Best Alternative

Taia vs. Gengo: The Best Alternative to Freelance Translation Marketplaces

Discover why Taia beats Gengo. Compare managed professional service vs. freelance marketplace. 189 languages, instant AI + vetted translators, consistent quality, translation memory. No variable freelancer quality.

Comparing: Taia vs Gengo Updated: January 15, 2024

Freelance Marketplace vs. Managed Professional Service

Gengo is a translation service for companies of any size that provides cost-efficient translations from professional translators. Individuals and businesses worldwide can order translations from a network of more than 20,000 pre-tested translators, working across ~50 languages and experienced in different industries.

However, Gengo operates as a freelance marketplace where translation quality varies depending on which freelancer accepts your project. With human-only translation (no AI option for instant drafts), limited file format support (mostly text-based submissions), and no translation memory (you pay full price for repeated content), businesses seeking consistent quality, faster turnaround, and modern technology are choosing comprehensive alternatives like Taia.

Taia is an AI-first translation platform that combines highly experienced translators with the latest AI translation technology. We translate into 189 different languages, helping your business break down borders. Taia uses the latest AI and Machine Translation advancements to provide users worldwide with fast, effective, high-quality translation services at affordable prices.

Gengo - Freelance marketplace model (20,000+ translators) - ~50 languages - Human-only

translation (no AI option) - Mostly text-based submissions - Per-word pricing (no cost reduction for repeated content) - Quality varies by freelancer - Turnaround depends on freelancer availability

Taia - Managed professional service (vetted specialists) - 189 languages (3.8x more

coverage) - Instant AI + optional professional human review - 65+ file formats with formatting preserved - Translation memory (up to 70% savings on repeated content) - Consistent ISO 17100 quality (99% on-time, 0.63% complaint rate) - 24-48h guaranteed turnaround


Feature Comparison: Gengo vs. Taia

FeatureTaiaGengo
Translation TypeAI-powered with optional professional human review (ISO-certified)Human-only translation via freelancer marketplace
Languages189+~50
File Support65+ formats (DOCX, PPTX, PDF, XLSX, JSON, IDML, SRT, etc.)Mostly text-based submissions, limited file handling
CustomizationBuilt-in glossary & translation memory (paid plans)No translation memory, limited terminology control
TurnaroundInstant AI: seconds; human: 24-48h for ≤3,500 wordsHuman translators only; turnaround depends on freelancer availability
Quality TiersAI-only, AI+human, full human TEPStandard & Pro human translation only
Best ForBusinesses needing fast, scalable, consistent translations across multiple formats & industries, with in-house controlSmaller text-based translation projects with flexible deadlines
PricingSubscription for AI and in-house, project-based for professional services; reduced rates for repeated contentPer-word pricing; no cost reduction for repeated content

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Why Choose Taia Over Gengo?

1. Consistent Quality (vs. Variable Freelancer Quality)

Gengo’s marketplace challenge: With 20,000+ freelancers, translation quality varies significantly depending on which translator accepts your project. While Gengo pre-tests translators, you have limited control over who translates your content, and quality consistency across multiple projects can be unpredictable.

Taia’s managed approach: All our language specialists have 5+ years of proven industry-specific experience. All translators are carefully selected and go through our rigorous onboarding process. Every professional translation project complies with ISO 17100:2015 standard.

Quality metrics:

  • 99% on-time delivery across thousands of projects
  • 0.63% complaint rate (industry average: 3-5%)
  • ISO 17100:2015 certified professional translation
  • Subject-matter specialists for technical industries
  • Dedicated project management team (not random freelancer assignment)

Why this matters: Your brand voice remains consistent across all translations. No risk of one project being excellent and the next being mediocre. Predictable, reliable quality every time.

2. Instant AI Translation + Optional Human Review (vs. Human-Only)

Gengo’s limitation: Human-only translation means you always wait for a freelancer to accept and complete your project—no option for instant AI drafts when speed matters more than perfection.

Taia’s flexibility: Get instant full-document AI translation in seconds, then optionally add professional human review when accuracy is critical.

