🌍 Best translation tools: DeepL, Google Translate, Google Lens and ChatGPT

Four different ways to translate

Translation tools now come in two types. Traditional translation services such as DeepL and Google Translate are built purely for translating: paste in text and get a translation instantly. AI assistants such as ChatGPT can translate and also adjust the tone, explain expressions and tailor the message to the reader. Then there are camera-based tools like Google Lens that translate text straight from an image. Read more about everyday use in our guide to translation and travel.

Comparison at a glance

Who should choose what?

You translate emails and documents: DeepL

DeepL usually produces the most natural text into and out of Finnish. It can translate whole Word and PDF files while keeping the formatting, which is handy for understanding a foreign manual or contract. On the paid plan your texts aren't stored, which matters for businesses.

You're travelling: Google Translate and Google Lens

Google Translate is a traveller's best friend. Download the language pack for your destination in advance and translation works without an internet connection. In conversation mode you can speak into the phone and it says the same thing out loud in another language. Google Lens overlays translations on the camera view of a menu, train ticket or medicine box.

You want the message to sound right: ChatGPT

When a plain translation isn't enough, an AI assistant is best. You can ask: “Translate this into English and make it a polite but short message to the hotel.” ChatGPT can also explain why a phrase was translated a certain way. Claude and Gemini do the same.

What about calls and conversations?

On the newest phones you can also translate during a call. Samsung's Galaxy AI can interpret calls in real time, and in ChatGPT's and Gemini's voice mode you can ask the assistant to act as an interpreter between two people. That's handy when calling a hotel abroad or chatting with a neighbour you don't share a language with. Spoken translation is less accurate than written, especially with background noise. Speak calmly in short sentences and confirm important details like prices and times in writing. Language support varies, so try the feature at home first.

The limits of machine translation

Machine translation is now so good that it's easy to trust it too much. AI can still mistranslate a word, drop a “not” or change a sentence's meaning in a way that's hard to spot if you don't know the target language. Always double-check numbers, dates, names and technical terms.

Three tips for better translations

• Write clearly. Short, complete sentences translate better than dialect or long clauses.
• Check by translating back. Translate the result back and see whether the meaning survived.
• Give context. Tell an AI assistant who the text is for and where it will be used.

A combination often works best: translate first with DeepL, then ask an AI assistant to polish the tone. When travelling, Google Translate and Lens sit conveniently on the same phone.