WPML
The original WordPress multilingual plugin with the deepest integrations.
Visit WPML →What It Does
WPML is the original WordPress multilingual plugin. It translates posts, pages, custom post types, menus, widgets, and WooCommerce products. It supports 65+ languages and includes automatic translation powered by Google, Microsoft, and DeepL, plus a translation management system for working with professional translators.
Who It's For
WordPress sites that need to operate in multiple languages, especially WooCommerce stores selling internationally. WPML has the deepest integration with WordPress themes and plugins of any multilingual solution, which means fewer compatibility issues. If you work with professional translators, the built-in translation management system streamlines the workflow.
Who Doesn't Need It
If you only need two languages and your site is content-light, Polylang Free handles that adequately. WPML's licensing is per-site rather than unlimited, so agencies managing many multilingual sites face significant costs. If your site uses a highly custom theme or unusual plugins, any multilingual plugin will require testing, and WPML is not immune to compatibility issues despite its broad support.
Key Features
- Translation for all content types
- 65+ language support
- Automatic translation (Google, Microsoft, DeepL)
- Translation management for professional translators
- WooCommerce multilingual (products, cart, checkout)
- String translation for theme and plugin text
- Language switcher widgets
- SEO-friendly URL structures per language
- Media translation
Pricing
Free Alternative
If you don't need the premium features, consider: Polylang Free is the strongest free alternative. TranslatePress has a free tier with visual translation editing. For very simple needs, MultilingualPress uses a different approach with separate sites per language.
Our Verdict
WPML is the most battle-tested multilingual solution for WordPress. It is not the cheapest, and the setup requires careful attention to detail, but it handles complex multilingual scenarios that other plugins struggle with. For WooCommerce stores selling in multiple languages, WPML is the standard choice. For simple blogs needing two languages, the free alternatives are adequate.
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase. This doesn't affect our recommendations. Full disclosure.