8 Best Translator Earbuds That Work in Real-Time

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A world without language barriers – this is what language translator devices offer. But in the last decade or so, technology has become even more advanced. Now, we can get real-time ear-to-ear translations with translator earbuds.

Knowing the local language in the countries you’re traveling to can make your travels so much more enjoyable. It can help you better understand the culture, strike up a conversation with locals, make new friends, and have a generally comfortable time exploring different places.

But not everyone has the time to learn new languages. Language translator devices like translator earbuds can solve this problem. It’s convenient, can be used on the go, and won’t take up too much space in your luggage.

How translator earbuds work

Two-way translations

Some of these products provide real-time two-way translations by sharing a pair of earbuds. You can speak and hear live translations on each earphone. Earbuds like Timekettle’s WT2 Edge/W3 and ANFIER’s M6 work like this.

However, some earbuds like the Google Pixel Buds can only be used by one person. The other speaker must speak into the phone’s microphone then the wearer of the earbuds will hear the translation. Still two-way but you don’t share a pair of earbuds.

Mobile app

All earbuds listed here require pairing with a mobile app. Usually, transcripts of the translations are saved in the app.

Response time and accuracy

These vary per device but most translator earbuds have a response time of 0.5 seconds to 3 seconds.

Perfect translations are still a long way off but some achieve up to 95% accuracy rate which is definitely better than playing charades with people you just met.

Multi-function

Some translator earbuds also work like other earphones do, meaning they can take calls and can be used for listening to music and other audio.

The best translator earbuds for real-time translations

1. Timekettle WT2 Edge/W3 Language Translator

One can’t talk about translator earbuds and not mention Timekettle’s WT2 Edge/W3 Language Translator. An upgraded version of the award-winning WT2, the WT2 Edge/W3 is recognized as one of the best language translation earbuds in the market.

This real-time translation device comes in a compact case with two earphones inside that work with the Timekettle app. Just separate the case and share the other earphone with the person you’re conversing with.

The WT2 Edge translator earbuds work in four ways. The Simul mode allows simultaneous two-way conversations in quiet environments. The Touch mode is ideal for noisy environments. Simply touch the earbuds to speak, and touch again to translate.

The Speaker mode requires only one person to wear one earphone. The speaker just needs to hold his phone for the other person to hear the translation aloud or read the text, which is kind of how some handheld translation devices work. This is perfect for quick inquiries like asking for directions. The Listen mode offers a one-way translation of speeches.

Check the price of this device.

Key features:

• Supports 40 languages and 93 accents
• 0.5-3 seconds voice recognition and translation
• Accuracy rate of up to 95% using Google, Microsoft, and iFlytek translations engines
• Offline translation for 8 languages
• Smart noise reduction and 12-hour battery

2. JoveTrans Lite Translator Earbuds

If you’re looking for a multipurpose earphone translator, JoveTrans is for you. It doesn’t merely offer fast and real-time translations in 26 languages; it can also be used for music listening and as a voice assistant.

JoveTrans’ translation function is driven by AI so it’s fast, accurate, and improves the more you use it. It also comes with transcripts so you can review and study the translations at a later time.

While the WT2 is designed to be used solely for translations, JoveTrans is made for day-to-day usage. Since it has phone and music compatibility, you can answer calls with it, listen to music and podcasts, and do voice commands via Google Assistant and Siri.

And these earbuds don’t look bad either. They’re well-designed, available in three attractive colors, and are also water-resistant.

Check the price of this device.

Key features:

• Supports translations between 26 languages with text transcription
• Active noise cancellation
• Superior, crisp sound quality
• 8 hours of continuous listening time
• Can be used to answer calls, listen to music, and for voice commands

3. Google Pixel Buds

One of the best options for Android users is the Google Pixels Buds. Like JoveTrans, this pair of earphones not only features translation functionality. It also works as a regular earphone that you can use for music, calls, and to operate Google Assistant.

However, where it truly shines is in its real-time translation.

You can either ask Google Assistant to help you translate a language then it will pull up Google Translate on your phone. Or you can launch the app by yourself.

You set the two languages, touch hold either earbud as you speak in your language, and release when you’re done. Your phone will read the translation aloud. The person you’re speaking to can also respond in his/her language and speak into your phone’s microphone. The translation will then be played back to you in your earbuds.

Check the price of this device.

Key features:

• Fast and accurate translations for 40 languages via Google Translate
• Noise reduction
• Sweat and water-resistant
• Up to 5 hours listening time
• Supports Google Assistant, calls, and listening to music, podcasts, and other audio

4. Timekettle M2 Language Translator Earbuds

Winner of the CES 2021 Innovation Award, Timekettle’s M2 Language Translator Earbuds is a step ahead of the WT2 model. Aside from its live translation capability, it also supports high-definition voice calls and music playback.

