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Eva Legovic
- Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
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Eva Legovic
- Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
If you’re running a SaaS product, chances are you’ve felt the growing pains of going global – translating your UI, onboarding flows, help docs, and maybe even that one modal no one remembered until launch day.
And while there’s no shortage of translation tools out there, not all of them are built for the pace (or chaos) of SaaS. (Read more about SaaS localization workflows here.)
A good tool doesn’t just translate – it fits your workflow. It plays nicely with your dev setup, handles formats like JSON and XLIFF without drama, and helps your team stay consistent across every language and release.
It should also give you options. AI for speed. Human review when it matters. And ideally, a way for product managers, developers, and translators to collaborate without turning your release schedule into a game of broken telephone.
To help you choose the right fit, we handpicked the 10 best translation tools for SaaS companies in 2025 – each with its own strengths, tradeoffs, and use cases.
(Want a more comprehensive list? Compare 33 translation tools here.)
1. Taia – Best hybrid SaaS translation platform for fast-moving SaaS teams
If your SaaS team is juggling product updates, UX copy, and support content across multiple languages, Taia was built with you in mind. It’s a hybrid AI + human platform designed to help you move fast without sacrificing quality. With its self-service document translation and editing, team management, and professional translation options, it’s an all-in-one SaaS translation management software aimed for individuals and teams who want to have their translation system centralized.
Key features
- 65 supported file types – including JSON, XLIFF, YAML, DOCX, and other dev-friendly formats
- AI-first workflow – AI translate full documents instantly
- One-click quotes for human review – upgrade to professional SaaS translation services with no re-uploading or format changes
- Team & role management (coming soon) – invite colleagues, assign roles, and review or upgrade AI translations using the built-in Translation Editor (CAT)
- Web-based interface – intuitive UI for project managers and content teams
- Custom API integration – available for teams that need deeper automation (just reach out to the Taia team)
Full control over terminology
- Create multiple translation memories by domain (e.g. Marketing, Legal, UI)
- Use glossary support to lock in key phrases like product names, CTAs, or support categories
- Ensure consistency across platforms – from your app to your help center
Team collaboration - coming soon!
A new team and organization management system is rolling out, designed to make collaboration easier for SaaS teams with multiple users, departments, or localization priorities.
- Built-in role and permission management for devs, PMs, and translators
- Create an Organization with one or more teams
- Teams can share or isolate translation memories, glossaries, and projects
- Team members only see their own projects and resources—keeping workstreams clean and focused
- Add one or more shared billing accounts, usable across multiple teams
- Subscriptions are tied to billing accounts, not users—so one PRO plan can support multiple team members
Within each team, users can:
- Translate in-house using AI, or
- Request a professional translation quote instantly, or
- Assign a review task to a teammate using Taia’s built-in editor
Things to keep in mind
- Team collaboration features are live for PRO users, but still evolving—some functionality may feel limited during rollout
- API access is available, but setup requires coordination with the Taia team (not yet self-serve)
- Best suited for teams who want fast, high-quality translation workflows without building a full localization infrastructure
- It’s intentionally lightweight to stay fast and user-friendly
Which SaaS companies is Taia best for?
- SaaS teams without a dedicated localization ops team
- In-house localization teams who want to have control of the process inside one SaaS localization software
- Fast-moving teams who need AI speed and occasional human-level quality
- Companies tired of wrangling vendors or switching tools mid-project
Try Taia’s translation tool now, or book a demo!
2. Lokalise – Best for dev and product teams who live in i18n
If your team is managing translations across both your codebase and product design files, Lokalise fits right in. It’s purpose-built for SaaS companies that treat localization like part of the product release cycle – not an afterthought.
Key features
- API, CLI, and Git integration for seamless workflow automation
- Supports a wide range of string-based formats: JSON, YAML, iOS, Android, and more
- Native integrations with tools like GitHub, Bitbucket, Figma, and Slack
- In-context editing, translation memory, and glossary support for consistent UX copy
- Task assignment, string commenting, and real-time collaboration for agile teams
Built for product-led teams
Lokalise is ideal if you’re shipping product updates often and want localization to keep pace. Product managers, developers, and translators can collaborate in the same workspace, making the process faster and more transparent.
