Having a language translation device when you travel to a country where you’re not fluent in the language will help you communicate with locals, ask for directions, and understand guides.
Look for a translator that supports two-way communication to help you carry on a whole conversation without waiting for individual phrases or sentences to be translated. However, an offline device is helpful in a pinch when you need directions or help.
With the wide variety of options, choosing the best voice language translator device could be challenging. And so, we are here to help you!
Below we have listed the five best voice language translator devices with their specs, pros and cons mentioned to make things easier for you!
We hope you find it helpful!
1. Langogo Genesis 2-in-1 AI Translator Device and Voice Recorder Transcriber
The Langogo Genesis Universal AI Translator can translate & transcribe 104+ languages in real-time with one click. This pocket translator can interpret, voice record, and give you facts via its built-in Euri assistant.
It’s a comprehensive universal AI tool that contains an integrated eSim and a Sim card slot for worldwide use. The eSim even allows the item to turn into a mobile hotspot router and connect five devices to the internet.
This is so much faster and easier than any translation software on your phone or computer, and the breadth of languages is outstanding. If you prefer speech to text translation, then interpreter mode has got you covered. It can transcribe what you said in real-time in over 60 languages.
The Genesis has active noise control and dual internal speakers to isolate and enhance the voice translations & recordings. It may not work to perfection, but it gets the job done.
Its 3.1″ retina display with soft-touch is bright, crisp, and beautiful. It presents precise translations, logos, etc. It’s easy on the eyes, and the soft-touch controls provide tactile touch & scroll operations.
Langogo also comes with offline translation for English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese/Mandarin, which require no data plan, card or hotspot.
Finally, the device has an onboard AI assistant, Euri, that I’ve described previously, which can tell you the weather, exchange rates, nearby hotels/attractions, etc. The item receives lifetime software updates, so new language support and AI smarts to Euri will constantly be implemented.
Pros
- free two-year data plan
- the connectivity options
- the transcription services
- one-click real-time translations
- eSIM for global data
- Simple to use
- Good-sized screen
Cons
- The touch controls aren`t very smooth
- Euri isn’t too helpful
- translations don’t always come out right
- There were several instances where the mic doesn’t even pick up the voice
- Some interface text is in Chinese
- Quite expensive
2. Pocketalk Classic Language Translator Device – Portable Two-Way Voice Interpreter
Pocketalk Translator makes it easy to hold conversations in different languages and break down barriers when traveling for work or pleasure. Still, it’s at the pricier end of the market, so make sure it covers the languages you need before investing.
Pocketalk Translator is a compact, oval-shaped device that fits neatly in the palm of either hand, and all controls are within easy reach of your thumb. It runs a custom OS based on Android and features dual microphones with noise-cancellation for two-way conversations.
This two-way language translator recognizes 74 languages from 133 different countries, including several Spanish, Chinese, and English dialects. It even understands jargon, slang terms, and profanities making the Pocketalk very accurate.
You decide if you’d like the device to speak or text the translation to you or the individual you are communicating with. You do need a data plan for this device to work. A two-year subscription is included when you first purchase it.
The translation device is compact and easily slips into your pocket without being bulky. It’s powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is included with the translator.
Many users have reported that it doesn’t hold a charge for very long and needs to be repowered often. But it does translate fast without a long pause or wait in between.
It features a touchscreen, which is pleasingly sensitive and works well for general use but is relatively too small for entering Wi-Fi passwords via a fiddly on-screen keyboard. Thankfully, that’s unlikely to be too much of a problem, thanks to that global SIM.
Pocketalk is supplied with a global SIM card fitted, which means it’s ready to use all over the world, even if there’s no Wi-Fi available.
Pros
- Comfortable to hold
- The translation is fast and accurate
- Intuitive to use
- Compact design
- Recognizes 74 languages, including multiple dialects
- Translates slang and swear words
Cons
- More expensive than rivals
- The battery doesn’t hold a charge for long
- Data plan subscription is required
- The on-screen keyboard is fiddly
3. Buoth Smart Voice Translator Device
![[Upgraded] Language Translator Device with Camera Translation Bluetooth Earphones Connection 2.4 Inch Screen 106 Languages Two Voice Translation(White)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uEroJU2AL.jpg "[Upgraded] Language Translator Device with Camera Translation Bluetooth Earphones Connection 2.4 Inch Screen 106 Languages Two Voice Translation(White)")
The multi-language portable translator supports 82 languages and two-way real-time translation. With this multi-language translator, you can go everywhere you want, and the language can’t block you anymore.
It comes with a 2.4inch touch screen. When you speak out what you want to translate, the translation will also appear as text on the screen. It’s beneficial for talking with others and develop a better understanding of each other.
It is a Foreign language translator only used with Wifi or hotspot internet, and there is no need for SIM cards and no need to download any apps.
