Do you ever feel like things are getting… lost in translation?
I’ve been there, too.
A freelance translator is the most effective, inexpensive way you can translate any material from one language to another.
So we've done the research for you and found the best places to find a translator for your next project.
Table of Contents
- 11 Best Freelance Websites for Translation
- 1. TranslatorPub
- 2. Gengo
- 3. Smartcat
- 4. ProZ
- 5. Fiverr
- 6. Universal Translation Services
- 7. Day Translations
- 8. Blend
- 9. TextMaster
- 10. TranslationDirectory
- 11. TranslatorsCafe
- Best Freelance Websites by Category
- Where Can I Find Freelance Translators?
- What Do Freelance Translators Do?
- Is Hiring a Freelance Translator Worth It?
- How Much Does a Freelance Translator Charge?
- How to Hire a Freelance Translator
- FAQs
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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
Learn MoreBy 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.
2. Gengo
Best for SEO
Learn MoreWith 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.
3. Smartcat
Best for enterprise businesses
Learn MoreWhen 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.
4. ProZ
Learn MoreFeaturing 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.
5. Fiverr
Best for small businesses
Learn MoreFiverr 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.
6. Universal Translation Services
Learn MoreWith 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.
7. Day Translations
Learn MoreWith 24/7 support, Day Translations is able to give customers the help they need when they need it.
They have professional translators that 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.
8. Blend
Learn MoreFocusing 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.
9. TextMaster
Learn MoreTextMaster 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 freelance also have a rigorous quality control process that ensures everything their freelancers produce is not only accurate but also culturally appropriate.
10. TranslationDirectory
Learn MoreDon’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.
11. TranslatorsCafe
Learn MoreAnother… “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.
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.
- Freelancing Websites for Developers
- Freelancing Websites for Graphic Designers
- Freelancing Websites for UX Designers
- Freelancing Websites for Illustrators
- Freelancing Websites for Writers
- Freelancing Websites for Accountants & Bookkeepers
- Freelancing Websites for Data Entry
- Freelancing Websites for Data Analysts
- Freelancing Websites for Editors & Proofreaders
- Freelancing Websites for Digital Marketing
- Freelancing Websites for Video Editors
- Freelancing Websites for Virtual Assistants
- Freelancing Websites for Software Testers
- Freelancing Websites for Attorneys
- Freelancing Websites for Translators
- Freelancing Websites for Transcribers
- Freelancing Websites for Voice-Overs
- Freelancing Websites for College Students to Find Work
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, you can absolutely freelance as a translator.
When should I hire a freelance translator?
You should hire a translator as soon as you know you will need their services.
Where is the best place to find freelance translators for enterprise businesses?
Smartcat is the best place to find freelance translators for enterprise businesses.
How do I start freelance translating?
To start freelance translating, create a profile on one of these freelance marketplaces and upload your credentials.