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earslate vs. Apple Live Translation

Apple Live Translation is hands-free in your ear, but only on an Apple Intelligence iPhone (15 Pro or newer, iOS 26) plus recent AirPods, across nine languages. earslate does the same job on any Android 10 phone, free, with no account, translating through Google Gemini, on a key you supply.

3 dimensions scored even.
What you need to own
Any phone running Android 10 or later. A 3.5 MB app.
Apple Intelligence iPhone (15 Pro+, iOS 26+), plus AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2 or later, or AirPods Max 2.
earslate
Where translation happens
The AI provider on a key you hold, such as Google Gemini — audio goes there, not to ClassEve.
On the iPhone itself once language models are downloaded.
Apple Live Translation
Languages
Whatever Google Gemini supports — typically far beyond nine.
Nine: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese (Simplified and Traditional).
earslate
Hands-free experience
The translation plays into any Bluetooth or wired earbuds; the phone, in your hand or on the table, does the listening.
Translation plays straight into your AirPods, tightly integrated with iOS.
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Setup
Install, then add your Google Gemini key. The app has no accounts at all.
Turn on Apple Intelligence and download Apple's Translate app.
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Where it works
Anywhere you can reach Google Gemini.
Not available in mainland China, and availability varies by region.
earslate
Cost
The app is free. You pay Google for your own Gemini usage.
No extra charge once you own the hardware.
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Facts checked Sep 27, 2026. Apple Live Translation’s own site has its current details.

Choose earslate if
  • You use Android, or won't buy an ecosystem for one feature
  • You need a language outside Apple's nine
  • You want to hold your own Google Gemini key
Choose Apple Live Translation if
  • You already own a recent iPhone and AirPods
  • You want translation processed on-device rather than by a provider
  • You want translation built into your AirPods and iPhone
FAQ

Common questions.

Is earslate an Apple Live Translation alternative for Android?
Yes. Apple's feature needs recent iPhones and AirPods; earslate does live speech translation on any Android 10 phone, with no account.
Who hears the conversation?
With earslate, only the AI provider on a key you hold and can revoke: ClassEve is never in the path. Apple processes translation on the iPhone once its language models are downloaded.
Why does earslate need my own API key?
So we're never in the middle of your conversations, and there's no subscription for a feature you can run yourself. You connect Google Gemini with your own key, and your usage is between you and Google.
Sources
  1. Apple Support — Use Live Translation with AirPods: iPhone 15 Pro or later, iOS 26, Apple Intelligence on, the AirPods models, processing on the iPhone
  2. Apple — iOS feature availability: Live Translation with AirPods languages
  3. Apple Support — Apple Intelligence is not available on devices bought in China mainland
  4. Apple Newsroom — the Apple Intelligence features arrive as a free software update, September 2025
Go deeper
Open earslateWhat is live speech translation?The best live speech translation app for Android
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