text to speech software

Best free text-to-speech software of 2024

Make it easier to listen to what you've type

Best overall
Best custom voice
Best for beginners
Best website reader
Best Microsoft extension
How we test

We list the best free text-to-speech software, to make it simple and easy to listen to what you've typed, and to have documents automatically read aloud.

This is not simply useful for personal users, but has also become an important issue in business, where the need for effective communication tools has led to a surge in the popularity of text-to-speech (TTS) software.

Text-to-speech software skillfully converts written text into spoken words using advanced technology, though often without grasping the context of the content. The best text-to-speech software not only accomplishes this task but also offers a selection of natural-sounding voices, catering to different preferences and project needs.

This technology is invaluable for creating accessible content, enhancing workplace productivity, adding voice-overs to videos, or simply assisting in proofreading by vocalizing written work. While many of today’s best free word processors , such as Google Docs, include basic TTS features that are accurate and continually improving, they may not meet all needs.

Stand-alone, app-based TTS tools, which should not be confused with the best speech-to-text apps , often have limitations compared to more comprehensive, free text-to-speech software. For instance, some might not allow the downloading of audio files, a feature crucial for creating content for platforms like YouTube and social media.

We've tested a wide range of free text-to-speech software, assessing them based on user experience, performance, and output quality. Below we list what we think are the best free text-to-speech software platforms out there.

The best free text-to-speech software of 2024 in full:

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The best free text-to-speech software overall

1. Natural Reader

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Natural Reader offers one of the best free text-to-speech software experiences, thanks to an easy-going interface and stellar results. It even features online and desktop versions.

You'll find plenty of user options and customizations. The first is to load documents into its library and have them read aloud from there. This is a neat way to manage multiple files, and the number of supported file types is impressive, including eBook formats. There's also OCR, which enables you to load up a photo or scan of text, and have it spoken to you.

The second option takes the form of a floating toolbar. In this mode, you can highlight text in any application and use the toolbar controls to start and customize text-to-speech. This means you can very easily use the feature in your web browser, word processor and a range of other programs. There's also a browser extension to convert web content to speech more easily.

The TTS tool is available free, with three additional upgrades with more advanced features for power-users and professionals.

Read our full Natural Reader review .

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The best free custom-voice text-to-speech software

2. Balabolka

There are a couple of ways to use Balabolka's top free text-to-speech software. You can either copy and paste text into the program, or you can open a number of supported file formats (including DOC, PDF, and HTML) in the program directly.

In terms of output, you can use SAPI 4 complete with eight different voices to choose from, SAPI 5 with two, or the Microsoft Speech Platform. Whichever route you choose, you can adjust the speech, pitch and volume of playback to create a custom voice.

In addition to reading words aloud, this free text-to-speech software can also save narrations as audio files in a range of formats including MP3 and WAV. For lengthy documents, you can create bookmarks to make it easy to jump back to a specific location and there are excellent tools on hand to help you to customize the pronunciation of words to your liking.

With all these features to make life easier when reading text on a screen isn't an option, Balabolka is the best free text-to-speech software around.

For more help using Balabolka, see out guide on how to convert text to speech using this free software.

The best free text-to-speech software for beginners

3. Panopreter Basic

Panopreter Basic is the best free text-to-speech software if you’re looking for something simple, streamlined, no-frills, and hassle-free.

It accepts plain and rich text files, web pages and Microsoft Word documents as input, and exports the resulting sound in both WAV and MP3 format (the two files are saved in the same location, with the same name).

The default settings work well for quick tasks, but spend a little time exploring Panopreter Basic's Settings menu and you'll find options to change the language, destination of saved audio files, and set custom interface colors. The software can even play a piece of music once it's finished reading – a nice touch you won't find in other free text-to-speech software.

If you need something more advanced, a premium version of Panopreter is available. This edition offers several additional features including toolbars for Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer, the ability to highlight the section of text currently being read, and extra voices.

The best free text-to-speech software for websites

4. Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader

Despite its basic looks, Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader has more to offer than you might first think. You can open numerous file formats directly in the program, or just copy and paste text.

Alternatively, as long as you have the program running and the relevant option enables, Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader can read aloud any text you copy to the clipboard – great if you want to convert words from websites to speech – as well as dialog boxes that pop up. One of the best free text-to-speech software right now, this can also convert text files to WAV format.

