Picture this: you’re on a Brazilian beach and want to grab a beer but your Portuguese isn’t there just yet. While pointing and gesturing may get you what you need in some situations, there’s a far more effective (and cooler!) way of communicating in this scenario: using Portuguese translator apps.
So today’s post is basically meant to help you find the right app for you among the many great options you’ll find on the web. I’ll cover key features, highlights, and pricing for each of them to let you pick your favorite(s) based on as many details as possible.
Shall we?
Why you should rely on Portuguese translator apps
First off, an English to Portuguese translation app is usually based on a huge database that is constantly being updated with words and phrases provided by native speakers. That also means they’re increasingly more accurate, especially those that have been around for several years.
Although a few apps aiming at specific situations (e.g. traveling and business meetings) have basic layouts, the majority of them offer countless built-in functionalities that make translating intuitive and fun. In some cases, you’ll even be able to download their content for offline use.
Pricing is another fantastic asset here: apps are either free or charge an extremely affordable subscription for the more elaborate resources.
And if you’re the kind of person who would rather understand words and expressions inside a context rather than outright translate them (good for you!), you can always use Portuguese translator apps to double-check a meaning and hone your pronunciation skills.
By the way, I know I’m assuming you’re studying Portuguese. Yet if you’re simply interested in interacting more easily with locals on your next trip to a Portuguese-speaking country, these apps will be perfect for you too.
How to pick a Portuguese translator app
I’ll outline the key requirements any translator app worth the name should meet, though of course your own learning needs are a major factor. So do go ahead and try as many apps as you like before settling for one of them!
Functionalities: This is perhaps the single most important thing for judging the efficacy of an app. Depending on what you need it for, some built-in features will be more useful than others. Compare text scanning and bookmarking tools, in-app dictionaries, as well as voice-to-text systems before making up your mind.
Accuracy: I vetted all of the apps before adding them to our list. Still, as you study Portuguese you’ll notice how a ton of other apps on the market will often give you awkward or plain wrong translations. That’s particularly problematic for beginners who are struggling to get what actually sounds idiomatic.
User experience: A layout that is clogged with useless tools can be a turn-off for the most dedicated of students. You’ll want everything you need to be three clicks away, tops. This is the most personal point on our list, but it’s definitely one you’ll have to pay attention to if you want the app to draw you in instead of driving you away.
Pricing: If you’re not willing to invest in an app right now, don’t panic. Most of the ones I’ve picked are either totally or partially free. And even those that aren’t will give you free trials for three to seven days so you’ll know exactly what you’ll be purchasing.
Geographic range: This will hardly be an issue if you live in North America or Western Europe, though it’s possible you won’t be able to download a few of these apps depending on your location. So before you get excited about one of these options, make sure it’s available in your country!
Greatest Portuguese translator apps on the market
1. Google Translate
With dozens of useful tools (e.g. voice-to-text, translating scanned and handwritten text, as well as a conversation in real-time), Google Translate has consistently been one of the most trustworthy translation resources out there.
While It’s just a coincidence it is the first entry on our list (which is in alphabetical order), the app does deserve the spotlight. Google has been steadily improving the accuracy of its software’s translations since it was released almost 20 years ago, so the database is simply huge nowadays.
Google Translate supports more than 100 languages. Just bear in mind when you translate English to Portuguese the results are in Brazilian Portuguese by default. That said, most of the time it’ll show several alternatives (including one or two in European Portuguese).
Why you’ll love Google Translate:
- You get an ad-free and clear interface
- It translates text from pictures instantly
- It provides alternative translations in European Portuguese
For iOS, Android, and web browser
Pricing: Free
2. iTranslate Translator
I can’t get enough of iTranslate’s extremely user-friendly and I daresay beautiful layout. Aesthetics aside, it boasts a highly-rated voice-to-text tool and offers both European and Brazilian Portuguese language packages.
The app’s bookmarking option will help you memorize every word and expression you learn, whereas the built-in dictionary is remarkably comprehensive.
Overall, the one thing you might find iffy about iTranslate is that a bunch of its nicest features (like the real-time translation and the offline mode) are nowhere to be found on the free version of the app.
Why you’ll love iTranslate:
- It’s available in both European and Brazilian Portuguese
- You can download language packages to use offline
- A built-in dictionary and thesaurus are included
For iOS, Android, and web browser
Pricing: You’ll have access to all the essential features for free. Otherwise you can pick a pro plan for $5.99 a month, $9.99 (two months), or $69.99/year.
3. Linguee
Linguee is another app that provides translations in both European and Brazilian Portuguese — and it’s extremely accurate at that. It focuses on good ole written translations, so travelers in need of a quick fix should look into another option.
Still, Linguee is hard to beat when it comes to examples in context and the several alternatives it’ll give you for every word and phrase.
Plus, each time there’s something on your clipboard as you open the app, it’ll ask if you want to translate that. When you’re typing on such a tiny keyboard, that’s quite an asset.
