In today’s globalized world, effective communication across different languages is a vital part of both personal and business development. Businesses and individuals seeking to communicate effectively in various languages often turn to professional translation companies for assistance. In this blog post, we’ll review six of the best translation companies available, and what sets them apart. Whether you are an individual or a business, choosing the right translation service is key to breaking language barriers.

Interpreters and Translators, Inc.

Connecticut-based Interpreters and Translators, Inc. was founded in 1986 and has expanded to a full-service organization that boasts Fortune 100 companies and large healthcare networks among its clients. Best known for its client-centric approach, iTi offers customized solutions and personalized service.  iTi  uses human translators who are native speakers of the target language, works in over 250 languages and has over 10,000 contracted linguists. The company also offers language proficiency testing and training.

In 2023, the company launched “iTi Live,” a proprietary scheduling and reporting platform that allows its clients and linguists to manage assignments and access reporting online, along with other features.

iTi is an NMSDC-certified minority-owned business and has both ISO and ASTM certifications. Additionally, iTi has a GSA contract authorizing work for U.S. government agencies and federally funded projects, as well as contracts with several U.S. states.

• Pros: A reputation for going above and beyond for customers. Wide variety of services. No A.I. translation. Exceptionally high customer satisfaction scores.
• Cons: Not the least expensive company, although pricing is commensurate with the quality of services.

TransPerfect

TransPerfect, founded in 1992, has become one of the world’s largest translation companies with offices in over 90 cities worldwide. The company works in over 170 languages with more than 10,000 native-speaking linguists. TransPerfect was among the first language service companies to embrace A.I. translation tools to streamline their document translation services.

The company has a proprietary A.I. translation tool called GlobalLink, which simplifies and automates multilingual content management and localization.

TransPerfect has ISO certification and better than average customer satisfaction scores. The company works with several federal agencies and has contracts with several U.S. states.

• Pros: Many office locations in the U.S. and abroad. Wide variety of services. Notable experience with translation and localization for websites, video games, apps, etc.
• Cons: The size of the company means service may be less personalized. Some gaps with less common languages and dialects. High prices. Significant reliance on A.I. translation tools, although this may not be a con if used responsibly in tandem with human translators.  Some customers have reported that delivered documents required additional edits.

LanguageLine Solutions

LanguageLine, based in Monterey, California, works with a massive pool of over 35,000 linguists in over 290 languages. Founded in 1982, the company specializes in phone and video interpreting services, document translations, and language proficiency testing and training. They have a GSA contract and work with some state government agencies, and also have ASTM certification.

• Pros: Reasonable pricing. Large number of available languages.
• Cons: Some customers report longer timelines for translation deliveries.

ALTA Language Services

Atlanta-based ALTA has been providing language services since 1980, and is best known for “Distance Language Training,” delivered through desktop videoconferencing, including medical language proficiency assessments and interpreting.  They are ISO certified.

ALTA uses “post-edited machine translation” for its translation assignments. ALTA claims to be 100% employee-owned.

• Pros: Specialize  in a few specific fields, allowing them to focus on linguists with subject matter expertise. Reasonable pricing.  Good customer service scores.
• Cons: There are significant complaints from linguists about ALTA’s language proficiency evaluation process. Some use of A.I. translation (although some may not see this as a con).

RushTranslate

RushTranslate is an online translation company that allows users upload documents and receive translations 100% online. They specialize in translation and do not offer other language services.

• Pros: Low prices, 24-hour turnaround. A good alternative for personal document translation and one-off assignments. No use of A.I.
• Cons: Some customers report accuracy problems with finished product and not receiving documents in the stated 24-hour period.

Lionbridge

Lionbridge, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, has built a reputation as a global leader in translation and localization services since they were founded in 1996, and as of 2023 has offices in 26 countries. Offering translation in over 350 languages, Lionbridge combines human and machine translation for their assignments.

• Pros: Wide variety of languages, including rare dialects. Excellent reputation for accuracy and customer service
• Cons:  Higher prices, but commensurate with the quality of the product. Significant use of A.I. (although some may not consider this a con).

Conclusion

Choosing the right translation company is essential for effective communication across language barriers. While all the companies listed above offer high-quality services, it is essential to choose one that best suits your specific needs. For personalized service with an emphasis on quality and customer satisfaction, consider reaching out to Interpreters and Translators, Inc. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to offer you the best translation and interpretation services tailored to your requirements. Contact us today to find out how we can help you communicate effectively in a globalized world.