Quality tiers:

  1. AI-only: Instant translation for internal documents, drafts, quick reference (85-95% accuracy, seconds turnaround)
  2. AI+human review: AI speed with professional editor review—best value (98-99% accuracy, 24-48h turnaround)
  3. Full human TEP: ISO 17100 certified translation, editing, and proofreading for regulated industries (99.9% accuracy, 24-48h turnaround)

Why this matters: Get draft translations instantly to assess content, make decisions, or share internally. Add human review selectively where precision matters—marketing campaigns, legal documents, customer-facing content. Don’t wait days for initial drafts when AI can deliver in seconds.

Workflow example:

  • Monday 9am: Upload 10-page product brochure → get instant AI translation → review content
  • Monday 10am: Identify 3 critical pages needing human precision → order professional review for those sections only
  • Tuesday 3pm: Receive human-reviewed sections → download final version

3. 65+ File Formats with Formatting Preserved (vs. Text-Only)

Gengo’s file handling: Mostly text-based submissions with limited file format support. Complex documents often require manual copy-paste, losing formatting, layouts, and design elements.

Taia’s universal file support: Upload 65+ file types directly—DOCX, PPTX, PDF, XLSX, JSON, IDML, SRT, HTML, WIX, and more. Documents up to 150MB with formatting preserved automatically.

What you can translate with Taia (but not easily with Gengo):

  • Microsoft Office files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with complex layouts
  • PDF documents with preserved formatting and graphics
  • Adobe InDesign files (IDML) for print materials
  • Subtitle files (SRT) for video localization
  • HTML and JSON for websites and applications
  • Spreadsheets with formulas and conditional formatting intact

Why this matters: Simply drag and drop your files into the app and start translating right away! We keep your documents in the same format and design, ready to be used. No manual reformatting, no lost design elements, no hours spent rebuilding layouts in 8 languages.

4. 189 Languages (vs. ~50 Languages)

Gengo covers approximately 50 languages, sufficient for many common business needs. Taia translates into 189 languages—including regional dialects, emerging markets, and niche language pairs for comprehensive global reach.

Why this matters: Expand into markets Gengo doesn’t support. Serve customers in their native languages regardless of geographic location. No need to switch platforms when entering new markets—Taia scales with your global ambitions.

Language coverage includes:

  • All Gengo languages PLUS 140+ additional language pairs
  • Regional variations (Brazilian Portuguese, Latin American Spanish, Canadian French)
  • Emerging markets (Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Tagalog, Swahili)
  • Low-resource languages for specialized industries

5. Translation Memory (Cost Savings vs. Full-Price Repeated Content)

Gengo’s pricing: Per-word pricing with no cost reduction for repeated content. If the same product description appears in 500 items, you pay full price to translate it 500 times.

Taia’s translation memory: Automatically identifies repeated content across projects, reducing costs up to 70% on product descriptions, legal terms, technical documentation, and standardized phrases.

Cost savings example:

  • E-commerce catalog: 500 products with common attributes (size, color, material, care instructions)
  • Gengo: Translate 100% of content at full per-word rate = $5,000
  • Taia: Translate unique content once, TM applies to repeated phrases = ~$2,000 (60% savings)

Real-world scenarios where TM saves significantly:

  • Product catalogs with repeated specifications
  • Legal documents with standard clauses
  • Technical manuals with recurring terminology
  • Marketing materials with consistent brand messaging
  • Website content with repeated UI elements

6. Transparent Project Management (vs. Freelancer Availability)

Gengo’s challenge: Turnaround depends on freelancer availability. During busy periods or for less common language pairs, projects may sit unassigned while waiting for an available translator.

Taia’s reliability: Our project management team works around the clock to make sure you never miss a single deadline. We take you step by step through the whole translation process, making sure you pick the best service for you.

