The 6 best PDF text to speech Android apps

If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of PDF documents on your Android device that you need to read through. But what if you don’t have the...

If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of PDF documents on your Android device that you need to read through. But what if you don’t have the time or inclination to read them all? That’s where PDF text to speech comes in. With a good PDF text to speech app for Androids, you can have your PDF documents read out loud to you, making it easier to absorb the information and get things done on the go.

We’ll take a closer look at some of the best PDF text to speech apps for Android users, explore their features, and why each app is good to use for reading PDFs out loud. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or simply someone who prefers to listen instead of read, we’ve got you covered. So let’s talk about how to find the perfect PDF text to speech app for your Android device!

Understanding PDF text to speech conversion

Before we jump into the technicalities, let's take a moment to understand what PDF text to speech conversion is all about. In simple terms, it involves converting the text within a PDF document into spoken words using text to speech (TTS) technology.

Imagine having a large collection of PDF documents that you need to read, but you don't have the time or energy to go through each one. This is where PDF text to speech conversion comes to the rescue. Instead of manually reading each document, you can simply convert them into audio files and listen to them at your convenience.

The basics of text to speech technology

Text to speech technology is a remarkable innovation that gives a voice to written words. It uses a synthetic speech system to read out text, making it accessible to individuals with visual impairments or those who prefer an auditory learning experience.

Text to speech technology has come a long way since its inception. The early versions of TTS systems sounded robotic and unnatural, but advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning have greatly improved the quality of synthesized speech. Today, TTS systems can produce human-like voices with natural intonation and expression.

One of the key components of a TTS system is the text analysis module, which breaks down the input text into smaller units such as words, phrases, and sentences. These units are then processed by the speech synthesis module, which generates the corresponding speech waveform. The waveform is then sent to the audio output device, such as speakers or headphones, for the user to hear.

Importance of PDF text to speech conversion

The importance of PDF text to speech conversion cannot be overstated. It provides a convenient way to access information without straining your eyes or carrying around physical documents. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone who simply enjoys reading, PDF text to speech conversion will revolutionize the way you consume content on your Android device.

For students, PDF text to speech conversion can be a game-changer. It allows them to listen to their study materials while doing other tasks, such as commuting or exercising. This multitasking capability can significantly increase productivity and efficiency.

Professionals can also benefit from PDF text to speech conversion. Imagine having a long report or a research paper to review. Instead of spending hours reading through the document, you can convert it to audio and listen to it while taking notes or performing other work-related activities. This not only saves time but also reduces the strain on your eyes.

Even for leisure readers, PDF text to speech conversion opens up new possibilities. You can now enjoy your favorite novels, articles, or blogs while going for a walk, cooking, or relaxing in bed. The immersive experience of listening to a well-narrated story can transport you to different worlds and enhance your overall reading experience.

How to get your Android to read PDFs aloud

Option 1: Use a PDF text to speech app

One of the easiest ways to get your Android device to read PDFs aloud is to use a dedicated PDF text-to-speech app, such as Speechify, @Voice Aloud Reader, NaturalReader, or Voice Dream Reader. These apps can convert the text in your PDFs to speech, and allow you to adjust the reading speed, voice, and other settings to fit your preferences. In addition to reading pdf documents out loud, some of these TTS apps can read other documents out loud like ebooks, webpages, Google docs, Microsoft documents, and more.

Option 2: Use Google Assistant

If you have a PDF open on your Android device, you can use Google Assistant to read it aloud. Simply say “Hey Google, read this page” or “Hey Google, read this PDF” and the Assistant will start reading the text. You can adjust the reading speed by saying “Hey Google, read slower” or “Hey Google, read faster.”

Option 3: Use the text to speech feature built into your Android device

Many Android devices have a built-in text to speech feature that can be used to read text aloud, including text from PDFs. To use this feature, go to Settings > Accessibility > Text to speech output and turn on the feature. Then, open the PDF you want to read, select the text you want to read aloud, and tap the “Speak” button that appears. You can also adjust the reading speed and voice settings in the text to speech settings menu.

These are three of the best ways to get your Android device to read PDFs aloud. By using a dedicated PDF text to speech app, Google Assistant, or the text to speech feature built into your Android device, you can make reading PDFs more accessible, specifically for those who suffer from a reading disability, and more convenient for those who prefer to listen to documents online or offline.

Top-rated text to speech apps for PDF files on Android devices in 2023

@Voice Aloud Reader

@Voice Aloud Reader is a good choice because of its ability to read aloud text from PDFs, eBooks, and other documents. It offers a range of customization options, including adjustable reading speeds and voice pitch.

Speechify

Speechify is a beloved text to speech app that can convert text from PDFs into documents that read out loud. It’s a popular choice for reading PDFs on Android devices because it can read text from any app on your device, making it convenient and versatile. In addition to having natural-sounding premium voices, Speechify allows users to upload PDFs to its cloud platform and access them across different devices, so you can continue reading where you left off from a different device.

