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Translation · head to head

Lokalise vs SDL Trados Studio

Lokalise logo

Lokalise

Translation

New packages to fuel your revenue growth

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SDL Trados Studio logo

SDL Trados Studio

Translation

Windows desktop CAT tool that agencies treat as the default exchange format

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Lokalise has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Lokalise there is no free tier; the entry Explorer plan starts at $144 per month; SDL Trados Studio it runs on Windows only, so macOS translators pay for a virtual machine or a second computer before they can accept work.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Lokalise and SDL Trados Studio actually diverge.

Attributes where Lokalise and SDL Trados Studio differ
AttributeLokaliseSDL Trados Studio
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelsubscriptionquote
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWindows, Web

Identical on both: 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 Lokalise

Nothing recorded that SDL Trados Studio does not also cover.

Only in SDL Trados Studio

  • Translation memory
  • Term base integration
  • File filters
  • Alignment
  • Quality assurance checks
  • App store extensions

What people use each for

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

Lokalise

  • Automating multi-product translation workflowsnot SDL Trados Studio
  • Integrating GitHub and GitLab for code localizationnot SDL Trados Studio
  • Translating Figma designs for global audiencesnot SDL Trados Studio
  • Maintaining consistency with translation memorynot SDL Trados Studio

SDL Trados Studio

  • Freelance translators who must open and return agency supplied Studio packagesnot Lokalise
  • Language service providers running multi-vendor projects with shared memories and term basesnot Lokalise
  • Regulated translation work where segment level memory matches must be auditablenot Lokalise
  • Translating formats such as InDesign or structured XML where tag handling is the hard partnot Lokalise

Where each one falls short

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

Lokalise

  • There is no free tier; the entry Explorer plan starts at $144 per month
  • Multi-product workflow support requires the $999 per month Advanced plan
  • Enterprise security and support features are gated behind a custom quote

SDL Trados Studio

  • It runs on Windows only, so macOS translators pay for a virtual machine or a second computer before they can accept work.
  • A perpetual licence covers the version you bought, and each major release is a further purchase, so the total cost over five years resembles a subscription without being described as one.
  • The learning curve is long: project settings, filters and memory configuration have to be understood before quality output is possible, which makes casual use impractical.
  • Memories and projects are local by default, and real collaboration needs GroupShare or the cloud tiers at extra cost, so two translators sharing one memory is a paid upgrade.
  • Third party plugins from the app store are maintained by their authors and frequently stop working after a major Studio release, which strands workflows that depend on them.

Pricing, plan by plan

Lokalise

Free
  • Explorer$144/month
    • Entry-level tier
    • Glossaries
    • Translation memory
  • Growth$375/month
    • Enhanced automation
    • Custom triggers
    • Templates
  • Advanced$999/month
    • Complex multi-product workflows
    • Most popular tier
    • Advanced AI capabilities
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • Custom SLA
    • Specialized security
    • Dedicated support

SDL Trados Studio

On request
  • SDL Trados Studio$undefined/year
    • Freelance, Professional and cloud tiers sold separately
    • Perpetual desktop licences and subscriptions both offered
    • Prices vary by region, reseller and frequent discount campaigns

Which should you pick?

Choose Lokalise if

  • You want to start without paying.
Lokalise review

Choose SDL Trados Studio if

  • You need translation memory.
  • You work on Windows, Web.
  • You also want term base integration.
SDL Trados Studio review

Questions people ask

Is Lokalise or SDL Trados Studio better?
Neither clearly leads. Lokalise starts at Free and SDL Trados Studio at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Lokalise or SDL Trados Studio?
Lokalise has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Lokalise and On request for SDL Trados Studio.
Does Lokalise or SDL Trados Studio run on more platforms?
Lokalise runs on Web. SDL Trados Studio runs on Windows, Web.
Can I use Lokalise for free?
Yes. Lokalise has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SDL Trados Studio starts at On request.
What is Lokalise best used for?
Lokalise is most often used for automating multi-product translation workflows, integrating github and gitlab for code localization, translating figma designs for global audiences, maintaining consistency with translation memory. Of those, automating multi-product translation workflows and integrating github and gitlab for code localization are not what SDL Trados Studio is typically brought in for.
What can Lokalise do that SDL Trados Studio cannot?
SDL Trados Studio covers Translation memory, Term base integration, File filters, Alignment.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Lokalise: How much does Lokalise cost?

Lokalise offers Explorer plan at $144/month for basic translation features, Growth at $375/month for enhanced automation, and Advanced at $999/month for complex workflows. Enterprise plans require custom quotes. All pricing is for monthly billing with no setup fees.

Source
SDL Trados Studio: Is it still called SDL Trados?

The product is now sold as Trados Studio by RWS, which acquired SDL in 2020. Older documentation and job adverts still say SDL Trados.

Lokalise: Does Lokalise offer a free trial?

Yes, Lokalise provides a 14-day free trial for all plans with no credit card required, giving full access to evaluate features before committing to a paid subscription.

Source
SDL Trados Studio: Do I need it if my clients use a cloud TMS?

Often yes. Agencies still send Studio packages, and accepting them without the tool means manual conversion and lost memory matches.

Lokalise: What features does Lokalise's Advanced plan add?

The Advanced plan ($999/month) is designed for teams with complex, multi-product workflows. It includes all Growth features plus advanced AI capabilities, 24/7 support, and a dedicated account manager.

Source
SDL Trados Studio: Can I run it on a Mac?

Not natively. Translators use Parallels, Boot Camp on older hardware, or a Windows virtual desktop.

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