Best Text to Speech APIs in 2024
This article explores the 10 best TTS APIs, offering a comprehensive guide to how they work, their top features, potential pitfalls, and what each tool sounds like.
From natural-sounding speech synthesis to multilingual capabilities, these APIs redefine the way we interact with digital content.
Whether you're developing educational software, customer service bots, or innovative apps, this list provides valuable insights into selecting the right TTS API to meet your specific needs and take your projects to the next level.
Summary
| Tool Name | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Pricing Plans | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ElevenLabs | Quality Speech, Voice Library, Voice Cloning | Human-sounding, voice cloning, audio quality | Limited speech nuances, complex for basics | Free - $330/mo, Enterprise: Contact | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Amazon Polly | Natural Voices, Deep Learning, SSML Tags | Natural speech, language support, fast response | SSML knowledge needed, AWS dependent | Pay-As-You-Go, Free Tier available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Descript | AI Realism, Podcast Production, Script Writing | Accurate transcription, editing tools, user-friendly | Transcription errors, desktop-only, language limit | Free - $24/mo, Enterprise: Custom | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Google Cloud | Custom Voice, Multilingual, Neural Network Tech | 220+ voices, 40+ languages, customizable | Technical skill needed, no voice downloads | Pay-as-you-go, Different tiers | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| IBM Watson | Custom Tools, Multilingual, Format Compatibility | Customer engagement, many languages, security | Word mispronunciation, API complexity | Free - Premium, Deploy Anywhere: Contact | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lovo | AI Voice Cloning, Multilingual, Music Integration | Simple interface, 500+ voices, cloning | Cloning limited to English, environment dependent | Free trial, $19 - $99/mo, Enterprise: Custom | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Murf.ai | Natural Voices, Collaboration Tools, Multilingual | Quality voice, efficient, extensive language support | Limited customization, security concerns | Free - $75/user/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Play.ht | 800+ AI Voices, 140+ Languages, Custom Pronunciations | Natural AI voices, multilingual, range of voices | Limited non-English voices, free plan limits | Free - $79.20/month, Enterprise: Custom | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Resemble AI | Voice Cloning, Speech to Speech, Editing | Efficient, customizable, user-friendly | Technical expertise required, limited languages | Basic: $0.006/sec, Pro: Contact | ⭐⭐ |
ElevenLabs
To use ElevenLabs' API, you first need to sign up for an API key on the website. Then, you can make a basic request by sending a POST request to their endpoint with your API key and the desired text. The API returns audio data in the form of an ArrayBuffer, which can be converted into an MP3 blob file for playback or saving.
ElevenLabs Features
- Speech Synthesis
- VoiceLab Digital Cloning
- Voice Library
- Lifelike Speech Synthesis
- High-Quality Pre-made Voices
What’s Missing?
- Limited control over the "last mile" of speech, like pacing, pauses, tone inflection.
AWS: Amazon Polly
Amazon Polly's API operations allow for synthesizing high-quality speech from plain text and Speech Synthesis Markup Language (SSML). It provides options for customizing and controlling speech output, supporting lexicons and SSML tags.
Amazon Polly can be used to add speech to applications with a global audience, like RSS feeds, websites, or videos.
Amazon Polly Features
- High-Quality, Natural-Sounding Voices
- Deep Learning Technology
- Global Audience Reach
- Interactive Voice Response Systems
- Customization with SSML Tags
What’s Missing?
- Hard to customise unless you understand SSML for advanced customization.
- Its dependency on AWS infrastructure limits integrations with non-AWS services.
Amazon Polly Sample Demo
Descript
Descript's API enables audio generation and editing, with a focus on Overdub, a feature that generates audio using selected voice IDs. Users can create audio tasks and fetch results quickly. The API also supports editing, allowing the transfer of audio or video to Descript via Import URLs.
Export features include various file formats, Descript link sharing, and cloud export for publishing. It ensures metadata consistency for projects edited in Descript and returned to partners. For security and efficiency, the API uses personal tokens and imposes rate limits like 500 overdubs per minute.
Note that only Descript Enterprise customers can use the Overdub API.
