Weglot Vs Lokalise: Which Is Best For Shopify Translation?
Shopify store owners often want to sell to customers worldwide. To do this, you need your website in many languages. Two top tools for Shopify translation are Weglot and Lokalise. But which one fits your needs best? This guide explains both options in simple terms and helps you decide.
What Is Weglot?
Weglot is a cloud-based translation tool. It lets you quickly turn your Shopify store into a multilingual site. Weglot automatically detects your content and translates it into 100+ languages using machine translation. You can edit translations, invite team members, and manage everything from one dashboard.
What Is Lokalise?
Lokalise is a localization management platform. It is popular with developers and businesses who want more control over translations. Lokalise helps you organize, edit, and approve translations with your team. It supports many file types and can connect with your Shopify store, but setup is more technical.
Feature Comparison
Here is a side-by-side look at important features for Shopify users:
| Feature | Weglot | Lokalise |
|---|---|---|
| Integration with Shopify | Very easy, direct app | Possible, but more complex |
| Machine Translation | Automatic (Google, DeepL, etc.) | Available, but manual setup |
| Manual Editing | Simple interface | Advanced options |
| Supported Languages | 100+ | Multiple, depends on resources |
| Team Collaboration | Invite team, basic roles | Detailed roles, workflows |
| Pricing | Starts from $15/month | Starts from $120/month |
Ease Of Use
For beginners, Weglot is much easier to start. You add the Weglot app to Shopify, select your languages, and translations appear right away. Lokalise requires you to export your store’s text, upload it, and manage translations. This process is better for advanced users or those with a developer.
Translation Quality
Both tools use popular machine translation engines, but Weglot gives you instant results. You can review and improve translations, which is important for brand image. Lokalise lets you work with professional translators and set up quality checks, but it takes more time.
Pricing Differences
Price is a big factor for many Shopify stores. Weglot’s plans start at $15/month for small stores, and it scales as you grow. Lokalise’s entry pricing starts at $120/month, which may be too high for small shops. Here’s a quick look:
| Plan | Weglot | Lokalise |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $15/month | $120/month |
| Business | $29/month | $240/month |
When To Choose Weglot
- You want a fast setup
- You don’t have a developer
- You need affordable pricing
- Your store is small or medium-sized
When To Choose Lokalise
- You want full control over translations
- You have a team of translators
- Your store is large or part of a global brand
- You want to manage complex workflows
Two Insights Beginners Often Miss
- Weglot’s auto-translation can speed up global launches, but always review texts for accuracy. Simple mistakes can hurt trust.
- Lokalise can slow down your launch if you don’t have translation experience. Projects can get stuck waiting for manual approvals.
Real-world Example
A small fashion store in Spain used Weglot to reach French and German customers in one day. They saw a 20% increase in international sales. If they had used Lokalise, setup would have taken much longer without a dedicated team.
For more about localization tools, see Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Weglot Or Lokalise Better For Beginners?
Weglot is easier for beginners because it needs no coding. You can set up translations in minutes from the Shopify app store.
Can I Edit Translations With Both Tools?
Yes, both allow manual editing. Weglot has a simple editor, while Lokalise gives more options for large teams.
Does Lokalise Work Directly With Shopify?
Lokalise can connect to Shopify, but it usually needs a developer or technical help to set up.
Which Tool Supports More Languages?
Both support many languages. Weglot offers over 100, while Lokalise’s number depends on the translation files you use.
Is Machine Translation Enough For My Store?
Machine translation is a good start, but always check important pages manually. Small errors can confuse customers or hurt your reputation.
Choosing between Weglot and Lokalise depends on your store size, budget, and technical skills. If you want simple and fast, Weglot is best for most Shopify users. If you need more control and have a team, Lokalise is a strong option.
