Best AI for translating (2026): Google, DeepL or an assistant
A comparison of AI tools for translating text and documents: Google Translate, DeepL and assistants such as ChatGPT or Gemini. Free limits, formats and when to use each.
Date checked: 16 October 2026. Limits and plans change; check the official site.
| Google Translate | DeepL (free) | AI assistant (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude…) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free; paid plans with higher limits | Free version with limits |
| Documents | .docx, .pdf, .pptx, .xlsx up to 10 MB; PDF ≤ 300 pages | 1 file a month, up to 5 MB | Depends on plan and size |
| Text | No limit published in the help | 50,000 characters a month | Per usage limits |
| Mobile | Documents on computer only | App and web | App and web |
| Best at | Free and fast for whole files | Glossary (1) and formal/informal tone | Adapting tone, explaining and checking |
What to use when
- A whole document, free: Google Translate, on a computer. Text in images and scans isn’t translated.
- Text with careful tone (formal or informal): DeepL, which lets you choose.
- Adapting, not just translating: an AI assistant. Ask it to keep figures and names and flag doubts.
- Official procedures: sworn translation, never AI alone.
Step by step in translate documents with AI. And don’t paste sensitive data.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best free AI for translating?
For whole documents, Google Translate is free and supports .docx, .pdf, .pptx and .xlsx up to 10 MB. Free DeepL allows 1 file a month up to 5 MB.
Does DeepL train on my texts?
DeepL states that on its paid plans it doesn’t use texts to train its models.
Keep reading
Sources
Change log
- : First published with Google Translate help and DeepL plans checked on 16/10/2026.
Educational content, prepared with the help of AI tools, with sources cited. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Tools change fast: if you spot something out of date, write to us at contacto@cognenza.com. How we work.