Accuracy is solid, and translations are fast, popping up in well under a second. One challenge I had with the device relates to its small screen. Like most translators, the T1 supports photo-based translations via its 8-megapixel camera, but the 540 x 1080-pixel screen is too small to display much text at once. Also, while the unit includes a global eSIM with two years of free service included ($50/year after that), I encountered plenty of signal gaps, even in my own home. The good news is that if Wi-Fi’s available, that works, too. The unit also supports 31 offline language pairs (10 in combination with English), so if you plan ahead, service woes may not be an issue at all.

Best Translator Earbuds

iFLYTEK

iFLYTEK AI Translation Earbuds

If you want to upgrade your translation experience and make it more immersive, you’ll want to invest in a pair of earbuds, which give you a more personal and natural way to communicate. As described above, the iconic way to use these is to pop one on yourself and give the other to your friend. An app on your phone handles two-way translation, back and forth.

These 12-gram on-ear earbuds are the best I’ve tested, primarily because once they’re configured, they work completely hands-free. No clicking buttons or tapping the side of your head every time you’re ready to speak: The earbuds understand who’s talking and when, and they work with remarkable speed, almost like a professional interpreter whispering in your ear.

You can also wear both earbuds and use them for one-way translations, including phone calls. The only trouble with the setup is that there’s no offline mode, so you’ll need internet access on your phone for them to do anything.

Another excellent choice is Timekettle’s W4 Plus AI Interpreter Earbuds. While these $379 earbuds are smaller at 6 grams each and work nearly identically to iFLYTEK’s (completely hands free), I found the form factor to be a little less stable and the bulky charging case much more awkward to tote around. The extra outlay does however get you a limited offline mode and some built-in AI tools, including a meeting summarizer.

Best AI Translator Companion Device

InnAIO

T10 AI Voice Cloning Translator

The InnAIO T10 is a hybrid device that serves as both an AI notetaker and a language translator. It has no screen and only one button, and a MagSafe ring allows it to clip to the back of your phone to ensure it’s always in reach.