Built for conversations, not single sentences
Typing one phrase into a translation box is fine for a sign. It falls apart the moment someone answers you. Parlivon is designed around the back-and-forth: both directions, both transcripts, no fiddling between turns.
What makes it two-way
Auto-routing between speakers
Voice activity detection works out who is speaking and translates in that direction. You never stop to swap the source and target language between turns.
Split screen you can rotate
Each person gets their own half of the screen with their own transcript, and the layout flips 180 degrees so the person opposite reads theirs the right way up.
Live partial transcripts
Text appears as you speak, so you can see the app is hearing you correctly instead of finding out after the fact. Barge-in lets either side interrupt naturally.
Per-side volume and mute
Set the level for each person independently. Handy when one side is on earbuds and the other is listening through the phone speaker in a loud street.
Switch to typing without losing the thread
In a very noisy place, move to chat translation and keep the same two languages, with both sides visible on screen.
More than two people
Broadcast mode covers one speaker with several listeners, each hearing the translation in their own language on their own device.
A conversation from start to finish
Pick the two languages
Choose your language and theirs from 66 options, including US, UK, Australian and Canadian English, and French from France or Canada.
Place the phone or share an earbud
Put the phone between you for split screen, or hand over one earbud so each side hears only their own language.
Talk normally
Let auto-routing follow the conversation, or hold to speak in a noisy place. Transcripts stay on screen so nothing is lost.
Where a two-way translator earns its keep
- Explaining a problem at a hotel front desk
- Agreeing a price and destination with a taxi driver
- Asking about ingredients or allergies before you order
- Pharmacy visits and describing symptoms
- Buying tickets when the machine defeats you
- Actual conversations with people you meet
Two-way translation questions
Can two people share one phone?
Yes — that is the default. Split screen gives each person their own side, and the view rotates so the person opposite can read it.
See how it worksDo we both need the app?
No. One phone is enough. If the other person also has Parlivon and their own earbuds, they can join the same conversation from their device.
Can we use our own earbuds?
Yes. Standard true-wireless earbuds that work one ear at a time are all you need — no dedicated translator hardware.
Translation earbudsHow does it know whose turn it is?
Auto-routing uses voice activity detection to work out which side is speaking and translates in that direction. Push-to-talk with a turn indicator and countdown stays available for noisy places.
Can I keep a record of the conversation?
Each turn is kept in a split-screen transcript during the session, and the conversation can be exported when you are finished.
How many languages can we talk in?
66 languages for voice, chat and camera translation, including regional variants of English and French.
See all featuresReady to talk?
See the full feature list or get the app before your next trip.
Related
Machine translation can be imperfect. Parlivon is a travel and everyday communication aid — do not rely on it for medical, legal, financial or emergency decisions.
Parlivon travels on your phone
Translation happens on the device in your pocket — set it up in about a minute.