Like the WT2, the M2 translation earbuds support two-way translations for 40 languages and 93 unique accents with a 1-3 seconds response time.

It also provides offline translations for 8 languages. (If access without WiFi is important to you, check this list of offline translator devices.)

Similarly, all three modes (Simul, Touch, and Speaker) are available on M2.

These earbuds also feature smart sensors for translations, calls, music, and voice assistant. It’s also sweat-proof and comes with upgraded battery life with 6 hours of listening time.

Check the price of this device.

Key features:

• Real-time, two-way translations for 40 languages and 93 accents
• Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.0 for crystal clear audio for music and calls
• Offline translation for 8 languages
• 3 translation modes
• Secure-fit ergonomic design and sweat-proof

5. ANFIER M3 Translator Earbuds

Another multi-function pair of earbuds, ANFIER’s M3 Translator recognizes 74 languages and 70 accents. What’s more, it can reach up to 97% accuracy in its translations. Since it uses multiple servers worldwide, it can translate in as fast as 0.5 seconds.

The ANFIER M3 Translator buds support two-way translations via its Touch mode. Each person can wear an earphone for simultaneous translations.

It also has a Speaker mode which requires only one earbud along with the speaker’s phone, as well as Free Talk mode, Offline mode, and photo translation. Moreover, the app transcribes and translates speech to text in real-time.

Check the price of this device.

Key features:

• Live translation and transcript for 74 languages and 70 accents
• Five modes for translations
• 5 hours of continuous use
• High-fidelity stereo sound for calls and music
• Secure-fit compact and comfortable earbuds

6. Timekettle M3 Language Translator Earbuds

The newest in Timekettle’s line of earbud translators, M3 is a 3-in-1 translator device that supports translations, music, and phone calls!

Aside from the standard real-time translations for 40 languages, this device can also translate in 13 languages offline. It comes with three modes: touch mode, listen mode, and speaker mode.

A solid upgrade to the M2 translator, M3 also features high-precision active noise cancellation, a 25-hour battery life, and an ergonomic design. Pretty neat, huh?

Check the price of this device.

Key features:

• Two-way translations for 40 languages and 93 accents
• 13 offline languages
• Response time of less than 1 second
• Supports music playback and calls
• Noise reduction

7. Sanpyl Language Translator Earbuds

These wireless earbuds by Sanpyl boast impressive features, translating conversations in real-time across 84 languages. Powered by six leading translation engines, Sanpyl strives for translation accuracy of up to 98%.

The earbuds offer multiple translation modes for various scenarios. Need to have a natural back-and-forth conversation? “Wandering Earth Mode” allows seamless translation without needing to press any buttons. Traveling solo and want to understand announcements or lectures? The earbuds can pick up external audio and translate it in real-time through “Simultaneous Interpretation Mode”.

Sanpyl Translator Earbuds also double as regular Bluetooth earbuds for listening to music or making calls.

Check the price of this device.

Key features:

• Translates 84 languages
• Three translation modes
• Fast and accurate translations
• Doubles as a headset for listening to music and making/taking calls

8. SabertoothPro VLT450 Smart Voice Language Translator

The SabertoothPro Smart Voice Language Bluetooth Translator is one of the newest translator earbuds in the market. Unlike others on this list, it doesn’t come as a two-piece set. Instead, you get one sleek black earbud and a tiny case.

Still, it can provide two-way translations with the help of the TranslatorPro app. In fact, this translator offers six translation modes: face-to-face, direct talk, group chat, meeting, broadcast, and language tutor. It can translate to 44 languages in real-time and 60 languages in offline text.

This translator can work for three hours straight, which isn’t bad if you’re using it for a business meeting.

Check the price of this device.

Key features:

• Real-time translation for 44 languages
• Offline text translations for 60 languages
• Lightweight
• Broadcast and meeting modes
• Standby time of 120 hours and continuous working time of 3 hours

Handheld translator devices vs. translator earbuds

If you’ve read our article about handheld language translator and pen translator devices, you’d know that such devices are convenient during travels and business meetings. They also help with language learning.

The same is true for translator earbuds or headsets, except handheld translators typically operate as stand-alone devices. Earbuds, on the other hand, are Bluetooth-operated and require pairing with mobile apps.

If you like the idea of a pocket-sized device that won’t drain your smartphone’s battery, go for a handheld language translator device.

But if you like wearable tech or simply like ear-to-ear translations, translator earbuds are definitely the cool option. In addition, if you want your money’s worth, those with voice calls and music compatibility may serve you better.

So, have you made your choice? Which of these translator earbuds appealed to you? Make sure you get one before your next overseas adventure!