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These nifty gadgets will help you communicate through language barriers, no matter where your travels take you.

A hand holding a Vasco V4 Universal Translator

Credit:Travel + Leisure

These are our five favorite options.

Not all languages come with the same level of support.

This makes it possible to communicate with around 90 percent of the people on the planet.

Vasco V4 Language Translator Device

Credit: Amazon

But for my second language, Gaeilge (Irish) it only allows for photo translation.

We recommend making sure you research what languages the Vasco V4 supports and in what modes before purchasing.

Its capabilities are limited without Wi-Fi.

Vasco Translator V4 on a table

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Travel can be expensive, but the translation gear you take on your trip doesn’t need to be.

Like our best overall pick, the Acodo can translate signs and other text captured by its built-in camera.

Yep, it does that too.

Vasco Translator V4 on a keychain

Unfortunately, if you dont have access to a Wi-Fi connection, functionality becomes limited pretty quickly.

Translations can operate a bit slow.

Despite its diminutive size, the Timekettle Fluentalk T1 Mini Translator is pretty capable.

person holding the Vasco Translator V4

Whats more, its easy-to-navigate interface makes it intuitive to operate (even if youre less than tech-savvy).

However, it does have some quirks, especially when stacked against the other devices on this list.

It is possible to do some offline translation with the Fluentalk T1 Mini.

person holding the Vasco Translator V4

However, the languages offered are pretty limited.

It can also deliver photo translations of text from 40 different languages.

But again, this is fewer languages than are offered by other devices featured on this list.

person using the Vasco Translator V4 to translate cards

It offers more functionality than the average traveler might need.

Timekettles WT2 Edge translator earbuds have more features than most travelers need.

But if you do business in multiple languages, these earphones could be exactly the translation tool you need.

Vasco Translator V4 on a table

This makes it an ideal gadget for understanding whats being said during an in-person or Zoom meeting.

Unfortunately, the WT2 Edge earbuds lose a lot of their capabilities when disconnected from the internet.

While connected, they support 40 languages.

Vasco Translator V4 on a keychain

Without data, that number is reduced to 13 offline languages.

The user interface and offline functionality have room for improvement.

But thats not all they do.

person holding the Vasco Translator V4

Look For Ease of Use

A good translator should be simple enough to navigate on the go.

The unit listens to words or reads text and breaks sentences down into smaller units.

There are a number of benefits to using a handheld digital translator instead of an app on your smartphone.

person holding the Vasco Translator V4

Additionally, apps like Google translate can cover the basics.

But a dedicated translation machine typically offers more versatility.

person using the Vasco Translator V4 to translate cards

Acodo Language Translator

Credit: Amazon

Amazon Timekettle Fluentalk T1 Mini Handheld Translator Device

Credit: Amazon

Timekettle WT2 Edge/W3 Translator Device

Credit: Amazon

Solos Argon 6s Smart Glasses AirGo 3

Credit: Solos