Introduction to Lokalise and Crowdin
Lokalise and Crowdin are established translation management platforms tailored for businesses aiming to streamline localization projects. Both address common challenges faced by development, product, and localization teams, such as workflow automation, team collaboration, and integration with development pipelines. Choosing the right solution can improve efficiency, compliance, and the quality of translations for software, apps, and content targeting multiple regions.
Key Takeaways
- Lokalise offers a user-friendly interface and strong workflow automation features, while Crowdin is known for its advanced workflow and robust API.
- Pricing starts at $120/month for Lokalise and $40/month per project for Crowdin, with Crowdin providing a free trial.
- Lokalise is SOC 2 compliant, while Crowdin lists GDPR compliance.
- Details on supported file formats, SSO, and integration specifics are not publicly disclosed for either platform.
| Feature | How Lokalise handles it | How Crowdin handles it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing plans | Starts at $120/month, feature-based tiers | Starts at $40/month per project, free trial offered | Budget flexibility (Crowdin) |
| Translation management | User-friendly interface, strong automation | Advanced workflow, custom workflows | Automation (Lokalise), customization (Crowdin) |
| API integrations | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified (noted for robust API) | Robust API use (Crowdin) |
| Supported file formats | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| Single Sign-On (SSO) | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| GDPR/SOC 2 compliance | SOC 2 compliant | GDPR compliant | US compliance (Lokalise), EU compliance (Crowdin) |
| Workflow automation | Strong automation features | Advanced, customizable workflows | Automation ease (Lokalise), workflow flexibility (Crowdin) |
| Team collaboration | Praised for usability, detailed features not specified | Not publicly specified | Ease of use (Lokalise) |
| Localization quality assurance | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| Version control | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| Limits | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
Pricing Plans and Affordability
Lokalise pricing starts at $120 per month as reported by SaaSworthy. It uses a feature-based, tiered pricing model (Capterra), but the specific limits around users, projects, or storage are not publicly detailed. Crowdin’s pricing is more accessible for smaller teams, starting at $40 per month per project (Capterra) and includes a free trial, allowing you to test before you commit. Consider Crowdin if you want granular project-level billing or need to pilot localization before scaling up.
User Interface and Workflow Automation
Lokalise is frequently praised for its user-friendly interface (SaaSworthy, TrustRadius). This lowers the learning curve for new teams and accelerates project onboarding. Lokalise also emphasizes automation features, making routine translation and project management tasks more efficient. Crowdin stands out for its advanced workflow management and customization capabilities (G2, SourceForge). This means you can define detailed multi-step processes tailored to your organization’s needs, which is especially valuable for complex or highly regulated translation scenarios.
API Integrations and Extensibility
Publicly available details on supported integrations or APIs for both Lokalise and Crowdin are limited. However, Crowdin is specifically noted for having a robust API (G2, SourceForge), making it a strong candidate if your workflows depend on extensive automation or integration with other systems. When integrations are vital to your localization pipeline, you’ll want to directly compare documentation or pilot each API to map your current tools and processes to the platform.
Security, Compliance, and Data Privacy
Lokalise meets SOC 2 standards (SourceForge), reflecting a strong commitment to US-based security best practices and third-party assurance. Crowdin lists GDPR compliance (SaaSworthy, SourceForge), making it a noteworthy option for organizations prioritizing EU data protection regulations. Advanced compliance details, SLAs, and granular administration features are not publicly specified. Both platforms cover baseline requirements for security-conscious organizations; if certifications or legal assurances are critical, confirm directly with your vendor.
Team Collaboration and Version Control
Evidence suggests Lokalise is user-friendly and encourages productivity and collaboration (TrustRadius), but neither platform publicly details advanced team features or version control. Robust workflow transparency, process clarity, and efficiency are highlighted—Lokalise through UI/UX, Crowdin through custom workflows. If version control or real-time collaboration is decisive for your workflow, request a demo or direct clarification.
Localization Quality Assurance
Specific localization QA features are not publicly detailed for either Lokalise or Crowdin. In general, automation and custom workflows can help enforce linguistic standards, context reviews, and error reduction. Ensure your preferred platform supports review processes, automated checks, or custom QA steps before making a commitment.
Supported File Formats and SSO
No public details are provided regarding supported file formats or SSO for either Lokalise or Crowdin. Typically, leading translation management solutions cover popular localization file types and offer SSO on higher plans, but these cannot be confirmed from current data. For technically complex or regulated environments, you should seek specifics from the vendor to ensure required compatibility.
Bottom Line: How to Choose Between Lokalise and Crowdin
The right platform depends on your workflow, regulatory needs, and pricing preferences. Lokalise is best suited for teams wanting a user-friendly interface and robust workflow automation, especially in environments focused on SOC 2 compliance. Crowdin is ideal for those seeking advanced, customizable translation workflows, strong API access, and a more accessible pricing entry point—particularly relevant for EU-regulated or integration-heavy environments.
Your next step: Shortlist priorities, try both free options if possible, and assess which interface and workflow best supports your localization goals under your budget.
FAQs
Which is better for enterprise localization, Lokalise or Crowdin?
If your enterprise values workflow automation and SOC 2 compliance, Lokalise stands out. For advanced workflow customization and robust API use, Crowdin is recommended. Both are viable for enterprise; the decision depends on your specific workflow and compliance priorities.
How do Lokalise and Crowdin compare in terms of pricing tiers?
Lokalise starts at $120 per month with feature-based tiers (SaaSworthy, Capterra). Crowdin starts at $40 per month per project and offers a free trial (Capterra). Full pricing breakdowns are not publicly available, so review options directly with each vendor for complex requirements.
Does Lokalise or Crowdin support more file formats for translation?
Supported file formats are not publicly specified for either platform. If you require support for industry-specific formats, request details from their sales or documentation teams.
What are the main security and compliance features of Lokalise vs Crowdin?
Lokalise is SOC 2 compliant (SourceForge), suitable for organizations prioritizing US-centric controls. Crowdin is GDPR compliant (SaaSworthy, SourceForge), aligning with EU data privacy laws. Further compliance details are not specified.
Which platform offers better integrations and workflow automation?
Crowdin is known for its robust API and advanced workflow management (G2, SourceForge), while Lokalise is noted for strong automation and user-friendly interface (SaaSworthy, TrustRadius). Direct integration compatibility should be confirmed based on your stack.
How do users rate Lokalise compared to Crowdin for team collaboration?
Lokalise users praise the easy-to-use interface (TrustRadius). Direct feedback on Crowdin’s collaboration features is not publicly specified, but its customizable workflows suggest flexibility for teams.
Are there significant differences in API capabilities between Lokalise and Crowdin?
Crowdin is recognized for its robust API capabilities (G2, SourceForge), which may support more custom integrations and automation. Lokalise’s API features are not detailed publicly.