Creating a multilingual WordPress website is essential for reaching a global audience. Several plugins can help you achieve this, but choosing the right one depends on your needs. In this article, we’ll compare
WPML (WordPress Multilingual Plugin) with other popular alternatives like
Polylang, Weglot, and TranslatePress to help you decide which one fits best.
1. WPML (WordPress Multilingual Plugin)
Best for: Large websites, eCommerce, and professional translation workflows.
Pros:
Comprehensive Translation Management – Supports posts, pages, custom post types, themes, and plugins.
SEO-Friendly – Maintains hreflang tags for better multilingual SEO.
eCommerce Support – Fully compatible with WooCommerce.
Professional Translation Services – Integrates with translation agencies.
String Translation – Allows translating theme and plugin texts easily.
Cons:
Expensive – Starts at
39/year∗∗(for1site)andgoesupto∗∗39/year∗∗(for1site)andgoesupto∗∗199/year for agency use.
Steep Learning Curve – More complex setup compared to some alternatives.
2. Polylang
Best for: Budget-conscious users who need a lightweight solution.
Pros:
Free Version Available – Basic multilingual features without cost.
Simple Interface – Easier to set up than WPML.
Manual & Automatic Translation – Supports both manual and machine translation (via add-ons).
WooCommerce Compatible – Works with WooCommerce (Pro version required).
Cons:
Limited Free Features – Advanced options like automatic translation require paid add-ons.
No Built-in Professional Translation Service – Relies on third-party integrations.
3. Weglot
Best for: Users who want an automated, cloud-based translation solution.
Pros:
Automatic Translations – Uses AI for instant translations.
Easy Setup – No manual translation required initially.
SEO Optimized – Handles hreflang tags automatically.
Visual Editor – Edit translations directly on the front end.
Cons:
Subscription-Based Pricing – Starts at
€15/month (for 10,000 words).
Limited Free Plan – Only 1 language and 2,000 words for free.
4. TranslatePress
Best for: Users who prefer a front-end visual translation editor.
Pros:
Visual Translation Editor – Translate directly from the page preview.
SEO-Friendly – Supports multilingual SEO.
Free Version Available – Basic features without cost.
Works with Any Theme/Plugin – No compatibility issues.
Cons:
Manual Translation Focus – Automatic translation requires a paid add-on.
Slower Performance – Can slow down large sites.
Comparison Table
| Feature | WPML | Polylang | Weglot | TranslatePress |
|---|
| Pricing | Paid ($39+) | Free + Pro | Subscription | Free + Pro |
| Auto Translation | Add-on | Add-on | Yes | Add-on |
| SEO-Friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| eCommerce Support | Yes (Woo) | Yes (Pro) | Yes | Yes |
| Translation Editor | Backend | Backend | Cloud-based | Frontend |
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose WPML if you need a professional, feature-rich solution for a large or eCommerce site.
- Choose Polylang if you prefer a free or low-cost manual translation solution.
- Choose Weglot if you want quick, automated translations with minimal effort.
- Choose TranslatePress if you like visual, front-end editing for translations.
Each plugin has its strengths, so pick the one that aligns best with your budget, workflow, and website needs!