Unfortunately the selection of voices is limited, and the only settings you can customize are volume and speed unless you burrow deep into settings to fiddle with pronunciations. Additional voices are available for an additional fee which seems rather steep, holding it back from a higher place in our list.

The best free text-to-speech extension of Microsoft Word

5. WordTalk

Developed by the University of Edinburgh, WordTalk is a toolbar add-on for Word that brings customizable text-to-speech to Microsoft Word.

Although the version of Word included in Microsoft 365 does have a built-in test-to-speech reader, older editions won't - which is where this tool becomes really useful, because it works with all editions of Word, and is accessible via the toolbar or ribbon, depending on which version you're using.

The toolbar itself is certainly not the most attractive you'll ever see, appearing to have been designed by a child. Nor are all of the buttons' functions very clear, but thankfully there's a help file on hand to help.

There's no getting away from the fact that WordTalk is fairly basic, but it does support SAPI 4 and SAPI 5 voices, and these can be tweaked to your liking. The ability to just read aloud individual words, sentences or paragraphs is a particularly nice touch. You also have the option of saving narrations, and there are a number of keyboard shortcuts that allow for quick and easy access to frequently used options.

The best free text-to-speech software: FAQs

What are the limitations of free tts software.

As you might expect, some free versions of TTS software do come with certain limitations. These include the amount of choices you get for the different amount of voices in some case. For instance, Zabaware gives you two for free, but you have to pay if you want more.

However, the best free software on this list come with all the bells and whistles that will be more than enough for the average user.

What is SAPI?

SAPI stands for Speech Application Programming Interface. It was developed by Microsoft to generate synthetic speech to allow computer programs to read aloud text. First used in its own applications such as Office, it is also employed by third party TTS software such as those featured in this list.

In the context of TTS software, there are more SAPI 4 voices to choose from, whereas SAPI 5 voices are generally of a higher quality.

Should I output files to MP3 or WAV?

Many free TTS programs give you the option to download an audio file of the speech to save and transfer to different devices.

MP3 is the most common audio format, and compatible with pretty much any modern device capable of playing back audio. The WAV format is also highly compatible too.

The main difference between the two is quality. WAV files are uncompressed, meaning fidelity is preserved as best as possible, at the cost of being considerably larger in size than MP3 files, which do compress.

Ultimately, however, MP3 files with a bit rate of 256 kbps and above should more than suffice, and you'll struggle to tell the difference when it comes to speech audio between them and WAV files.

How to choose the best free text-to-speech software

When selecting the best free text-to-speech software is best for you depends on a range of factors (not to mention personal preference).

Despite how simple the concept of text-to-speech is, there are many different features and aspects to such apps to take into consideration. These include how many voice options and customizations are present, how and where they operate in your setup, what formats they are able to read aloud from and what formats the audio can be saved as.

With free versions, naturally you'll want to take into account how many advanced features you get without paying, and whether any sacrifices are made to performance or usability.

Always try to keep in mind what is fair and reasonable for free services - and as we've shown with our number one choice, you can get plenty of features for free, so if other options seem bare in comparison, then you'll know you can do better.

How we test the best free text-to-speech software

Our testing process for the best free text-to-speech software is thorough, examining all of their respective features and trying to throw every conceivable syllable at them to see how they perform.

We also want to test the accessibility features of these tools to see how they work for every kind of user out there. We have highlighted, for instance, whether certain software offer dyslexic-friendly fonts, such as the number two on our list, Natural Reader.

We also bear in mind that these are free versions, so where possible we compare and contrast their feature sets with paid-for rivals.

Finally, we look at how well TTS tools meet the needs of their intended users - whether it's designed for personal use or professional deployment.

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Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time, he's written a book, ' The Making of Tomb Raider '. His second book, ' 50 Years of Boss Fights ', came out in 2024, with a third book coming in 2025. He also has a newsletter called ' Springboard '. He's usually found playing games old and new on his Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that's about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line.

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Best Text-To-Speech Software

List of top text-to-speech software | best tts tools.

