Ever had a message that just didn't come across right? We know that frustration all too well.
A good freelance translator can turn that around, providing a bridge between languages without breaking the bank.
That's why we've sifted through the options and lined up the best resources for you.
If you're on the hunt for a translator who can bring clarity to your next project, look no further.
Are you a translator looking for work? Check out our list of the best places to find work
We offer this website completely free to our visitors. To help pay the bills, we’ll often (but not always) set up affiliate relationships with the top providers after selecting our favorites. However, we do our best not to let this impact our choices. There are plenty of high-paying companies we’ve turned down because we didn’t like their product.
An added benefit of our relationships is that we always try to negotiate exclusive discounts for our visitors.
11 Best Freelance Websites for Translation
Here are the best freelance websites for translation.
1. TranslatorPub
Best dedicated site for freelance translators
By placing a focus on providing services that connect translators and employers, TranslatorPub is our favorite translator-specific freelance marketplace site.
There are expert translators available who are fluent in Spanish, German, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, French, Portuguese, and English.
Businesses seeking translation services can easily create job postings. All that you need to do is post what language you need to be translated, any sort of deadline, a short description of what all the work will entail, and an optional pay rate including currency.
Since you can request translators to relocate or perform services on-site, you also need to set a location for the service.
Pros
- Access to a wide range of jobs
- Networking opportunities
- Flexibility
- Easy to use
Cons
- High competition
- Commission fees
- Market saturation
2. Gengo
Best for SEO
With over 21,000 translators and an efficient system that can help businesses get content translated within hours, Gengo is our pick for SEO translation services.
Gengo integrates API with its platform, creating streamlined workflows for businesses and translators.
While we love them specifically for SEO services, Gengo also has solutions for translation from English to 58 languages for industries including eCommerce, travel and hospitality, tech and software, and even legal paperwork.
Prices start at $0.06 per word for translators who have passed the standard test and $0.12 per word for translators who have passed more rigorous tests.
Pros
- Easy to start
- Flexibility
- Clean interface
- Regular payment
- Community support
Cons
- Pay rates
- Limited career growth
- Payment threshold
3. Smartcat
Best for enterprise businesses
When companies are ready to go global, they turn to Smartcat to turn their business multilingual.
You can do anything from simply translating a file to translating an entire website. They even have solutions for integration, allowing your site to intuitively and automatically translate when being accessed globally.
They have over 500,000 qualified translators, proofreaders, and editors looking for work. When you need to hire someone, all you need to do is type in what you’re looking for and Smartcat provides you with a selected shortlist, from which you can get connected with your translator.
Pros
- No cost for freelancers to use
- Integrated CAT tools for translation efficiency
- Access to a large database of freelancers for clients
- Automated payment system for completed work
- Collaborative environment for multiple translators to work on a project
Cons
- Earnings may be lower due to marketplace competition
- Payment can be delayed by the payment clearance process
- Some users report a steep learning curve for the CAT tool
4. ProZ
Featuring both freelance translators and translation agencies, ProZ has long been regarded as one of the best translation hiring platforms out there.
Top translators get a star on their profile, allowing businesses to connect with the best translators in the field easily.
You can find over a million translators and translation companies with abilities to do things like subtitling and dubbing, proofreading, interpreting, copywriting, and things like voiceover and project management.
Huge companies like Google, Netflix, Nikon, and Target have used this site’s translation services.
Pros
- Large and active community of language professionals
- Wide range of job postings for translators and interpreters
- Opportunities for exposure to potential clients
- Forums and support for knowledge exchange and networking
Cons
- Membership fee for full access to job offers and higher visibility
- High competition for jobs can drive down rates
- Some reports of low-paying job offers
5. Fiverr
Best for small businesses
Fiverr is one of the oldest platforms on the market to find freelancers, including great translators.
You can filter translators based on their specialty and what markets they have experience in as well as what languages they need to be fluent in.
There are also filters for budget, service options, and delivery time, allowing you to find a translator that can get your project done within a 24-hour turnaround if necessary.
Fiverr allows you to find your own translator and contact them to work out the details of your project. Once the terms have been finalized, you can pay your translator upfront through Fiverr’s secure payment platform.
Read our Fiverr review.
