Libre Translate

Self-Hosted

Open-source, self-hosted machine translation service

Overview

LibreTranslate is a free, open-source machine translation tool that lets you host your own translation service. It supports over 100 languages, offers REST API access for app integration, and prioritizes privacy by keeping data on your server. Deployable via Docker, bare metal, or cloud services, it’s lightweight and accessible for personal/enterprise use. Features include text translation, batch processing, and customizable models—ideal for avoiding third-party APIs and maintaining data control.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  libre_translate:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: libre-translate
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

100+ language support
Docker/bare metal deployment
REST API integration
Privacy-first data handling

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Libre Translate hard to install?

No—Libre Translate can be deployed quickly via Docker (single command) or pre-built binaries. Clear documentation makes it accessible for users with basic server knowledge.

? Is it a good alternative to Google Translate?

Yes, for privacy-focused users. While Google Translate has better quality for some languages, Libre Translate offers full data control and no usage limits—perfect for sensitive/internal use cases.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—Libre Translate is open-source (AGPLv3) and free to use/host/modify. No subscription fees exist, though server hosting costs may apply if using cloud providers.

Top Alternatives

Google Translate Search Google

DeepL Translate Search Google

Microsoft Translator Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Miscellaneous

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ AGPLv3 open-source license
⊕ No external data sharing
⊕ Easy Docker setup
⊕ Unlimited usage (no API limits)

Cons

⊖ Quality lags behind commercial tools like Google Translate
⊖ Requires server resources
⊖ Limited advanced features (e.g., voice translation)