Learn how you can have Google Chrome read aloud by incorporating native and third party text to speech capabilities.

How to have Google Chrome read aloud

In today's fast-paced digital world, the ability to have web pages, documents, and articles read aloud can significantly enhance the user experience. In this article, we’re exploring how you can enable Google Chrome to read aloud, using text to speech, the benefits of TTS, and so much more.

Text to speech overview

Text to speech (TTS) technology converts written text into spoken words, providing an auditory alternative for consuming content. This accessibility feature serves as a vital tool for individuals with visual impairments, learning disabilities, reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, or those seeking a faster way to consume content.

Google Chrome overview

Developed by Google, Google Chrome has secured its place as a preferred browser for millions of users globally. Its intuitive interface provides seamless navigation with a minimalist design that emphasizes user experience. Beyond its fundamental functions of browsing web pages, Chrome offers a vast array of features and integrations. From the robust Chrome Web Store, where users can access a multitude of extensions, to synchronization capabilities that allow personalized settings across devices, Google Chrome adapts to individual needs. With a strong emphasis on security, regular updates, and an open-source foundation (Chromium), Google Chrome continues to evolve, maintaining its status as a leading browser in the ever-evolving landscape of the internet.

Benefits of having Google Chrome read aloud using text to speech

Information is abundant and time is precious, so the benefits of having Google Chrome read aloud using text to speech technology are plentiful. Here are just a few ways having Google Chrome read aloud using TTS can elevate user experience:

1. Accessibility: Text to speech on Google Chrome enhances accessibility, making content available to users with visual impairments or reading difficulties.
2. Multitasking: Users can listen to content while performing other tasks, promoting multitasking efficiency.
3. Learning aid: Text to speech serves as a valuable tool for language learners, offering pronunciation assistance and auditory reinforcement.
4. Enhanced productivity: Listening to content while on the go, such as during commutes or workouts, allows users to make the most of their time.

How to have Google Chrome read aloud

Enabling Google Chrome to read aloud involves leveraging built-in text to speech options or utilizing extensions, catering to the diverse needs of users across different devices. Let’s explore both of these options, so you choose the method that works best for you.

Method 1: Use built-in text to speech to have Google Chrome read aloud

Each device comes with its own built-in text to speech read aloud features, so we’ve compiled tutorials on how to enable built-in text to speech features on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Android, and iOS devices.

How to have Google Chrome read aloud using built-in text to speech on Windows

Narrator is the built-in accessibility feature in the Windows operating system, providing users with a screen reader that reads text and describes interface elements to enhance overall system accessibility. To enable Narrator to read Google Chrome text aloud, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Go to "Ease of Access."
3. Select "Narrator" from the left sidebar.
4. Toggle the switch under "Narrator" to turn it on.
5. Open Google Chrome.
6. Highlight the text you want to be read.
7. Press Crtl + Win + Enter to start Narrator.
8. Adjust the voice and speed settings as needed.

How to have Google Chrome read aloud using built-in text to speech on Mac

VoiceOver, an integral part of the macOS accessibility suite, is a screen reader that empowers users by audibly describing on-screen elements and providing navigation cues, ensuring a comprehensive and user-friendly experience. Here is how to have Google Chrome read aloud with VoiceOver on Mac:

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Go to "Accessibility."
3. Select "VoiceOver" from the left sidebar.
4. Check the box next to "VoiceOver" to enable it.
5. Open the Google Chrome browser.
6. Highlight the text you want to be read.
7. Press Option + Esc to start VoiceOver.
8. Adjust voice and speed settings in the Accessibility preferences.

How to have Google Chrome read aloud using built-in text to speech on Chromebook

Chromebooks offer the ability to hear full pages read aloud with its built-in screen reader ChromeVox or parts of pages read aloud using Select-to-Speech.

How to use ChromeVox

To have full-length Google Chrome pages read aloud to you with ChromeVox, simply:

1. Select the time in the bottom right or by pressing Alt + Shift + s.
2. Choose Settings Accessibility.
3. Under "Text to Speech," turn on ChromeVox.
4. Press Ctrl + Alt + z to turn ChromeVox on or off as you browse.
5. If ChromeVox is on, any page you navigate to will automatically be read aloud.

How to use Select-to-Speak

Chromebook's Select to Speak feature allows users to only listen to certain parts of text on a page for a more customizable and accessible browsing experience. Follow these steps to enable Select to Speak:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and click on "Advanced."
3. Under "Accessibility," turn on "Select-to-speak.
4. Go to Google Chrome.
5. Highlight the text you want to be read.
6. Right-click and choose "Read aloud."
7. Adjust voice and speed settings as needed.

How to have Google Chrome read aloud using built-in text to speech on Android

Android devices come equipped with Google Text to Speech to read any text aloud, including text on the Google Chrome browser. To have Google Chrome read aloud on Android devices, simply follow this tutorial:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to "Accessibility."
3. Select "Text to speech output."
4. Choose "Google Text to speech Engine" and enable it.
5. Open Google Chrome.
6. Highlight the text.
7. Tap the "Speak" icon or use the "Read aloud" option.

