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Text-to-speech apps are a great way to make reading and understanding written text, especially for individuals who have dyslexia and and other reading or language learning disabilities. Many people use text to speech applications for school and work to help them read more quickly and retain more information than manual reading. Other uses for the best text-to-speech online tools include Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and voice API.

Below, compare 5 of the top text-to-speech programs and get answers to your most frequently asked questions.

1. Balabolka

Balabolka is a no-cost text-to-speech application that allows users to translate text into spoken words and export the audio files in a wide variety of formats, such as .WAV, .MP3, .MP4, .WMA, and .OGG. Although the user interface is a bit outdated and clunky, it does offer relatively adequate functionality that meets many needs. This tool also needs updates regularly for new languages.

Pricing 

• Free basic text-to-speech capabilities

Features 

• Designed for beginners and people who have never used a text-to-voice program
• Customization options for multiple settings, including articulation, reading speed, and voice style
• Good compatibility with Microsoft Windows
• Bookmarking tools make studying and work easier

2. NaturalReader 

NaturalReader is a sophisticated text-to-speech app and browser extension that is popular for both commercial and personal use. The AI-powered voice reader features more natural-sounding voices than some of its competitors, making an excellent choice for a wide variety of purposes.

Pricing 

• Limited free version available
• Personal version is a one-time payment of $99.50
• Professional version is a one-time payment of $129.50
• Ultimate version is a one-time payment of $199.50 

Features 

• Scan images and convert them to audio text using OCR technology
• Compatible with desktop and mobile devices
• Available for both Windows and Mac operating systems
• Speech voices are able to identify specific syntactic environments

3. Voice Dream Reader

The Voice Dream Reader is a high-quality voiceover app that is often thought of as one of the best text-to-speech online tools available on the market today. Adjustable font style and size makes it easier for people with low vision, dyslexia, and other visual or learning challenges to consume written content. 

Pricing 

• Purchase the program once for $9.99 (no subscriptions) 
• Pay extra for premium voices

Features 

• Over 200+ voices that can be bought in-app
• 30+ languages available
• Multiple reading levels
• Dynamic customization of text and audio controls
• Listen to content read to you at speeds of 50 to 500 words per minute

4. Amazon Polly 

Amazon Polly is a free text-to-speech application offered within Amazon's suite of online tools. Not only does Polly allow users to convert basic documents and images to spoken text, it also provides creatives with the tools needed to create speech enabled products and to create smart talking applications. However, this application's pricing model is a little complex at first glance, which may be intimidating for some users, especially those who may be new to text-to-speech software.

Pricing 

• Limited free version available at 5 million characters per month for the initial 12 months of service (Neural voices are available at 1 million characters per month for the initial 12 months of service)
• Pay-as-you-go option available at $4.00 per 1 million characters of speech

Features 

• Neural Text-to-Speech (NTTS) voices improve speech quality and sound exponentially
• News narration voices are unique to this application
• Work with Amazon's team of TTS professionals to develop a completely custom voice using Polly Brand Voice technology
• Fluid pronunciation of written text in multiple different languages
• In-browser pricing calculator helps potential customers estimate how much they can expect to spend with Amazon Polly's TTS software

5. Speechify 

Speechify is a TTS reader available as both a mobile app and a Chrome browser extension. With AI voices capable of reaching up to 900 words per minute playback, reading processing and comprehension becomes significantly faster and easier, even for people with learning challenges like dyslexia. Speechify also uses Optical character recognition (OCR) software to convert images to spoken word and Speech Synthesis Markup Language (SSML) to mark up language for speech synthesis programs. Listen to audiobooks, PDFs, eBooks, emails, Word documents, and more using Speechify's state-of-the-art text-to-speech technology.

Pricing 

• Enjoy a free version with limited features
• Purchase the full version for $139 annually

Features 

• Natural-sounding voices in English and over 60+ different languages, including Spanish, Swedish, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian, and more 
• Allows users to choose from multiple file formats, such as web pages, PDFs, HTML, or a text file 
• Compatible with iOS, Android, and Microsoft Windows
• Top-tier customer support from live people
• Reach the industry's fastest text-to-speech speeds 

FAQ 

What is the most realistic text-to-speech tool?

Both Amazon Polly and Speechify offer extremely accurate, lifelike, and human sounding voices. However, Amazon's complicated pricing model makes Speechify a better choice for affordable and realistic text-to-speech. 

Which is the best text-to-speech app?

The best text-to-speech app is the one that works for your unique needs. There are many options available on the market, each with different pros and cons. The best way to find the right app for you is to try them out and see which one fits. 

Is there a website that reads text to you?

Any text-to-speech app or browser extension can read basic text to you in the form of .WAV files, MP3 files, and other types of audio files. 

What is the best free text-to-speech online tool?

The best text-to-speech online app for free is Speechify's trial version. Even though Balabolka is completely free, the program lacks several important features that Speechify offers at no cost.

Which speech apps have the best human voices?

NaturalReader, Speechify, and Amazon Polly have the most lifelike human-sounding voices of all text-to-speech applications. Polly's Neural Text-to-Speech (NTTS) makes it a leading choice, with Speechify coming in close behind. 

What is the best text-to-speech software for recording podcast audio files?

Most popular text to speech programs can record podcast audio files that can be edited and uploaded to podcast listening platforms like iTunes and Spotify. Text-to-speech tools are a great way to get started with podcast recording if you are uncomfortable speaking aloud or if you do not have high-quality podcast recording equipment available to you.

What is the best text-to-speech reader for Android and iOS?

There are multiple options for text to speech readers on iOS and Android. Which you choose depends largely on what features you need and whether you want to use the application in a browser or an app. Try on several for size and keep the one you like best.

Which natural-sounding speech synthesis tools use deep learning or e-learning for custom voice generation?

The most technologically advanced text-to-speech applications are arguably Amazon Polly and Speechify. Both use state-of-the-art deep learning and artificial intelligence to generate natural-sounding, human-like voices that can read aloud any document.

Which is the most lifelike speech tool for personal use?

If you need a text-to-speech application for personal use with lifelike speech, NaturalReader and Speechify are both excellent options.

Which text-to-speech apps have the best celebrity speech voices?

Speechify has the most comprehensive list of popular celebrity voices available on any text-to-speech application. Popular celebrity voices users can choose from include A-list celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more.

Where can I find the best text-to-speech online tutorials?

There are many Internet tutorials available for the wide variety of text-to-speech tools available on the market. Some of the best text-to-speech online tutorials can be found on YouTube and other similar video platforms. 

Final thoughts

Choosing the right text-to-speech program involves comparing multiple applications and looking at the benefits and drawbacks of each. You will need to consider your budget, what you will be using the application for, and any special needs you may have. Look for tools with free trial versions or completely free apps before making a large purchase on text-to-speech software.