The 8 Best Free Translation WordPress Plugins

In theory, the web knows no borders. This means your website will likely get visitors who speak different languages. If there’s enough interest, it’s a good idea to offer your content in multiple languages. Think of it as a way to make your site more accessible to a wider audience.

There are various ways to make your site multilingual. Some WordPress plugins can automatically translate your content. This is a quick way to make your site understandable to more people. If you’d rather translate the content yourself, there are also plugins that make this manual process easier.

Either way, adding multiple languages to your site can be a great way to reach more people and make your site more user-friendly for visitors from around the world.

The Top WordPress Translation Plugins

MultilingualPress – Build a Multilingual WordPress Site

Based on WordPress multisite, MultilingualPress is a commercial plugin that is unique when it comes to translation. For each available language, a new network site is created.

This allows for better performance and scalability. And, since it’s a multisite install, each site could theoretically have a different design and plugins.

Google Website Translator for WordPress

Google is the ruler of all things data, and that includes language translation. Google Website Translator lets you harness this power via a simple Widget or Shortcode.

Select your preferred languages, choose a style, and then implement the translator into your site. Don’t want a particular item to be translated? The plugin lets you define items that should be left as-is.

Polylang – Translate Certain Areas of WordPress

Polylang takes a different approach to translating a website. The plugin enables you to optionally define which languages a particular piece of content is available in.

For example, you can choose to translate just a category, single page, or post. It also lets you translate specific theme/plugin strings and media upload data.

WPML Translation Plugin for WordPress

Perhaps the best-known translation plugin, WPML, offers several powerful features. It comes packed with over 40 languages and is compatible with several popular plugins. You can designate specific users as “Translators,” to whom you can assign translation-based tasks.

There’s also a handy string translation panel that converts text coming from themes and plugins. WPML is a commercial solution for small blogs all the way up to larger corporate sites.

Weglot Translate – Automatically Translate Content

Weglot Translate will automatically translate your content into 60+ languages. Just install the plugin and grab an API key (there is a free version you can try).

From there, choose the languages you want to use, add their widget, and you’re all set. Translated content has its own unique URL, which allows for better SEO.

TranslatePress WordPress Plugin

TranslatePress offers several features for translating your site’s content. First, you can choose to translate items manually or automatically (using Google’s API). You can also view real-time results by editing translations on the front end. And, a “language switcher” can be placed anywhere you like via a Shortcode.

The plugin includes WooCommerce support to internationalize your online store.

Say What? WordPress Plugin

It’s not exactly a traditional translation plugin. Say What? enables the editing of text strings from themes and plugins. Just enter the text string you want to translate, then add the changes you want to make.

This could be used to translate specific items into another language or tweak text to better fit your needs.

My WP Translate Plugin

My WP Translate provides a way to easily translate plugin and theme strings directly from the WordPress dashboard. Add a plugin or theme from the settings screen and immediately begin making changes.

An import/export feature is also included, allowing for easy transfer between multiple websites.

The Value of a Multilingual Site

As users, visiting a website written in a language we don’t understand can be frustrating. As web designers, it’s nice to know that there are some simple ways we can solve this issue.

With just a little effort, we can make our sites more accessible to those who speak other languages. This not only creates goodwill, but is also good for business.

Translation WordPress Plugin FAQs

What Are WordPress Translation Plugins?

They are plugins that will help to translate the content of your WordPress site into various languages, making your website accessible to a broader, global audience.
Who Should Use WordPress Translation Plugins?

Website owners who want to reach a multilingual audience, including bloggers, eCommerce sites, and international businesses, should consider using these plugins.
Why Is It Important to Have a Translation Plugin on a WordPress Site?

A translation plugin breaks language barriers, making your site more accessible and user-friendly to non-English speakers.
How Do Translation Plugins Work on WordPress Sites?

They automatically translate your website’s content, either through machine translation services like Google Translate or through manual translations you can add yourself.
Can I Control the Quality of Translations with These Plugins?

Yes, many plugins allow for manual adjustments to automated translations, so you can ensure the accuracy and quality of the content in different languages.
Are WordPress Translation Plugins Easy to Install and Use?

Most of these plugins are designed for easy installation and user-friendly interfaces, making it simple to set up and manage translations on your site.