How to have Google Chrome read aloud using built-in text to speech on iOS

Like Mac devices, iOS offers VoiceOver as its built-in text to speech feature. Follow the steps below to enable VoiceOver and have Google Chrome read aloud on iOS:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to "Accessibility."
3. Under "Vision," select "VoiceOver" and toggle the switch to enable it.
4. Open Google Chrome.
5. Highlight the text you want to be read.
6. Swipe down with two fingers to start VoiceOver.
7. Adjust voice and speed settings in the Accessibility preferences.

Method 2: Use Google Chrome extensions to have Google Chrome read aloud

Google Chrome extensions are small software modules designed to extend the functionality of the Google Chrome web browser. Serving as add-ons or plugins, Chrome extensions integrate seamlessly into the browser, often residing in the toolbar for quick access. While users can download a variety of Google Chrome extensions to modify and augment the browser's features, today we’re going to break down how to download text to speech Google Chrome extensions.

How to have Google Chrome read aloud using the Speechify Chrome extension

Speechify is the leading Google Chrome text to speech extension and can not only read Google Chrome web pages, but can seamlessly convert any text, including study guides, social media posts, news articles, and EPUB documents, into spoken words. With features like adjustable reading speed, multilingual voice options, a pop-up toolbar for easy control, and text highlighting, Speechify stands out as a user-friendly and powerful text to speech solution. Follow these steps to start using Speechify:

1. Visit the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search “Speechify” in the search bar.
3. Click to install the extension.
4. Once installed, select the text you want to be read aloud.
5. There will be a play button that appears to your left.
6. Click the play button with your cursor to speak selection and read aloud the selected text.Adjust reading speed and playback options using the toolbar.

How to have Google Chrome read aloud using the NaturalReader Chrome extension

NaturalReader is a Chrome extension designed to enhance the reading experience by converting selected text into clear and natural-sounding speech. Offering compatibility with multiple languages and the ability to read content from web pages and documents, NaturalReader provides users with an accessible and customizable text to speech solution directly within the Chrome browser. Use the NaturalReader extension by following these steps:

1. Download and install the NaturalReader Chrome extension.
2. Highlight the text you wish to be read aloud.
3. Right-click and choose "Read Aloud."

How to have Google Chrome read aloud using the ReadAloud Chrome extension

ReadAloud is a straightforward yet effective Chrome extension that simplifies the process of having text read aloud. Users can easily activate the reading feature with a simple click, making it a user-friendly and accessible text to speech solution for Chrome users. To use ReadAloud for Chrome, follow this guide:

• Install the Read Aloud extension from the Chrome Web Store.
• Select the text you want to be read aloud.
• Click the extension's play button on the toolbar.

Why Google Chrome extensions are the better text to speech option

While conventional text to speech systems serve a crucial role in converting written content into spoken words, Chrome extensions elevate this functionality by seamlessly integrating into the browser, providing enhanced customization, accessibility, and user-friendly interfaces. Let’s delve into just some of the unique features that set these extensions apart:

• Customization: Extensions offer more customization options, allowing users to adjust reading speed, select speech voices, and control playback.
• Ease of Use: Chrome extensions provide a more straightforward and user-friendly interface compared to standalone text to speech applications.
• Integration: Extensions seamlessly integrate into the Chrome browser, making them easily accessible directly from the toolbar or right-click menu.
• Compatibility: Chrome extensions are designed to work seamlessly with web pages, PDF files, and other online content.

Speechify - The #1 Google Chrome extension

Speechify stands out as the premier text to speech Chrome extension. Why is it the best? The top advantages of Speechify include:

1. Lifelike narrator options: Boasting over 200 clear and crisp voices across various accents and languages, Speechify reads any digital or physical text aloud in the most humanlike voices on the market.
2. Wide language support: Speechify supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, French, and so many more, ensuring that users around the world can access content in their preferred language.
3. Offline access: Speechify offers offline functionality, allowing you to listen to text even without an internet connection.
4. Customization: Tailor your text to speech experience with customizable options, including voice selection, reading speed adjustment, and more.
5. Text highlighting: Speechify visually highlights each word or phrase as it’s spoken, enhancing comprehension and engagement for the listener.
6. Celebrity voices: In addition to its wide range of narrator options, premium users can also choose from celebrity voice options and have their text read aloud by familiar voices such as Gwyneth Paltrow or Snoop Dogg.

Try Speechify for free on any device

Experience the transformative capabilities of Speechify for free on any device and unlock the power of having digital text read aloud with unparalleled convenience. This innovative text to speech solution is not confined to a single platform. Whether utilizing the Google Chrome extension, the Microsoft Edge extension, the Android or iOS apps, or even accessing it through the website, Speechify provides a versatile reading experience, allowing readers to listen to any digital text aloud, including but not limited to Google Docs, web pages, emails, news articles, and more.

Additionally, its Android and iOS apps offer Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, enabling and empowering users to have physical text read aloud, expanding accessibility.

Level up your reading experience and try Speechify for free today.

FAQ

How can listening to podcasts help English language learners?

Listening to podcasts can aid English language learners by exposing them to authentic and diverse language usage, improving listening comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and overall language fluency.

What is Canary speech?

Canary Speech is an AI-driven platform that monitors health by analyzing vocal digital biomarkers.

Where can I find audiobooks?

You can find audiobooks on Amazon or Speechify Audiobooks.

How can I use Speechify on my Android phone?

You can download the Speechify Android app from the Google Play store.