Choosing the right localization tool can significantly impact your development workflow and budget.
File format support
50+ file formats, design tool plugins (Figma, Sketch)
iOS .strings/.stringsdict, Android strings.xml, JSON, XLIFF
Translation quality
Integrates multiple MT providers, translator marketplace, TM and glossary
AI-powered translation trained on app content, context-aware, instant results
Workflow & integration
Advanced workflow management, 40+ integrations, branching and versioning
Simple upload → translate → download workflow, CLI for CI/CD, GitHub (coming soon)
Pricing comparison
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Example: Same project = $120/month minimum + translation costs
Monthly subscription: $120-800+ / month depending on plan
Pro-seat pricing: Additional cost per team member
Example: 50,000 characters in 5 languages ≈ €1.42 in usage, plus that month's €19 base fee
Subscription: €19 per month per seat, incl. VAT — plus €10 per million tokens when the translation runs through our key
Bring your own model key: then no token costs arise with us at all
Translation memory: Never pay twice for the same string
Winner for budget-conscious teams: ShipGlobal.dev
Quick comparison
AI translation: ShipGlobal integrated, Lokalise add-on
Best for: ShipGlobal small teams/indies, Lokalise enterprise teams
Team collaboration: ShipGlobal Basic, Lokalise Advanced
Supported formats: ShipGlobal iOS/Android/JSON/XLIFF, Lokalise 50+ formats
Pricing model: ShipGlobal fixed subscription plus measured usage, Lokalise monthly per-seat subscription
Starting price: ShipGlobal €19/month incl. VAT, Lokalise $120/month
Translation Memory: Both included
Scenario 3: Enterprise (50+ person team)
Complex workflows, compliance, multiple teams
Lokalise or Enterprise TMS
Scenario 1: Indie game developer
$120/month ongoing
Translate 3,000 strings into 10 languages, once at launch plus occasional updates
Recommendation: ShipGlobal.dev
€19 for the first month + ≈€9 in tokens
Scenario 2: SaaS startup (10-person team)
1,440–4,800+ USD/year
Continuous localization, 5 languages, multiple products
ShipGlobal for cost savings, Lokalise for workflow
≈€250/year (€228 base fee + ≈€20 in tokens)
When to choose Lokalise
You have a large localization team
You need advanced workflow management
You require extensive integrations
You have a consistent monthly translation volume
You need support for exotic file formats
You want access to the translator marketplace
When to choose ShipGlobal.dev
You are an indie developer or a small team
You need fast, affordable translations
You have sporadic translation needs
You want a price that fits on one line
You primarily work with iOS, Android, or web apps
You want AI translation without setup
Fazit
Choose ShipGlobal.dev for simple, affordable AI translation at a fixed monthly price, cancellable monthly. Choose Lokalise for enterprise features and advanced workflows.