Gone are the days when businesses, hospitals, and legal offices had to wait days for an in-person interpreter. Thanks to technology, a remote interpreting platform now provides instant access to professional interpreters anywhere in the world.

But with so many platforms available—KUDO, Interprefy, Boostlingo, LanguageLine, and more—how do you choose the right one for your specific needs?

Let’s break it down!

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Remote Interpreting Platform

Not all remote interpreting services are created equal. Before making a decision, consider these essential factors.

1. Type of Interpreting Service You Need

There are different types of remote interpreting, and not every platform offers all of them.

📌 Common Types of Remote Interpreting:

• Over-the-Phone Interpreting (OPI) – Ideal for quick conversations, medical appointments, and customer support.
• Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) – Best for healthcare, legal, and business meetings where body language matters.
• Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI) – Used for large-scale events, webinars, and conferences where interpreters translate in real-time.

💡 Example: If you’re hosting a multinational business conference, you’ll need a platform that supports RSI (like KUDO or Interprefy). But if you need on-demand medical interpreting, an OPI-based platform (like LanguageLine) may be a better fit.

2. Language Availability and Specialization

Not all platforms support every language. Some specialize in widely spoken languages, while others offer rare languages and dialects.

✅ Questions to Ask:

• Does the platform offer all the languages you need?
• Does it provide specialized interpreters (e.g., medical, legal, business)?
• Can you request interpreters with regional expertise?

💡 Example: If you need legal interpreting for an international contract dispute, choose a platform that provides certified legal interpreters fluent in both legal terminology and the local dialect.

3. Ease of Use and Accessibility

A great interpreting platform should be easy to use for both interpreters and clients.

👨‍💻 Look for:

• User-friendly interface – No complicated setup or software installation.
• Multi-device support – Works on laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Integration with video conferencing tools – Compatible with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
• On-demand access – Can you request an interpreter instantly, or do you need to schedule in advance?

💡 Example: If your company frequently holds multilingual Zoom meetings, pick a platform that seamlessly integrates with Zoom (e.g., KUDO or Interprefy).

4. Audio and Video Quality

Clear communication is critical for effective interpreting. Poor audio or video quality can lead to misunderstandings.

🎧 What to Check:

• High-definition audio – No lag or distortion.
• Stable video quality – Important for VRI and RSI.
• Noise reduction features – Ensures a distraction-free experience.
• Bandwidth efficiency – Works well even with low internet speeds.

💡 Example: A hospital using VRI for doctor-patient consultations should choose a platform with crystal-clear video and stable audio to avoid life-threatening miscommunications.

5. Security and Confidentiality

Many industries—especially legal, healthcare, and finance—require strict data security and privacy compliance.

🔒 Security Features to Look For:

• End-to-end encryption – Protects conversations from hackers.
• Compliance with industry standards – Look for HIPAA (healthcare), GDPR (Europe), or ISO 27001 compliance.
• Confidentiality agreements – Ensure interpreters follow strict privacy policies.

💡 Example: A telehealth provider should choose a HIPAA-compliant platform like LanguageLine to ensure patient confidentiality.

6. Pricing and Payment Flexibility

Interpreting costs vary depending on language, service type, and industry expertise.

💰 Pricing Models:

• Pay-per-minute or per-hour – Best for on-demand services (e.g., medical and legal calls).
• Subscription-based – Ideal for businesses with frequent interpreting needs.
• Custom enterprise pricing – Suitable for large organizations and government agencies.

💡 Example: A startup with occasional translation needs may prefer a pay-as-you-go model, while a multinational company might benefit from a subscription plan with bulk discounts.

Top Remote Interpreting Platform Options to Consider

To help you get started, here’s a quick overview of some of the top remote interpreting platforms and what they specialize in.

💡 Pro Tip: Always request a demo before committing to a platform

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Platform for You

The right remote interpreting platform depends on your industry, language needs, and budget. Whether you need on-demand OPI for quick calls or RSI for large-scale conferences, taking the time to evaluate features, security, and ease of use will ensure seamless multilingual communication.

What’s next? Try a few platforms, test their features, and make an informed decision. The world is more connected than ever—make sure your interpreting service keeps up!

Seldean Smith

Seldean is a multi-skilled content wizard that dedicates herself to writing content that goes beyond merely sparking interest in the audience.