six and over 160 languages. There are three language capability groups among models. Basic devices can handle six languages, though they’re not practical if they don’t cover the languages of countries you visit often.
Other devices can handle between 40 and 70 languages, though the range usually includes about 30 languages plus different dialects.
The most capable language translation devices peak at over a hundred languages, covering just about every language and dialect out there. These devices are more prepared to handle different accents and pronunciation variations as well.
When you’re traveling, you need your language translation device at all times, which is why battery life is an important feature to compare. These devices are equipped with rechargeable batteries. Remember to purchase a USB power adapter and appropriate charging cable that is compatible with the outlet and voltage of the country.
Pay attention to both the stand-by and active use times to get a true feel for the length of the battery life. On average, active use times range between eight to 24 hours, and stand-by lasts five to 150 days. Some consumers report their battery life lasts for an average week of travel use before requiring a full charge again.
Language translation devices can be divided into standalone and app-based models.
Standalone translators are more expensive, simply because they incorporate more technology as all-in-one devices instead of requiring app support on a cell phone. They’re equipped with screens that are easy to navigate with buttons, or they have touchscreen capability. This streamlined option eliminates the need for two devices — the translator and your cell phone with its app — so it’s ideal for minimalist travelers.
App-based translators receive and deliver sound through the device, while the actual translation occurs on your cell phone. These models operate almost like Bluetooth earbuds and often can play music and audio as well as translations. Button capability is limited in these models, as the majority of settings are handled on the app. While it may seem cumbersome to use two devices for translation, some consumers prefer app-required models, since there are frequent updates available to optimize functionality and add new languages or features.
If you need help reading street signs or menus, spend a little more for a model with photo translation capabilities. These translators are equipped with high-definition cameras and software that read foreign text and display it in English.
Premium language translation devices tout noise-cancelling technology. These specialized mics isolate the closest audible speech to deliver an accurate translation. This is an essential feature if you plan on spending time in noisy atmospheres abroad such as busy city streets, train stations, and airports.
Language translation devices cost between $50 and $500. Price depends on how many languages they can handle and their number of integrated translation features.
Inexpensive: Budget-friendly translators cost between $50 and $150. The majority of these are app-based translators that are essentially glorified Bluetooth earbuds, and the most inexpensive ones use the same generic translation app. These models won’t do much better than the built-in translator apps and earbuds of your smartphone, although many boast over a hundred available languages.
Mid-range: Mid-range translators cost between $150 and $250. The majority of these devices pride themselves in their standalone functionality and can handle dialects and accents as well. There are some models that also feature photo translation, though they’re at the higher end of the bracket.
Expensive: For maximum translation capabilities, expect to spend between $400 and $500. These models have speech and language translations with much higher levels of accuracy. They often come with noise-cancelling technology, high-frequency microphones, and better quality cameras. These models also may come with free high-speed cellular connections ranging from a couple of years to the lifetime of the device.
A. You don’t need an international plan to use the WiFi on your phone, which is what these devices require to work with an app. Some device apps require a data plan, so refer to the user manual for requirements. Another thing to keep in mind when using a paired translator is that its battery may far outlive that of your phone. To make sure your translation doesn’t come to an abrupt halt, bring a power bank with you to juice up your phone.
A. No, you need to change the language settings each time. For the most part, devices or their apps allow for seamless transition between foreign languages to account for this. If you want to be fully prepared in multilingual areas, research which languages and dialects are spoken so you know which languages to expect on the fly.
A. Just like other languages, English is spoken with different dialects, accents, and phrases. American English and British English are usually included, and some devices also cover Canadian English. Native English speakers may not notice major differences, but foreign speakers and English Language Learners (ELL) detect it, which is why these settings are especially helpful to them. Not all devices are prepared for differences in English slang and figures of speech, so awkward literal translations are part and parcel of using the device in these situations.
