Phrase (phrase.com) is a comprehensive localisation suite used by global product and engineering teams to manage the full translation lifecycle — from string extraction and machine translation to human review, delivery, and quality assurance. Formerly known as Phrase Strings and expanded through acquisitions including Memsource (now Phrase TMS), Phrase has grown into one of the most feature-complete enterprise localisation platforms available, combining a developer-focused translation management system (TMS) with AI translation, quality assurance tools, and connectors for virtually every major development and content platform.
Phrase's AI translation engine, Phrase Language AI, uses large language model-based neural machine translation with adaptive learning — it improves translation quality over time by learning from a project's approved translation memory and terminology. The platform's workflow engine supports complex multi-step review processes, vendor management, and automated routing rules, making it suitable for large organisations running multi-team, multi-language localisation programmes simultaneously.
How Phrase Works
Development teams integrate Phrase via its CLI, GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket connectors, or REST API to push source strings automatically when code is committed. Content teams connect their CMS (WordPress, Contentful, Contentstack, Strapi, Adobe Experience Manager) via native integrations. Phrase Language AI generates initial translation drafts immediately. Localisation managers configure workflow steps — machine translation review, in-country reviewer, final QA — and Phrase routes each translation job through the configured steps automatically. Translators work in Phrase's CAT (computer-aided translation) editor, which shows translation memory matches, glossary terms, and AI suggestions side by side. Approved translations are delivered back to source systems via the same connectors.
Key Features
- Phrase Language AI — adaptive LLM-based machine translation that learns from project translation memory and terminology over time
- Translation Management System (TMS) — enterprise workflow engine with configurable multi-step review, vendor management, and automated routing rules
- Phrase Strings (developer TMS) — developer-focused string management with CLI, API, and repository integrations for continuous localisation
- 50+ platform integrations — native connectors for GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Figma, Contentful, WordPress, Strapi, Adobe Experience Manager, and more
- CAT editor — professional computer-aided translation editor with TM matches, glossary lookup, AI suggestions, and quality checks in a single view
- Translation memory and glossary — project and organisation-level TM and glossary that enforce consistency and reduce redundant translation work
- AI quality assurance — automated QA checks for missing placeholders, terminology errors, formatting issues, and length violations before delivery
- Figma integration — extract design strings from Figma and manage their translation alongside code strings in the same project
- Analytics and reporting — detailed translation progress, TM leverage, cost estimation, and team productivity reporting dashboards
- Vendor and freelancer management — invite and manage external translation vendors and freelancers within Phrase's workflow with role-based access
Phrase Pricing
Phrase is an enterprise localisation platform priced for mid-size to large organisations with active, ongoing localisation programmes.
- From $1,245/month — full platform access including Phrase Language AI, TMS, Phrase Strings, all platform integrations, CAT editor, translation memory, glossary, QA automation, and analytics. Pricing scales with volume, number of seats, and selected modules. Custom enterprise plans are available for larger programmes.
A free trial is available. Always verify current rates and request a demo at phrase.com/pricing.
Who Should Use Phrase?
Phrase is designed for mid-size to large software companies, global enterprises, and language service providers running complex, high-volume, or multi-team localisation programmes. It is particularly well suited to organisations that need enterprise-grade workflow customisation, vendor management, and integration depth across both development (GitHub, CLI) and content (CMS, Figma) pipelines simultaneously. The starting price of $1,245/month positions it well above tools like OneSky, Localazy, or Transifex, making it most appropriate for organisations where localisation is a core business function rather than an occasional task. Smaller teams should evaluate Transifex, Lokalise, or Localazy as more cost-appropriate alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phrase used for?
Phrase is an enterprise localisation platform used by global software and content teams to manage the full translation lifecycle — from source string extraction and AI machine translation through human review, quality assurance, and delivery back to production systems. It combines a developer-focused TMS (Phrase Strings) with an enterprise translation workflow engine (Phrase TMS) and AI translation in a single unified suite.
How much does Phrase cost?
Phrase starts from $1,245 per month. Pricing scales based on the number of seats, translation volume, and which Phrase modules are included (Phrase Strings, Phrase TMS, Language AI). Custom enterprise contracts are available for larger organisations. A free trial is available to evaluate the platform before committing.
What is the difference between Phrase Strings and Phrase TMS?
Phrase Strings is the developer-facing component of the Phrase suite — it handles source string management, CLI and API integrations, repository sync, and file format support for software localisation workflows. Phrase TMS (formerly Memsource) is the translation management system component — it provides the CAT editor, workflow engine, vendor management, translation memory, and enterprise project management features. The two components are sold together as part of the Phrase suite and are designed to work in tandem for organisations that need both developer pipeline integration and enterprise translation workflow management.
Does Phrase support continuous localisation?
Yes. Phrase Strings integrates directly with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket to detect new or changed source strings on each commit and automatically create translation jobs in Phrase. Combined with Phrase Language AI for instant machine translation drafts and configurable workflow automation, the entire localisation cycle from new string to approved translation can run continuously without manual handoff steps — keeping localisation in sync with agile development releases.
How does Phrase compare to Lokalise and Transifex?
All three are enterprise-grade localisation platforms with AI translation, repository integrations, and continuous localisation support. Phrase is generally considered the most feature-complete, particularly in enterprise TMS workflow depth (inherited from Memsource), vendor management, and CAT editor quality — it is the strongest choice for organisations running complex multi-vendor translation programmes. Lokalise is often preferred for its modern UX and stronger CMS and no-code tool integrations. Transifex has a long open-source heritage and competitive developer tooling. Pricing for all three is in a similar enterprise range, and all offer trials or demos for evaluation.
