Localize vs Smartling
Localize and Smartling are both translation & localization tools. Localize is aimed at small businesses and enterprise, while Smartling is aimed at enterprise. Both have a free plan.
Website and web app localization via JS snippet, AI and human review
Enterprise translation management
| Pricing | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | 14 days | — |
| Built for | Small businesses, Enterprise, Developers | Enterprise |
| Platforms | web | web |
| Country | US | US · 2009 |
| Rating | — | — |
Choose Localize if
SaaS companies that want to localize their website, web app and help center together with minimal engineering effort.
- Little engineering work compared with file-based localization
- Handles logged-in web apps, not just marketing pages
- Reviewers see translations in real page context
Look elsewhere if: Mobile-first teams with file-based string workflows or small sites wanting cheap public pricing (Lokalise, Weglot).
Choose Smartling if
Enterprises.
- Enterprise scale
- Visual context
- Services included
Look elsewhere if: Small teams.
Localize vs Smartling pricing
Localize
- Free trial$014 days of all features, no credit card
- CustomQuotePriced by content volume, pageviews, languages, workflow
Smartling
- Core$0Free to start; CAT tool, 180-day TM; pay per word
- EnterpriseCustomCustom workflows, unlimited TM, advanced LQA
Localize · Key features
- JavaScript snippet that detects static and dynamic text automatically
- Support for React apps and other single-page JavaScript frameworks
- AI first-pass translation using large language models
- In-context visual editor for human reviewers
- Glossaries and translation memory for consistent terminology
- Review and approval workflows with role-based permissions
Cons
- No public pricing, every plan is quoted
- Weaker fit for native mobile string-file workflows
- Client-side JavaScript translation needs SEO setup to index well
Smartling · Key features
- Translation management
- Visual context
- AI translation
- Language services
- Integrations
- Quality tools
Cons
- Expensive at scale
- Enterprise focus
- Complex
Localize vs Smartling: FAQ
Do Localize and Smartling have a free plan?
Yes, both Localize and Smartling have a free plan; paid plans add more usage and features.
Which is better for small businesses, Localize or Smartling?
Localize lists small businesses as a core audience, while Smartling is aimed more at enterprise.