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LibreTranslate
What it is
LibreTranslate is free and open-source machine translation software powered by the Argos Translate library, with an API for translation tasks. It supports text translation, automatic source-language detection, HTML or markup translation, alternative translations, and language detection. A file translation endpoint is also documented. Users can run the software on their own machine or server at no charge, and local installation supports offline use. Documentation covers Python and Docker installation, plus deployment with Gunicorn, Kubernetes, and Helm. When a direct language pair is unavailable, LibreTranslate can route through another language, usually English. Listed integrations include a Discourse translator plugin, Android and iOS apps, Firefox extensions, and the minbrowser web browser. The hosted portal advises splitting requests longer than 2,000 characters into smaller chunks. Pro costs $29 / month and Business costs $58 / month; both list unlimited translations, with bursts up to 80 and 200 translations per minute, respectively. The portal has no free trial and offers a 7 days money-back guarantee.
For and against
For
- Can be run on a machine or server for free.
- Supports text, markup, and file translation.
- Can detect source languages automatically.
- Hosted paid plans list unlimited translations.
- Translation texts are not stored or logged.
Against
- Hosted requests over 2,000 characters should be split.
- There is no free trial.
- Pro costs $29 / month.
- Business costs $58 / month.
The verdict
LibreTranslate combines an API with self-hosted and hosted use, and supports several translation workflows. Hosted users should account for the request-length guidance and plan limits on translation bursts.
Who it suits
LibreTranslate may suit developers seeking a translation API or people who want to run translation software locally. Its listed apps and extensions may also suit users seeking translation access through those integrations.
Plans and prices
Pro
Bursts of up to 80 translations / minute · Unlimited translations · 7 days money-back guarantee
Read 4 Oct 2026 · portal.libretranslate.com
Business
Bursts of up to 200 translations / minute · Unlimited translations · 7 days money-back guarantee
Read 4 Oct 2026 · portal.libretranslate.com
On the record
- API access
- The hosted libretranslate.com API requires a purchased API key, while self-hosted instances do not require one by default.docs.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- The documentation describes installation with Python or Docker, as well as deployment with Gunicorn, Kubernetes, and Helm.docs.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Document translation
- Yesportal.libretranslate.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Files
- The API reference includes a file translation endpoint, and the installation options include a setting to disable file translation.docs.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Hosted service limits
- The portal says requests longer than 2,000 characters should be split into smaller chunks.portal.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Listed integrations include a Discourse translator plugin, Android and iOS apps, Firefox extensions, and the minbrowser web browser.docs.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Language coverage
- If a direct language pair is unavailable, LibreTranslate automatically pivots through another language, usually English.docs.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The documentation identifies the software license as GNU Affero General Public License v3.docs.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- The site describes LibreTranslate as offline capable, and its installation guide supports running it locally.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy notice says translation texts are not stored or logged and that payment information is stored by Stripe.portal.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- LibreTranslate is a free and open source machine translation API powered by the Argos Translate library.docs.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting
- Users can run LibreTranslate for free on their own machine or server.docs.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Paid from
- 29portal.libretranslate.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Support
- The portal directs users to contact support for API keys with higher request-per-minute or character limits.portal.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Translation features
- The API supports text translation, automatic source-language detection, HTML or markup translation, alternative translations, and language detection.docs.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Translation memory
- Noportal.libretranslate.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Trial and refund
- The portal says there is no free trial and offers a 7 days money-back guarantee.portal.libretranslate.com · read 4 Oct 2026
