Smartcat vs Phrase are two popular tools that businesses use for various purposes. In this article, we’ll compare Smartcat vs Phrase to help you decide which one is right for your needs.
Table of Contents
Overview
Let’s start with a brief overview of both Smartcat and Phrase.
Smartcat
Smartcat offers a comprehensive translation ecosystem with a marketplace of professional translators integrated directly into the platform. Its handling of XLIFF files for e-learning content is smooth, with robust collaboration features that allow multiple translators to work on the same project simultaneously.
Phrase
Phrase (formerly Memsource) provides enterprise-grade translation management with excellent XLIFF support. Its automation features and AI-powered translation memory are particularly valuable for large-scale e-learning localization projects with repetitive content patterns.
Ratings Comparison
| Platform | Smartcat | Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| G2 Product Rating | 4.6 | 4.4 |
| Capterra Customer Service | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Capterra Ease of Use | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Capterra Functionality | 4.2 | 4.4 |
Smartcat – Features & Capabilities
Smartcat is a cloud-based translation management system (TMS) and CAT tool that combines advanced AI capabilities with collaborative features to streamline localization workflows. It supports translation memory (TM), glossary management, and integration with multiple machine translation (MT) engines to boost productivity and ensure consistency. Smartcat’s AI-driven features include automated OCR for PDFs and images, generative AI translation with terminology control, and AI-powered quality scoring for enhanced accuracy. The platform supports over 150 languages and various file formats, allowing flexibility across projects.
Its real-time collaboration tools enable translators, editors, and project managers to work simultaneously on the same document, with segment commenting and chat features for seamless communication. Smartcat also includes robust quality assurance (QA) checks for typos, formatting issues, and terminology consistency. Additional features like pre-translation settings, customizable workflows, and integration with external applications make it adaptable for diverse localization needs. With a user-friendly interface and free access for freelancers, Smartcat is a versatile solution for individual translators and enterprises alike.
Phrase – Features & Capabilities
Phrase is a cloud-based translation management system (TMS) designed to streamline localization workflows for software, apps, and websites. It features automated workflows that integrate with development tools like GitHub and Bitbucket, allowing for continuous localization. Phrase supports translation memory (TM) and machine translation (MT) integrations to enhance efficiency and consistency. Its in-context editing feature provides translators with visual context, improving translation accuracy by allowing them to see content in its final layout.
The platform includes robust collaboration tools, enabling real-time communication among translators, developers, and project managers. Phrase also offers quality assurance (QA) checks to ensure linguistic and formatting consistency. Additionally, it supports over 500 file formats and provides customizable APIs for seamless integration with existing tech stacks. With features like automated project management, detailed analytics, and scalable infrastructure, Phrase is ideal for businesses aiming to efficiently manage multilingual content across global markets.
Pricing Comparison
Let’s compare the pricing plans for both Smartcat and Phrase.
| Product | Pricing Plans |
|---|---|
| Smartcat | Pro Plan at $99 / month |
| Phrase | Starter Plan at $135 / month and Team Plan at $1045 |
Conclusion
Smartcat and Phrase are both robust translation management systems (TMS) that cater to different localization needs. Smartcat stands out for its collaborative features and built-in marketplace, which connects users with a global network of linguists and simplifies supplier payments through automated solutions. It also offers unlimited user access without licensing fees, making it cost-effective for teams of any size. Phrase, on the other hand, excels in automation and integration capabilities, supporting seamless workflows with tools like GitHub, Figma, and WordPress. It provides advanced features such as AI-driven machine translation selection, quality assurance checks, and terminology management, making it ideal for managing complex localization projects.
While Smartcat is better suited for teams prioritizing real-time collaboration and scalability, Phrase is a strong choice for organizations seeking a centralized hub for managing multilingual digital content with extensive automation. The final decision depends on whether the focus is on cost efficiency and collaboration (Smartcat) or advanced integrations and automation (Phrase).
Alternative You Can Consider
If you’re looking for a faster and more efficient way to translate your e-learning content, Doctor eLearning provides a seamless solution designed specifically for E-learning Translation. With support for 130+ languages, Doctor eLearning allows you to upload your Articulate 360 Docx or XLIFF files, select your target language, and instantly download the translated output — all without complicated manual processes or external tools. Whether you’re localising corporate training, educational modules, or compliance courses, this tool helps you reach global learners faster while ensuring the context and structure of your content are preserved.