Create conversations, narrations, translations, and more with AI

4.8

Voisi is an innovative AI-powered toolkit that revolutionizes the way you create, manage, and utilize voice and language content. Ideal for businesses, educators, content creators, and developers, Voisi offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance and streamline your audio and linguistic needs. Whether you're looking to generate lifelike speech from text, transcribe spoken words in... Read more about Voisi

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United Arab Emirates

Google Cloud Text-to-Speech

Google Cloud Text-to-Speech is a powerful text-to-speech (TTS) API that enables developers to convert written text into natural-sounding audio. With over 220 voices across 40 languages and variants, Google Cloud Text-to-Speech allows businesses to create personalized, lifelike speech synthesis for a wide range of applications, including virtual assistants, e-learning platforms, and accessibility t... Read more about Google Cloud Text-to-Speech

$0.01 Per month

United States

Amazon Polly

Amazon Polly is an advanced text-to-speech (TTS) software developed by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that converts written text into lifelike speech using deep learning technologies. It offers a comprehensive platform for creating natural-sounding audio from text, enabling businesses, developers, and content creators to enhance their applications, services, and content with voice capabilities. Amazon ... Read more about Amazon Polly

Voicebox is an advanced generative AI software that specializes in creating and manipulating natural-sounding speech. It leverages cutting-edge machine learning techniques to generate voiceovers, audio narrations, and personalized messages based on text inputs. Ideal for marketers, podcasters, content creators, and businesses, Voicebox allows users to produce human-like voice recordings without th... Read more about Voicebox

IBM Watson Text to Speech

Text To Speech SoftwareIBM Watson Text to Speech is a state-of-the-art text-to-speech software solution powered by AI that transforms written text into natural-sounding audio. It leverages advanced neural network-based models to create highly expressive and human-like speech with a variety of voices, accents, and languages. The platform supports multiple use cases, such as creating interactive voi... Read more about IBM Watson Text to Speech

Xerox Workflow Central

Xerox Workflow Central is a document management software that enhances productivity by streamlining business processes and automating document-centric workflows. Aimed at organizations seeking efficiency in their document handling, it allows users to manage, store, and access documents securely, all in one place. With powerful tools for document capture, indexing, and retrieval, Workflow Central s... Read more about Xerox Workflow Central

$9.99 Per month

Zamzar is an intuitive document management software designed to simplify file conversion and management processes for individuals and organizations. This versatile platform supports a wide range of file formats, allowing users to easily convert documents, images, audio, and video files with just a few clicks. Zamzar's userfriendly interface ensures that even nontechnical users can navigate the con... Read more about Zamzar

$25 Per month

United Kingdom

MusicAI is a generative AI software designed to assist musicians, producers, and composers in creating original music effortlessly. By leveraging deep learning algorithms, MusicAI can generate music in a variety of genres, styles, and moods based on user inputs. Whether you are looking for a catchy melody for a commercial, an orchestral piece for a film, or an ambient track for relaxation, MusicAI... Read more about MusicAI

Descript is a cutting-edge transcription software that simplifies the process of converting audio and video content into text. It offers a powerful AI-driven transcription engine that ensures high accuracy, making it ideal for media professionals, journalists, and content creators. Descript supports a variety of audio and video file formats, enabling users to transcribe podcasts, interviews, meeti... Read more about Descript

$0 Per month

Ginger is a cutting-edge proofreading software designed to enhance writing accuracy and efficiency for individuals and businesses alike. This comprehensive platform offers a range of features including grammar and spell checking, sentence rephrasing, translation, and style suggestions, ensuring that written content is clear, correct, and compelling. Ginger’s intuitive interface allows users to e... Read more about Ginger

Murf Studio

Murf Studio is an innovative artificial intelligence software that revolutionizes the way users create voiceovers and audio content. Leveraging cutting-edge text-to-speech technology, Murf Studio allows users to transform written content into lifelike audio in a matter of minutes. The platform offers a wide selection of voices across multiple languages, giving users the flexibility to choose the p... Read more about Murf Studio

$9 Per one-time

Stability AI

Stability AI is a state-of-the-art generative AI software platform that specializes in creating high-quality, realistic content for a variety of industries. Utilizing advanced deep learning models, Stability AI generates images, videos, and even audio with stunning precision and detail. It is particularly valuable for industries like gaming, advertising, entertainment, and digital marketing, where... Read more about Stability AI

ReadSpeaker

ReadSpeaker is a specialized IVR (Interactive Voice Response) software designed to enhance automated customer interactions. This platform provides comprehensive tools for creating voice prompts, managing call flows, and delivering personalized customer experiences. Users can easily access features for customizing voice responses and integrating with existing systems. With capabilities like multi-l... Read more about ReadSpeaker