Project management benefits:

  • Guaranteed 24-48h turnaround for projects ≤3,500 words (no waiting for freelancer acceptance)
  • Transparent workflow: Track progress in real-time via our PM dashboard
  • Instant quotation: Know exact cost and delivery time upfront
  • Accommodate your needs: Adjust delivery time based on your schedule
  • 99% on-time delivery, 0.63% complaint rate

Why this matters: “The Taia app is easy to use and you get an instant quotation for your translation project. Besides the cost, you instantly know when to expect the translation to be done. You can even accommodate the delivery time to your needs.” (Metka B., Unior)


When Gengo Might Be Better

Gengo excels in specific scenarios:

  • Very small, non-urgent text projects: If you need occasional short text translations (100-500 words) with flexible deadlines, Gengo’s marketplace model provides affordable human translation
  • Extremely tight budgets: Gengo’s standard tier pricing can be lower than managed services for simple content (though you sacrifice consistency and features like translation memory)
  • No file format requirements: If you only translate plain text (emails, messages, short articles) without formatting needs, Gengo’s text-based approach suffices

Most businesses choose Taia when they need consistent quality (ISO 17100 certified), instant AI options for speed, file format support (65+ types), translation memory for cost savings, or guaranteed turnaround times (24-48h vs. variable freelancer availability).


The Complete Translation Solution

Services Tailored to Your Specific Needs

We offer various services, from instantly downloadable AI document translation to proofreading, website translation, and software translation. We’ve got your back with solutions designed exclusively for your business.

Your project will be managed by a team of experienced translators with 5+ years of proven industry-specific experience.

Translation services:

Never Miss a Deadline of Your Project

Take advantage of our transparent translation workflow that allows you to keep track of all your projects. Track the progress of your projects and never miss a deadline again. Our PM dashboard will enable you to have a constant overview of translation quality and price projection. All this, without hidden costs.

Dashboard features:

  • Real-time project status tracking
  • Instant cost calculations with translation memory savings
  • Deadline management and notifications
  • Quality metrics and feedback
  • Team collaboration tools

Boost Your Internal Translation Process

Are you working in an international team and need internal translation? We have a solution for you!

We offer a built-in CAT editor designed for teams who translate in-house. Speed up your internal translation by up to 3 times and deliver quality content for the best price on the market.

In-house platform features:

  • Instant AI translation for fast first drafts
  • Built-in editor for post-editing AI output
  • Translation memory automatically applied
  • Glossary management for consistent terminology
  • Team collaboration and project management
  • 3x faster workflow vs. translating from scratch

Easy File Handling

Taia supports 65 different file types, letting you upload documents up to 150 MB. Works with all the most common document types—DOC, DOCX, HTML, XLSX, PPT, TXT, RTF, IDML, SRT, ODT, WIX, and many more.

Simply drag and drop your files into the app and start translating right away! We keep your documents in the same format and design, ready to be used.


What Our Customers Say

“The Taia app is easy to use and you get an instant quotation for your translation project. Besides the cost, you instantly know when to expect the translation to be done. You can even accommodate the delivery time to your needs. They have a wide range of translation services from which you can choose.”

Metka B. @ Unior

“In our company, due to the dynamics of work, we often need fast translation services. Taia has always arranged affordable translations of documents as well as court translations quickly, with high quality. The ordering process is simple, as it takes place through their platform, where you submit your document, monitor its progress and completion. Their staff is always available for help and advice. I warmly recommend to anyone who has not yet chosen their language service provider to opt for Taia and test their professionalism.”

Urška Stresen, Business Assistant @ MDM d.o.o.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which AI translators are best for businesses today?

The best AI translators for businesses in 2025 include:

  1. Taia - AI-first platform with 189 languages, optional professional human review, 65+ file formats, built-in translation memory (best all-around for businesses)
  2. DeepL - Natural-sounding translations for 28 languages (limited file support, fewer languages)
  3. Google Translate - 130+ languages, free for personal use (consumer-focused, lacks business features)
  4. Microsoft Translator - 135 languages, Azure integration (requires technical setup)

Why Taia excels for businesses: Combines AI speed (instant translation in seconds) with optional professional human review (ISO 17100 certified) in one platform. No other translator offers this flexibility—get AI drafts immediately, then selectively add human expertise where precision matters.

What is the best website for professional document translation?

