Phrase
PaidEnterprise translation management platform (formerly Memsource) with AI-driven quality, automation, and CAT tool heritage for software and localization teams
What is Phrase?
Phrase (formerly Memsource) is one of the oldest and most respected enterprise translation management systems on the market, acquired by Phrase Strings GmbH and rebranded in 2022 after Memsource merged with Phrase. The platform combines a mature CAT (computer-assisted translation) tool — Phrase TMS, originally Memsource — with a developer-friendly string management product — Phrase Strings, originally the Phrase platform — and a newer Phrase Orchestrator workflow engine. This merger makes Phrase unique in the TMS category: it is the only platform that covers both professional translator CAT workflows and software string management under one roof. In 2024-2026 Phrase shipped Phrase Language AI, an AI-powered MT engine that combines DeepL, Google, and custom LLM routing with automatic quality estimation (MTQE) to predict which segments need human review. The platform also supports branching, Git integration, Figma plugins, and 50+ enterprise integrations. Phrase is used by Uber, Fujitsu, Puma, Bridgestone, and dozens of Fortune 500 companies, and is especially strong in the professional LSP world where Memsource's CAT roots give it deep credibility. Pricing is quote-based for enterprise and starts around $135/user/month for the Team plan, climbing to custom Business and Enterprise tiers. Phrase is SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and ISO 17100 certified and offers EU data residency. It is the best pick for LSPs and enterprise teams that want a single TMS covering both software strings and professional document translation workflows.
⚡ Quick Verdict
LSPs and enterprise teams that need one TMS covering both CAT tool workflows and software string management
Small teams on a tight budget — Phrase is priced for enterprise, starting around $135/user/month
Team from ~$135/user/mo · Business custom · Enterprise custom
No — 30-day free trial available
Only TMS that natively covers both CAT translator workflows and software string management
Pricing is enterprise-only and less transparent than Lokalise or Crowdin
Bottom line: Phrase scores 4.3/5 — the strongest pick for LSPs and enterprises needing both professional CAT workflows and software localization in one platform. Smaller teams or pure software product teams are usually better served by Lokalise or Crowdin.
Pricing
Team — from ~$135/user/month: Phrase TMS CAT tool or Phrase Strings with AI translation, translation memory, glossaries, integrations, and reporting. Sold as annual contracts.
Business — custom: Advanced workflow engine, multiple brands, SSO, custom roles, API access, higher AI quotas, dedicated support.
Enterprise — custom: Unified Phrase TMS + Phrase Strings + Orchestrator, on-premise option, enhanced security, ISO 17100 compliance, dedicated CSM, SLAs.
Phrase Language AI: Add-on billed by machine translation volume, with MTQE and multi-engine routing through DeepL, Google, and custom LLM models.
Key Features
- Phrase TMS — professional CAT workflow (originally Memsource)
- Phrase Strings — developer-first string management
- Phrase Language AI with multi-engine MT routing and quality prediction
- Translation memory and terminology management
- Branching and Git integration for software localization
- Figma and Sketch plugins
- 50+ enterprise integrations
- On-premise deployment option
- SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, ISO 17100 compliance
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Only TMS natively covering both CAT and string management workflows
- Mature CAT heritage from Memsource — beloved by professional translators
- Strong AI quality estimation (MTQE) for smart human-review routing
- Enterprise-grade compliance and deployment options
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and enterprise-focused
- Two underlying products (TMS + Strings) can feel like separate apps
- Smaller teams may find the feature depth overwhelming
FAQ
Is Phrase the same as Memsource?
Yes and no. Memsource was the CAT tool beloved by professional translators and LSPs. Phrase was a separate software string management platform for developers. In 2022 the two companies merged under the Phrase brand. Today, Phrase TMS is the rebranded Memsource product, and Phrase Strings is the original Phrase platform. Both are still sold and run independently under the Phrase umbrella, with Phrase Orchestrator increasingly unifying workflows across the two.
Phrase vs Lokalise — which is better?
Lokalise is cheaper, faster to deploy, and has a more modern UI — ideal for venture-funded software product teams. Phrase is more expensive, has deeper CAT heritage, and covers professional LSP workflows that Lokalise does not. For pure software product localization under 20 seats, Lokalise is usually the better pick. For LSPs or enterprises that also run professional translation projects with CAT workflows, Phrase is the right choice.
Does Phrase include AI machine translation?
Yes. Phrase Language AI is the add-on MT layer that routes content through DeepL, Google, Microsoft, and custom LLMs with glossary enforcement and Machine Translation Quality Estimation (MTQE). MTQE is one of Phrase's standout features — it predicts segment-level quality so you can auto-approve high-confidence translations and route only low-confidence segments to human reviewers, cutting post-editing effort significantly.
Is Phrase suitable for a small team?
Not really. The Team plan starts around $135/user/month and pricing climbs from there. Phrase is built for professional localization operations — LSPs, enterprise in-house teams, and Fortune 500 global product teams. A two-person startup would be better served by Crowdin's free tier or Lokalise's $140/month Start plan. Phrase's strength is depth, not accessibility.
Can Phrase run on-premise?
Yes. Phrase offers private cloud and on-premise deployment options for enterprise customers with strict data residency or security requirements. On-premise deployments include the full Phrase TMS CAT engine, TM, terminology, and workflow components. Pricing is custom and typically starts at $50,000+/year depending on volume and language pairs.
Does Phrase integrate with Git?
Yes. Phrase Strings has first-class Git integration with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket — you can connect a repo, configure which files and branches to localize, and translations flow back automatically. Phrase TMS also has Git support, though it is more common to use it with file uploads, SFTP, or direct CMS connectors for traditional document-based workflows.
Is Phrase GDPR compliant?
Yes. Phrase is SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and ISO 17100 certified, GDPR compliant, and offers EU data residency. Data Processing Agreements are standard with all enterprise contracts. Phrase Language AI can be configured to route only through privacy-preserving engines (like DeepL Pro with its deletion guarantee) for regulated content.
📋 Good to know
Sales-led trial. Expect a scoping call, 30-day trial with a CSM, and 2-6 weeks of deployment including integrations and user onboarding.
SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, ISO 17100, GDPR. EU data residency. DPA standard. On-premise deployment available for regulated industries.
Move from Team to Business when you need multiple brands, advanced workflows, or SSO. Enterprise unlocks on-premise and unified TMS+Strings deployment.
Medium-high. Professional translators can use Phrase TMS quickly thanks to its Memsource heritage. Setting up integrations and workflows takes a dedicated admin.