Decision Support · Side-by-side
Compare pricing, strengths, and use cases so it is easier to pick the right fit.
Change tools
For everyday users, neither Baidu Translate API nor Tencent Cloud Machine Translation (TMT) is a good fit — both are developer tools with no mobile app, no simple interface, and pricing that's unclear or aimed at high-volume business use. Tencent is actively migrating to a new 'Hunyuan' product and warns its old API will be phased out, while Baidu requires Chinese identity verification that most non-Chinese users can't complete. The single biggest difference is that Tencent is in transition (old API dying, new one not yet fully documented for beginners), while Baidu offers more language coverage but is nearly impossible to access outside China.
Baidu Translate API
Tencent Cloud Machine Translation (TMT)
Scores at a glance
Choose Baidu Translate API if
Choose Tencent Cloud Machine Translation (TMT) if
Key differences
Facts side by side
| Baidu Translate API | Tencent Cloud Machine Translation (TMT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ||
| Mobile app | ||
| API access |
Common questions
No. Neither tool has a mobile app or a simple web interface. They are both APIs that require programming knowledge to use. If you just want to translate text on your phone, use Google Translate or Microsoft Translator instead.
Baidu is better for Chinese documents because it supports more document formats (PDF, DOCX) and has industry-leading accuracy for Chinese-English translation. However, you need a Chinese ID to register. Tencent's document translation is being phased out, so it's not a reliable long-term choice.
Tencent does not clearly publish free-tier pricing on its website. It offers 'resource packs' for purchase, but you have to contact sales for details. Baidu offers a free tier of up to 1 million characters for verified users, but verification is difficult for non-Chinese residents.
Yes, Tencent explicitly states that the current machine translation API (TMT) 'will no longer be iterated and will be gradually taken offline.' They direct users to a new 'Hunyuan Translation' product. If you build on TMT now, you will need to migrate later.
Not directly. Both are APIs, so you would need to write code to send website text to the API and display the translation. For real-time website translation, consider browser extensions like Google Translate or dedicated website translation services.
Baidu Translate API wins on language coverage and stability, but both tools are developer-only and nearly unusable for non-Chinese everyday users.
If you're not a developer based in China, skip both of these. They are not designed for everyday users — no mobile app, no simple website, and registration is a headache. For casual translation needs, use Google Translate, DeepL, or Microsoft Translator. If you are a developer building a Chinese-focused app, Baidu is the more stable choice, but be prepared for Chinese-only documentation and identity verification.
Detail pages: Baidu Translate API · Tencent Cloud Machine Translation (TMT)
