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Head-to-head · Translation Management Software

Phrase vs Smartling

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Phrase #2 in Translation Management Software 9.3/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 6 features Visit Phrase
Smartling #4 in Translation Management Software 9.1/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 6 features Visit Smartling

Phrase leads on 0 checks, Smartling on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorePhrase · 9.3/10
  • Free trialonly Phrase

Phrase scores higher on our rubric for translation management software: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

Phrase is the better fit for mature teams managing varied translation programs. Smartling is the better fit for enterprises needing managed translation options.

  • Phrase fits best

    Mature teams managing varied translation programs

  • Smartling fits best

    Enterprises needing managed translation options

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Side by side

Feature Phrase 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Smartling 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #2 in Translation Management Software #4 in Translation Management Software
Best for Mature teams managing varied translation programs Enterprises needing managed translation options
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — $0.0075/unit usage-based
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud Cloud
Platforms Web Web
Support Tickets, Docs · 24/7 Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7
Compliance SOC 2, ISO 27001, SSO/SAML, 2FA SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS
Integrations 200+ integrations 50+ integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Phrase 2/6 · Smartling 2/6
Workflow automation Not checked yet Not checked yet
Translation memory ✓ ✓
Terminology management Not checked yet Not checked yet
Vendor management Not checked yet Not checked yet
Translation orders Not checked yet Not checked yet
API access ✓ ✓
Our review
Pros
  • Covers document, software, and website localization
  • Combines memories, term bases, QA, AI, and workflow automation
  • Connects with GitHub, Figma, Contentful, WordPress, Jira, and more
  • Combines CAT tools, memories, glossaries, QA, and project workflows
  • Supports websites, documents, APIs, and 50+ software integrations
  • Offers machine, AI, AI human, and professional human translation
Cons
  • No free plan; access starts with paid plans
  • Freelancer limits TMS access to one seat
  • Some plans cap Strings seats or managed words
  • Core and Enterprise subscription pricing requires contact with sales
  • Translation memory is limited to 180 days on the Core plan
  • The broad feature set may exceed the needs of simple translation projects
Our verdict

Phrase is a cloud-based translation management and localization platform for enterprises, localization teams, developers, marketers, and language service providers. It brings document translation together with software localization for…

Read the review →

Smartling is a cloud-based translation management and localization platform for businesses translating websites, software, mobile applications, documents, and other digital content. It brings workflow and project management, a CAT tool…

Read the review →
  1. PhraseTranslation Management Software 9.314-day trial
  2. SmartlingTranslation Management Software 9.1Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Phrase — where it wins

    • Covers document, software, and website localization
    • Combines memories, term bases, QA, AI, and workflow automation
    • Connects with GitHub, Figma, Contentful, WordPress, Jira, and more

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; access starts with paid plans
    • Freelancer limits TMS access to one seat
    • Some plans cap Strings seats or managed words

  • Smartling — where it wins

    • Combines CAT tools, memories, glossaries, QA, and project workflows
    • Supports websites, documents, APIs, and 50+ software integrations
    • Offers machine, AI, AI human, and professional human translation

    Where it doesn't

    • Core and Enterprise subscription pricing requires contact with sales
    • Translation memory is limited to 180 days on the Core plan
    • The broad feature set may exceed the needs of simple translation projects

More comparisons

All translation management software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update