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AI vs Human vs Hybrid Translation Cost Calculator for SaaS
Estimate what AI, hybrid and human translation would cost for your product. Enter your app UI word count, languages and content scope to see initial and monthly translation ranges side by side, using the same disclosed assumptions as our full cost planner.
Compare AI, hybrid and human translation costs
Calculated in your browser with the same assumptions as our cost planner. Nothing you enter is saved or sent.
| Method | Initial translation | Monthly translation |
|---|---|---|
| AI translation | $28 – $180 | $0 – $9 |
| Hybrid (AI + human review) | $370 – $1,100 | $60 – $160 |
| Professional human translation | $920 – $2,700 | $120 – $300 |
Scope: about 4,400–5,800 source words across 2 languages (8,800–11,600 translated words). Engineering for internationalization is separate: about 15–45 hours, $1,350 – $4,050. Legal pages are always priced as professional human translation.
Mix we would plan for this scope
- App UI: Hybrid (AI + human review). AI drafts plus human post-editing combine automation with review. Quality and savings depend on the language, context, and extent of editing.
- Marketing site: Hybrid (AI + human review). Marketing copy needs a natural tone. Have a professional post-edit AI drafts, especially headlines and pricing.
Recommended mix: initial translation $370 – $1,100, monthly translation $60 – $160.
Refine these answers in the full planner →These are planning assumptions, not supplier quotes or market averages. Review effort, tool subscriptions, QA and the work around translation are not included here. See the methodology.
How the comparison works
Cost scales with source words multiplied by the number of target languages, then by a per-word rate for the method and a language multiplier. Small orders can trigger minimum charges, and monthly cost depends on how much text changes with each release. The ranges reflect uncertainty in marketing and documentation volumes. Read the methodology for every formula and assumption.
When each method fits
- AI translation: low-risk, high-volume text where occasional errors are acceptable and automated checks are in place.
- Hybrid: product UI and help content where meaning matters and a reviewer can edit against the source.
- Human: legal text, payments and brand-critical marketing copy where errors are costly.
Our AI vs human translation guide explains review effort and risk by content type, and the SaaS localization cost guide shows worked budget examples and hidden costs.
What this calculator leaves out
Translation memory discounts, reviewer time inside your team, tool subscriptions, ongoing engineering and QA, localized assets, and market operations such as local counsel and support. Add these as separate line items; the localization checklist lists the tasks behind them.
Tools for AI and hybrid workflows
AI and hybrid translation need somewhere to store drafts, assign reviews and keep a glossary. Use the localization tool finder to shortlist tools by capability. For example, SimpleLocalize’s documentation lists machine translation and review workflows; confirm plan inclusion before choosing, and you can try SimpleLocalize (affiliate link, new tab) with a single language first.
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our rankings or recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
Is AI translation always cheaper than human translation?
Not necessarily. AI drafts cost less per word, but review, rework and product QA add effort. This calculator compares modeled translation costs only; measure review effort in a pilot before assuming savings.
What does hybrid translation mean here?
An AI draft followed by post-editing by a qualified linguist against the source. It is not the same as asking another model to approve the first output.
Why are legal pages always human?
Errors in terms or privacy text carry legal risk, so the model prices them as professional human translation. Local counsel is a separate cost.
Are these quotes?
No. Rates, language multipliers, update volumes and engineering hours are disclosed planning assumptions, not market averages or supplier quotes. Request comparable quotes using the same word counts.
Is my input stored or sent anywhere?
No. The calculation runs in your browser. We only count how often the calculator is used, without any of your values.
Related
- Full localization cost planner with 11 questions and tool recommendations.
- Translation JSON checker to validate files before you send them to translators.
- Localization tool directory with dated official sources.
This page contains an affiliate link to SimpleLocalize. Affiliate relationships never affect the cost comparison or tool rankings. See the About page.