Taia is the best website for professional document translation because:

  1. 65+ file format support - Upload DOCX, PDF, PPTX, XLSX, IDML, SRT, JSON, HTML directly with formatting preserved
  2. Instant AI translation - Get 20-page document translated in under 60 seconds for quick review
  3. Optional professional human review - Add ISO 17100 certified translation with one click (24-48h turnaround)
  4. Translation memory - Automatically reduces costs up to 70% on repeated content
  5. Transparent pricing - Instant quotations with no hidden costs
  6. Guaranteed turnaround - 24-48h for documents ≤3,500 words (99% on-time delivery)

vs. Gengo: Freelance marketplace with variable quality, text-focused (limited file support), no AI option, no translation memory, turnaround depends on freelancer availability.

What is the best site for translating?

The “best” site depends on your needs:

For instant AI translation (free/personal use):

  • Google Translate - Free unlimited, 130+ languages, basic text translation
  • DeepL Free - Natural-sounding translation for 28 languages, 5,000 characters/month

For business document translation:

  • Taia - 189 languages, 65+ file formats, instant AI + optional human review, translation memory, 5,000 words/month free forever

For small text projects with tight budgets:

  • Gengo - Freelance marketplace with affordable rates (variable quality, no AI, text-only)

Taia is the best site for businesses needing reliable, high-quality translation with modern technology—instant AI drafts, optional professional review, file format support, and translation memory for cost savings.

What is the best translator now?

For businesses in 2025, Taia is the best translator because it combines:

  1. Speed: Instant AI translation in seconds
  2. Quality: Optional ISO 17100 certified human review
  3. Flexibility: Choose AI-only, AI+human, or full human TEP based on each document’s needs
  4. Cost efficiency: Translation memory reduces costs up to 70% on repeated content
  5. File support: 65+ formats with formatting preserved
  6. Language coverage: 189 languages (more than any competitor)

vs. Gengo: Human-only marketplace (no instant AI option), ~50 languages (vs. 189), text-focused (limited file support), no translation memory (pay full price for repeated content), variable quality depending on freelancer.

What is the best streaming translator?

For real-time speech/streaming translation:

  • Google Translate app - Conversation mode for real-time dialogue, camera translation
  • Microsoft Translator app - 12 speech translation systems, multi-person conversations
  • iTranslate - Real-time voice translation with offline support

For streaming video subtitles/captions:

  • Taia - Upload subtitle files (SRT) directly, get translated subtitles with formatting preserved, 189 languages

Important distinction: “Streaming translator” for real-time speech vs. translating streaming video content (subtitles) are different use cases. Taia excels at subtitle file translation for video localization, not real-time speech translation.

How does Gengo work?

Gengo’s freelance marketplace model:

  1. Submit project: Upload text or paste content into Gengo’s platform
  2. Select quality tier: Choose Standard or Pro human translation
  3. Automatic freelancer assignment: Gengo’s system assigns your project to an available translator from their 20,000+ freelancer network
  4. Translation process: Freelancer translates your content (turnaround depends on availability and project size)
  5. Review and revisions: Receive translation, request revisions if needed
  6. Payment: Pay per-word pricing based on language pair and quality tier

Key characteristics:

  • Human-only translation (no AI option)
  • Variable quality depending on which freelancer accepts project
  • Turnaround depends on freelancer availability
  • No translation memory (pay full price for repeated content)
  • Text-focused (limited file format support)

Taia’s alternative approach: Instant AI translation in seconds + optional professional human review, guaranteed 24-48h turnaround with consistent ISO 17100 quality, translation memory for cost savings, 65+ file formats with formatting preserved.

How much money can translators make on Gengo?

Gengo translator earnings (based on freelancer reports):

  • Per-word rates: Typically $0.03-$0.10 per word depending on language pair and quality tier
  • Average earnings: $5-$15 per hour depending on translation speed, language pair demand, and experience level
  • Top translators: May earn $1,000-$3,000/month with consistent workload

Limitations affecting translator income:

  • Competition from 20,000+ translators for available projects
  • Platform takes commission from per-word rates
  • Inconsistent project availability
  • No benefits or employment security (freelance/gig model)

Why this matters for clients: Gengo’s low translator compensation can affect quality and consistency—translators prioritize speed over precision to maximize hourly earnings. Taia’s managed professional service ensures translators are fairly compensated, leading to better quality and consistency.

What is Gengo translation?

