The most popular WordPress translation plugins are WPML, Polylang, TranslatePress, Weglot and GTranslate. They differ in how they store translations, how they handle SEO and whether they rely on human or machine translation. This guide compares the main options and explains how to combine a plugin with a professional translation workflow.
What to Look For in a WordPress Translation Plugin
- SEO support: separate URLs per language, translated metadata and hreflang tags.
- Translation method: manual, machine, or both, with the ability to edit.
- Compatibility: page builders, WooCommerce, themes and other plugins.
- Export and import: the option to send content to professional translators as XLIFF or similar files.
- Performance: impact on page speed and database size.
- Pricing model: one-time, yearly license or word-based subscription.
The Main WordPress Translation Plugins
WPML
WPML is one of the oldest and most complete multilingual plugins for WordPress. It supports posts, pages, custom types, WooCommerce and string translation, and can export content for professional translation. Best for complex sites and agencies that need full control.
Polylang
Polylang is lightweight and has a free version. Each language version is a separate post linked to the others. Best for smaller sites and teams comfortable with manual work.
TranslatePress
TranslatePress lets you translate directly on the front end with a visual editor. Best for small business sites that want an intuitive interface.
Weglot
Weglot is a cloud service that detects content, machine-translates it and serves translated pages. Best for teams that want a fast setup and do not mind a subscription based on word count.
GTranslate
GTranslate offers a free machine-translated language switcher and paid plans with SEO-indexable translations. Best for basic needs and quick tests.
Quick Comparison
| Plugin | Approach | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| WPML | Full multilingual framework, export for translators | Complex sites, WooCommerce, agencies |
| Polylang | Linked posts per language, free core | Smaller sites, manual workflows |
| TranslatePress | Visual front-end editing | Small business sites |
| Weglot | Cloud-based, automatic translation | Fast setup, subscription budget |
| GTranslate | Machine translation switcher | Basic or test setups |
Features and pricing change frequently, so check each plugin's official page before you decide.
Plugins Handle Display, Not Quality
A plugin decides how translated content is stored and shown. It does not guarantee good translations. For a professional result, export content from the plugin, translate it in a translation management system with translation memory, glossary and review, then import it back. This keeps terminology consistent across hundreds of pages and avoids paying twice for repeated content.
Translating Themes and Plugins Themselves
Theme and plugin strings in WordPress are stored in PO and MO files using gettext. If you need to translate a theme or plugin interface, read our guide on how to translate PO files. The WordPress project also documents the process in its plugin internationalization handbook.
WordPress Translation Workflow That Scales
- Install a multilingual plugin and set up your languages and URL structure.
- Export content as XLIFF or another supported format.
- Translate in a TMS with translation memory, a term base and AI pre-translation.
- Review key pages in context.
- Import translations and check SEO settings and hreflang.
- Repeat for new and updated content.
For the full picture of planning a multilingual site, see how to translate a website.
WordBeam for WordPress Sites
WordBeam works alongside your WordPress plugin. Import exported XLIFF, PO, CSV or JSON files, translate with DeepL, GPT, Claude or Grok plus your glossary and translation memory, review in one editor and export files ready to import. Try it free for 14 days with 10,000 words; plans start at $25 per month on the WordBeam pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best WordPress translation plugin?
It depends on your site. WPML suits complex sites, Polylang suits smaller budgets, TranslatePress offers visual editing and Weglot offers the fastest setup.
Are machine-translated WordPress pages good for SEO?
They can be indexed, but unreviewed machine translation can hurt quality and conversions. Review important pages before publishing.
Can I use a TMS with a WordPress plugin?
Yes. Most professional plugins can export content as XLIFF or other files that you translate in a TMS and import back.