Things to keep in mind
- You’ll need to bring your own translators or vendors – Lokalise doesn’t include built-in human translation
- It assumes some localization know-how. Non-technical teams may face a learning curve
- It’s best suited for teams managing high string volume – not for light or occasional translation needs
Best for:
- SaaS teams with an internal localization workflow
- Companies localizing directly from Git
- Product teams that treat localization like version control
Not good for:
Document-heavy teams (e.g. marketing or legal)—it’s optimized for string files, not file-based content
Companies without in-house translators or vendor networks
Smaller teams with occasional translation needs—it may feel like overkill
3. Crowdin – Great for agile SaaS teams shipping updates weekly
Crowdin is a solid SaaS localization software for teams working in fast-paced, iterative environments. It’s designed for continuous localization, with the flexibility to keep up with product releases, content updates, and cross-functional collaboration.
Key features
- API and Git integrations for syncing string files directly with your codebase
- Supports a wide range of formats: JSON, YAML, XML, Android/iOS, and more
- Integrates with tools like GitHub, Bitbucket, Figma, Slack, and more
- Real-time collaboration and string commenting for translators, devs, and PMs
- In-context preview, translation memory, and glossary tools to maintain consistency
Built for speed and flexibility
Crowdin makes it easy to assign tasks, review translations, and localize content in parallel with development. It’s particularly useful for product-led teams running weekly or bi-weekly releases and updating multiple content types at once.
Things to keep in mind
- Human translation services aren’t included – you’ll need to bring your own team or vendors
- The UI is more functional than beginner-friendly, and some features take time to configure
- Best suited for teams that already have a localization process in place
Best for:
- SaaS teams running agile sprints
- Companies updating UI, docs, and support content frequently
- Teams that want flexibility without the complexity of full enterprise platforms
Not good for:
- Teams new to localization—requires some setup and internal coordination
- Projects without dedicated translators or LSPs (no built-in human translation)
- Companies that want heavy automation out of the box
4. Phrase – Cool for multi-platform SaaS apps (web, mobile, docs)
Phrase is built for SaaS companies managing localization across multiple platforms – think web apps, mobile apps, help centers, and marketing sites. It helps unify translation efforts across teams while keeping workflows organized and scalable.
Key features
- Supports a wide range of file formats for apps, websites, and documentation
- API and CLI for integration with your build and deployment processes
- In-context editing for better quality control on UX content
- Glossary and translation memory support to ensure brand and tone consistency
- Integrates with tools like GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Figma, and more
Built for cross-platform coordination
Phrase makes it easier to centralize translation across different teams and content types – so your product UI, support articles, and landing pages all stay aligned. Ideal for companies with a growing product footprint across multiple touchpoints. This makes it easier to centralize translation across different teams and content types—so your product UI, support articles, and landing pages all stay aligned.
Asana’s localization strategy offers a great example of how this plays out in practice.
Things to keep in mind
- No built-in access to human translators – you’ll need your own vendors or internal team
- Its feature set can feel like overkill for simple or occasional translation needs
- Works best when there’s someone on your team to manage the setup and integrations
Best for:
- SaaS teams localizing across web, mobile, and documentation
- Companies that need centralized control with distributed teams
- Teams already using Git-based workflows and cross-functional tools
Not good for:
- Teams looking for a lightweight or entry-level solution
- Users who need bundled translation services (you’ll need external vendors)
- Companies focused purely on UI or string-based content—it can feel bulky for that
5. Smartling – Best for enterprise SaaS teams that need automation and human QA
Smartling is built for scale. If your SaaS company operates in multiple markets and needs high-quality localization with tight control, Smartling offers one of the most comprehensive platforms out there – combining automation, human review, and workflow customization.
Key features
- End-to-end translation management with customizable workflows
- Built-in access to vetted human translators and quality assurance tools
- Robust translation memory and glossary features to enforce consistency
- Real-time collaboration, visual context, and version control
- Integrates with CMSs, Git-based repositories, marketing tools, and more
Built for high-stakes content
Smartling is designed for companies where quality can’t slip – think onboarding flows, core product UI, and legal or compliance-heavy content. It gives you control over every step of the translation process, from intake to final approval.
