# Linguist: Free Open Source Alternative to Google Translate

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/linguist
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Linguist (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Google Translate. Full-featured browser extension for translating web pages, text, and subtitles with offline mode, personal dictionary, and custom translator support.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Linguist
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://linguister.io/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/translate-tools/linguist
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 1.1k
- **Runs On**: Local
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/translate-tools/linguist or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (1)
Replacing these paid tools with Linguist saves up to $25/mo ($300/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Google Translate](https://caniforkit.com/google-translate) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Google Translate vs Linguist](https://caniforkit.com/vs/google-translate-vs-linguist) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Linguist free and open source?
Linguist is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on local. Full-featured browser extension for translating web pages, text, and subtitles with offline mode, personal dictionary, and custom translator support.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Linguist?
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)