Descript Features
- AI-Powered Realism
- Effortless Audio Creation
- Diverse Vocal Styles
- Podcast Production
- Integrated Script Writing
- Voiceover Simplification
- Content Updating
What’s Missing?
- Some users report inaccuracies in automated transcription.
- Despite an intuitive interface, mastering all features can be challenging.
- Available only on desktop for Mac and Windows, limiting on-the-go editing.
- Fewer options for exporting files in specific formats.
- Email-based support might not suffice for immediate assistance needs.
- Supports only 23 languages, which may not cover all user needs.
Descript Sample Demo
Google Cloud
The Google Cloud Text-to-Speech API leverages advanced neural networks to convert text into human-like speech. This capability is particularly advantageous for creating interactive voice response systems and enhancing user experiences.
It offers customizable options like pitch, speaking rate, and volume gain, and integrates seamlessly with other Google Cloud services, such as Dialogflow and Translations API.
Google Cloud Features
- Custom Voice Creation
- Extensive Voice Selection
- Multilingual Support
- Advanced Neural Network Technology
- Versatile Speech Customization
What’s Missing?
- Requires a substantial database and coding for deployment.
- Lacks the ability to download converted voices as files.
- Offers fewer voice options for regional languages.
- Certain voice configurations may not have optimal accent quality.
Google Cloud Sample Demo
IBM Watson
IBM Watson's text to speech service supports a synchronous HTTP REST interface and a WebSocket interface for speech synthesis, accepting both plain text and SSML input.
SSML is an XML-based markup language for text annotation in speech-synthesis applications. The service also features customization options for sounds-like or phonetic translations, and a Tune by Example feature for defining custom prompts and speaker models.
IBM Watson Text-to-Speech Features
- Customizable Built-in Tools
- Integration with Watson Assistant
- Multilingual Capabilities
- Wide Format Compatibility
- Real-Time Diagnostics.
- Speaker Diarization
- Reliable Algorithms
- AI-Based Features
- Comprehensive Customer Service
- Service Level Uptime Agreement (SLA)
- Accuracy
What’s Missing?
- Sometimes mispronounces words
- Lacks sentiment analysis
- Accuracy needs improvement
- API can be complex to understand
- Processing time could be faster
IBM Watson Sample Demo
Lovo
Lovo's APIs convert written text into realistic speech. The process involves analyzing linguistic patterns to produce natural-sounding voices. Users simply type in the text and generate the audio, facilitated by the sophisticated technology behind Lovo.
Lovo Text-to-Speech Features
- AI Voice Cloning and AI Voiceover
- Natural-Sounding Voices in Various Languages
- Versatility for Multiple Use Cases
- Real-Time Voice Creation
- Background Music Integration
- Commercial Rights
- AI Voice Generation
- Text-to-Speech Conversion
- Extensive Voice Library
- Multiple Speakers
- Customization Options
- Document and SRT Upload
What’s Missing?
- Voice cloning is limited to English.
- Requires an environment free from background noise for voice cloning.
- Limited integrations.
Lovo Sample Demo
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure's Text to Speech API, part of its Cognitive Services, is designed to convert text into synthesized speech. It converts text into synthesized speech using a REST API and supports neural text to speech voices.
The API utilizes endpoints like tts.speech.microsoft.com for listing voices and cognitiveservices/v1 for converting text to speech. It also uses POST requests with SSML or plain text, and successful responses return an audio file in the requested format.
Microsoft Azure’s API requires authorization headers (Ocp-Apim-Subscription-Key or Authorization: Bearer) for access, with tokens valid for 10 minutes.
Microsoft Azure Text to Speech Features
- Neural Text to Speech Engine
- Text to Speech Avatar
- Personal Neural Voice
- New Voice Styles and Emotions
- Comprehensive Speech Services Platform
What’s Missing?
- Requires complex setup and training
- Inaccurate speech recognition
- Azure's text-to-speech service is expensive.