Things to keep in mind
- It’s enterprise software – powerful but complex, with a learning curve
- Pricing and implementation are best suited to companies with a localization budget and dedicated team
- Setup and configuration take time, especially if you’re starting from scratch
Best for:
- SaaS companies with established localization workflows
- Teams managing translations across multiple departments and regions
- Products with legal, compliance, or regulatory requirements in multiple markets
Not good for:
- Small SaaS companies or early-stage teams—it’s priced and built for enterprise
- Teams without localization managers or resources to manage complex workflows
- Quick-turnaround projects that don’t need formal QA pipelines
6. POEditor – A lightweight solution for dev-first SaaS teams
POEditor is a straightforward, developer-friendly localization tool that focuses on string file management without unnecessary complexity. If your SaaS team wants something simple to plug into your workflow, POEditor delivers just enough to get the job done.
Key features
- Supports common dev file formats like JSON, PO, XML, and more
- API and CLI for automating string import/export
- GitHub and Bitbucket integrations for syncing with your codebase
- Basic translation memory and string-level search tools
- Clean, minimal interface that’s easy to set up and use
Built for simplicity
POEditor is ideal for small teams managing one or two apps in a few languages. You can localize efficiently without the overhead of full-blown TMS platforms. It’s especially handy if your translators are in-house or freelancers who just need access to string content.
Things to keep in mind
- No built-in access to human translation services
- Glossary and QA features are limited compared to more advanced platforms
- Better suited for teams with straightforward needs and low complexity
Best for:
- Developer-led teams managing string files directly
- SaaS products with minimal localization scope
- Companies that want an affordable, no-frills translation tool
Not good for:
- Companies that need glossary enforcement, review workflows, or in-context editing
- Non-technical users—UI is minimal, and setup assumes some dev knowledge
- Teams managing content across multiple departments or channels
7. Weglot – Easiest to deploy for simple SaaS websites
Weglot is one of the fastest ways to launch a multilingual website. If your SaaS company needs to localize your marketing site or landing pages with minimal dev involvement, Weglot makes it incredibly easy to get started.
Key features
- Auto-detects and translates website content with minimal setup
- Works with Webflow, WordPress, Shopify, and custom frontends
- Visual editor to review and fine-tune translations directly on your site
- Option to order professional human translation through the platform
- SEO-friendly: creates dedicated language subdirectories with translated metadata
Built for speed
You can have a fully translated website live in minutes – without touching your code or coordinating with engineering. It’s a great solution for non-technical teams or early-stage companies testing demand in new markets.
Things to keep in mind
- Pricing scales with word count and number of languages, which can add up fast
- Doesn’t support app or string-based localization – just web content
- Limited control over TM, glossary, or long-term content reuse
Best for:
- SaaS teams who want to localize their marketing site quickly
- Non-technical teams who need a plug-and-play translation layer
- Early-stage products testing new markets without committing to a full localization workflow
Not good for:
- App or product localization—it’s focused on websites, not string-based content
- Companies with high word volume or multiple target languages (pricing gets VERY steep VERY fast)
- Teams that want TM, glossary, or full control over how content is handled
8. DeepL API – Strong developer flexibility, but limited for SaaS localization
DeepL built its reputation on high-quality AI translations, especially for European languages. The DeepL API gives developers direct access to this engine – ideal if you want to build custom translation workflows into your SaaS stack.
Key features
- API access to DeepL’s machine translation engine
- Fast, developer-friendly integration
- Basic glossary functionality for term replacement
- Supports DOCX, PPTX, and XLSX file formats
- Reliable output for general-purpose content
Built for custom setups
If you’re building your own internal tooling or need to translate large amounts of content quickly, DeepL offers a solid starting point. It’s often used as a raw translation layer inside larger systems.
Things to keep in mind
- Users report a degradation in translation quality (“worse than Google”!)
- Supports only three file types (DOCX, PPTX, XLSX) with monthly upload limits
- No built-in translation memory, review workflows, or UI for collaboration
- You’ll need to handle string file support, post-editing, and quality control yourself
Best for:
- Developers building custom localization workflows
- Teams translating non-critical or internal content
- Companies that want MT quality without a full platform
Not good for:
- Structured workflows or collaboration—there’s no UI, review process, or memory support
- Teams working with string-based formats (JSON, YAML)—unsupported by default
- SaaS products with high-stakes or customer-facing content that needs quality control
9. Google Cloud Translation – Great for massive scale, but lacks SaaS-specific features
Google Cloud Translation API is a high-performance machine translation service designed to handle large volumes of multilingual content. It’s a solid option if you’re already working within Google Cloud or need to translate at scale.
