---
title: "Google Translate → Kagi Translate, DeepL"
url: https://perrotta.dev/2026/03/google-translate-kagi-translate-deepl/
last_updated: 2026-03-10
---


[Previously]({{< ref "2024-12-31-independence" >}}),
[previously]({{< ref "2022-04-03-translating-german-to-english" >}}).

I added a new tag to this blog: [degoogling]({{< ref "/tags/degoogling" >}}).

Patrick Dubroy's [post](https://dubroy.com/blog/de-googling/) has recently
inspired me. Ironically, we're both former Chrome employees[^1].

[^1]: [Let that sink in](https://www.dictionary.com/culture/slang/let-that-sink-in).

In Patrick's words (_not mine_!):

> Not much to say here. I got tired of Chrome's [deceptive messaging about ad
> privacy](https://www.theregister.com/2023/09/06/google_privacy_popup_chrome/)
> and about how careful I had to be to stay signed-out.
>
> Vivaldi is a Chromium-based browser, and after tweaking a few settings, it's
> basically a like-for-like replacement. I've been happily using it for 6 months
> now.

I switched over to [Brave]({{< ref "2026-01-24-chrome-brave" >}}) instead.

Previously I've also praised [Organic Maps]({{< ref "2024-02-21-organic-maps"
>}}) over Google Maps. I am still using it, every week.

This is all off-topic though: today's post is about **translation**.

Google Translate is a (very) solid product. In fact, when compared to Chrome and
Maps, it's one of the few Google products that hasn't been
[enshittified](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enshittification) yet. It does one
thing, and does it (very) well. For as long as it keeps its feature set as is
and does not get infected with Gen AI or anything that a promotion-seeking
Product Manager or Executive may decide to enact, it will continue to thrive and
shine.

Nonetheless, it does not flow well with privacy and overreliance on tech
giants.

Last week I deleted the Google Translate bookmark and [history entry]({{< ref
"2024-09-18-chromium-delete-entry-in-url-bar" >}}) from my web browser, and its
app from my iPhone.

There are two replacements I like that are widely available in both phones and
desktops.

- [DeepL](https://www.deepl.com/en/translator)
- [Kagi](https://translate.kagi.com/)

## DeepL

DeepL can:

- translate words and sentences
- translate files and documents
- translate speech

Its translation results are often touted as sounding natural and accounting for
the context. You can configure whether to use formal or informal language but
that's a Pro (paid) feature.

They are a German company, founded in
[2017](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeepL_Translator). Arguably, thanks to
that, they excel at translating DE <-> EN.

One caveat is that it pushes you hard to sign up for a user account. I do not
have one, there's no practical need to have one, especially if you're seeking
increased privacy.

Another caveat is that they have increasingly started to adopt Gen AI features
all over the place. These features aren't necessarily super polished, and they
feel rushed. It's easy to ignore them and just move on. Their core product is
great.

It can be selected as the default translation app on iOS.

## Kagi Translate

Kagi Translate is much newer
([2024](https://kagifeedback.org/d/5197-nov-7th-2024-announcing-kagi-translate)).
It is very [KISS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle).

From their blog post:

- Higher quality translations than Google Translate and DeepL
- Zero tracking, no apps needed
- Free for everyone (Kagi members get captcha-free access)

I am an overall fan of the philosophy behind [Kagi]({{< ref "2025-05-04-kagi"
>}}) and think that their translation web app fits it well.

[Last month](https://blog.kagi.com/kagi-translate-mobile) they released mobile
apps, making it much easier to use.

Kagi Translate can:

- translate words and sentences
- translate files and documents
- translate speech
- translate websites

I especially like its built-in dictionary feature and its alternative
translations suggestions.

Gen AI is opt-in and not pushed on you. There are no paid features. The
interface is very clean. You can configure it with presets such as (i) level of
formality, (ii) reading level (A1, A2, B1, etc) and (iii) gender preferences
(masculine, feminine, neutral).

## It's a wrap

As of the time of this post **Kagi Translate** is my favorite, and DeepL comes
second. Google Translate is the fallback.

Both Kagi Translate and DeepL have Chromium extensions for ease of reach and
use.