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The best narration apps for text to speech

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If you are looking for apps that will help with voiceover and eLearning, take a look at a few of the top choices below.

Best Narration Apps: Text-to-Speech

Regardless of whether you are looking for tools that will help you with productivity, tools that are perfect for learners, or reading tools for visual or learning disabilities, you should explore narration apps. They are also called text-to-speech apps (or TTS apps), and they can help you convert words into audio files. If you have taken a look at any YouTube videos recently, you have probably seen that there are apps available for Apple, macOS, iOS, iPhone, Google Play, Android, and numerous other platforms. Furthermore, there are plenty of pricing options, allowing you to customize the program to meet your needs.

10 best narration apps for iOS and Android

If you are looking for the best narration apps, you’ll be looking for programs that will read aloud to you. You might also be interested in the explainer videos with some of the best voice actors that can help you get the most out of your audiobook subscriptions, TTS apps, or narration programs. There are a few apps that simply rise above the rest.

Narration apps: Overview

If you take a look at a few web pages that review the best text-to-speech apps, you will see a variety of use cases. Most of these programs work similarly to each other. They will take a text file, convert it into a human voice using a strong API, and allow you to listen to it. There are many natural-sounding voices that accompany these apps, and some voice changers even allow you to use a female voice. You need to use a high-quality, narrator’s voice app that can help you convert text to voice. Keep in mind that a narration app is also a TTS app.

How to choose the best narrator app for you

If you want to choose the best narrator app, there are several factors to consider. They include:

  • You need to think about the price tag of the program. You must consider what you are getting for the money.
  • You need to think about how easy the program is to use. The easier the program is, the better.
  • You need to consider the platforms on which the program works. You must have a device that is compatible with the program.

After considering these factors, you should be able to find the right program to meet your needs.

Best text-to-speech apps

If you are looking for the top video narration apps, some of the best choices include:

1. Speechify text reader – Chrome, Safari, iOS, Android

Finally, you should consider using Speechify. This is the best program available across all platforms. Speechify provides you with plenty of powerful and customizable text-to-speech options. It can highlight the text in front of you, allowing you to follow along. You can also instantly translate between multiple languages. You can control the reading speed with precision by speeding it up or slowing it down as much as you would like. You are also in control of the pitch, tone, and accent—and Speechify’s natural-sounding voices simply can’t be matched by any other TTS program. Speechify is compatible with articles, web pages, social media, email, PDFs, and many other text files. Because of all of these customizable features and wide accessibility, Speechify is the best program available to as a narration app.

2. Synthesys Studio – web, mobile

If you are looking for a professional voice synthesis program, then you should consider using Synthesis Studio. This is a human voice synthesizer that will take whatever you say and make it sound professional. There are real human voices, not robots, and the program can provide you with high-quality videos. The downside is that it is one of the more expensive programs on the market, so you need to consider how much use you will get out of it before you decide to pay for it. 

3. Murf.ai – web, mobile

Another program that you may want to consider is called Murf.ai. This is a program that is expensive, but there is a free trial. It gives you access to all of the features, allowing you to try it out before deciding if you want to pay for the whole thing. Murf.ai uses artificial intelligence TTS software to produce the perfect voice-over in a matter of minutes. It is an easy program that is very versatile, but the downside is that it is expensive for individuals. It might be more affordable for corporations, but on an individual level, it can be pricey.

4. Natural Reader App – iOS, Android

The next option is called Natural Reader. This is one of the top choices available for mobile devices, but the free version leaves a lot to be desired. The premium version is one of the most expensive options available, and the free version is really a skeleton, bare-bones program. That being said, the program is easy to use, and it provides you with plenty of options. Consider using this program for your narration needs. 

5. Text To Speech! – iOS

If you are looking for a program that will help you with your text messages, this is one of the best options available. It is a free app that provides the opportunity to take advantage of in-app purchases. Text to Speech! gives you 95 voices from which to choose, and you can adjust the rate and pitch to meet your needs. It is a customizable choice, but the voices are not as realistic as some of the other options available. It is also only available on iOS devices.

6. Voice Dream Reader – iOS, Android

Voice Dream Reader has become one of the most popular narration apps out there. It can handle bookstore books, plain text, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and PDF documents. You can also export your files as MP3 or MP4 files. Voice Dream Reader is a versatile program that can help you temper text into speech with a click of a button. While it is a bit expensive, it does provide you with access to numerous features.

7. Text-to-speech app – Android

The next option you might want to consider is the text-to-speech app that comes with Android. This is a program that is easy to use, and it is one of the least expensive choices available. On the other hand, the voices sound a bit robotic, so you may be a bit disappointed with the quality. If you are looking for a free program that can help you get your feet wet with using TTS programs, you might want to consider this one.

8. Google text-to-speech App – Android

Google also has its own TTS app that works well on Android devices. You are given access to a certain number of free characters per month, but if you go over that limit, you are automatically billed for the difference. Therefore, price transparency leaves a lot to be desired. The program is also not the most accurate one in the world, but it does have a short learning curve. If you are looking for an easy program to use and only need to use a few characters, consider giving Google’s app a try.

9. AI Reader – Android

AI Reader is a versatile program that can read text to you out loud, and it is available on the Android Playstore. The OCR and artificial intelligence of this program are exceptional. On the other hand, it can take a while to learn how to use AI Reader. The voice quality is high, but the customization options are a bit limited. All in all, this is a strong program if you have an Android device.

10. Narrator's Voice – Android

If you want to create a professional video, consider using Narrator’s Voice. This is a program that allows you to create messages and videos using various narrator voices. If you want to create a movie trailer, you can do so. If you want to make a recording sound like an audiobook, you can do so. This is a popular program for those looking to create voiceovers. 

How to get started with Speechify to narrate for you

Clearly, Speechify is the best program available. This is a program that gives you the most bang for your buck. It is a very accurate program, and there are lots of customizable voices available. It is a versatile program that is compatible with multiple platforms. Speechify is also very easy to use. If you are eager to get started, take a look at the Speechify website today. You can play around with the program on the website. Then, make sure you sign up for an account yourself. You can use the free version or even take advantage of a free trial of the premium version.

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.