Key features
- Supports over 100 languages
- Fast, scalable API access for real-time or batch translation
- AutoML Translation available for custom training on domain-specific data
- Basic glossary support to control specific term translations
- Easily integrates with other Google Cloud services
Built for scale
It’s ideal for translating internal systems, data pipelines, or backend content across many languages. If you need to process high-volume input – like support logs or transactional messages – it gets the job done.
Things to keep in mind
- No built-in support for dev file formats like JSON or XLIFF – you’ll need to convert manually
- No translation memory or collaborative interface for translators
- Quality varies depending on language pair and content complexity
- Not built for product copy, UX localization, or brand consistency
Best for:
- SaaS teams already using Google Cloud infrastructure
- High-volume, low-stakes translation use cases
- Internal or backend content that doesn’t require human oversight
Not good for:
- Translating UI strings, marketing copy, or branded content—it lacks nuance
- Teams that want reusable translations or centralized collaboration
- Non-developers—this is a raw API with no user-friendly interface
10. Amazon Translate – Scalable and affordable, but built for engineers
Amazon Translate offers fast, cost-effective machine translation, tightly integrated with the AWS ecosystem. It’s designed for large-scale use cases and works well if you’re already building on AWS.
Key features
- Real-time and batch translation for over 70 languages
- Fully integrated with AWS services like S3, Lambda, and Comprehend
- Supports both plain text and HTML
- Custom terminology support to override specific terms
- High throughput and strong performance for large datasets
Built for backend and bulk translation
If you’re translating internal reports, support logs, or massive volumes of structured content, Amazon Translate fits the bill. It’s efficient, inexpensive, and scalable.
Things to keep in mind
- Not built for UI localization or product-facing copy
- Doesn’t support string-based formats like JSON or XLIFF out of the box
- No translation memory, review workflow, or collaboration interface
- Requires technical setup and AWS familiarity – this is not plug-and-play
Best for:
- SaaS teams already operating within AWS
- Internal content, analytics data, or support systems
- Developers building custom MT pipelines with high volume needs
Not good for:
- Translating product UIs or UX copy—no support for string file types like JSON or XLIFF
- Teams without AWS experience or resources to build custom pipelines
- Human-in-the-loop workflows—no built-in QA, editing, or collaboration features
The best translation tool is the one that fits how your team works.
Not the one with the most features. It’s as simple as that.
If you want something with tailored service, that moves fast, and has humans in the loop, Taia gives you a clean, end-to-end workflow. AI translation and in-house editing solutions when you need speed or have budget constraints. Professional human review when it counts. And built-in control to keep everything consistent across your product.
Try Taia’s translation tool now, or book a demo!
Eva Legovic
Frequently asked questions
What is SaaS translation?
SaaS translation is the process of localizing a software-as-a-service product for global users. This includes translating your UI strings, onboarding flows, knowledge base articles, product descriptions, and even error messages. In short, it’s about adapting your product experience so it feels natural and usable in every target language. At Taia, we specialize in helping SaaS companies handle this process quickly and consistently, combining AI speed with human-level accuracy.
What are the best translation tools for SaaS companies?
The best translation tools depend on what you’re translating. For SaaS, you’ll want a platform that supports developer-friendly file formats (like JSON, YAML, or XLIFF), offers translation memory and glossary support, and allows collaboration between devs, PMs, and translators. Tools like Taia are purpose-built for SaaS workflows, offering instant AI translations with one-click upgrades to human-reviewed quality when needed.
Is there a free AI translation tool suitable for SaaS content?
Yes—some platforms offer free plans or limited-use tiers for testing. Taia, for example, lets you translate documents instantly using AI, with a free plan up to 5,000 words per month. Just keep in mind that free tools often lack glossary support, review workflows, and advanced file handling. For serious SaaS localization, stepping up to a paid plan gives you better control and results. Taia’s PRO plan costs only $45/month.
