Whether you're multitasking, visually impaired, or just looking for a hands-free reading experience, a Text-to-Speech (speech reader) app provides a convenient solution.
This article lists the top 5 apps that read out text, converting it into audio files with natural-sounding voices.
Key takeaways
Overview
How do apps read out text?
How to use a Text-to-Speech app
The top 5 apps that read out text
What else can TTS do?
Final thoughts
FAQs
How do apps read out text?
Text-to-Speech apps use advanced AI algorithms to convert written text into spoken words. The Text-to-Speech tool analyzes the text, breaks it down into phonetic components, and then uses synthesized voices to produce speech.
This synthetic speech can then be fine-tuned, or even converted into a different language. Modern TTS apps feature natural-sounding voices, making the listening experience almost indistinguishable from a human reader.
These lifelike voices can be used for YouTube videos, presentation voiceovers, or for converting an entire article for readers with a visual impairment, without the need for a voice actor.
How to use a Text-to-Speech app
If you're wondering "Is TTS easy to use?", then you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Here’s how ElevenLabs’ Text Reader converts text to an audio file in four simple steps.
P.S. Looking to convert text into multiple languages? ElevenLabs's Multilingual v2 Demo has you covered. Check it out below.
Step 1
Enter your text into the Text-to-Speech app.
Step 2
Select your voice from the dropdown menu, which features pre-made voices from the Voice Library. Alternatively, you can clone, customize, and fine-tune your own voices.
Step 3
Press the play button, and if you want to save it for the future or listen to it offline, press the download button.
Listen to an example of ElevenLabs's TTS capabilities below.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 1
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The top 5 apps that read out text
Looking for an app that can read out text?
Here's a brief rundown of the top 5 key players in the TTS app world, from simple web browser apps to innovative AI models.
Whether you need to read aloud content from Google Docs, paste text, or upload documents from cloud solutions like Google Drive, these apps have got you covered.
ElevenLabs has recently released its own audio reader app, putting its advanced TTS model in your pocket. You can either download it as an app for iOS (i.e. for Apple devices) or access it online—whichever you prefer.
Pros:
Extremely natural-sounding voices
Customizable voice options
Real-time voice cloning
Cons:
Not yet available as an app on the Android/Google Play store
TTSMaker is a straightforward, user-friendly app designed to quickly convert text into speech.
Pros:
Simple interface
Free to use
Supports multiple languages
Cons:
Limited advanced features
Fewer voice options compared to premium apps
More than just a natural-sounding voiceover: what else can TTS do?
Text-to-Speech technology isn't just for reading out text. TTS apps can also be used for creating audiobooks, assisting language learners, generating voiceovers for videos, and aiding in accessibility for those with reading difficulties.
They can convert any written content into audio files, making information consumption more flexible and accessible. With continuous advancements in AI, the future of TTS promises even more realistic and engaging auditory experiences.
For example, ElevenLabs uses TTS for AI Dubbing—helping video game, audiobook, and social media content creators localize their content for a global reach.
Check out the short clip below to learn more about ElevenLabs's AI dubbing capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Apps like Speechify, Natural Reader, ElevenLabs, Voice Dream Reader, and TTSMaker are versatile tools for reading aloud different types of content.
These Text-to-Speech apps are perfect for multitasking, helping with accessibility for visual impairments, and enabling a hands-free reading experience on mobile devices.
Beyond converting text to audio, TTS technology also aids in creating voiceovers for audio and video content, breaking language barriers, and providing voice actors with realistic AI-generated voices.
As TTS technology continues to advance, the future holds even more realistic speech output and expanded functionalities for Text-to-Speech software.
Ready to get started? Sign up for ElevenLabs today.
The top 5 apps that read out text are Speechify, Natural Reader, ElevenLabs, Voice Dream Reader, and TTSMaker. These Text-to-Speech tools excel in converting written text into audio files with natural-sounding voices, providing a seamless listening experience through their intuitive interfaces.
How do Text-to-Speech apps work?
Text-to-Speech (TTS) apps use advanced AI algorithms to convert written text into spoken words. They analyze the text, break it down into phonetic components, and use AI voice generators to produce natural-sounding speech. This speech output can then be fine-tuned or converted into different languages, creating a perfect voice for various uses.
Do these Text-to-Speech apps support various file formats?
Yes, these TTS apps support various document formats, including PDFs, web pages, word documents, and Google Docs. They also handle EPUB files and other formats, offering flexibility in reading aloud different types of written content, making them versatile tools for users.
Can these apps help with accessibility?
Yes, TTS apps are excellent for accessibility. They assist visually impaired users by converting text files into spoken words, allowing them to listen to written content. Apps like Voice Dream Reader are specifically designed with accessibility features, providing comprehensive support for dyslexic and visually impaired users. They can read aloud PDF documents, web content, and other text files, making information more accessible.
What additional features do these Text-to-Speech apps offer?
In addition to the basic Text-to-Speech feature, these apps offer numerous other features. They can create audiobooks, assist language learners, generate voiceovers for audio and video content, and break language barriers. Advanced AI tools like voice cloning, multiple voice options, and customizable speech readers enhance their functionality. These apps are available as mobile apps on the Google Play Store, often include browser extensions (like for Microsoft Edge), and support volume keys for easy control, ensuring a versatile and powerful text-to-speech experience.