- Offers limited language and dialect support
- Challenges with large data handling and reporting
- Small developer community
Microsoft Azure Sample Demo
Murf.ai
The Murf.ai text-to-speech API converts written text into spoken words using digital signal processing algorithms. This integration is simple and secure, fitting seamlessly into existing technology stacks.
Key functionalities include real-time text-to-speech conversion, a wide variety of voices, support for multiple languages and dialects, and the ability to output in various audio formats like MP3, FLAC, and WAV.
Murf.ai Text to Speech Features
- Natural Sounding Voices
- Simple and User-Friendly Interface
- Collaboration Tools
- Import and Export Files and Media
- Multilingual Support
- Customization Features
- Professional Speech Quality
- Voice Cloning
What’s Missing?
- Limited customization options
- Potential lack of privacy and security
- Could be expensive for high-volume needs
MurfAI Sample Demo
Play.ht
The API allows access to AI Voices from various providers including PlayHT, Google, Amazon, IBM, and Microsoft through a single interface. This unified approach saves time and simplifies maintenance since you only need one integration.
PlayHT's Turbo voice models can generate speech in less than 300ms, and the API automatically updates to include all improvements made by the TTS providers, ensuring access to the latest voices.
Users can access a growing library of 829 high-quality voices in different languages and can manipulate voice tones, including volume, rate, and pitch, for unique voice effects.
The API also supports text and Speech Synthesis Markup Language (SSML), allowing for advanced pronunciation instructions and other effects.
Play.ht Features
- 800+ AI Voices
- Supports 140+ Languages
- Expressive Speech Styles
- Voice Cloning.
- Custom Pauses
- Custom Pronunciations
- Conversational TTS
- Unlimited Downloads
- Integrations with WordPress and Zapier
What’s Missing?
- Limited voice selection for non-English languages
- Restrictions in the free plan
- Potentially prohibitive costs for extensive TTS conversion
Play.ht Sample Demo
Resemble AI
Resemble.AI’s API enables the rapid creation and integration of custom AI voices using modern tools. It allows for fetching existing content, creating new clips, and building voices on-the-fly.
This functionality is vital for producing content in sync with low latency, making it ideal for real-time applications.
Developers can use the API to programmatically control voices, either through the API itself or within the Unity engine. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for creating unique character voices in video games and other interactive media.
The API offers a one-click upload functionality, allowing users to clone speech from any given audio. This feature is useful for those who have existing audio from voice talents and wish to bring these voices onto the Resemble AI platform.
However, it's important to note that valid consent from the voice talent must be provided for the audio files uploaded.
Resemble AI Features
- Voice Cloning
- Neural Audio Editing
- Mobile Support
- API Integration
- Emotions
- Deepfake Detection
- Development Tools
- GPT, Twilio and Dialogflow Integrations
What’s Missing?
- Requires some technical expertise.
- Synthetic voices may lack some nuances compared to human voice actors.
- Limited language support (up to 62 languages).
- No free version available.
Resemble AI Sample Demo
Understanding Text to Speech Technology
Text to Speech (TTS) technology converts written text into spoken words, using artificial intelligence and natural language processing. It enables applications to read out text, enhancing user engagement and accessibility.
This technology has evolved significantly, offering more natural and human-like voices. Understanding its underlying mechanisms, such as speech synthesis and voice modulation, is key for developers looking to integrate TTS in their applications.
The Benefits of Integrating TTS in Your Applications
Integrating TTS APIs into applications offers numerous benefits. It improves accessibility for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties, expands reach to non-readers, and enhances multitasking capabilities.
TTS also supports diverse language needs, making content universally accessible. By providing auditory content, TTS APIs facilitate better user engagement and can significantly enhance the user experience in various applications, including e-learning, navigation, and customer service.
The Different Pricing Models for TTS APIs
Pricing models for TTS APIs vary widely. Some offer free tiers with basic features, ideal for small-scale projects or experimentation.
Subscription-based models, on the other hand, typically provide more advanced features and higher usage limits, catering to larger businesses.
Pay-as-you-go options allow for flexibility and are cost-effective for fluctuating usage. When selecting a TTS API, consider factors like the scale of your project, required features, and budget constraints to choose the most suitable pricing model.
