Are you trying to decide between WordPress WPML vs Polylang? We’ll cover their core features in this article!
If you're looking for a way to translate your WordPress website into multiple languages, you've likely come across two popular plugins: WPML and Polylang. Both are powerful solutions for creating a multilingual website. However, it can be hard to know which option is right for you.
Fortunately, by understanding how these two tools compare, you can determine which will better fit your needs. Then, you can translate your site and start reaching a global audience.
In this article, we'll look at a few features that you may want to consider when selecting from the best WordPress translation plugins. Then, we'll compare Polylang vs WPML performance in three vital areas to help you find an excellent match. Let's get started!
What to look for in a translation plugin
For users of WordPress, Polylang vs WPML is a common question. To help you choose, you might want to consider your site's unique needs. One example is whether a tool offers manual or automatic translations.
With a manual solution, you'll need to provide translations yourself. This can lead to more accurate and localized results. Nevertheless, it also takes a lot of time. Plus, if you're not fluent in your target language, you'll have to hire a professional translator. Such services can be very expensive.
Alternatively, you can choose an automatic translation solution. These tools go through your site independently and supply the translated content. While this can be quicker and easier than the manual option, it may also lead to a few errors.
Furthermore, it's important to consider what parts of your site your translation plugin will work with. For example, you may want to make sure that aspects such as your tags, file uploads, and forms will be converted into your target language, not just your blog posts and pages.
Once you understand what to look for, you can start considering some leading WordPress translation plugins. One of the most popular plugins is WPML:
WPML offers plans for large and small sites alike. Its developers have tried to make it as easy to use as possible without losing any functionality. Pricing plans start at $29 per year.
Another option is the equally powerful Polylang:
Polylang focuses on simplicity and flexibility. Its pricing plans start at €99 per year, or around $121. Additionally, Polylang offers a free version of its plugin, which can be perfect if you'd like to try it before investing.
WordPress WPML vs Polylang: key elements compared
If you're trying to compare WPML to Polylang, here are a few important aspects to consider.
1. Available languages (and how you can manage them)
Language can be an effective tool for reaching new audiences. As such, having many options for elements such as multilingual forms may be important to you. While WPML, Polylang, and other plugins are designed for translation, their exact qualities tend to differ.
WPML offers over 60 translation services. So it can be an efficient choice if your preferred language is already included. Furthermore, you can add a new language if it isn't already pre-configured.
On the other hand, Polylang comes with over 50 languages. While you can add your own, you can also customize existing ones. This can be helpful if you'd like to change the locale or text direction.
In terms of management, both programs offer automatic and manual translation. However, each plugin does so in a different way.
With WPML, you will need to buy the $79 per year plan to manage translations from your WordPress dashboard. You might not want to upgrade if this is the only advanced feature you need.
Polylang's manual translation features, by contrast, are only available through a third-party plugin. You'll have to create and link a Lingotek account to use them:
Lingotek itself is free. However, it can still be an obstacle if you want to limit the number of plugins on your site.
2. Ease of use and support
Just like features such as searchable databases, small conveniences in your translation plugin can make a big difference. Both WPML and Polylang provide setup wizards. Furthermore, WPML also gives you detailed instructions for more complex matters like translating your URLs.
Polylang does not offer similar help. Additionally, it doesn't have the most intuitive interface. For example, this will be your in-editor module after activating the program:
To fully understand how to operate Polylang, you will probably need to make good use of its support documentation. Fortunately, the developers have crafted a small, detailed list of resources to help you out. You can also reach out to the team directly for assistance.
Nevertheless, WPML generally has better support. You can contact trained staff members and receive a response within 12 hours. Additionally, WPML's documentation library is larger. As such, you may want to opt for this plugin if you value support.
3. Advanced features and integrations
A translation plugin will largely serve to change your site's content into another language. However, you may also want to consider its other capabilities.
For example, images are a big part of a lot of sites. You may want to make sure that your chosen plugin can translate the important text attached. Fortunately, you can accomplish this seamlessly with WPML or Polylang.
Additionally, just as with other sites that collect money, e-commerce sites often have unique needs. If you're deciding between the Polylang vs WPML WooCommerce abilities, both will require a premium version. With WPML, you'll need to upgrade to the $79 per year plan:
As for Polylang, you'll need to purchase its WooCommerce integration add-on:
Polylang for WooCommerce is an extra €99 ($121) per year and will provide you with translations that have been optimized for e-commerce. Given the difference in the premium versions, you may also want to consider Polylang Pro vs WPML specifically.
And rest assured, the Formidable team has you covered with integrations with both WPML and Polylang. With both options, you can create multilingual forms with ease.
4. WPML vs Polylang performance
Whenever you add plugins to a WordPress site, you should be aware of how they affect site performance and page speed.
According to performance tests run by the WP Rocket team, WPML and Polylang are neck to neck. Both plugins add very little load to the baseline memory and database queries. Polylang came out just a touch ahead of WPML on performance.
Wrapping up on WPML vs Polylang
When it comes to the question of WPML vs Polylang for WordPress, there's no easy answer. Your site is unique, and one plugin may suit it better than the other. Fortunately, you can come to that decision by comparing the features of each option.
In this article, we covered three key areas of WPML vs Polylang to consider:
- The language options available and how you can manage them.
- How easy it is to use the plugin and contact support.
- What advanced features and integrations it gives you.
Read more about translating WordPress forms
How to Create Multilingual Forms in WordPress
Why You Need to Translate Your WordPress Forms
4 Best Translation Plugins for WordPress [Compared]Ready to create forms that will look amazing in any language? Our team has you covered. Check out Formidable Forms plugin to get started today!
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