Overview: Lokalise vs Smartling
Lokalise and Smartling are leading translation management systems that streamline the localization process for global businesses. Lokalise appeals to product and engineering teams seeking developer-oriented features and automation for continuous localization. Smartling, on the other hand, is positioned as an enterprise-focused solution, emphasizing scalable workflows and managed translation services. Understanding their differences in features, pricing, and ecosystem can help you select the right platform for your organization’s needs.
Key Takeaways
- Lokalise offers transparent, tiered pricing and developer-friendly automation; Smartling only provides custom quotes.
- Both platforms are SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliant, ensuring strong enterprise security standards.
- Lokalise focuses on workflow automation and API integrations, while Smartling excels in enterprise workflow management and scalability.
- Limits and supported integrations for Smartling are not publicly specified; Lokalise’s limits depend on plan tier.
| Feature | How Lokalise handles it | How Smartling handles it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Transparent, tiered; from $120/month; 14-day free trial | Not publicly specified; custom pricing upon request | Lokalise for budget transparency |
| Limits | Plan-based for translation keys, users, projects | Not publicly specified | Lokalise for clear planning |
| API Integrations | Emphasizes developer-friendly, code-based integrations | Not publicly specified | Lokalise for developer teams |
| Team Collaboration Features | Collaborative tools for product and localization teams | Enterprise-level workflow management | Smartling for managed services |
| Translation Memory | Included; details not publicly specified | Included; details not publicly specified | Both |
| Automated Workflows | Automated for continuous localization | Advanced automation for enterprise | Smartling for large-scale needs |
| GDPR & SOC 2 Compliance | Yes | Yes | Both for enterprise security |
| Single Sign-On (SSO) | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| Supported File Formats | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| Machine Translation | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| Customizable Workflows | Yes, developer-centric customization | Yes, enterprise automation and management | Both, depending on scale |
Pricing and Transparency
Lokalise is upfront about its pricing: plans start at $120 per month and you can evaluate the product with a 14-day free trial. Plan tiers are determined by word count and access to advanced features. Smartling does not disclose pricing on its website; you’ll need to request a quote via their sales team. This lack of pricing transparency can make early budgeting and comparison more challenging. If pricing openness matters for your selection process, Lokalise sets a clear advantage.
Platform Limits and Scalability
Lokalise outlines its platform limits based on the subscription tier. These include limits on the number of translation keys, users, and active projects. The specifics depend on your selected plan. In contrast, Smartling does not publicly specify usage limits, requiring potential customers to consult sales for details. If your organization values visibility into platform caps, Lokalise is more transparent in this area. Both platforms are designed to handle growth, but only Lokalise provides clear limit guidance up front.
Integration and Developer Experience
Lokalise puts developers in focus with code-based integrations, an in-context editor, and automation for continuous localization workflows. This makes Lokalise especially suitable for teams that embed localization into their software development cycles and require robust API integrations. For Smartling, integration details are not publicly specified, but it is commonly chosen for large-scale enterprise contexts, which often rely on custom integrations. For organizations prioritizing developer workflow efficiency and out-of-the-box integrations, Lokalise stands out.
Workflow Automation and Team Collaboration
With Lokalise, you get automation features designed for continuous localization—supporting agile product releases and reducing manual steps. Its collaboration tools allow product, localization, and development teams to work together closely. Smartling extends automation with its advanced enterprise workflow management and supports managed translation services, making it better suited to organizations with complex or large-scale needs. Both platforms support team collaboration, but Smartling may offer more control and scalability for multinational enterprises.
Translation Memory and Machine Translation
Both Lokalise and Smartling offer translation memory features to reuse previous translations and maintain consistency. Details regarding the depth of these capabilities are not publicly specified. Machine translation support is also not disclosed for either platform, so you may need to contact their teams for specifics on integrated MT engines and quality controls. For companies where translation memory and machine translation are critical, direct inquiry is recommended to confirm fit.
Security and Compliance
Security and compliance are priorities for both platforms. Lokalise and Smartling each meet SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliance certifications. These frameworks are essential for businesses that require strict data protection and regulatory alignment across borders. While both platforms provide robust compliance, neither publicly shares particulars about additional security features or enterprise options beyond these major certifications.
Customizability and Supported File Formats
Lokalise offers customizable workflows, especially for developer-driven environments. Smartling also enables workflow customization, tailored more toward complex enterprise scenarios. Support for various file formats, however, is not publicly detailed for either solution. If your localization projects involve unusual or industry-specific file types, it’s best to confirm compatibility during your vendor evaluation process.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business
Choose Lokalise if you need a developer-oriented translation management system with transparent pricing, automation, and API integrations. It’s ideal for product teams supporting continuous localization directly in their codebase. Smartling is better suited for enterprises seeking scalable, managed localization services and advanced workflow automation. If your business values high-touch support and is willing to request pricing and usage details, Smartling may be right for you. Evaluate the trial options, define your integration needs, and contact vendors for any requirements not specified online.
Conclusion
Both Lokalise and Smartling deliver strong translation management credentials. Lokalise’s transparency and developer focus make it appealing to product-driven organizations, while Smartling stands out for enterprises needing complex localization workflows. Match your business needs and technical preferences—especially around integrations, transparency, and workflow scale—when choosing your translation management platform.
FAQs
What are the main feature differences between Lokalise and Smartling?
Lokalise focuses on developer-friendly integrations and automation for continuous localization. Smartling offers advanced enterprise workflow automation and managed translation services for complex needs.
How do Lokalise and Smartling compare in terms of pricing structure?
Lokalise provides transparent, tiered pricing, starting at $120 per month. Smartling does not publicly specify pricing; you must request a custom quote.
Which platform offers better security and compliance options?
Both Lokalise and Smartling meet SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliance standards. No further security details are publicly specified.
Which translation management system integrates with more third-party tools?
Lokalise is known for developer-friendly, code-based API integrations. Smartling’s integration options are not specified publicly.
How do user experiences differ between Lokalise and Smartling?
Lokalise suits product and developer teams needing direct automation. Smartling caters to large enterprises needing advanced workflow management.
Is Lokalise or Smartling better for enterprise-level localization?
Smartling is generally better suited for enterprise-level localization due to its advanced workflow automation and scalability.
What are the pros and cons of choosing Lokalise over Smartling?
Pros: Transparent pricing, developer focus, strong automation. Cons: May be less suited for highly complex enterprise workflows compared to Smartling.
How does the support and documentation compare between Lokalise and Smartling?
Support and documentation details are not publicly specified. Both platforms are established and cater to business customers; direct inquiry is advised.