The 12 Best WordPress Translation Plugins: A 2021 Ranking of Quality and Chaos

Ah, translation plugins—the tools that promise to take our ordinary WordPress sites and launch them into the multiverse of multilingual content! I’ve spent hours tinkering with, testing, and, let’s be honest, tearing my hair out over a dozen translation plugins. Here’s my brutally honest ranking, a dumpster fire of good intentions set against the harsh reality of what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid needing a translator for your sanity.

Why Bother with Translation Plugins?

Before we dive headlong into this merry-go-round of plugins, let’s ponder: why should you bother with translation at all? In a globalized world, reaching a wider audience isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. Numerous studies indicate that making your content accessible in multiple languages can dramatically increase traffic and engagement. So, I know that getting your multilingual act together isn’t simply a luxury but a necessity. 🌍

The Contenders

Now, let’s cut to the chase. Below are the twelve translation plugins that vied for supremacy in my testing lab of doom. I’ve used them across blogs, WooCommerce stores, and what I’ll refer to delicately as “business sites.”

1. WPML

If you seek a heavyweight champion that can juggle everything from pages to custom post types, WPML is your go-to. Its stellar user interface and broad compatibility make it a must-have. Sure, it comes with a price tag, but in this case, you get what you pay for—reliability and versatility wrapped in one tidy package. Just don’t expect it to handle multilingual SEO as intuitively as you’d like.

2. Polylang

The free alternative that packs a punch! With its user-friendly setup and flexibility, Polylang can easily integrate with WooCommerce. However, while it does provide a robust translation management system, some dedicated users report feeling a little rudderless in terms of guidance.

3. TranslatePress

I absolutely have to take a moment to rave about TranslatePress. Its front-end visual editor allows you to translate your site directly as you view it—like magic! 🌟 The icing on the cake? It supports SEO for every translated page. However, the free version might feel a bit cramped—think of it as a starter pack for budding polyglots.

4. Weglot

Weglot has taken the internet by storm with its one-stop-shop translation capabilities. With automatic translations and an easy integration system, it’s almost too smooth to be true. But beware—unless you’re okay with spending a bit on larger sites, you might find the costs skyrocketing as your site expands.

5. GTranslate

Utilizing Google Translate behind the scenes, GTranslate offers a quick and easy way to funnel your site into multiple languages. The issue I encountered? The automatic translations can feel clunky, leaving your visitors feeling a little lost in translation—pun absolutely intended. Translating professionally here is a must.

6. Loco Translate

If you fancy yourself a bit of a control freak, Loco Translate allows you to translate your WordPress themes and plugins directly from your dashboard. While it lacks built-in language switchers and automatic translation capabilities, it gives you the power. Just be ready for a learning curve; it’s not for the faint of heart. ⚙️

7. MultilingualPress

For those who want a truly distinct experience across sites, MultilingualPress utilizes a multisite approach to translation. It allows for unique site structures for each language, but it isn’t the easiest solution for those not comfortable with WordPress multisite installations.

8. Easy WP Multilingual

Remember when everything seemed easier as a kid? Easy WP Multilingual reminds me of that. With its simplicity and effectiveness, this plugin tackles language barriers without the headaches. However, it still lacks the depth of features found in the premium players.

9. WPGlobus

This one aims to make everything as straightforward as possible. WPGlobus translates WordPress with ease but doesn’t compete with the richer functionalities offered by its peers. It’s nice for blogs or small websites but might fall short when tackling a more extensive online shop.

10. Translate WordPress by BestWebSoft

This plugin offers basic functionalities that may seem appealing at first glance. However, I found it could become unwieldy quite quickly, especially if you plan to grow your website’s reach.

11. Simple Language Switcher

I can’t help feeling sorry for this little plugin. It feels a bit like the last kid picked for the team. Sure, it does what it says on the tin, but don’t expect to run a global empire with its capabilities. 🙈

12. Transcy

To top my list off, we have Transcy. This up-and-comer has entered the fray boasting attractive features with ease of use, however, the free tier offers scant capabilities, making it more suited for those willing to invest in their translation endeavors.

Final Thoughts

So, after wrestling with these twelve plugins, I find myself feeling a bit like a referee in a boxing ring. Some left me breathless with excitement, and others? Well, let’s just say they left me gasping for air. The takeaway? Choose wisely, based on your needs, and remember that translations are an art form. 🎨 Knowing how to effectively communicate on a global stage is crucial; your choice of