Artificial intelligence, and generative AI (GenAI) in particular and Large Language Models (LLMs), have gone beyond the experimental stage of 2023-2025. In 2026, AI has become the driving force behind the changes in the translation industry.
This transition raises existential questions about the nature of language work, shifting the added value from raw production to strategic validation, risk management, and cultural engineering.
However, despite the rise of LLMs and machine translation, a human touch remains essential when it comes to localization. In order to ensure the quality of their work and streamline their processes, many translation professionals use computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools.
When choosing a CAT tool, it can be difficult to make sense of this complex ecosystem. In this article, you will find a comparative table of the main CAT tools on the market, which will help you make an informed choice.
Difference between CAT tools and Machine Translation (MT)
Firstly, a little reminder: unlike machine translation, which requires no human intervention and is based on statistics or a neural model, computer-assisted translation is translation that is carried out by a human, but with the help of software.
These software programs have a host of features – translation memories, glossaries, quality control tools, etc. – which facilitate the translation process, ensure the terminology is consistent and improve productivity.
So even in the age of AI, CAT tools remain essential for professional localization workflows, particularly in certain regulated and specialist sectors such as medical, technical and legal translation.
Overview of the must-have CAT tools in 2026
Here is a table comparing the main CAT tools on the market in 2026 (non-exhaustive list):
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| Tool | Positioning | Features | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Trados Studio | Agencies, translators, companies Leading software program, industry standard Regulated sectors | Comprehensive tool AI integration | The most widely-used Numerous features
| Segmentation on offline version (no context view) Slow performance and bugs |
| memoQ | Agencies, translators, companies Specialized in gaming and audiovisual translation | Comprehensive tool Different users can work on the same project simultaneously | Stable and collaborative Inverted color scheme to reduce eye strain
| Takes time to get used to |
| Wordfast | Agencies, translators | Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux | Collaborative environment Easy to use and streamlined | Slightly old-fashioned interface Segmentation |
| Smartcat | Agencies, translators | A very comprehensive tool, featuring an integrated marketplace where you can find translators. Ability to collaborate in real time AI integration | Cloud-based, can be accessed from anywhere Free for freelance translators | Does not work offline Data privacy concerns with cloud storage
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| Phrase (anciennement Memsource) | Agencies, translators, tech sector High-volume multilingual projects | Comprehensive tool Phrase Orchestrator, which allows you to create complex workflows Online and offline AI integration | 24/7 assistance Well used | Costly Not always easy to move between tabs |
| Déjà Vu | Translators | Translation tool Dynamic AutoWrite: proactive generation of context-appropriate translations | High level of compatibility Very customizable | Takes time to get used to Slightly old-fashioned interface |
| Omega T | Aimed at translators | Translation tool No frills, but effective Open source and free | Independence from publishers Easy to use | Slightly old-fashioned interface |
Use cases for each scenario
Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of the main CAT software programs, how do you know which one to choose?
To help you decide, below you will find various use cases and a checklist to help you make your decision.
CAT tools have similar features, but some are more translation-focused, while others are comprehensive tools designed to manage the entire localization workflow. Some are only available online, and others have an online and desktop version. It is therefore important to carefully analyze your needs and projects in advance so that you can select the tool that best suits you.
- For marketing or technical projects requiring pinpoint accuracy, memoQ and Trados (with their numerous terminology management and quality assurance features) remain the best choices. Moreover, as Trados is the leading software on the market, translation professionals are often already familiar with it, which means they can get up and running quickly.
- For high-volume multilingual projects, Phrase is a good solution: you can manage the entire workflow, it has numerous automations and AI integrations, the translation memory is centralized, and the tool offers in-context previews.
- If you want different parties to be able to collaborate in real time, Smartcat and Wordfast are particularly good choices. Wordfast is known for its ease of use, while Smartcat has an integrated marketplace and is free for freelancers, although it is only available online. This last point is a reminder that your technical constraints are also a consideration when choosing CAT software: for those working on Macs, for example, not all software is compatible with this operating system.
- Lastly, the issue of cost should not be overlooked: for large organizations, platforms such as Phrase are recommended for their orchestration and secure management capabilities. Having said that, it should be noted that this tool is quite expensive. On the other hand, for smaller organizations that only have occasional translation needs, it may not be necessary to invest in such an expensive and comprehensive tool.
How to choose a CAT tool when receiving a project?
« For me, the main criterion is the number of target languages. If I receive a project to be translated into a dozen different languages, I prefer using an online tool such as Phrase. This makes it easier to manage and saves me from having to send separate files for each language. Conversely, for a more traditional project with a single target language, I generally use an offline tool, such as Trados Studio. »
How to choose the best tool: a checklist
Below are some examples of questions to ask yourself before choosing your computer-assisted translation tool.
☑ What is the size of the project or projects to be translated?
☑ How many languages do the documents need to be translated into?
☑ Do you have recurring translation needs?
☑ Do you require terminology management tools and translation memories?
☑ Who will work on the project and when?
☑ What are the technical constraints (document format, operating system, etc.)?
☑ What is your budget and which pricing model do you prefer (lifetime license, subscription)?
Conclusion
Although AI and machine translation are on the rise and have their uses, they cannot do everything. CAT tools remain essential for structuring large-scale localization projects and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
f you are on the lookout for your next computer-assisted translation tool, the important thing is to find one that is suited to your needs and how you intend to use it.
Now that you know the main software packages on the market in 2026 and what questions to ask yourself before selecting a solution, you are well equipped to make an informed decision. And if you have any doubts, Version internationale is on hand to help.
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