Pros
- Easy to set up and start offering services
- Wide range of service categories
- No upfront costs or subscription fees for freelancers
- Potential for high exposure to a global client base
- Freedom to set your own prices and offer package deals
- Active community and forum for support and networking
Cons
- High competition in popular categories can make it hard to stand out
- Fiverr takes a 20% commission on each transaction
- Some pressure to offer competitive pricing, which can lead to undervaluing services
6. Universal Translation Services
With a simple pricing structure and a huge menu of services, Universal Translation Services is a great option for businesses of all sizes and individuals looking for translation services.
Their services range from an online notary service to video and phone translation services in industries like eCommerce, tech, and medical.
Written translation services for things like marriage and birth certificates are charged at $0.10 per word with options for rush rates. Telephone and video interpretation services start at $0.99 per minute.
Their qualified team of translators is ISO-certified.
Pros
- Offers a wide array of language pairs and services
- Provides certified translation services suitable for immigration and legal purposes
- 24/7 customer support for urgent and time-sensitive translation needs
- Utilizes human translators, which can lead to higher quality and accuracy
- Free quotes for translation services
Cons
- Pricing may be higher compared to freelance platforms or automated translation services
- Turnaround time may be slower than some competitive services due to the human element
- Some reviews indicate variability in service quality, which may depend on the individual translator
7. Day Translations
With 24/7 support, Day Translations is able to give customers the help they need when they need it.
They have professional translators who are certified in over 100 languages and are able to provide customers with free certificates of accuracy. Their long list of freelancers is skilled in industries like automotive, healthcare, and even gaming.
Day Translations also offers a full suite of localization services designed to make any site, video game, or software feel like it was made specifically for any location in the world.
Pros
- Wide range of services including certified translations
- 24/7 availability for customer support and services
- Human translation for quality and accuracy
- Suitable for personal and official document translation
Cons
- Higher cost compared to some other services
- Slower turnaround due to reliance on human translators
- Some variability in service quality
8. Blend
Focusing on localization, Blend offers an all-in-one solution for brands looking to take their business global.
They’re on the cutting edge of localization technology, using API-driven workflows and custom integrations to seamlessly connect their global team with client workflows to create a truly collaborative experience.
Blend has a vast network of freelance translators and localization experts with academic certifications and operational experience that are able to help companies translate into over 120 different languages.
The team at Blend boasts an impressive track record with clients, with many of their customers commenting on consistent communication and prompt delivery before deadlines are reached.
Pros
- Comprehensive services including translation, localization, and interpretation
- Access to a large pool of professional translators and linguists
- User-friendly online platform for easy order placement and management
- Services for a wide variety of industries, including specialized fields
- Offers additional services like SEO, content creation, and multilingual marketing
Cons
- Pricing may be higher than some other online translation platforms
- Turnaround times can vary depending on project complexity and translator availability
- Quality may be inconsistent, as with any service relying on a wide network of freelancers
9. TextMaster
TextMaster offers not only translation but also copywriting and proofreading services.
The biggest sell for this site is the user-friendly interface that allows freelancers to bid on projects.
TextMaster only accepts 25% of applicants, promising clients only the most qualified freelancers also have a rigorous quality control process that ensures everything their freelancers produce is not only accurate but also culturally appropriate.
Pros
- Specializes in web content translation, copywriting, and proofreading
- Integrates with several e-commerce and CMS platforms for streamlined workflows
- Offers a user-friendly online interface and API access for technical integration
- Provides access to a network of professional translators with subject matter expertise
- Quality control process in place to ensure high standards
Cons
- Higher pricing for premium services compared to basic translation services
- Limited to text-based services, may not support other multimedia content types
- Work volume can be inconsistent for freelancers, as with many online platforms
10. TranslationDirectory
Don’t let the early-aughts-Craigslist style layout of their website fool you, TranslationDirectory has long been a trusted name in the translation freelance industry.
While many will confess that they don’t quite understand how the site is still popular, it remains a popular destination for translators and those needing translation services to link up.
The basic membership is free, so you’ll settle on rates directly with the translator you choose. Sort of an anarchy type of system. It is kind of comparable to Craigslist in that way. You can even request free translation services.
Pros
- A large database of language professionals for clients to search through
- Allows translators to post their resumes and service offerings for potential clients
- Features job postings where translators can find new work opportunities
- Provides a platform for networking and information exchange among translators
- Offers various resources, including articles, forums, and newsletters related to the translation industry
Cons
- Membership fees apply for full access to certain features and job visibility
- High competition for listed jobs due to the large number of translators using the site
- The platform may feature a wide variance in job quality and pay rates
11. TranslatorsCafe
Another… “simply” designed freelance site that translators and translation-seekers alike use regularly is TranslatorsCafé.
