LibreTranslate
Self-hostable machine translation API and web app powered by the open-source Argos Translate engine.
Run your own offline-capable translate endpoint, or buy a managed API key.
LibreTranslate is a machine translation API and web interface you run on your own server, built on the Argos Translate engine rather than Google or Azure. It suits developers and teams who want translation inside their own network, with a paid managed API as an alternative.
What it is
Start it with pip install libretranslate and libretranslate, then POST text to /translate with source and target languages. It also has endpoints for language detection, file translation and a suggestion route, a Docker and Kubernetes install path including CUDA, Prometheus metrics, API key management and an MCP server.
Who it's for
It suits developers who need translation without sending text to a third-party cloud, and small teams that want a managed key without running servers. It is not a match for people wanting top-tier quality across every language pair, since it relies on open neural models that you download per language.
Key features
Translation REST API
POST text to /translate with source and target codes.
Built-in web interface
A browser UI for text and file translation.
Language detection
A /detect endpoint identifies the source language.
Docker and Kubernetes
Install guide covers Python, Docker, CUDA, WSGI and a Helm chart.
API key management
Docs cover creating and limiting keys for your own instance.
MCP server
Documented integration for exposing translation to AI agents.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- AGPL-3.0 engine runs entirely on your own machine and can work offline
- Simple one-endpoint API that is easy to wire into scripts
- Metrics endpoint and Helm chart suit production deployment
- Hosted option removes the server work if you prefer it
Where it falls short
- You must host, secure and update it yourself, including downloading language models
- AGPL-3.0 means that if you modify it and offer it over a network you must publish your changes
- The README contains no quality benchmarks, and translation quality depends on the Argos models
- Managed API pricing is capped by plan rate limits and the portal FAQ mentions a text length limit, so check it fits your volume
Pricing & license
Free to self-host under AGPL-3.0. The managed API at https://portal.libretranslate.com shows Pro at $29 / month (bursts up to 80 translations per minute) and Business at $58 / month (up to 200 per minute), both listed with unlimited translations and a 7-day money-back guarantee.
Open remote AI-training roles
767 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 14, 2026; most pay $20–$175 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.
Alternatives
These reviewed AI tools do the same job instantly — from our scored directory.
Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
Is LibreTranslate free?
Self-hosting is free under AGPL-3.0. The project also sells a managed API through its portal.
Does it use Google or DeepL?
No. The README says its engine is the open-source Argos Translate library and it does not rely on proprietary services.
Can I change the code and offer it as a service?
Yes under AGPL-3.0, but you must share your source changes with the users of that service.
