Google Translation vs Apple Translation vs Microsoft Translation: Comparison of features, accuracy and integration – Times of India

Every operating system or service, whether it is from Google, Microsoft or Apple, comes with its own version of translation feature. Google has its Google Translate, Microsoft has Microsoft Translator and Apple has its Apple Translator app.
All three of them come well integrated in the respective ecosystem. For instance, Apple Translate works system-wide on iPhone and iPad, Google has integrated the translation feature on Android, Google Search, Google Lens, ChromeOS, etc. Similarly, Microsoft has integrated the translator tool in Bing search, Windows 11, Edge browsers, Teams,etc.
While the basic task of these three translator services is the same – to translate things into different languages. But, they are different in their own way. So, here we compare all three of them based on the features they offer, integration and accuracy. Read on:
Features and integration
Feature-wise all three of them offer more or less similar options. However, there are certain things that one offers and other does not. For instance, the Apple Translate app does not offer camera support, while the other two has a camera mode which allows users to simply click an image and translate the text into the language of their choice. Google Translate take this a little further by offering real-time translation using the camera mode.
Other features which are common among these three apps include conversation translation, text translation and reading aloud the translated text.
Microsoft Translator’s conversation mode also let users pair multiple devices together and use the app to interact with people one-on-one or in larger groups.
Google is everywhere and so is the Google Translate app. From translating a website to translating an email in Gmail, the Translate app can do all of them. In addition to that, it is also integrated in Google Lens which allows users to capture text and translate it in real time.
Microsoft isn’t far behind when it comes to features. The company has also integrated its translation service on Windows right within the Start menu. Also, the Edge browser comes with built-in Microsoft Translator as well.
But the story does not end there. Microsoft has recently added real-time translation support for their Teams app on mobile where the app automatically translates the voice into desired language.
Platform support
Apple Translator is strictly limited to the Apple ecosystem and works on iPhone, iPad and Mac. On the other hand, the other Microsoft and Google are open with their service. For instance, if you are an Apple user and use Chrome or Edge as your default web browser, you can use the translation tool from both the companies.
Talking about platform support, Google and Microsoft offer translate app for iOS and iPadOS along with Android operating system. But, Apple only has the translator app available on iPhone and iPad. There’s no app for Mac. Google Translate also does not have an app for Windows, but it can be accessed via web or on Chrome browser.
Microsoft Translator, on the other hand, is available for Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows and web.
Accuracy and language support
Apple once again falls short here. While Apple has announced accuracy improvements and more language support. However, it is yet to arrive to users. As of the moment, Apple’s voice-based translation feature isn’t as accurate as the other two. It also does not offer regional language support.
Google Translator, on the other hand, is the best of the bunch. The voice recognition is impressively accurate and the translation speed is also fast. It even manages to understand voices with accents. Also, it supports a wide range of languages including Hindi and regional languages.
Microsoft Translator is also good at recognising voices, but it isn’t as fast as Google. However, it does support multiple languages including regional languages.