Final Thoughts
Text to Speech (TTS) APIs convert written text into spoken words, leveraging artificial intelligence to produce natural-sounding speech.
These tools are vital for enhancing accessibility, supporting multilingual communication, and improving user engagement across various applications.
TTS APIs are especially beneficial for those with visual impairments or reading difficulties. When selecting a TTS API, consider the quality of speech synthesis, language and customization options, integration ease, pricing models, and security measures.
These factors ensure the API meets specific project needs while providing a seamless and inclusive user experience.
FAQ's
How Do TTS APIs Evaluate Speech Quality and Naturalness?
TTS APIs assess speech quality and naturalness through advanced algorithms that mimic human speech patterns. Factors like intonation, rhythm, and stress patterns are analyzed to ensure the speech sounds natural and engaging.
The quality is often enhanced using deep learning techniques, which continuously improve voice modulation and clarity. Users should listen to sample outputs and read reviews to gauge an API's speech quality, ensuring it meets their application's needs.
What Multilingual Support Do TTS APIs Offer?
Most TTS APIs offer extensive multilingual support, covering major global languages and dialects.
This feature is crucial for applications targeting a diverse audience. APIs differ in the number of languages supported and the quality of speech synthesis in each language.
Developers should consider their target audience's linguistic diversity when selecting a TTS API, ensuring it provides high-quality, natural-sounding speech in the necessary languages.
Can You Customize Voices in Text to Speech APIs?
Yes, many TTS APIs allow for voice customization. Users can modify aspects like pitch, speed, and tone to suit their specific requirements. Some APIs offer advanced features like adjusting emotional tone or creating unique voice profiles.
This customization is particularly useful for branding purposes, creating character voices in storytelling, or enhancing user experience in interactive applications.
However, the extent of customization varies across APIs, so it’s important to evaluate these capabilities based on your project's needs.
How Easy is it to Integrate TTS APIs?
Integrating TTS APIs into your projects is generally straightforward, with many providers offering comprehensive documentation and developer support.
These APIs typically come with user-friendly SDKs and clear guidelines, facilitating seamless integration into various platforms and programming languages.
Good documentation is crucial for troubleshooting and leveraging the full potential of the API. Providers often also offer community forums and technical support for additional assistance, ensuring a smooth integration process.
What Are Some Common Use Cases for TTS APIs?
TTS APIs have a wide range of applications across different sectors. In education, they assist in creating audiobooks and language learning tools. In customer service, TTS enhances interactive voice response (IVR) systems.
They're also used in navigation apps for voice directions, in accessibility tools for people with visual impairments, and in entertainment for generating voiceovers.
The versatility of TTS APIs allows for their use in almost any application that requires spoken output, broadening the scope of technology and making information more accessible.
How Do TTS APIs Promote Accessibility?
TTS APIs are pivotal in promoting accessibility, especially for individuals with visual impairments, reading difficulties, or learning disabilities.
By converting text to speech, these APIs enable users to consume digital content audibly, breaking down barriers in information access.
They also support multiple languages, catering to non-native speakers and expanding global reach. For websites and applications, implementing TTS is a step towards complying with accessibility standards, ensuring inclusivity, and providing equal access to information and services for all users.
What Are the Security and Privacy Considerations in Using TTS Services?
When using Text to Speech services, it's crucial to consider security and privacy. TTS APIs often handle sensitive data, which requires robust encryption and data protection measures.
Users should evaluate the data privacy policies of the TTS provider, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA where applicable.
Another consideration is the storage and usage of voice data—whether it's retained by the provider and how it's utilized.
Selecting a TTS service that prioritizes data security and user privacy, and clearly communicates its policies, is essential for maintaining trust and safeguarding user information.
About ElevenLabs
ElevenLabs stands at the forefront of AI voice generation technology. We offer a selection of 120 unique voices in 29 languages.
What’s more, our tool's intuitive interface lets you fine-tune your audio, whether you're producing an audiobook or adding flair to video game narration. Trusted by digital creators worldwide, Eleven Labs sets the standard for lifelike, versatile, and secure AI-generated speech.