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Translation · head to head

DeepL vs MateCat

DeepL logo

DeepL

Translation

AI-powered language translation

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MateCat logo

MateCat

Translation

Free, browser-based CAT tool under the LGPL, developed and hosted by the translation company Translated

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: DeepL pricing details not displayed on homepage; requires visiting separate pricing page; MateCat the hosted version most users rely on depends on Translated srl’s continued operation and infrastructure decisions, unlike a self-run desktop tool.
  • They diverge on capability: DeepL covers 30+ languages, MateCat covers Browser-based CAT interface.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DeepL and MateCat actually diverge.

Attributes where DeepL and MateCat differ
AttributeDeepLMateCat
Pricing modelfreemiumOpen source, no licence fee
PlatformsWeb, Desktop, Mobile, ApiWeb
Founded2017Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Translation).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in DeepL

  • 30+ languages
  • Document translation
  • Glossary
  • Formal/informal toggle
  • Browser extension
  • API access
  • Desktop app
  • Web support

Only in MateCat

  • Browser-based CAT interface
  • Machine translation suggestions
  • Translation memory
  • Quality assurance checks
  • Project management
  • File translation

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

DeepL

  • ai tools managementnot MateCat
  • Workflow automationnot MateCat
  • Reportingnot MateCat

MateCat

  • A freelance translator wanting a no-install, browser-based CAT tool with built-in machine translation suggestionsnot DeepL
  • A small agency wanting basic hosted project management without paying for a commercial TMSnot DeepL
  • A translator who wants MT suggestions from multiple engines surfaced alongside translation memory matches in one interfacenot DeepL
  • A team occasionally needing quick file translation through a browser without setting up desktop softwarenot DeepL

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

DeepL

  • Pricing details not displayed on homepage; requires visiting separate pricing page
  • Free tier limitations not specified on main site

MateCat

  • The hosted version most users rely on depends on Translated srl’s continued operation and infrastructure decisions, unlike a self-run desktop tool.
  • It is developed by a commercial translation company whose own paid services sit alongside the free tool, which is worth being aware of when evaluating vendor neutrality.
  • Being browser-based, it requires a stable internet connection, unlike OmegaT’s fully offline desktop application.
  • Advanced terminology management and enterprise-scale project features are more limited than a paid commercial TMS such as memoQ or Smartling.
  • Self-hosting the open source LGPL code independently of Translated’s hosted service requires technical setup effort that most individual translators are unlikely to undertake.

Pricing, plan by plan

DeepL

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 document translations
    • 5000 characters
  • Starter$8.99/month
    • 5 documents/month
    • Unlimited text
  • Advanced$28.99/month
    • 20 documents/month
    • Glossary

MateCat

Free
  • MateCatFree
    • Free browser-based CAT tool, LGPL licensed
    • Hosted and operated by Translated srl

Which should you pick?

Choose DeepL if

  • You need 30+ languages.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile, Api.
  • You also want document translation.
DeepL review

Choose MateCat if

  • You need browser-based cat interface.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want machine translation suggestions.
MateCat review

Questions people ask

Is DeepL or MateCat better?
Neither clearly leads. DeepL starts at Free and MateCat at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DeepL or MateCat?
DeepL starts at Free and MateCat at Free.
Does DeepL or MateCat run on more platforms?
DeepL runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile, Api. MateCat runs on Web.
Can I use DeepL for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is DeepL best used for?
DeepL is most often used for ai tools management, workflow automation, reporting. Of those, ai tools management and workflow automation are not what MateCat is typically brought in for.
What can DeepL do that MateCat cannot?
DeepL covers 30+ languages, Document translation, Glossary, Formal/informal toggle. MateCat covers Browser-based CAT interface, Machine translation suggestions, Translation memory, Quality assurance checks.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

DeepL: Does DeepL offer a free version?

Yes. DeepL offers free trial access and a free API key option, plus a paid DeepL Pro subscription tier and Enterprise solutions.

Source
MateCat: Is MateCat really free?

Yes, it is free to use as a hosted browser-based tool and released as open source under the LGPL.

DeepL: How many languages does DeepL support?

DeepL supports translation into 100+ languages including popular pairs like English-Chinese, English-French, and Chinese-English.

Source
MateCat: Who maintains MateCat?

Translated srl, an Italian translation company, develops and hosts it; this differs from OmegaT, which is maintained by a volunteer open source community.

DeepL: Does DeepL support voice translation?

Yes. DeepL Voice enables real-time voice translation in virtual meetings and in-person conversations for instant collaboration.

Source
MateCat: Can I self-host MateCat instead of using Translated’s hosted version?

The code is open source under the LGPL and technically self-hostable, but doing so requires meaningful technical setup most individual users skip in favour of the hosted service.

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