Gengo translation refers to the human translation services provided by Gengo’s freelance marketplace platform. Founded to make professional translation accessible and affordable, Gengo connects businesses with a network of 20,000+ pre-tested freelance translators working across ~50 languages.

Gengo’s service model:

  • Human-only translation (no AI option)
  • Two quality tiers: Standard and Pro
  • Per-word pricing varying by language pair
  • Text-focused with limited file format support
  • Freelancer marketplace (variable quality depending on translator assigned)

Common use cases for Gengo:

  • Small text translation projects (emails, articles, messages)
  • Budget-conscious businesses with flexible deadlines
  • Non-critical content where variable quality is acceptable

Taia’s comprehensive alternative: AI-first platform with optional professional human review, 189 languages, 65+ file formats, translation memory for cost savings, ISO 17100 certified quality, guaranteed turnaround times.

What are some platforms similar to Gengo?

Platforms similar to Gengo (freelance translation marketplaces):

  1. TextMaster - SaaS translation service with network of translators, ~50 languages, similar marketplace model
  2. One Hour Translation - Freelancer marketplace with fast turnaround claims, variable quality
  3. Stepes - Mobile-first translation marketplace, crowdsourced translators
  4. Unbabel - AI+human hybrid focused on customer service translation (different niche)

Key similarity: All operate as freelance marketplaces with variable translator quality, limited technology features, and human-only translation (no instant AI option).

Taia’s differentiation:

  • Managed professional service (consistent quality) vs. freelance marketplace (variable quality)
  • Instant AI + optional human review vs. human-only
  • 189 languages vs. 50 languages (marketplace platforms)
  • 65+ file formats with formatting preserved vs. text-focused
  • Translation memory (up to 70% savings) vs. full-price repeated content
  • ISO 17100 certified quality vs. variable freelancer quality

Choose Taia when you need reliable, consistent translation with modern technology—not a freelance marketplace gamble.

What are the top 10 Gengo alternatives?

Top 10 Gengo alternatives for professional translation:

  1. Taia - AI-first platform with optional human review, 189 languages, 65+ file formats, translation memory (best all-around alternative)
  2. Smartling - Enterprise TMS for large organizations (higher cost, complex implementation)
  3. DeepL - Natural AI translation for 28 languages (limited file support)
  4. Lokalise - Developer-focused localization platform for software/apps
  5. Crowdin - Continuous localization for tech companies (developer-oriented)
  6. TextMaster - Similar marketplace model to Gengo, ~50 languages
  7. One Hour Translation - Freelance marketplace claiming fast turnaround
  8. Unbabel - AI+human hybrid focused on customer service translation
  9. Weglot - Website translation plugin (limited to website content)
  10. Google Translate - Free AI translation, 130+ languages (consumer-focused)

Why Taia stands out: Only platform combining instant AI translation (seconds) with optional ISO 17100 certified human review (24-48h), 189 languages, 65+ file formats, built-in translation memory, and managed professional service (vs. freelance marketplace variability).

What are some translation sites like Gengo.com?

Translation sites similar to Gengo’s marketplace model:

  • TextMaster - SaaS translation with translator network
  • One Hour Translation - Freelancer marketplace
  • Rev - Translation + transcription services with freelancers
  • Stepes - Mobile-first crowdsourced translation

Translation sites offering better alternatives to Gengo:

  • Taia - Managed professional service with AI+human, 189 languages, 65+ file formats, translation memory
  • DeepL - AI translation + optional professional services for 28 languages
  • Smartling - Enterprise TMS (large organizations only)

Key difference: Sites “like Gengo” operate as freelance marketplaces with variable quality. Taia provides managed professional service with consistent ISO 17100 certified quality, modern AI technology, and transparent pricing.

What are the best freelance translation websites?