Voice Dream Reader

Voice Dream Reader is a versatile text to speech reader that can read text from a wide range of formats, including PDFs, eBooks, and Word documents. Voice Dream Reader has advanced features such as text highlighting, bookmarking, and the ability to adjust font size and style.

NaturalReader

NaturalReader is a popular choice for its high-quality text to speech voices and support for multiple languages. It can read text from a variety of sources, including PDFs, web pages, and eBooks.

Pocket

Pocket is primarily a read-it-later app that allows you to save articles and other content to read later. However, it also has a text to speech feature that can read aloud the saved content, including PDFs.

Ereader Prestigio

Ereader Prestigio can read PDF files aloud using its built-in text to speech engine, which makes it a convenient option for those who want to listen to documents instead of reading them. This app also includes features that make it easy to navigate through the document, such as the ability to jump to a specific page or use the table of contents.

Google Play Books

Google Play Books is another popular choice for reading eBooks, but it also has a text to speech feature that can read aloud the text from PDFs and other supported file formats. It offers adjustable reading speeds and voice pitch and can be listened to in a variety of languages. Google Play Books can also integrate with google drive making it a great TTS choice for integration.

Overall, these top-rated PDF text to speech apps for Android devices offer a range of features and customization options to make reading PDFs and other documents more accessible. So whether you have a reading disability like dyslexia or just want more convenience by using a TTS app as an ebook reader – one of the options above will give you what you are looking for in a TTS tool.

4 tips for choosing the right PDF reader for your Android phone or device

Look for essential features

The best PDF reader for your Android device should have essential features such as the ability to search for text, bookmark pages, highlight and annotate text, and zoom in and out of pages. For example, Speechify specifically gives you the ability to highlight text as you go – making it easier for you to remember what stood out in your document. Make sure the PDF reader you choose has these basic features to enhance your reading experience.

Consider user interface

A good PDF reader should be easy to navigate and have a user-friendly interface. Check out the interface and ensure it’s easy to use and customizable to your preferences. You don’t want to struggle to find essential features or get lost in an interface that’s hard to use.

Check compatibility

Not all PDF readers support all PDF files, so it’s important to check that the app you choose can open and read your PDFs. PDF readers that are compatible with a wide range of file types and can handle large files will be better suited for professional or academic work.

Look for additional features

Additional features like cloud integration, collaboration tools, and text to speech support can make your experience with a PDF reader even better. Consider what additional features are important to you and whether the PDF reader you choose offers them. For instance, Speechify is available as an android app available in your app store as well as a Chrome extension available on your browser. This availability gives you a wide range of flexibility to convert text to audio on various devices like an Android phone, an iPad, iphone, Mac, and other IOS devices.

Online and Offline access

When choosing a pdf reader it’s important to have both online and offline access to your documents. No one enjoys going on a trip, being on an airplane or going somewhere that requires you to have access to your documents just to find out that you cannot access the pdf or audio files offline.

Listen to your PDF on your Android device with Speechify

Overall, choosing the best PDF reader for your Android device should take into account the main features you need to ensure you have access to all the tools you need to read your PDF files. When choosing to use Speechify as your go-to PDF reader, you have access to more than a PDF reader. With Speechify you have the capability to be more productive with your time, more flexible with your reading options, and have some of the best TTS technology at your fingertips.

By considering essential features, user interface, compatibility, and additional features, you’ll be able to find all you need in Speechify as a PDF reader that meets your requirements and enhances your reading experience. Listen to Speechify read your pdf here!

FAQs

Can these PDF text to speech apps also handle other formats like epub, html, txt, and rtf?

Yes, many of these apps, in addition to reading PDFs aloud, can handle a variety of formats including epub, html, txt, and rtf. This makes them versatile not just as PDF audio readers but also as comprehensive book readers. Some apps even allow you to convert text from PDF and other formats into audiobooks, enhancing the listening experience.

Do these apps support multiple languages like English and Portuguese?

Absolutely! Many of the top-rated PDF apps support multiple languages, including English and Portuguese. They also come equipped with user-friendly features such as night mode for comfortable reading in low light, various reading modes to suit individual preferences, and a sleep timer which can be particularly useful for subscribers who listen to their books or PDFs before sleeping. This ensures that the app doesn't continue reading long after you've fallen asleep.

Can I integrate these PDF voice reader apps with cloud services like Dropbox?

Yes, many of these PDF text to speech apps allow integration with cloud services such as Dropbox, making it easier for users to access and convert PDF text and other text files directly from their cloud storage. Some apps also offer the ability to convert PDF text to audio formats like wav. Additionally, with Bluetooth compatibility, users can listen to their PDFs or audiobooks on their preferred devices, ensuring a seamless and convenient listening experience.