Smartcat

Smartcat is an AI translation and localization platform that helps companies translate documents, websites, training content and software into hundreds of languages and keep those translations current. It sits between a machine translation tool and a full translation management system: AI does most of the translating, translation memory keeps terms consistent, and human experts from its marketplace can review where quality matters. Recent versions frame the work as a team of AI coworkers you hire for specific jobs.

What is Smartcat used for?

Smartcat is used by teams that publish a steady flow of content in several languages and want fewer manual handoffs.

• Translating documents, presentations and spreadsheets while keeping their layout
• Localizing websites and software strings through integrations such as WordPress, Contentful, Git and Figma
• Translating SCORM eLearning courses and video for global training programs
• Assigning AI coworkers to translate, review, update and quality-check content
• Reusing approved translations from translation memory so repeated sentences cost nothing
• Hiring vetted human linguists, copywriters and reviewers from the Smartcat marketplace

Who Smartcat is best for

Smartcat suits learning and development teams, marketing departments, product and engineering teams shipping software in several languages, and legal or compliance teams with recurring translation needs. It fits mid-size and large organizations best. Individuals who just need a quick translation of a paragraph will find a free translator faster and cheaper.

Smartcat pricing

As of October 2026, Smartcat offers a 15-day free trial that includes API access, and you can start translating without a credit card. The Adapt plan starts at $1,200 per year, billed annually, and includes a Chief of Staff plus Content Translator and Content Creator coworkers, all content types, unlimited users and linear workflows. Accelerate, Anticipate and Autonomous plans are priced on request and add the Reviewer coworker, marketplace experts, partner collaboration, API access, SSO, reporting dashboards, Content Update and Quality Assurance coworkers, and enterprise governance. Usage is measured in Smartwords, and reusing approved sentences from translation memory does not consume them.

Smartcat limitations

• The cheapest plan is annual, which is a commitment for small teams
• API access and SSO are listed from the Anticipate tier
• AI translation still benefits from human review for legal, medical or brand-critical content

Smartcat vs alternatives

Lara Translate and DeepL Write are better when one person needs high-quality translation or rewriting of individual texts without a platform. Pairaphrase is a simpler, secure document translation tool for business users. MachineTranslation.com compares output from several engines, which helps when choosing the best wording for a single text. Google Translate is free and fine for casual use. Smartcat wins when a team needs ongoing localization across many content types with translation memory, workflows and access to human linguists.

Tips for getting started with Smartcat

Upload a past project with an existing approved translation during the trial and compare Smartcat's output against it. Import your glossary and any existing translation memory before translating new content, since consistency is where the platform saves the most. Connect one integration, such as your website CMS, to see how updates flow without manual file exchange.

Smartcat FAQ

Is Smartcat free?

No, but Smartcat offers a 15-day free trial with API access. Paid plans start at $1,200 per year on the Adapt plan.

How many languages does Smartcat support?

Smartcat supports more than 280 languages across documents, websites, software, video, images and eLearning content.

Can Smartcat use human translators?

Yes. Smartcat's marketplace gives access to vetted human linguists, copywriters and reviewers, available from the Accelerate plan.

What is the best alternative to Smartcat?

Lara Translate and DeepL Write suit individual translation work, while Pairaphrase is a simpler option for secure business document translation.