Dialect

At a glance

• Editor score
  3.0 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Linux users switching among translation providers
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• API access
  No
• Founded
  2020
• Facts checked
  23 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Connects to Google Translate, DeepL, Microsoft Translator and other providers
  • Keeps translation history and detects languages automatically
  • Includes text-to-speech playback and clipboard controls

• Where it doesn't

  • Linux desktop only; no Windows or macOS platform
  • No document or website translation, translation memory, or glossary tools
  • No API access; translations go through selected online providers

Our verdict on Dialect

Dialect is a free, open-source translation app for Linux desktops, including GNOME and the wider free desktop ecosystem. It is aimed at solo users who want to switch among online translation providers from one desktop app, rather than manage translation projects or translate whole documents and websites. Its history, automatic language detection, text-to-speech playback, and clipboard controls support quick text-based translation tasks.

Provider choice is the main reason to consider Dialect. The app connects to Google Translate, DeepL, Microsoft Translator (Bing), Yandex Translate, LibreTranslate, and Lingva Translate; Kagi Translate is also listed among its integrations. It can use public instances of LibreTranslate and Lingva Translate. This range gives Linux users a single place to select among services, while the actual translation calls are made through the selected online provider. Dialect is distributed for Linux desktop environments, including through Flathub and Linux distribution repositories.

Its scope is deliberately narrower than a translation management system: Dialect does not offer document or website translation, translation memory, glossary tools, or API access. That makes it a better fit for individuals translating snippets of text than for teams handling repeatable, terminology-sensitive, or high-volume workflows. The app is open source and free, with community and documentation support. Choose Dialect if provider switching and simple desktop conveniences are your priority on Linux; look elsewhere if you need broader language-workflow features or a non-Linux desktop app.

Your product? Our editors can test Dialect in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Dialect pricing

Dialect fact sheet

Dialect integrations

Dialect lists 7 integrations on its own site.

• Google Translate
• DeepL
• Kagi Translate
• Microsoft Translator (Bing)
• Yandex Translate
• LibreTranslate
• Lingva Translate

Alternatives to Dialect

• Google Cloud TranslationA broad Google Cloud translation stack for developers building multilingual systems.9.4
• DeepL TranslatorA broad translation service spanning everyday use, workplace tools, and developer workflows.9.3
• Google TranslateA free, multi-device translator covering everyday text, media, documents, and websites.9.2

See all Dialect alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Dialect is listed in our Translation Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update