Why you’ll love Linguee:
- Portuguese usage will become way clearer to you
- It can copy from your clipboard automatically
- You’ll get to translate from and to multiple languages
For iOS, Android, and web browser
Pricing: Free
4. Microsoft Translator
Microsoft Translator ranks highly among reliable and popular translation apps, and for good reason. Better yet, it lets you translate entire web pages and text messages too.
It features a split-screen tool for translating conversations instantly as well; you won’t even have to pause before the person you’re talking to starts to speak.
On top of that, you’ll be able to take part in chats with up to 100 people and of course have all interactions translated on the spot. That’s truly groundbreaking in multilingual exchanges in academia and the business environment.
The tool allows you to speed up translations so you can skip the parts you understood thoroughly if you’ve already mastered basic or intermediate Portuguese.
Why you’ll love Microsoft Translator:
- Its multilingual group chat tool is just unrivaled
- It’s available for offline use
- It features both European and Brazilian Portuguese
For iOS, Android, and web browser
Pricing: The personal version is free.
5. Reverso
Reverso is far more than a translation app; complete as it is with flashcards and a phrasebook, it’s a language learning app in its own right.Â
It currently supports 18 languages, which can be underwhelming if your mother tongue isn’t widely spoken around the planet.
Also, when translating from English to Portuguese, you’ll have to check out the source to be sure if that’s European or Brazilian Portuguese. That’s because all translations are sourced from web pages.
Reverso boasts a few precious tools, like search history, a native pronunciation guide, and the possibility of using the app offline.
Why you’ll love Reverso:
- It gives you in-context results in Brazilian and European Portuguese
- Its pronunciation tool is one of the most accurate out there
- You can create your own wordlists
For iOS, Android, and web browser
Pricing: While regular features are free, premium plans start at $3.49 a month.
6. SayHi
Amazon was the latest tech giant to venture into the translation app arena. The result will please travelers and the business crowd alike.
Unless you slur your words, chances are whatever you say will be transcribed flawlessly, then rendered into an idiomatic written translation that can also be reproduced out loud.
One thing I love about SayHi is the possibility of picking a regional dialect in many languages (including Portuguese and as many as seven English dialects).
Why you’ll love SayHi:
- It includes many local variants, and not only in Portuguese
- It has an extremely smooth layout
- Results sound very idiomatic
Pricing: Free
7. Scan & Translate+ Text Grabber
Scan & Translate+ recognizes text in over 70 languages and translates into 90+ languages. Each translation is saved in your history and easily shared on social media, via SMS, or by email.
The app’s text recognition system is quite unrivaled, but it won’t let you do much without subscribing. It is, however, more affordable than the majority of similar apps.
It does have one flaw, though. While both European and Brazilian Portuguese are available, the results don’t change much between one and the other: both tend towards the Brazilian dialect.
Why you’ll love Scan & Translate+:
- The character recognition technology works fantastically well
- Yet you get to correct minor mistakes
- It lets you share your translations easily
Pricing: Monthly plans start at $7.49, and you can unlock all features for $69.99.
8. Speak & Translate
I love how Speak & Translate sources its translations from both Microsoft and Google at the same time, as those are the two largest databases on the market.
The so-called snap feature works spotlessly and translates anything from road signs to handwritten notes. What’s more, you’ll get 117 languages for written translations and 54 for spoken ones, including both European and Brazilian Portuguese.
Why you’ll love Speak & Translate:
- The Brazilian and European variants of Portuguese are available
- It supports 117 languages for text and 54 for voice translations
- Translations are sourced from Microsoft and Google simultaneously
For iOS only
Pricing: Either $5.99 for a month or $69.99 for a year; basic features are free, though.
9. U-Dictionary Translator
The translations of U-Dictionary Translator are accurate and idiomatic, yet learners of European Portuguese should download another app, as it’s meant for Brazilian Portuguese speakers.
While it features written and voice-to-text translation, its scanning tool and instant texting translation resource are reserved for premium users.
Still, in case you have a few bucks to invest in it, you probably should: a U-Dictionary subscription includes offline use and even a grammar check resource thrown in for good measure.
Why you’ll love U-Dictionary Translator:
- Its layout is sleek like few other apps’
- The voice translation tool supports 47 accents in 33 languages
- It lets you work offline
Pricing: The weekly plan costs $4.99, and there are many other options within the app.
10. Yandex
Last but definitely not least, Yandex Translate lets you translate entire internet pages like only a few other apps.
Besides basic tools like text scanning and voice-to-tex, it has a bookmarking tool that can work wonders on your memorization skills (especially for beginners through intermediate learners).
Yandex currently covers 90+ languages. You shouldn’t think twice before trying it out, if only for a change.
Why you’ll love Yandex:
- It lets you translate an entire webpage
- The predictive text tool is quite handy
- You can bookmark words and phrases
For iOS, Android, and web browser
Pricing: Free
Final thoughts
Of course Portuguese translator apps can’t be the only tool you’ll be using as you study the language. Yet they’re simply essential to give you a better understanding of spelling, pronunciation, and especially usage.
And if you combine one or a few of these apps with podcasts and other resources to learn Portuguese you’ll be impressed by how fast you’ll master Portuguese. So much for that beer from the first paragraph; you’ll get to sip on Brazilian drinks you never even knew existed!