Best freelance translation websites (marketplace model):

  • Gengo - 20,000+ translators, ~50 languages, text-focused
  • TextMaster - Similar to Gengo, translator marketplace
  • ProZ - Professional translator community and job board
  • TranslatorsCafe - Freelancer directory and project marketplace

However, freelance marketplaces have inherent limitations:

  • Variable quality depending on translator assigned
  • No instant AI option for quick drafts
  • Limited file format support (mostly text)
  • No translation memory (pay full price for repeated content)
  • Inconsistent turnaround times

Better alternative: Managed professional services like Taia:

  • Consistent quality: ISO 17100 certified translators (99% on-time, 0.63% complaint rate)
  • Instant AI + optional human review: Get speed and accuracy
  • 65+ file formats: Upload any document type with formatting preserved
  • Translation memory: Up to 70% cost savings on repeated content
  • Guaranteed turnaround: 24-48h for documents ≤3,500 words

Choose Taia when you need reliable, professional translation—not a freelance marketplace gamble.

What are the best online translation companies today?

Best online translation companies in 2025:

For comprehensive business translation:

  1. Taia - AI-first platform with optional human review, 189 languages, 65+ file formats, translation memory, ISO 17100 certified
  2. DeepL - Natural AI translation + professional services for 28 languages
  3. Smartling - Enterprise TMS for large organizations (higher cost)

For enterprise-scale LSPs: 4. Lionbridge - Large LSP with 350+ languages (corporate complexity, lengthy processes) 5. TransPerfect - World’s largest LSP (opaque pricing, traditional agency model)

For developer-focused localization: 6. Lokalise - Continuous localization for software/apps 7. Crowdin - Developer platform for tech companies

For budget-conscious freelance marketplaces: 8. Gengo - 20,000+ freelancers, variable quality 9. TextMaster - Similar marketplace model

Taia stands out as the best online translation company for most businesses—combining modern AI technology (instant translation) with professional human expertise (ISO 17100 certified), universal file support (65+ formats), and cost-efficient translation memory (up to 70% savings).

What is the most reliable translator today?

For reliability in business translation, Taia is the most reliable translator because:

  1. Consistent quality: ISO 17100 certified professional translation (not variable freelancer quality)
  2. Guaranteed turnaround: 99% on-time delivery rate (24-48h for documents ≤3,500 words)
  3. Low complaint rate: 0.63% complaints (industry average: 3-5%)
  4. Professional project management: Dedicated PM team ensuring deadlines never missed
  5. Transparent pricing: Instant quotations with no hidden costs
  6. Secure data handling: GDPR-compliant, confidentiality guaranteed

vs. Gengo: Freelance marketplace with variable quality (depends on which translator accepts project), turnaround depends on freelancer availability (not guaranteed), no translation memory (less cost-efficient), limited file support (text-focused).

Customer testimonial: “Taia has always arranged affordable translations of documents as well as court translations quickly, with high quality. Their staff is always available for help and advice.” (Urška Stresen, MDM d.o.o.)


Ready to Switch from Gengo to Taia?

Experience consistent ISO 17100 quality, instant AI + optional human review, 65+ file formats, and translation memory cost savings—without freelance marketplace variability.

Start today:

Join brands like Red Bull, 3M, Unior, EKWB, Hyundai, and Lifeclass Hotels who trust Taia for their translation needs.

Start Free TrialBook a Demo

  • Team & project management

Gengo

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Feature Comparison

FeatureTaiaGengo
Languages189+[TO FILL]
File Types65+ formats[TO FILL]
Translation MemoryYes, built-in[TO FILL]
Professional ReviewOptional, one-click[TO FILL]
PricingTransparent, pay-per-word[TO FILL]

Why Choose Taia

Full Document Translation

Upload complete files and preserve formatting across 65+ file types.

Context-Aware AI

Taia’s AI analyzes entire documents for accurate, meaningful translations.

Translation Memory

Reduce costs and improve consistency with built-in translation memory.

Flexible Quality Tiers

Choose AI-only, AI+human review, or full professional translation (TEP).


Get Started Free

Try Taia with 5,000 words free every month. No credit card required.


Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Taia better than Gengo?

[TO FILL with specific comparisons]

Can I migrate from Gengo to Taia?

Yes! Taia supports standard formats like TMX and TBX for importing your translation memories and glossaries.

Does Taia support the same languages as Gengo?

Taia supports 189 languages, covering all major language pairs and many specialized ones.

How is pricing different?

Taia uses transparent pay-per-word pricing with no hidden fees or per-user charges.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

See why 25,000+ users choose Taia for their translation needs

5,000 words free • No credit card required

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