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Google Translate and DeepL are often compared because they are both widely used and free online translation tools. Users usually say that each service works for them in different ways, especially depending on the type of content they are translating or the languages involved in the translation. There are small details that must be taken into account to fully understand how the two services are different and how they are the same.
Since it was made in 2006, Google Translate has almost become a synonym for free online translation. At first, the tool gave word-for-word translations, which gave limited and patchy results. Google switched to a neural machine translation (NMT) model in 2016, which made its translations much more accurate overall. DeepL came out in 2017, which is more than ten years after Google Translate. DeepL is also an NMT engine.
Deepl vs Google Translate Comparison Table
| Specification | DeepL | Google Translate |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | DeepL GmbH | |
| Languages Supported | Over 30 languages | Over 100 languages |
| Translation Quality | High-quality translations, especially for technical or complex texts | May not be as accurate for technical or complex texts |
| AI Technology | Deep neural networks | Neural Machine Translation (NMT) |
| Additional Features | Privacy-focused approach to data protection | Speech, handwriting, and image translation |
| Integration | Web-based tool, Chrome and Firefox extensions, API | Web-based tool, integration with other Google services |
Deepl vs Google Translate: Translation Quality
If the languages you want to translate are supported by both DeepL and Google Translate, the most important thing to look at is how well the translations are done. Given how long Google Translate has been around, it has been made fun of in the past for giving bad translations. But over the years, the tool has gotten better and better at translating.
A 2019 study found that 92% of translations from English to Spanish and 81% of translations from English to Chinese were correct. Even though not all languages that Google Translate supports are quite as accurate, this is mostly because there aren’t enough texts to back up the translations in those languages.
This shows that, depending on the language, the tool can be quite reliable in terms of quality. But DeepL is proud of being able to translate better and more accurately than Google Translate and other similar services. Third-party reviews also show that DeepL’s Russian and Czech translations are more accurate than Google Translate’s. You can download this app from its official website
Deepl vs Google Translate: Supported Platforms
You can use Google Translate on almost every platform. One thing is that you can use the web-based version of the tool on both Mac and Windows computers. Google Translate is also available as an app for Android and iOS, so it can be used on most smartphones and tablets on the market.
DeepL, on the other hand, can be used as a web-based platform or as a stand-alone desktop app on both Mac and Windows computers. There are also apps for iOS and Android that let you use DeepL.
WHICH IS BETTER?
User needs and use case determine DeepL or Google Translate selection. DeepL provides high-quality machine translations, especially for technical or complicated materials. Deep neural networks translate many languages. With EU data processing, DeepL prioritizes privacy. DeepL’s free version supports fewer languages than Google Translate and has a character limit.
Google Translate can translate speech, handwriting, and images in more languages. It integrates with Google Chrome and Lens. Google Translate may not be as accurate as DeepL for technical or complex documents, and it may not safeguard privacy as well. DeepL or Google Translate? That depends on the user.
Deepl: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
The Good
- Deep neural networks are used to translate.
- Offers a way to protect data that focuses on privacy
The Bad
- Free version has a character limit
Google Translate: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
The Good
- Helps more than 100 languages
- Features like speech, handwriting, and image translation are added.
The Bad
- May not protect your privacy as well as DeepL does.
FAQS
Why is DeepL better than Google Translate?
Most people think that DeepL’s translations are better, and you can choose between formal and informal tones. So, DeepL is usually the best choice if you want translations that are accurate and sound natural. DeepL costs more than Google Translate and other services.
What are the drawbacks of Google Translate?
There are a few, yes: The translation will never be perfect. An online translation tool may be able to do a fairly accurate job, but it can’t beat the quality and accuracy of a translation done by a human translator with years of experience.
What are the strengths of Google Translate?
Google Translate is free, which is a plus. Google Translate is always available through a web browser or apps for iOS and Android. Google Translate works quickly and lets you translate between 109 languages right away.