LibreTranslate
Open-source machine translation API you can self-host and run offline, powered by Argos Translate.
AI WritingFreeverified Listed on Open source
Is LibreTranslate free?
Yes, LibreTranslate has a free plan. What you get: Open source (AGPLv3): self-host free; hosted API needs a paid key. To get it: run pip install libretranslate; then run libretranslate to start the server; then send a translation request to localhost:5000. Watch out: the hosted API at libretranslate.com requires a paid key. Verified on portal.libretranslate.com.
Free plan at a glance
- Includes
- Open source (AGPLv3): self-host free; hosted API needs a paid key
Self-hosted use has no stated limit. The hosted API has no free keys.
- Duration
- Free forever
How to get it free
Self-host- Run pip install libretranslate
- Run libretranslate to start the server
- Send a translation request to localhost:5000
Good to know
- The hosted API at libretranslate.com requires a paid key
docs.libretranslate.com, Checked Source
Overview
LibreTranslate is a free and open-source machine translation API that you can run on your own server. Its translation engine is the open-source Argos Translate library; a managed hosted API is sold with a paid key.
Free vs paid
| Free | Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 | $29/mo |
| Includes |
| Plan details |
Key features
- Translate text and files through an API
- Self-hosted and offline capable
- Language auto-detection
- Powered by the open-source Argos Translate library
- MCP server and docs for integrations
Best for
- Tasks
- Translate text
- People
- Developers who self-host, Teams that need offline translation, Privacy-minded users
Limitations
- The hosted API at libretranslate.com needs a paid API key
- You run and maintain the server yourself
Screenshot
FAQ
- Is LibreTranslate free?
- Yes. LibreTranslate has a free plan: Open source (AGPLv3): self-host free; hosted API needs a paid key. We last checked portal.libretranslate.com's pricing page on 2026-11-12.
- What does the LibreTranslate free plan include?
- Open source (AGPLv3): self-host free; hosted API needs a paid key. Source: https://portal.libretranslate.com (checked 2026-11-12).
- How do I get LibreTranslate for free?
- Steps: Run pip install libretranslate; Run libretranslate to start the server; Send a translation request to localhost:5000. Start at https://docs.libretranslate.com/guides/faq/ (checked 2026-10-22).
- Do I need an account to use LibreTranslate for free?
- Not for the free option: the free route is to self-host LibreTranslate (Run pip install libretranslate). Checked 2026-10-22.
- What's the catch with LibreTranslate's free plan?
- The hosted API at libretranslate.com requires a paid key. Checked 2026-10-22.
- How much does LibreTranslate cost after the free plan?
- The cheapest paid plan is the Pro plan, at $29 a month, billed monthly. We checked portal.libretranslate.com's pricing page on 2026-10-23.Source: portal.libretranslate.com
- What are free alternatives to LibreTranslate?
- Lara Translate, Weglot and Immersive Translate all have free plans. We checked their free offers on 2026-11-12.
- Can I use the libretranslate.com API for free?
- No. The maker says free low-volume keys are not sustainable; you can host your own server instead.Source: portal.libretranslate.com
- Can I use the libretranslate.com API server in production?
- Yes, but only if you buy an API key; you can always run LibreTranslate free on your own server.Source: docs.libretranslate.com/guides/faq
- What powers the translations?
- The open-source Argos Translate library.Source: github.com/LibreTranslate/LibreTranslate
Free alternatives
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Weglot
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Immersive Translate
Bilingual web page and PDF translation extension.
Free forever
PDFMathTranslate
Open-source tool that translates scientific PDFs with AI and keeps formulas, charts and layout. Free to install.
Free forever, Open source (AGPL-3.0): install free; also a free public online demo
Kagi Translate
AI translation of text, documents and websites from Kagi, with a free monthly allowance on a free Kagi account.
Free forever, Limited monthly Translate allowance, free Kagi account
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Sources
- Free offer
- Verified on docs.libretranslate.com/guides/faq
…can always run LibreTranslate for free on your own server of…
Added by our team. We check that a free option exists and record the date; signing up is between you and LibreTranslate, so read their privacy policy and terms first.
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