Hands-free conversation
iTranslate offers a voice mode where you tap to speak each turn. Universal Translator has an Auto-listen setting that keeps the microphone open, detects which of your two chosen languages is being spoken, and translates in that direction automatically. You can put the phone on the table and simply talk.
Per-speaker audio output
Universal Translator lets you pick a separate playback device for each speaker — phone speaker, headphones, or a Bluetooth earbud — so each person hears their own language. That routing choice is not part of a standard mobile translator workflow.
Talking from two different devices
Remote conversation rooms let two people in different places join the same room with a short code. Each person speaks or types in their own language and reads or hears the other side translated. iTranslate is designed around one shared handset.
Document translation
Universal Translator also translates PDF and DOCX files, with one free page per day, larger monthly allowances on Pro, and pay-per-page for one-off jobs. See pricing and plans.
Apps versus the browser
iTranslate is a native app you install from an app store. Universal Translator runs in the browser and can be installed to your home screen as a web app, so there is nothing to download before your first conversation.
Privacy
Universal Translator sends audio for translation and does not store it, shows no ads and does not sell user data. Details are in our privacy policy.
Which one should you use?
- iTranslate — a general-purpose phrasebook and lookup tool with offline packs and a large language catalogue.
- Universal Translator — real two-way conversations, hands-free listening, separate audio per speaker, remote rooms, and document translation.
See also our Google Translate comparison, the FAQ, or open Universal Translator — 5 free translations every day.