Creating a multilingual site on WordPress sounds like a big task—but it doesn’t have to be. The key is choosing the right translation plugin. And trust me, there are plenty of options out there. Some are fast and automatic. Others give you full control over every word.
I’ve tried a bunch of them while building sites for clients and my own projects. Here’s a look at the best WordPress translation plugin that actually make the process smooth and stress-free.
*1. Weglot – Best for Quick and Easy Setup
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Weglot is hands-down one of the fastest ways to get your site translated. You install the plugin, pick your languages, and within minutes, your site is available in multiple languages.
What I like most is that it handles everything automatically. It even creates separate URLs for each language, which is great for SEO.
You can still edit the translations manually if you want to fine-tune things. But if you're short on time and need something that just works, Weglot is a solid choice.
*2. WPML – Best for Full Control and Advanced Features
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WPML is like the all-in-one translation toolkit. It’s been around for years and is packed with features.
You can translate every part of your site, including menus, custom fields, themes, and plugins. It works well with WooCommerce, too.
It does take a little more time to set up. But once it’s running, it’s super powerful. If you're building a large or professional site, WPML gives you all the tools you need.
*3. TranslatePress – Best for Visual Translation
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This one is great if you like to see what you're doing as you translate. TranslatePress lets you work from the front end of your site. You click on text and change it right there.
It supports automatic translation via Google Translate or DeepL, but you can also go in and make edits yourself. The interface is clean and beginner-friendly.
I’ve used this on a few smaller business sites, and it always feels smooth and intuitive.
*4. Polylang – Best Free Option for Manual Translations
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Polylang is perfect if you’re on a tight budget but still want to make your site multilingual. The free version lets you add multiple languages and translate content manually.
It doesn’t offer automatic translation, but it’s lightweight and doesn’t slow your site down. There’s also a Pro version if you need more features or WooCommerce support.
I recommend this if you’re comfortable doing the translations yourself and want a clean, no-fuss setup.
**5. GTranslate – Best for Automatic Translations on a Budget
**GTranslate uses Google Translate to automatically convert your site into over 100 languages. The free version gives you basic translation and a language switcher.
If you upgrade to the paid version, you get SEO-friendly URLs and the ability to manually edit translations. It’s a good way to get started without spending too much upfront.
This plugin works well if you just need to offer quick language access and aren't too worried about perfect translations.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick way to decide:
Want something fast and automated? Go with Weglot or GTranslate.
Need full control and detailed features? WPML is your guy.
Like visual editing? Try TranslatePress.
Working with a small budget and fine doing translations yourself? Polylang is ideal.
I’ve used all of these at different times, depending on the project. No plugin is perfect for every site—but the right one will make going multilingual so much easier.
Summing Up
Going multilingual isn’t just about reaching more people—it’s about making your visitors feel at home. With the right WordPress translation plugin, you don’t need to be a developer or spend weeks figuring things out.
Pick the tool that fits your workflow. Keep it simple. And always test a few things before you launch. You’ll be surprised how quickly your site can go global with the right setup.
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