For the best assistant technology options for all ages, this article discusses the top 3 text to speech pens and alternatives.

Top 3 text to speech pens and alternatives

Text to speech (TTS) pens are text-reading assistants. They are empowering tools to support people with learning disabilities like dyslexia. A reader pen can scan sections of words from most printed text, including books, newspapers, magazines, and brochures, before reading it aloud in a digital human-like voice.

Keep reading to learn the best three TTS pens and alternatives to this technology.

Three text to speech pens to try

Text to speech apps are intended to remove barriers for people with reading difficulties by helping them learn. They are also valuable for learning a second language, memorizing text, and note-taking.

Here are the three best text to speech smart pens available today.

C-Pen Reader 2

The C-Pen Reader 2 is the improved version of the popular ReaderPen. It helps people read independently by reading single words or entire paragraphs. In just a few clicks, you can get a word’s definition.

Its features support memorization using the "spaced repetition" technique and pronunciation. Other stand-out features include cutting-edge AI-based Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology and an audio boost feature for easier use in different environments.

The C-Pen Reader 2 is entirely self-contained and requires no Wi-Fi. All scanned text displays on the screen, then the digital highlighter emphasizes each word as it is read out. You can listen to text in various accents, including British and American English, and European and Latin Spanish. It recognizes English, French, and Spanish.

Scanmarker Air

The Scanmaker Air from Scanmaker uses Bluetooth to wirelessly send scans to your laptop or mobile device. You can use its revolutionary patented technology to scan text directly into Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or their intuitive mobile app. Once you scan the text, it appears instantly on your device screen for real-time reading. It translates text into over 70 different languages, so it would be ideal for learning a second language.

Scanmaker Air is portable, lightweight, and has a powerful built-in rechargeable battery. It's compatible with Microsoft Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

PenPower WorldPenScan X

The WorldPenScan X uses Bluetooth 4.0 BLE to wirelessly transmit your text to any mobile device. It allows you to scan printed text and capture words onto your iPad, iPhone, or Android mobile device. You can edit and scan documents while on the move and immediately translate and share information. Sentences can be checked for vocabulary and pronunciation. It also accepts lengthy dictionary queries.

The WorldPenScan X reads the digital text in multiple languages and recognizes bank fonts and barcodes. Other stand-out features include the option to extract text from an image like a screenshot, then send the text to a Microsoft app using Windows.

The alternatives to text to speech pens

Text scanner apps

OCR-text scanner apps convert text from an image with 98% to 100% accuracy. This technology analyzes the image, then compares the fonts and matches them to those in its database.

Text scanning apps assist all types of learners, professionals, and companies. Office Lens is an example of a good OCR app for iOS and Android. This powerful text-scanning app by Microsoft is considered Windows 10 official OCR software. It's fully integrated with Office suite apps, including PowerPoint and OneNote. A scanned image can be adjusted by removing glare and fine-tuning brightness.

Text to speech software

Text to speech (TTS) software also converts text into audio, but the main difference is it doesn't use a reader pen. A TTS app reads the words on smartphones, tablets, or computers from your documents, web pages, or text input. This technology is ideal for assistance in writing, editing, and focus.

The reading voice of TTS software is computer-generated and can be slowed down or sped up to suit the listener. The best TTS tools highlight the text as it's read aloud and include OCR capability to read text from images.

Speechify is an excellent example of a powerful text to speech reader. It can easily read internet articles, clipboard-copied text, Microsoft documents, web content, and even pictures of text. You won't need to listen to a digital voice. The AI sounds like human voices and accents, so you can create an immersive listening experience. Speechify can be used as a Chrome extension or mobile app for your iOS or Android device.

The openWeb browser

The openWeb browser is a mobile web browser designed specifically for dyslexic users. It works similarly to traditional mobile browsers with additional features and assistive technology for people with reading difficulties.

Web pages in openWeb are formatted to display in OpenDyslexic font. This font emphasizes the bottom of letters to easily recognize direction and letter differences while highlighting type lines for a better sense of organization. Other features include alternating shaded backgrounds to distinguish spacing between paragraphs.

The openWeb browser works on Apple devices and is recommended for kids aged eight and upwards.

Try Speechify for text to speech

Speechify is the number one text to speech reader, with over 20 million downloads. It is a better assistive technology option if you need large chunks of text read aloud.

Listen to your documents and written social media content from the comfort of your favorite gadgets. In addition to customizing how you want the voice-over to sound, you can adjust the playback speed for a high-quality listening experience.

Join millions of Speechify users for help with reading and focus by trying it for free today.

FAQ

What is the most popular text to speech voice?

Natural-sounding voices are the most popular. Some of these include mature male, warm and friendly; young man with a British accent; and female with good enunciation and no discernible accent.

What is the best text to speech engine?

These are some of the best text to speech software available today:

• Murf
• Synthesys
• Natural Reader
• Speechify

Which is the best reading pen?

The best reading pens are:

• C-Pen Reader 2
• Scanmaker Air
• WorldPenScan X
• OrCam Read

What is an AC pen?

An AC Pen reader turns scanned text into audio.

What is the best voice synthesizer?

The best voice-changing software includes:

• Murf
• Voxal Voice Changer
• MorphVOX Pro