Which AI translator works best for SaaS localization?
There’s no one-size-fits-all AI. Some engines are more fluent, others support more languages. For SaaS teams, the best AI is one that’s part of a full localization platform—where speed is paired with quality control. Taia’s AI translation is optimized for real-world SaaS use cases, and seamlessly connects to professional human review and terminology management when needed.
What are the 5 most important translation tools for SaaS teams?
Professionals typically rely on five core tools:
- Machine Translation (MT) – Fast, automated engines
- Translation Memory (TM) – Stores and reuses previous translations
- Glossaries – Keeps terminology consistent
- CAT Tools – Editor interfaces for in-house teams and linguists
- TMS Platforms – Project and workflow management systems
At Taia, these tools are combined into one streamlined system, making it easier for SaaS teams to translate faster while maintaining quality.
What is the most essential tool for successful SaaS localization?
Translation memory is one of the most essential tools, especially for SaaS. It ensures consistency and saves time by reusing past translations for common phrases like “Sign in” or “Free trial.” Taia includes built-in translation memory tailored to your domain—whether it’s legal, technical, or marketing—helping you cut costs and reduce turnaround times with every update.
Can SaaS teams use ChatGPT for translation?
ChatGPT can be surprisingly good for general text, but it’s not designed for SaaS localization. It lacks glossary enforcement, translation memory, and support for file formats like JSON or XLIFF. Taia, on the other hand, is built specifically for scalable SaaS translation—with structured workflows, AI + human review, and support for 65 file types.
Which platform is best for SaaS translation workflows?
The best platform is the one that fits your team’s workflow and content types. If you’re localizing product UIs, onboarding experiences, or support docs, you’ll need a tool that handles developer formats and offers human-level quality when needed. That’s exactly what Taia delivers—AI when you need speed, humans when it matters, all in one place. You’re in control.
Can AI like ChatGPT fully replace human translators in SaaS?
Not, it can’t. LLMs can be good enough for low-impact content needed fast, but it’s not nearly reliable enough to replace professional translators or translation-specific tools. At Taia, we see AI as an accelerator—not a replacement. That’s why we offer instant AI translation with the ability to upgrade to human review anytime your content needs a second (human) set of eyes.
What are the 3 main types of translation software used in SaaS localization?
Translation software generally falls into three categories:
- Machine translation engines – Like DeepL or Google Translate
- CAT tools – Used by professionals to work with TM and glossaries
- TMS platforms – Full systems for managing teams, workflows, and quality
Taia combines all three: an AI-powered machine translator, built-in CAT editor for in-house teams, and lightweight project management—perfect for SaaS teams that need quality, speed, and control.
What is the best translation management system for a multi-product SaaS company?
The best TMS for a multi-product SaaS company is one that balances control, flexibility, and speed. You’ll want a platform that lets different teams manage their own projects, share or isolate resources like translation memories and glossaries, and collaborate without stepping on each other’s toes.
Taia is a strong fit for multi-product SaaS teams. It supports organizations with multiple teams, shared or unique linguistic assets, role-based access, and billing accounts that work across users. Whether you’re managing several apps, brands, or business units, Taia gives you the flexibility to scale your localization workflow—without adding complexity.
Which AI tools can assist in content translation for global SaaS marketing?
AI tools that assist with content translation for global SaaS marketing should handle more than just raw language conversion—they need to support consistent brand voice, accurate terminology, and fast iteration across landing pages, email campaigns, and help docs.
Taia is built with this in mind. Its AI translator lets marketing teams translate full documents instantly, then upgrade to human review when tone and clarity really matter (like for homepages, CTAs, or onboarding flows). Plus, with built-in glossary and translation memory support, your brand stays consistent across every market—no matter how fast you’re scaling.
What is the best translation management system for multi-product SaaS in 2025?
In 2025, the best translation management system for multi-product SaaS is one that supports complex team structures, flexible permissions, and scalable linguistic resource sharing—all without slowing you down.
Taia offers exactly that: organizations with multiple teams, shared or team-specific translation memories and glossaries, and billing accounts that support multiple users across products. It’s designed to handle everything from quick AI translation to professional review—making it ideal for SaaS companies managing several apps, regions, or brands under one roof.
