FlutterLocalisation vs Localizely: Which Flutter Localization Tool Is Right For You?
Choosing the right localization tool can make or break your Flutter app's internationalization workflow. In this comparison, we'll examine FlutterLocalisation and Localizely side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | FlutterLocalisation | Localizely |
|---|---|---|
| Built for Flutter | Yes (Flutter-first) | No (generic platform) |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes (250 strings) |
| Starting price | $9/month | $16/month |
| AI translation | Yes (context-aware) | Machine translation |
| Git integration | GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket | GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket |
| ARB native support | Primary format | Supported format |
| ICU message format | Full support | Full support |
| Over-the-air updates | Coming soon | Yes |
| Translation memory | Yes | Yes (Organization plans) |
What Is FlutterLocalisation?
FlutterLocalisation is a localization platform built specifically for Flutter developers. It focuses on the ARB file workflow and provides AI-powered translations that understand Flutter's ICU message format.
Key strengths:
- Purpose-built for Flutter's ARB format
- AI translations with context awareness
- Visual side-by-side editor
- Automatic placeholder validation
- Direct Git synchronization
What Is Localizely?
Localizely is a general-purpose translation management system (TMS) that supports multiple platforms including Flutter, iOS, Android, and web applications.
Key strengths:
- Multi-platform support
- Over-the-air translation updates
- Professional translator workflows
- Translation memory (paid plans)
- Figma integration
Detailed Comparison
1. Flutter-Specific Features
FlutterLocalisation was designed from the ground up for Flutter developers:
// FlutterLocalisation understands Flutter's ARB format natively
{
"itemCount": "{count, plural, =0{No items} =1{One item} other{{count} items}}",
"@itemCount": {
"placeholders": {
"count": {"type": "int"}
}
}
}
The platform validates placeholders, ICU message syntax, and generates Flutter-compatible ARB files without additional configuration.
Localizely is platform-agnostic. While it supports ARB files, Flutter is one of many supported formats. You may need to configure export settings to ensure compatibility.
Winner: FlutterLocalisation — Purpose-built beats generic.
2. AI Translation Quality
FlutterLocalisation uses context-aware AI that:
- Understands placeholders like
{username}and preserves them - Handles plural forms correctly across languages
- Maintains ICU message format syntax
- Learns from your app's context
Localizely offers machine translation through Google Translate and DeepL integration. While effective, it doesn't have Flutter-specific intelligence built in.
Winner: FlutterLocalisation — AI that understands Flutter's syntax.
3. Pricing Comparison
FlutterLocalisation Pricing:
- Free: Limited projects and strings
- Pro: $9/month — Unlimited translations, AI features
- Team: $29/month — Collaboration, multiple projects
Localizely Pricing:
- Free: 250 string keys, 1 project
- Starter: $16/month — 500 keys, 1 project
- Advanced: $32/month — 1,000 keys, 2 projects
- Pro: $65/month — 2,500 keys, 3 projects
- Organization: $125-475/month — Enterprise features
Winner: FlutterLocalisation — More generous limits, lower prices.
4. Git Integration
Both platforms offer Git integration:
FlutterLocalisation:
- Connects to GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket
- Two-way sync with your repository
- Automatic ARB file updates on push
- PR-based workflow support
Localizely:
- Same Git providers supported
- Pull/push translations
- Branching support (Organization plans)
Winner: Tie — Both offer solid Git workflows.
5. Team Collaboration
FlutterLocalisation:
- Role-based access (Developer, Translator, Reviewer)
- Real-time collaborative editing
- Comment and discussion threads
- Activity tracking
Localizely:
- Unlimited users on all plans
- Task assignments
- Translation review workflow
- Activity history
Winner: Tie — Both handle team workflows well.
6. Over-the-Air Updates
Localizely has a clear advantage here with their Flutter SDK for over-the-air (OTA) translation updates. This lets you push translation fixes without releasing a new app version.
FlutterLocalisation currently focuses on build-time translations through ARB files. OTA support is on the roadmap.
Winner: Localizely — OTA is a killer feature for production apps.
7. Learning Curve
FlutterLocalisation:
- Sign up → Connect Git → Import ARB → Translate
- Familiar Flutter workflow
- No complex configuration
- 5-minute setup
Localizely:
- More features = more complexity
- Enterprise-focused interface
- May require training for team members
- Configuration needed for Flutter optimization
Winner: FlutterLocalisation — Simpler, Flutter-focused UX.
When to Choose FlutterLocalisation
Choose FlutterLocalisation if you:
- Build exclusively Flutter apps
- Want AI-powered translations that understand Flutter syntax
- Need a simple, focused workflow
- Have a small to medium team
- Want the best value for money
- Prioritize developer experience
Ideal for: Solo developers, startups, small teams, Flutter agencies.
When to Choose Localizely
Choose Localizely if you:
- Build multi-platform apps (Flutter + iOS native + web)
- Need over-the-air translation updates
- Work with professional translators who need TMS features
- Require enterprise features like branching and Figma integration
- Have budget for higher-tier plans
Ideal for: Enterprises, multi-platform projects, teams with dedicated translators.
Migration: Switching Between Platforms
From Localizely to FlutterLocalisation
- Export your translations as ARB files from Localizely
- Create a project in FlutterLocalisation
- Import your ARB files
- Connect your Git repository for ongoing sync
From FlutterLocalisation to Localizely
- Export ARB files from FlutterLocalisation (or pull from Git)
- Create a project in Localizely
- Import the ARB files
- Configure your Flutter export settings
Both platforms use standard ARB format, making migration straightforward.
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Solo Developer with a Side Project
Recommendation: FlutterLocalisation Free Tier
You need quick AI translations for a few hundred strings. FlutterLocalisation's free tier gets you started immediately, and the AI handles the heavy lifting.
Scenario 2: Startup with 5 Developers
Recommendation: FlutterLocalisation Pro
At $9/month, you get unlimited AI translations, team collaboration, and Git sync. More cost-effective than Localizely's comparable tier at $32+/month.
Scenario 3: Enterprise with iOS, Android, and Flutter Apps
Recommendation: Localizely Organization
You need one platform for all your apps, professional translator workflows, and enterprise features. Localizely's multi-platform support makes sense here.
Scenario 4: App in Production Needing Hot Fixes
Recommendation: Localizely with OTA
If you need to fix translation typos without app releases, Localizely's over-the-air feature is essential.
The Verdict
For most Flutter developers, FlutterLocalisation is the better choice.
Here's why:
- Purpose-built — Every feature is designed for Flutter's ARB workflow
- Better AI — Context-aware translations that understand Flutter syntax
- Lower cost — $9/month vs $16-65/month for comparable features
- Simpler UX — Less time configuring, more time building
However, choose Localizely if:
- You need over-the-air updates (deal-breaker feature)
- You're managing multiple platforms beyond Flutter
- Your organization requires enterprise TMS features
Try Both Free
The best way to decide is to try both:
- Start free with FlutterLocalisation — No credit card required
- Start free with Localizely — 15-day trial of all features
Ready to simplify your Flutter localization? Try FlutterLocalisation free — the localization tool built by Flutter developers, for Flutter developers.