How much does a simultaneous interpreter cost?
It depends on language, duration and the type of event — but the numbers are higher than most people expect. Here are indicative ranges, the cases where a professional is essential, and the ones where a voice translation app is enough.
Indicative prices
| Type of service | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Business interpreter (hourly) | €50–100/hr |
| Half day | €250–450 |
| Full day | €400–800 |
| Conference simultaneous (booth + 2 interpreters + equipment) | €1,500+/day |
Purely ballpark figures, gathered from rate cards and agencies: they shift a lot with city, language pair (rare languages cost more), duration, travel and required prep. For a real quote you always need a professional or an agency.
Human or app: how to choose
👤 You need a human interpreter
- Legal, notarial, court settings
- Medical and healthcare
- High-value contract negotiations
- Conferences and official events
Where a mistake has serious consequences, a professional's precision and accountability are worth the cost.
📱 An app is enough
- Travel and tourism
- Work calls and meetings
- Shops, hotels, restaurants
- Everyday informal conversations
To get understood quickly and informally, a voice translator in your pocket covers most situations.
The comparison in money
A single day of interpreting can cost as much as years of subscription to a voice translation app. DilloForte starts at €9.99 a month — roughly the price of a few minutes of a professional interpreter — and it's always in your phone, with nothing to book in advance.
They're different tools, of course: the app won't swear an oath in court and won't cover you in a million-euro negotiation. But for the 90% of times you just need to understand and be understood, it's the difference between spending hundreds of euros and spending a few a month.
Frequently asked questions
Why does conference simultaneous cost so much?
Because it needs two interpreters taking turns (simultaneous is exhausting), often a soundproof booth and the audio gear with headsets for the audience. It's the most expensive format of interpreting.
Can DilloForte replace an interpreter?
For travel, everyday work and informal conversations, yes: it translates voice in real time across 60+ languages. For legal, medical or official settings a professional is still recommended.
How much does DilloForte cost?
You can try it with 10 free minutes, no sign-up. After that plans start at €9.99 a month, and the minutes you buy never expire.
Try the low-cost alternative
A voice interpreter always in your pocket, in 60+ languages. 10 free minutes, no account.
Open DilloForte · 10 free minutes →