Being immersed in the sights and sounds of a different culture is one of the greatest joys of travel — that’s why it’s imperative that you’re able to interpret the sights and sounds you come across. Whether you’re shopping your way down a bustling neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan or strolling through the cobblestone streets of a quaint European town, being able to communicate in the local language is essential to having a fulfilling and seamless trip.
If you don’t have the time to brush up on a new language before you head off on your international adventure, getting your hands on a handheld digital translator is the next best way to prepare. The best devices are easy to operate, compact enough to fit into any travel bag, and are reasonably functional even without Wi-Fi. Whether you’re heading on a two-week trip or moving to a new country where you haven’t yet learned the language, a digital translator will be the bridge to help you step up comprehension game big time. We looked at the various options on the market, from handheld translators to wearable devices, to determine which are worth buying. These are our five favorite options.
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With its slim profile and Android-based operating system, the Vasco V4 feels and functions like a smartphone from the moment you say hello. This handheld device can translate conversations, typed text, and can decipher signs and labels in 112 languages using its integrated camera. This makes it possible to communicate with around 90 percent of the people on the planet.
My only beef with the Vasco V4 is the fact that the device doesn’t provide the same level of support for every language. For example, this digital translator offers voice input and output, a photo translator, and text translation in German. But for my second language, Gaeilge (Irish) it only allows for photo translation. We recommend making sure you research what languages the Vasco V4 supports and in what modes before purchasing.
The Details: 2.17 x 0.39 x 5.87 inches | 4.7 ounces | 108 languages available | Free lifetime data / Built-in SIM
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Travel can be expensive, but the translation device you take on your trip doesn’t need to be. The relatively inexpensive, pocket-sized Acodo Language Translator can translate 138 different languages for you using nothing more than a Wi-Fi connection. Like our best overall pick, the Acodo can translate signs and other text captured by its built-in camera. When trying to order food or ask for the price of a cab ride, for example, typing in your query will yield a quick, accurate translation in the language of your choice. Voice translation? Yep, it does that too.
Unfortunately, if you don’t have access to a Wi-Fi connection, functionality becomes limited pretty quickly. The Acodo’s acumen with 138 languages drops to just the 17 common languages that it carries in its offline memory. This may be fine for some trips, but could render this inexpensive translation device useless if you’re exploring areas with little or no internet infrastructure.
The Details: 5.63 x 3.46 x 1.54 inches | 0.63 ounces | 138 languages online, 17 offline | Wi-Fi connectivity
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Despite its diminutive size, the Timekettle Fluentalk T1 Mini Translator is pretty capable. It takes up so little space in a travel purse, packable backpack, or pocket that you’d be remiss not to take it along with you. What’s more, its easy-to-navigate interface makes it intuitive to operate (even if you’re less than tech-savvy). However, it does have some quirks, especially when stacked against the other devices on this list.
For one, it only offers real-time support for 40 languages, and it’s only available when connected to the internet. The upside, however, is that when you buy the Fluentalk T1 Mini, your first year of LTE data is free. After that, you’ll have to pony up for a cellular data subscription or only use real-time translation when you have access to Wi-Fi. It is possible to do some offline translation with the Fluentalk T1 Mini. However, the languages offered are pretty limited. It can also deliver photo translations of text from 40 different languages. But again, this is fewer languages than are offered by other devices featured on this list.
The Details: 3.58 x 2.15 x 0.53 inches | 2.82 ounces | 40 languages and 93 accents, 13 offline | One year of free data
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Timekettle’s WT2 Edge translator earbuds have more features than most travelers need. But if you do business in multiple languages, these earphones could be exactly the translation tool you need. Designed to work with your smartphone, these earbuds can provide bilingual translation for up to six individuals at once. This makes it an ideal device for understanding what’s being said during an in-person or Zoom meeting. Thanks to the WT2 Edge’s companion app, you’ll be able to capture, translate and automatically transcribe your conversations.
Unfortunately, the WT2 Edge earbuds lose a lot of their capabilities when disconnected from the internet. While connected, they support 40 languages. Without data, that number is reduced to 13 offline languages. You should also know that many users have reported long pauses before their conversation was translated by the WT2 Edge.
The Details: 3.93 x 3.93 x 1.97 inches (charging case) | 7.1 ounces | 40 languages, 13 offline | Data connection via smartphone
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The Solos AirGo3 Smart Glasses are designed to pipe translated audio into your ears using directed speakers, making them a great choice while sightseeing or chatting with a local vendor at an outdoor market. But that’s not all they do. The AirGo3 glasses can also stream your favourite music from your phone, connect to ChatGPT or your smartphone’s assistant to answer questions, and read your messages while you workout. They can be fitted with prescription lenses for those that need them, since their computing hardware is built into the arm of the glasses. It’s also possible to change the style and look of your AirGo3 by attaching a different set of frames to them.
To get the most out of the AirGo3, you’ll have to contend with the fact that their interface can be less than intuitive at times. Like other digital translators in this guide, when they’re disconnected from your smartphone’s internet connection, many of the features are unusable.
The Details: 5.6 x 1.5 inches (frames) | 1.19 ounces | Bluetooth connectivity
Tips for Buying
Consider Your Usage
Think about the countries you’ll be visiting and the languages you need translated to ensure the device is compatible for your upcoming trips. It might also be helpful to check whether or not the translator requires a standalone app for offline use or a browser extension for quick access. Some of the translators we’ve included on this list come with one free year of data, but in any case, you’ll want to make sure the destination you’re traveling to offers reliable Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.
Look For Ease of Use
A good translator should be simple enough to navigate on the go. Whether you’re interpreting street signs, reading a menu written in a different language, or communicating with a local for directions, having a device that translates fairly quickly is essential for seamless travel. One of the perks of using a digital translator versus an app is that you get to conserve your phone’s battery. That being said, a digital translator’s battery should last long enough to get you through a whole day (at least eight hours) before needing a charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do digital translators work?
Whether converting speech or the written word from one language to another, a digital translator works in much the same way. The device listens to words or reads text and breaks sentences down into smaller units. Then, using artificial intelligence and complex algorithms, the digital translator looks at the intent of the words used in the signs or conversation it’s been fed and translates them into the language of your choice. Because of the size and complexity of each language, most digital translators use a data connection to access servers that contain the information required to complete their translation. Some devices come with the storage space to download a few languages for use at times when no data connection is available.
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What is the benefit of using a digital translation device versus an app?
There are a number of benefits to using a handheld digital translator instead of an app on your smartphone. For starters, using your smartphone every time you need to translate a sign, understand a store clerk, or order food can drain your battery fast. Relying on a digital translation device will save your phone’s juice for performing other vital travel tasks like navigation, accessing your mobile wallet, or taking photos. Additionally, apps like Google translate can cover the basics. But a dedicated translation device typically offers more versatility. Some can differentiate between multiple speakers, translate more than two languages at a time, and even transcribe your conversations to send to others.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Séamus Bellamy has spent nearly two decades working as a service journalist covering travel-related technology. He’s been a full-time digital nomad for the past 11 years, and has used handheld translators to help buff out the rough edges of his Spanish in Mexico. Using T+L editor insights, as well as his own expertise, he compiled this list to distinguish the best translators on the market (and the ones you should avoid).
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