InVideo is a versatile Video Making Software designed to empower creators of all skill levels to produce professional-quality videos with ease. It offers a user-friendly platform equipped with a wide range of templates, stock footage, music, and customizable elements, allowing users to create engaging videos for various purposes, including marketing, social media, education, and personal projects.... Read more about InVideo

ReadSpeaker webReader

ReadSpeaker webReader is an advanced text-to-speech software that allows websites and online content to be read aloud to users in a natural, lifelike voice. The tool is designed to enhance website accessibility by supporting users with visual impairments or those who prefer auditory learning. webReader is highly customizable, offering features like multilingual support, adjustable reading speeds, ... Read more about ReadSpeaker webReader

ReadSpeaker TextAid

ReadSpeaker TextAid is a powerful tool designed to assist individuals with learning difficulties or reading impairments by converting text into speech. This text-to-speech software is perfect for students, educators, and professionals who benefit from auditory learning. TextAid is especially useful for dyslexic individuals or those with visual impairments, offering an accessible way to consume con... Read more about ReadSpeaker TextAid

ReadSpeaker speechCloud API

ReadSpeaker speechCloud API is a powerful and versatile text-to-speech API that provides developers with the ability to integrate natural-sounding speech into applications, websites, and digital content. By using the speechCloud API, businesses can create interactive voice-enabled experiences across a wide range of platforms, from e-learning portals to mobile apps and virtual assistants. The API s... Read more about ReadSpeaker speechCloud API

NaturalReader Commercial

NaturalReader Commercial is a professional-grade text-to-speech software that converts written text into high-quality, natural-sounding audio. This tool is ideal for businesses, educational institutions, and content creators looking to provide accessible content and enhance user engagement. The software supports a wide range of languages and offers a selection of voices, including natural-sounding... Read more about NaturalReader Commercial

VEED is a user-friendly video editing software designed to help creators produce high-quality videos quickly and efficiently. The platform provides an intuitive interface with drag-and-drop features, making it easy for users to edit videos without prior technical knowledge. VEED offers a wide range of editing tools, including cutting, trimming, text overlays, and filters, as well as advanced featu... Read more about VEED

$25 Per user

Synthesia is an artificial intelligence software that enables businesses to create high-quality, AI-generated video content without the need for cameras or actors. Using advanced AI technology, Synthesia allows users to input text, which is then converted into a realistic video with a virtual presenter delivering the message in multiple languages. The platform provides a user-friendly interface, e... Read more about Synthesia

$0 Per user

ElevenLabs is a cutting-edge text-to-speech software that enables businesses to convert written text into natural-sounding, high-quality audio. This powerful tool uses advanced machine learning algorithms to generate human-like speech with various tones, accents, and emotions, providing a more personalized experience for end-users. ElevenLabs is widely used in applications like e-learning, audiobo... Read more about ElevenLabs

Akool is an innovative generative AI software designed to revolutionize content creation and automation. This powerful tool uses advanced machine learning algorithms to generate high-quality written, visual, and audio content, reducing the time and effort required for content production. Akool is ideal for marketing teams, content creators, and businesses that need to generate personalized content... Read more about Akool

ON4T Text-to-Speech

ON4T Text-to-Speech is an advanced text-to-speech software solution that converts written text into natural-sounding speech, making content more accessible and engaging for a wide audience. This software is particularly useful for individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties, as it provides a clear and accurate audio representation of written content. ON4T Text-to-Speech supports mu... Read more about ON4T Text-to-Speech

Voicemod is an innovative generative AI software that transforms your voice in real time, enabling users to create and modify custom voice effects for various applications. It’s widely used in gaming, live streaming, podcasting, and content creation, allowing users to enhance their audio experience by adding fun, creative, and unique vocal effects. Voicemod uses deep learning algorithms to gener... Read more about Voicemod

HeyGen is an innovative AI video generator software designed to create professional-quality videos from text or simple prompts. This tool allows users to quickly generate personalized, AI-generated videos for a variety of purposes, including marketing, education, content creation, and social media. By using advanced deep learning algorithms, HeyGen transforms written content into engaging, visuall... Read more about HeyGen

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Personal Listen to your documents
Commercial Create voiceovers for professional use
EDU Group plans for personal use
Mobile For Android and iOS
Chrome Extension Listen to webpages directly
AI Voices Realistic voices using deep learning and neural networks
LLM Voices Next generation AI voices using large language models
Voice Cloning Synthetic voice replication using LLM
AskAI ChatGPT-powered assistant
PDFAI Smart document filtering