Smartling Review
A cloud-based translation management system that combines AI translation with a professional linguist network to localize content for global brands.
Is Smartling Worth It?
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.
About Smartling
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.
Is Smartling safe, legit & secure?
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.
Data security, encryption & SOC 2 compliance
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.
✅ Worth it if you
- Localize high-volume, multi-language websites and apps
- Manage continuous localization at scale
- Translate content in place via GitHub, Figma, and WordPress connectors
- Need translation memory, glossary enforcement, and workflow automation
🤔 Look elsewhere if you
- Individuals or small sites with occasional translation needs
- Want a fixed public list price instead of a custom contract
- Need a low-cost self-serve localization tool
Our Verdict
Pros
- Visual context editor for live layout
- Translation memory and glossary control
- 50-plus connectors and API access
- Managed 4,000-plus linguist network
- SOC 2 Type II certified security
Cons
- Custom pricing with no public list
- Higher cost than self-serve tools
- Longer onboarding and configuration
- Enterprise focus over small teams
- Contract and platform base fees
How It Works
Request demo
Request a Smartling demo and create an account through the sales team.
Sign in
Sign in to the Smartling dashboard at the workspace URL.
Create project
Create a project and select the target languages.
Connect source
Connect a content source through a GitHub, Figma, or WordPress connector.
Configure workflow
Configure the translation workflow and assign linguists.
Submit content
Submit content and let the AI engine produce a first pass.
Review & publish
Review translations in the visual editor and publish.
Smartling Features
Translation Management System
Assigns, tracks, and approves translation jobs.
Visual Context Editor
Shows translators the live page layout.
Translation Memory
Reuses previously approved translations.
Glossary and Style Guide
Enforces brand terminology and tone.
Machine Translation
Produces AI first-pass translations.
LQA Agent
Scores AI translation quality automatically.
API Connectors
Integrates with GitHub, Figma, WordPress, and Salesforce.
Workflow Automation
Moves jobs between stages on fixed rules.
Smartling Pricing
- Invited translators and reviewers
- Visual editor, translation memory, and glossary
Who Is Smartling Best For?
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.
Smartling Alternatives
| 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 |
Smartling vs Lokalise vs Phrase
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 FAQ
Is Smartling free?
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.
How much does Smartling 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.
Does Smartling have a Figma integration?
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.
Who owns Smartling?
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.
Is Smartling secure?
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.
Is Smartling worth the cost?
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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