In today’s globalized world, businesses and individuals alike are increasingly looking to expand their reach online by creating multilingual websites. WordPress, the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, offers a plethora of plugins to cater to this need, with two of the most prominent options.
Both Polylang and WPML are powerful multilingual plugins that enable you to translate your WordPress website into multiple languages. However, there are key differences between the two that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
Polylang vs WPML
Polylang: A Lightweight and User-Friendly Option
Polylang is a free multilingual plugin that is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It is a great option for small websites or those with limited technical expertise. Polylang allows you to easily translate posts, pages, media, categories, tags, and custom post types. It also provides a language switcher widget that allows visitors to switch between languages on the front end of your site.
Key Features of Polylang:
- Free and open-source
- Easy to use and set up
- Lightweight and doesn’t slow down your site
- Supports multiple languages
- Translates posts, pages, media, categories, tags, and custom post types
- Provides a language switcher widget
WPML: The Premium Option with Advanced Features
WPML is a premium multilingual plugin that offers a wider range of features than Polylang. It is a good choice for larger websites or those with more complex translation needs. WPML supports a variety of translation methods, including automatic translation, manual translation, and professional translation services. It also provides a number of advanced features, such as multilingual SEO support, compatibility with WooCommerce, and support for custom themes and plugins.
Key Features of WPML:
- Premium plugin with a variety of pricing options
- Supports automatic translation, manual translation, and professional translation services
- Wide range of advanced features, including multilingual SEO support, compatibility with WooCommerce, and support for custom themes and plugins
- Dedicated integrations with professional translation services
Choosing the Right Plugin for You
The best WordPress multilingual plugin for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you have a small website with limited translation needs, Polylang is a great option. However, if you have a larger website with more complex translation needs, WPML is a better choice.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between Polylang and WPML:
| Feature | Polylang | WPML |
| Pricing | Free | Premium |
| Ease of use | Easy to use | More complex to set up |
| Translation methods | Manual translation | Automatic translation, manual translation, professional translation services |
| Advanced features | Limited | Wide range of advanced features |
| Support for professional translation services | No | Yes |
| Ideal for | Small websites with limited translation needs | Larger websites with more complex translation needs |
Conclusion
Both are powerful multilingual plugins that can help you create a multilingual website. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you are looking for a free and easy-to-use option, WPML is a great choice. However, if you need a wider range of features and support for professional translation services, WPML is a better option.
I hope this article has helped you understand the key differences between both plugins and make an informed decision about which plugin is right for you.