Localizely vs Smartling: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Localizely and Smartling comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Smartling is our overall pick for translation workflows. Pick Localizely if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Localizely
Streamline software localization for web and mobile apps with automated workflows and team collaboration.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Automates and centralizes software localization for web and mobile apps.
- • Facilitates collaboration between developers, translators, and project managers.
Smartling
End-to-end localization & translation services for global growth powered by AI.
Best for you if:
- • AI-powered translation and localization platform for various content types.
- • Automates up to 99% of the translation process with 50+ integrations and APIs.
| At a Glance |  Localizely |  Smartling |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $500/moCore |
Best For | Translation | Translation |
Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.1/5 |
Choose Localizely or Smartling?
Choose Localizely if
Streamline software localization for web and mobile apps with automated workflows and team collaboration.
- Significantly reduces manual localization effort and bottlenecks.
- Enhances translation consistency through Translation Memory and Glossaries.
- Supports seamless collaboration across diverse team roles.
Choose Smartling if
End-to-end localization & translation services for global growth powered by AI.
- Translation management
- Good quality
- Enterprise ready
| Feature | Localizely | Smartling |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.9/5 19 reviews | ★4.1/5 694 reviews |
| Categories | TranslationWorkflow Automation | TranslationAI & Automation |
In-Depth Analysis
Localizely
Streamline software localization for web and mobile apps with automated workflows and team collaboration.
Strengths
- +Significantly reduces manual localization effort and bottlenecks.
- +Enhances translation consistency through Translation Memory and Glossaries.
- +Supports seamless collaboration across diverse team roles.
- +Offers flexible integration with existing development workflows.
- +Provides over-the-air updates for Flutter app translations without new app store releases.
Weaknesses
- -The free plan has a limited number of hosted string keys (250).
- -Advanced features like API usage and full history of changes are only available in paid plans.
- -Over-the-air Flutter SDK is an add-on and may incur additional costs.
Key features
Smartling
End-to-end localization & translation services for global growth powered by AI.
Strengths
- +Translation management
- +Good quality
- +Enterprise ready
- +Active development
- +Good integrations
Weaknesses
- -Very expensive
- -Complex pricing
- -Learning curve
- -Enterprise focus
- -Better for large scale
Key features
Pricing: Localizely vs Smartling
| Plan | Localizely | Smartling |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | $500 Core |
| Tier 2 | $16 Per month billed annually or $19/mo if billed monthly Starter | $2500 Enterprise |
| Tier 3 | $32 Per month billed annually or $39/mo if billed monthly Advanced | Custom Custom |
| Tier 4 | $65 Per month billed annually or $79/mo if billed monthly Pro | N/A |
| Tier 5 | $125 Per month billed annually or $150/mo if billed monthly Bronze | N/A |
| Tier 6 | $250 Per month billed annually or $300/mo if billed monthly Silver | N/A |
| Tier 7 | $475 Per month billed annually or $570/mo if billed monthly Gold | N/A |
| Tier 8 | Contact us Custom Pricing | N/A |
| Tier 9 | Free Free for Open Source | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Localizely pricing and Smartling pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Localizely has a free tier. Smartling is paid only.
Go with: Localizely
Want the highest-rated option?
Localizely: 4.9/5 (19 reviews). Smartling: 4.1/5 (694 reviews).
Go with: Localizely
Value user reviews?
Localizely: 19 reviews (4.9/5). Smartling: 694 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: Smartling
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Localizely is freemium. Smartling is paid. Localizely lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are translation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Localizely is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Smartling
- Larger review base (694 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Localizely
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.1/5
The Bottom Line
Smartling is our pick. Localizely has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Localizely or Smartling better?
Smartling is rated in our evaluation. Localizely is freemium and Smartling is paid.
What are Localizely and Smartling used for?
Localizely: Streamline software localization for web and mobile apps with automated workflows and team collaboration.. Smartling: End-to-end localization & translation services for global growth powered by AI..
What does Localizely cost vs Smartling?
Localizely is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Smartling is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.