There’s a section for clients to post a job, search through freelance profiles to find a translator or find a translation agency.
When searching through profiles, you can filter using a simple “source” and “target” selection or use the advanced search feature to narrow down freelancers based on specializations, software, keywords, and verified credentials.
The agency search feature is what makes this platform unique. Clients can search through agencies alphabetically or perform an advanced search based on location, presence, and languages offered.
Pros
- Free to join, with an option for a paid membership that offers additional benefits
- A large community of translators and language professionals
- Direct communication between translators and clients is possible
- Job board for freelancers to find work and for clients to post their projects
- Forum for discussing translation-related topics and networking
Cons
- The website interface is considered outdated by some users
- Competition for jobs can be intense, with many translators bidding for the same projects
- No integrated payment system, so payment terms are negotiated independently between clients and translators
Best Freelance Websites by Category
Looking for more of the best freelance websites but need to browse by category? Check out our below freelance website reviews to either expand your portfolio or hire a freelancer for your next project.
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Where Can I Find Freelance Translators?
There are plenty of places to find freelance translators.
For smaller businesses with smaller budgets, you can find a project-based lawyer on large marketplace sites like Fiverr and Upwork.
If you need more specialized work, use a site like TranslatorPub and Gengo.
What Do Freelance Translators Do?
Freelance translators are responsible for translating written or spoken material from one language to another. This can be for marketing materials, legal contracts, or even interpersonal communication.
Since freelance translators are essentially self-employed, they work with companies on a contract basis, often for short periods or as needed.
Is Hiring a Freelance Translator Worth It?
Hiring a freelance translator is absolutely worth it.
While you could use a random online translating app, anyone bilingual will tell you that that method is hit or miss at best.
For effective communication, you need a person fluent in both languages to translate materials.
How Much Does a Freelance Translator Charge?
In the US, a freelance translator charges anywhere from $30 to $70 per hour.
How to Hire a Freelance Translator
To hire a freelance translator, you need to know what you’re looking for first and foremost. Are you in need of someone to translate a single article from English to Spanish? Or do you need someone to completely transcribe an entire website for multiple different languages?
Next, consider your budget. How much money can you carve out for a translator?
Finally, check out one or more of the freelance sites listed here. You’re bound to find a talented translator at a reasonable rate to get the job done.
Feel free to interview your prospective translator before hiring them and negotiate rates to come to an agreement that you both can be happy with.
FAQs
Can you freelance as a translator?
Yes! Freelancing as a translator is a viable and popular career path. It offers the freedom to choose your workload, the flexibility to work from anywhere, and the opportunity to take on a variety of projects across different industries.
While it comes with the responsibility of managing your own business affairs, from securing clients to handling administrative tasks, many find the autonomy and potential for a diverse, interesting career to be significant benefits.
Freelance translators must be self-motivated and diligent in maintaining the quality of their work and their professional relationships.
When should I hire a freelance translator?
Hiring a freelance translator is best done in advance of your project's need to ensure availability and allow adequate time for high-quality translation work.
It's particularly important to hire early if your content requires an understanding of a specific subject matter or if you're dealing with less common language pairs, as it might take longer to find the right professional with the necessary expertise.
Early engagement also provides sufficient time for any potential revisions and ensures that the translation aligns with the context and purpose of your original material.
Where is the best place to find freelance translators for enterprise businesses?
For enterprise businesses looking to find freelance translators, Smartcat is a highly recommended platform. It offers a vast network of language professionals with various specializations, enabling businesses to find translators with the specific expertise they need.
Smartcat's tools and collaborative features facilitate large-scale project management and ensure efficient workflow, making it suitable for enterprises with extensive translation needs.
Also, its payment system streamlines the financial process for multiple freelancers across different countries, which is beneficial for larger organizations operating globally.
How do I start freelance translating?
To begin a freelance translating career, you should first assess your language proficiency and specialize in your areas of interest or expertise. Then, create a detailed profile on freelance marketplaces such as ProZ, TranslatorsCafe, or Upwork.
Include your language pairs, experience, education, and any specific sector knowledge you possess. It's also wise to build a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills. Networking with other professionals and engaging in relevant translation communities can also help you gain visibility.
Remember to set clear rates for your services and be prepared to take on small jobs initially to build up your reputation and client feedback.
Claire Fountain
