A cloud-based translation management system that combines AI translation with a professional linguist network to localize content for global brands.
Smartling is worth the investment for enterprise organizations that localize high-volume, multi-language websites and apps. It combines a translation management system, machine translation, and a 4,000-plus linguist network, automating up to 99 percent of manual translation steps. Custom enterprise pricing and a platform base fee make it harder to justify for small sites with occasional translation needs.
Smartling is a cloud-based translation management system that combines AI translation with a professional linguist network to localize content for global brands. Smartling, Inc. operates Smartling from New York, with additional offices in Dublin and London. Jack Welde founded Smartling in 2009. Smartling serves enterprise customers including DoorDash, IHG Hotels, Reddit, Pinterest, and HubSpot.
Smartling bundles several localization tools into one platform. The Translation Management System orchestrates projects across teams. The visual context editor shows translators the live layout. Translation memory and glossary tools enforce consistent terminology. The AI translation engine and 4,000-plus linguist network handle the language work.
Smartling serves three main audiences. Global enterprise brands use Smartling for high-volume website localization. Software development teams use Smartling for app and code string translation. Freelance translators use Smartling through free linguist accounts. Smartling uses custom enterprise pricing, with AI translation rates starting at $0.005 per word.
Smartling is safe and legitimate, with SOC 2 Type II compliance and enterprise data encryption. Smartling, Inc. has operated the platform since 2009 under a documented privacy policy. Smartling protects customer files and translation assets with strict access controls.
Smartling maintains SOC 2 Type II compliance for security controls and encrypts customer data in transit and at rest. The platform holds HITRUST, PCI DSS Level 1, and ISO certifications, complies with GDPR, and lets customers retain full ownership of translated content and translation memory.
Request a Smartling demo and create an account through the sales team.
Sign in to the Smartling dashboard at the workspace URL.
Create a project and select the target languages.
Connect a content source through a GitHub, Figma, or WordPress connector.
Configure the translation workflow and assign linguists.
Submit content and let the AI engine produce a first pass.
Review translations in the visual editor and publish.
Assigns, tracks, and approves translation jobs.
Shows translators the live page layout.
Reuses previously approved translations.
Enforces brand terminology and tone.
Produces AI first-pass translations.
Scores AI translation quality automatically.
Integrates with GitHub, Figma, WordPress, and Salesforce.
Moves jobs between stages on fixed rules.
Localize websites and campaigns at scale; preview translated layouts in the visual editor; keep brand terminology consistent across every market.
Translate code strings and app content; use the GitHub connector to translate inside the pipeline; the API submits and retrieves content automatically.
Get free linguist accounts on client projects; see context for each string in the visual editor; translation memory speeds up repeated segments.
| Tool | Best for | Price | Notes | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lokalise | Developer localization | From $140/mo | TMS, in-context editor, CLI; trial available | vs → |
| Phrase | Flexible workflows | From $135/mo | TMS, MT, integrations; trial available | vs → |
| Transifex | Continuous localization | From $70/mo | TMS, API, automation; free plan | vs → |
| Smartling — this review | Enterprise scale | Custom | TMS, linguists, visual editor; linguist accounts |
Lokalise focuses on developer workflows, while Smartling adds a full managed linguist network. Phrase bundles its own machine translation, while Smartling routes content to specialist engines and human reviewers. Lokalise starts at $140 per month and Phrase starts at $135 per month, while Smartling uses custom enterprise pricing. Software teams choose Lokalise, while large brands that need human translation choose Smartling.
Smartling is not free for business accounts and requires custom enterprise pricing. Freelance translators and reviewers invited to a client project receive free linguist accounts. The free account opens the Smartling visual editor and translation memory at no personal cost.
Smartling pricing requires a custom contract quote based on translation volume. Contracts combine a recurring platform base fee with variable word-rate charges. AI translation rates start at $0.005 per word, and mid-market contracts commonly total $20,000 to $60,000 per year.
Smartling offers a dedicated Figma connector through its prebuilt integrations. The connector imports design frames into the Translation Management System. Designers and translators preview translated copy inside the layout before code ships.
Smartling, Inc. owns and operates Smartling from New York. Jack Welde founded Smartling in 2009, and Bryan Murphy serves as Chief Executive Officer. Battery Ventures made a $160 million growth investment in Smartling in December 2021.
Smartling is secure for corporate data, with SOC 2 Type II compliance and end-to-end encryption. Smartling protects customer files and translation assets with strict access controls. Smartling also holds HITRUST, PCI DSS Level 1, and ISO certifications.
Smartling is worth the cost for enterprise organizations managing high-volume, multi-language websites. The translation memory, glossary enforcement, and workflow automation reduce localization costs and speed deployment. Small sites with occasional needs find the custom contract harder to justify.
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