Why it's a strong pick

Simple Translate is built for quick, small translations: a word or a paragraph. It is open source under MPL-2.0 and uses Manifest V3, Chrome's current extension format. It supports Google Translate and the DeepL API. Its latest release came in August 2026, and that release fixed an issue where Google Translate was unavailable.

What it does

Select text on a page and translate it in place, or open the popup and type text. The README describes it as a way to translate selected or typed text quickly. You can also use the right-click menu, keyboard shortcuts and a "translate page" command.

Key features

Selected text. Translate what you highlight.
Typed text. Use the popup for your own text.
Right-click menu. Start a translation from the context menu.
Shortcuts. Ctrl+Shift+Space opens the popup, and Ctrl+Space translates selected text.
Translate page. A command is included.
Two services. Google Translate and the DeepL API.

Who it's for

It is for readers who want fast inline translation of a word or paragraph without leaving the page. It is free to install, and the README lists only Patreon and PayPal for support. We did not check what the DeepL API costs.

What permissions does Simple Translate ask for?

Its manifest asks for storage and contextMenus. Its content script runs on all http and https pages, and it lists no separate host permissions. The broad page access is what lets it work on any site. Read the install prompt before you add it.

Does it send my text anywhere?

Yes, to the translation service you pick. It supports Google Translate and the DeepL API, so the text you translate goes to that service. We could not read the developer's privacy policy when we checked; read it before installing. The README links to one.

What if Google Translate stops working?

Simple Translate depends on outside services, so it can break when they change. The August 2026 release exists because Google Translate had become unavailable in the extension. Update the extension first. If a service keeps failing, try the other one in the settings.

FAQ

Is it free? It is free to install. The README lists Patreon and PayPal for support.

Which services does it use? Google Translate and the DeepL API.

Is it open source? Yes, under MPL-2.0.

Good to know

It relies on third-party translation services, so a fix may be needed when they change something. Select only the text you need, since the text you translate leaves your browser. For a full-page job, compare the other tools in our translation tools guide.

Other translation tools to compare

Simple Translate is one of 11 picks in our translation tools guide:

Google Translate: Google's own extension for translating selected text in a popup. Whole-page translation is built into Chrome now.
DeepL: DeepL's own browser extension. Free for selected text, with full-page translation on the paid Pro plan.
Immersive Translate: Bilingual translation for web pages, PDFs and video subtitles. The original text stays next to the translation.
OpenL Translate: One extension for selected text, bilingual web pages, a sidebar for longer text and image translation. Free plan with daily limits.
TWP - Translate Web Pages: An open-source, free page translator from an individual developer. It translates pages in place with the engine you pick.
Mate Translate: A translator and dictionary in one extension, from Gikken. Free to install, with a paid tier.
Read Frog: Open-source AI page translator that works with the providers you connect using your own API keys.
XTranslate: Translate words, selections and full pages with Google, Bing or an AI provider you add with your own API key.
KISS Translator: Shows translations beside the original text on any page, with many engines to choose from. Open source.
Yomitan: A pop-up dictionary for language learners. You import the dictionaries yourself. Open source.