The true cost of a human interpreter vs. AI translation

Human interpreters are remarkable professionals, and for high-stakes legal or diplomatic settings they remain the gold standard. But for the everyday business of talking to suppliers, customers, and colleagues across languages, their economics are hard to sustain.

What an interpreter actually costs

Professional interpreters typically bill by the hour, often with minimums and advance booking. Rates commonly land between €60 and €120 per hour, and a single interpreter covers one language pair at a time. If a call comes up this afternoon, you may simply not be able to get one.

• Booked in advance, with hourly minimums.
• One language pair per interpreter.
• Available only while they are on the call.

What on-demand AI translation costs

Real-time AI translation flips the model: it is available instantly, around the clock, across many languages, at a small fraction of the per-minute cost. There is no scheduling, no minimum, and no waiting for a booking window to open.

For most commercial conversations, that means translated calls can be an order of magnitude cheaper than a human interpreter — while still sounding natural and being delivered in your own voice.

Where each one fits

The honest answer is that both have a place. Use a certified human interpreter when legal liability or nuance is paramount. Use AI real-time translation for the daily flow of sales calls, supplier negotiations, support, and team coordination — the conversations that simply would not happen if every one required a scheduled professional.

See how the numbers break down on our pricing page, where we compare plans directly against interpreter rates.