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Translation device reviews

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Last updated: 11 January 2024
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While language translation technology is still far from perfect, it's improved considerably in recent years thanks to technological advances in cloud computing, processing power, memory and battery life.

To find out which language translators will best serve you on your next overseas trip, we compared a range of devices, assessing:

  • how accurately they translate from one language to another
  • the audio clarity of the translations
  • how easy they are to use.
 
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We tested seven translation devices assuming they would be used primarily for travelling in a country with a foreign native language. While there are also a number of professional, certified translators used for important business or legal translations, these devices are specialised and very expensive. The devices we selected are not to be depended on for those situations.

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Brand

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List of brands we tested in this review.

    Price

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    The recommended retail price as supplied by the manufacturer or the average price you can expect to find the translation device for online.

    enter value/s in increments of 1 between 44 and 571

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    Translation score

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    This score is based on how correctly the devices translate five simple sentences into four different languages. It accounts for 50% of the CHOICE Expert Rating, our overall score that determines which products we recommend.

    enter value/s in increments of i between 70 and 77

    Ease of use score

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    This score is based on how time-consuming it is to get the device or app to translate spoken language. It accounts for 30% of the CHOICE Expert Rating, our overall score that determines which products we recommend.

    enter value/s in increments of i between 57 and 74

    Number of languages

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    The number of languages present in the device for translating speech.

    enter value/s in increments of i between 38 and 74

    App required

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    Some devices will only work when paired to a smartphone app.

      Internet connection required

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      If the device isn't connected to a smartphone, you may be able to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi.

        Offline mode

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        Can the device work without an active internet connection?

          Included in this review

          Members-only access
          • Recommended
          • CHOICE Expert Rating
          • Translation score
          • Ease of use score
          • Audio score
          • Tester product summary
          • Good points
          • Bad points
          • Standalone device
          • Internet connection required
          • Price
          • Voice translation
          • Number of languages
          • Image translation
          • Number of image translation languages
          • Offline languages available
          • Pre-loaded phrases
          • Favourites
          • Translation history
          • Sound recordings
          • Microphone
          • Camera
          • Speakers
          • Headphone jack
          • Touchscreen
          • Volume control
          • Wi-Fi support
          • SIM/eSIM support
          • Offline mode
          • App required
          • Bluetooth support
          • Battery indicator
          • Charging requirements
          • Charging port type
          • Battery type
          • Dimensions (mm, H x W x D)
          • Weight (g)
          • Country of origin

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