WPML is the most established WordPress multilingual plugin, powering over a million sites. It lets you translate posts, pages, custom post types, taxonomies, and theme strings into multiple languages. The plugin supports two translation methods: a professional translation service with accredited translators, and manual translation where you manage each language version. WPML includes built-in language switcher with dropdown, sidebar widget, and menu options. It integrates fully with WooCommerce for multilingual product catalogs, with SEO plugins for hreflang tags and translated metadata, and with all major page builders including Elementor and Divi. WPML is a comprehensive solution for multilingual sites compared to TranslatePress, which offers a simpler visual translation interface.
The Premium version adds automatic translation via DeepL and Google Translate, media translation, and multilingual CMS support.
Competitive Features
- Full content translation — translate posts, pages, custom post types, taxonomies, menus, and widgets
- String translation — translate theme and plugin strings, admin texts, and gettext strings
- Professional translation service — order translations from accredited translators through the WPML Translation Management
- Automatic translation (Premium) — translate content automatically via DeepL, Google Translate, and Microsoft Azure
- Language switcher — dropdown, list, sidebar widget, and custom menu language switcher with styling options
- WooCommerce integration — translate product names, descriptions, attributes, categories, and checkout pages
- SEO integration — hreflang tags, translated slug support, and compatible with Yoast SEO and Rank Math
- Media translation — translate media attachments, alt text, and captions per language
Key Features
- Page builder support — fully compatible with Elementor, Divi, WPBakery, Beaver Builder, and Gutenberg
- Multilingual CMS — manage translations with a centralized Translation Management dashboard
- Language flags — display language flags with country and language codes
- Browser language detection — automatically redirect users to their preferred language
- Custom language URLs — language as subdirectory, subdomain, or separate domain
- Translation memory — reuse previously translated strings across your site
- User role management — assign translator roles with access to specific languages
- Multisite support — run multilingual networks with language management per site
Comparison with Competitors
WPML vs TranslatePress
| Feature | WPML | TranslatePress |
|---|---|---|
| Translation method | Admin-based | Visual front-end editor |
| Pro translation service | Yes | No |
| Professional translators | Yes | No |
| Automatic translation | DeepL, Google, Microsoft | AI, Google |
| WooCommerce support | Yes | Yes |
| SEO translation | Yes | Pro |
| Page builder support | All major | All major |
| Learning curve | Steeper | Easier |
WPML vs Polylang Pro
| Feature | WPML | Polylang Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Translation interface | Advanced admin | Language tabs |
| Translation management | Yes | Limited |
| Professional translation | Yes | No |
| Automatic translation | DeepL, Google, Microsoft | DeepL, Google |
| Media translation | Yes | Yes |
| String translation | Yes | Yes |
Recommended Stack — pair WPML with Rank Math SEO to optimize multilingual SEO with hreflang tags, translated sitemaps, and language-specific meta data.
Official Changelog
WPML is a premium plugin not listed on WordPress.org.
Version 4.9.7
Release Date: August 22, 2026
- Improvement: Automatic translation engine with DeepL integration.
- Fix: Compatibility with latest WordPress block editor.
- Improvement: Translation memory performance for large sites.
Version 4.9.5
Release Date: July 18, 2026
- Improvement: Media translation for attachments and alt text per language.
- Improvement: WooCommerce product translation speed.
- Fix: Language switcher styling for custom themes.
Version 4.9.4
Release Date: June 10, 2026
- Improvement: String translation database optimization.
- Fix: Language detection for multilingual SEO.
- Fix: Translation synchronization for custom post types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WPML support WooCommerce?
Yes, WPML is fully compatible with WooCommerce, supporting product translations, multilingual attributes, categories, and checkout pages.
Can I use automatic translation with WPML?
Yes, the Premium version supports automatic translation via DeepL, Google Translate, and Microsoft Azure, with translation memory for reused content.
Is WPML compatible with Elementor?
Yes, WPML works with all major page builders including Elementor, Divi, WPBakery, Beaver Builder, and Gutenberg.
Does WPML translate SEO metadata?
Yes, WPML integrates with Yoast SEO and Rank Math to translate page titles, meta descriptions, and Open Graph tags per language.
How does WPML handle language URLs?
WPML supports language as a subdirectory (example.com/fr/), subdomain (fr.example.com), or separate domain (example.fr).
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