AI translation
DeepL: review, pricing, data and alternatives
DeepL translates texts and documents, applies terminology glossaries and adjusts formality. It serves people who want to translate their content, use a glossary or rephrase a text. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs €7.49 per month. Access and transparency score: 90/100, #1 of 5 in its category.
What is DeepL?
DeepL translates texts and documents, applies terminology glossaries and adjusts formality. It serves people who want to translate their content, use a glossary or rephrase a text.
According to its documentation, DeepL lets you:
- translate texts
- translate documents
- apply a terminology glossary
- adjust the level of formality
- rephrase a text
We file it under AI translation, the category of tools to translate texts and documents, and it also overlaps with grammar and paraphrasing. The category lists 5 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is DeepL SE, based in Germany. The service launched in 2017, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: translators and content writers. The need it covers is simple to state: translate texts and documents.
DeepL is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
- you also work from your phone
The best test is a concrete case from your daily work: if the tool does not beat your current method within a week, move on to an alternative.
How much does DeepL cost?
Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs €7.49 per month (Individual, monthly equivalent with annual billing; price displayed for Germany), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
Per month, that is close to the category median ($6.99 per month, based on tools with a published price).
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
According to its privacy policy, data is processed in several regions depending on the plan.
Exporting your content: Fichiers traduits, notamment DOCX, PDF et PPTX. Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
DeepL runs on: web browser, Windows, macOS, iPhone and iPad, Android, browser extension, and API.
The interface is available in 9 languages.
A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.
How we scored it
Our 90/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 30/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 20/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 40/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
DeepL against other tools in the aI translation category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeepL | Yes | €7.49 per month | Yes | 90 |
| Smartling | Yes | $0.01 pay as you go | Yes | 65 |
| Google Traduction | Yes | not published | – | 58 |
| Reverso | Yes | €77.88 per year | Yes | 55 |
| X-doc AI | Yes | not published | Yes | 53 |
Verdict
DeepL is among the most accessible and transparent tools in its category.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public API
- Established since 2017
- Available on many platforms
Alternatives
- Smartlingfree tier
- Google Traductionfree tier
- Reversofree tier
- X-doc AIfree tier
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is DeepL free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs €7.49 per month.
Where is DeepL data stored?
According to the publisher, in several regions depending on the plan.
Does DeepL have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to DeepL?
In the same category: Smartling, Google Traduction, Reverso, and X-doc AI.
DeepL or Smartling: which one to choose?
DeepL starts at €7.49 per month, Smartling at $0.01 pay as you go and our score is 90/100 for DeepL and 65/100 for Smartling. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score