From daily chats to cross-language calls, these translation tools help you communicate clearly and confidently.
🥇 Top Translation Apps Available in China
1. Baidu Translate
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Best For: Students, travelers, bilingual support workers
Key Features:
- Supports over 200 languages, with accurate Chinese-English translation
- Voice input & output for hands-free conversation
- Photo translation for menus, signs, and documents
- Offline translation packs available for major languages
- Provides pronunciation guidance and vocabulary examples
Why It Stands Out: Backed by Baidu’s AI, the app is reliable, fast, and well-optimized for Chinese users with minimal network limitations.
2. Youdao Translate
Platform: iOS, Android
Best For: Students, professionals, overseas travelers
Key Features:
- Real-time speech translation with bilingual subtitles
- Accurate text, photo, and document translation
- Specialized vocabulary for business, medical, travel contexts
- Offline translation mode for frequent flyers
- Supports translation of scanned documents and handwritten text
Why It Stands Out: Developed by NetEase, it offers excellent technical dictionaries and localized UX for Chinese users.
3. Tencent Translate
Platform: iOS / Android
Best For: Business users, real-time bilingual meetings
Key Features:
- Instant bilingual subtitle generation for conversations
- Group translation mode for meetings and discussions
- Strong in speech-to-text and accent adaptability
- Integration with WeChat mini-programs
Why It Stands Out: Often used in Tencent’s own business ecosystem. Works well for bilingual corporate settings.
🌍 International Translation Apps (Accessible in China)
4. Google Translate
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Best For: Travelers, students, casual conversations
Key Features:
- Over 100 language pairs, including Chinese-English
- Camera-based translation for signs, menus, and books
- Real-time bilingual voice conversation mode
- Offline translation packs for limited internet access
- Strong handwriting recognition support
Note: While Google services may be restricted in some regions of China, the app often functions with a stable connection or VPN.
5. Microsoft Translator
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Best For: Teams, business users, on-the-go travelers
Key Features:
- Multi-person conversation mode with QR code access
- Speech and text translation across 100+ languages
- Phrasebook for quick learning
- Translates from photos, screenshots, and voice clips
- Works across LinkedIn, Office, and Teams ecosystem
Why It Stands Out: Surprisingly powerful for real-time collaboration and professional-grade translation accuracy.
🔊 Bonus: Best for Real-Time Voice Calling Translation
6. AI Phone – Real-Time Voice Translation in Calls
Platform: iOS, Google Play
Best For: Immigrants, international workers, customer service calls
Key Features:
- Real-time voice translation during actual phone calls
- Supports 150+ languages, including Chinese-English with high accuracy
- Works with mobile calls, WhatsApp, WeChat, and other mainstream communication apps
- No need for both users to install the app
- Optimized for low-latency environments, making conversations natural and fluid
Why It Stands Out: Perfect for cross-language customer service, landlord-tenant calls, or family abroad, AI Phone translates live conversations as you speak, ensuring clarity and connection.
✅ Summary Table
| App Name | Voice Translation | Photo Translation | Offline Support | China Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baidu Translate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (partial) | ✅ |
| Youdao Translate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (partial) | ✅ |
| Tencent Translate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (partial) | ✅ |
| Google Translate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (partial) | ⚠ (VPN may help) |
| Microsoft Translator | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (partial) | ✅ |
| AI Phone | ✅ (in calls) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
🧭 Final Thoughts: Which App Should You Use?
If you’re based in China and need a reliable everyday translation app, Baidu Translate, Youdao Translate, and Tencent Translate offer the best performance with localized features, stable access, and accurate results.
For users who frequently engage in business conversations or team collaboration, Microsoft Translator delivers strong multi-person voice translation and productivity integrations.
If you often make phone calls with people who speak different languages—whether it’s customer service, delivery staff, or family abroad—AI Phone is unmatched in its ability to provide real-time voice translation during actual calls, without the need for both parties to install anything.
🔔 Try AI Phone for Real-Time Voice Translation
Tired of asking someone to translate over the phone or using clunky voice messages? With AI Phone, you can hold real conversations—even across languages—without breaking the flow. Whether you’re speaking with your landlord, a new client, or someone overseas, AI Phone ensures your voice is heard and understood instantly.
Smooth, accurate, and easy—download AI Phone and speak freely.