This is a language translator with high-definition recording, independent noise reduction microphone, and can accurately enter the language in a noisy environment, always keeps voice clear, and it’s also convenient for repeated listening; if the others didn’t hear it clearly, you could play it again.
This Buoth voice language translator comes with a 12-month warranty guarantee. And provide fast and easy-to-reach Customer Service to solve your problems within 12 hours.
Pros
- Allows two-way translation for accessible communication
- Spoken words can also be translated into text
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Average build
- It cannot work without wifi
4. WT2 Language Translator
The WT2 Language Translator is worn in your ear rather than held as you use it. It translates in real-time, so you can walk and talk at the same time.
It comes with two wireless earpieces for you and the person you’re communicating with to wear, making it convenient to carry on conversations during activities and without having to face each other. And you don’t need to be connected to the internet to use these because it supports offline translation.
The WT2 recognizes 40 languages, including Arabic, Greek, and Cantonese. It also understands 93 different accents and has a translation accuracy of 95 percent. You can choose the touch and speak mode of this device.
This mode lets you chat and have the translator repeat the translation out loud so more than one person can hear. It will also send a transcript of the translation to your smartphone.
For this language translator to work, you must connect it, via Bluetooth, to your cellphone. You don’t have to hold your phone for the WT2 to work. This device is also expensive. But the convenience of conversing hands-free is well worth the investment.
Pros
- Real-time translation
- Hand-free communication
- Recognizes 40 languages and 93 accents
- Offline translation
Cons
- Expensive
- Must be connected to a smartphone
- Best Overall
5. Lincom Language Translator Device
The Lincom translation device also doubles as a hotspot if you’re in a bind and need an internet connection. It is also one of the most versatile translators.
It recognizes 138 languages and will translate them in real-time. It also is a two-way translation so that you can carry on a whole conversation.
If you’re trying to read a sign or a text in another language, the Lincom will translate photos taken with its camera. And if you find yourself without the internet, it will translate 14 languages offline, too.
This translator has a screen, so it will both show and say translations. This is much more convenient than those devices that send text translations to a cellphone.
It doesn’t need a SIM card or a mobile app to work, though it will automatically update when connected to Wi-Fi. The only real drawback is that this language translation device isn’t hands-free.
Pros
- Show and tell translations
- Translates photos
- Offline translation of 14 languages
- It can be used as a hotspot
Cons
- Not a hands-free device
Considerations when choosing language translation devices
If you could not find a translator device to your liking above in our list, don’t worry! We have mentioned some essential factors to keep in mind when looking for the best voice language translator device. These will surely help you find the perfect one!
Standalone vs. app devices
Standalone translation devices cost more, but they can also do more. They’re able to translate in real-time and do so without the aid of any outside technology.
Their screens are easy to operate and don’t require the user to carry multiple devices at once.
App-required devices function as more of a loudspeaker while the app is being done on your phone or tablet. One advantage to app-required devices is that they can receive software updates regularly without much effort on your part.
Required connections
For your language translation device to work correctly, you will likely need one of the following connections: WiFi, a hotspot, SIM card, or data plan.
The most common connections will be WiFi and hotspots because those are the simplest ways to connect when traveling abroad.
Language capabilities
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a language translation device is how many languages it can translate and which ones. These devices can translate anywhere between six and 106 different languages. The average is about 50.
Battery life
It’s essential to know the battery life of the machine that you choose. Think about how you plan to use your language translation device and if you’ll need it for long periods without access to a charger.
Most of these devices come with rechargeable batteries that can be recharged using a USB cord. Most active-use times are between eight and 24 hours.
Features
Photo translation
Photo translation is essential if you plan to use public transport or will do a lot of walking in a foreign country. With this feature, your language translation device can take a picture of a sign or other text, read it, and translate it back to you in English. This feature is usually only available for the most popular languages on your translation device.
Noise cancellation
Noise-cancelling technology filters ambient sound out and isolates the nearest audible speech. This is helpful if you’re on a busy city street or at a crowded party.
This feature would probably be beneficial for everyone at one time or another.
Price
Most language translation devices cost between $80 and $360. If you spend $80, you can purchase a device that works proficiently with fewer than ten languages and requires an app.
For $200, most language translation devices will be standalone options and even include different dialects and accents of some languages. A $360 translation device offers exceptionally high accuracy. Many come with noise-cancellation and high-quality cameras.
FAQ
Do language translation devices automatically detect the incoming language?
No, they don’t. You’ll need to choose the language you want to translate before each use. Though this might seem inconvenient, it keeps the device from becoming confused between similar languages, which could cause you problems in the end.
Why do I need a language translation device if I can get something similar to a phone app?
While some language translation devices utilize a mobile app to enhance usability, a basic translation app doesn’t have a language translation device’s functionality.
These devices have microphones designed to hear different dialects, and they offer additional functionality such as accompanying text and voice translation, which most apps don’t have.