Polylang vs WPML

Polylang maintains strong Core Web Vitals by avoiding extra database tables and using only core WordPress features. Its architecture is specifically optimized for high speed, even on complex multilingual sites. WPML users often report significant database bloat and noticeable drops in site loading speed. WPML guarantees no slowdown, but widespread user reviews strongly contradict this claim. If maximizing site speed under load is critical, Polylang offers a much safer, performance-focused architecture.

Polylang Pro offers full WooCommerce translation and synchronization on every licensed plan. Polylang automatically syncs critical details like product stock, prices, and attributes. WPML only provides e-commerce support on the expensive Multilingual CMS or Agency plans. WPML users have also reported crashes and instability when using it with high-traffic WooCommerce stores. For small to mid-sized e-commerce sites, Polylang is the more reliable and immediately accessible solution.

Polylang primarily relies on a DeepL integration for machine translation, which is simple. Polylang does not include translation credits; users simply pay for the external service as needed. WPML offers DeepL, Google, Microsoft, and its own context-aware PTC translation engine. WPML bundles huge upfront credits (e.g., 180,000 words) with its top-tier plan. WPML is better if you require choice or large initial credit bundles for bulk translation tasks.

Polylang offers dedicated professional support only for Pro license holders, Monday through Friday. WPML guarantees a 12-hour response time for support questions for paid accounts, which sounds safe. However, WPML reviews are saturated with complaints about unresponsive, rude, or non-existent support staff. Polylang users receive clearer expectations regarding support, which contributes to higher overall user satisfaction. When you need help with a multilingual site crash, Polylang seems the safer bet for getting a professional response.

Polylang maximizes at a 25-site license, offering a substantial 80% volume discount. Polylang's pricing structure favors agencies with a fixed, high-value client base needing annual renewals. WPML's Agency plan provides unlimited production licenses for only €199 per year. This WPML structure is unbeatable for high-volume agencies or developers managing many small client sites. If your portfolio requires more than 25 managed sites, the WPML Agency plan is the only rational choice.

Polylang uses an intuitive installation wizard and integrates smoothly with standard WordPress workflows. The interface feels like a natural extension of the existing WordPress dashboard for ease of use. WPML setup and configuration are notoriously labeled as complicated and clunky by many users. WPML’s deep feature set requires a steeper learning commitment to manage all the settings effectively. Beginners or users valuing simplicity should choose Polylang for a much quicker onboarding experience.

WPML's entry plan starts cheaper at €39/year for one blog site. Polylang Pro starts at 99€/year, but features like E-commerce are included from the start. Polylang sweetens the deal with a significant 50% discount on all subsequent annual renewals. Both tools offer good long-term value, but Polylang rewards customer loyalty with better renewal pricing. WPML has lower entry pricing, but Polylang is arguably cheaper in the long run for single-site Pro users.

WPML confidently offers a 30-day 'no questions asked' refund policy on all licenses. This WPML guarantee allows users to test the full-featured plugin on a live or staging site. Polylang does not state an explicit money-back policy for its paid Pro versions. Polylang requires users to test foundational features using the limited free core plugin version first. If you want to fully test complex features like WooCommerce before committing, WPML offers the needed guarantee.