FluentC vs WPML.
WPML stores each translation as a separate post and adds pages, posts and menus for every language. The FluentC WordPress plugin is built to avoid that, and it charges by number of languages instead of a licence plus ongoing translation costs. WPML can translate from the WordPress admin; for FluentC that is listed as a future release.
FluentC and WPML
| Feature | FluentC | WPML |
|---|---|---|
| How content is priced | Fixed price per site, by number of languages | Fixed licence plus ongoing translation cost |
| Annual cost | See the pricing page | From $99, plus translation cost |
| Translation limits | Unlimited | Limited |
| Languages | 128+ languages | 65 |
| hreflang support | Yes | Yes, set up manually |
| Custom fields translation | Automatic | Manual |
| Taxonomy translation | Automatic | Manual |
| Backend translation | Future release | Yes |
| Increases plugin size | No | Yes |
| Increases language files for all plugins | No | Yes |
| Increases page count | No | Yes |
| Increases post count | No | Yes |
| Increases WordPress file size | No | Yes |
| Manual navigation setup | No | Yes |
| Navigation multiplied for each language | No | Yes |
| Requires changes to your workflow | No | Yes |
Compared as of August 8, 2025. WPML details come from its public information and may have changed; check its own site for current plans and features.
This comparison is for WordPress. The table covers the FluentC WordPress plugin and WPML.
Setup and interface
There are three differences. FluentC setup has fewer steps than WPML's multi-step configuration. You translate in a visual, front-end interface, where WPML leans on the back end. And FluentC detects your content automatically, so you do not select strings by hand.
The trade-off is in the table: WPML can translate from the WordPress admin, and for FluentC that is a future release.
Database and speed
WPML stores translations as separate posts in the WordPress database, so the database grows with your content and with each language you add. The FluentC WordPress plugin has a lightweight architecture, minimal database queries and a caching system.
For the mechanism in more detail, read How WPML's design affects site speed and local caching.
Pages, posts and menus
In the table, WPML increases your page count, post count, plugin size, language files and WordPress file size, and it multiplies navigation for each language. FluentC is listed as increasing none of these, and as needing no manual navigation setup.
Cost
WPML is a fixed licence plus ongoing translation cost. FluentC prices per site, by number of languages, with unlimited translations; see pricing.
Note: Competitor prices were current when this comparison was written and are for reference only. Check WPML for its current pricing.
Switching
You can keep WPML installed while you test the FluentC plugin. Switch from WPML in five minutes covers the steps.
If your site is not on WordPress, FluentC Domains translates it on a subdomain or country domain without touching the origin site.
More on FluentC and WPML
Switch from WPML to FluentC in five minutes
Move a WordPress site from WPML to the FluentC plugin. Test one page first, then set up full-site translation and paste your API key.
How WPML's design affects WordPress site speed
WPML stores translations as separate posts and queries the database for each translated request. Here is what that means for speed, and how FluentC differs.
Start with one language.
Flat price per site, per language. Unlimited translations.