Best text-to-speech apps for iPhone

Do you ever wish you could just lay in bed and listen to documents on your iPhone instead of reading them? 

Enter the world of iPhone text-to-speech (TTS) apps, where this wish becomes a reality. These apps are convenient and build a bridge to greater accessibility and efficiency. 

TTS is a doorway to the written word for those with visual impairments or reading difficulties. For the multitasker, it's an opportunity to digest articles or reports while on the move. 

Beyond functionality, there's a certain magic in hearing words come alive, echoing the tradition of oral storytelling in our digital era. 

As TTS technology evolves, the once robotic voices have transformed into nuanced, human-like speech. Listen to ElevenLabs' text-to-speech technology below:

With ElevenLabs, you have the capability to create voice clones that sound remarkably identical to the original.

This article brings you the best TTS apps for iOS, illustrating how they seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, changing our interaction with text one spoken word at a time.

Article summary

• The magic of text-to-speech: Explore the transformative world of iOS text-to-speech apps, where advanced AI brings written words to life with human-like speech.
• Crossing linguistic frontiers: Discover how multilingual capabilities in apps like ElevenLabs break language barriers, making content globally accessible.
• The best TTS apps for iOS: A comprehensive review of top iOS text-to-speech apps, including Voice Dream Reader, NaturalReader, and innovative offerings from ElevenLabs.
• Essential features in TTS apps: Insights into key features to look for in top-tier text-to-speech apps, including multilingual capabilities, voice variety, and ethical AI use.
• ElevenLabs' cutting-edge technology: Delve into ElevenLabs' revolutionary features like voice cloning, extensive voice libraries, and multilingual support.

The power of iOS text-to-speech apps: beyond just reading aloud

At the heart of iOS text-to-speech apps lies an intricate blend of artificial intelligence and linguistic processing. These apps do more than merely read text aloud; they breathe life into words, turning the mundane task of reading digital content into a dynamic auditory experience. 

The evolution of these tools, spearheaded by innovations in AI, has elevated the quality of synthetic voices to a point where they closely mirror human speech, offering a more natural and engaging user interaction​.

Why embrace TTS on your iOS device?

With the rise of mobile platforms, multitasking has become the norm. The modern iOS mobile operating system currently enjoys a 42% share of the global market, and TTS apps have embraced the challenge to become champions of efficiency and inclusivity. 

TTS is not just a technology for those who prefer listening over reading, they are a lifeline for individuals with visual impairments or learning disorders like dyslexia. 

The technology has opened up new horizons in accessibility, allowing everyone to consume digital content without barriers​​.

Crossing linguistic frontiers

Modern TTS technology, particularly on iOS, is no longer confined to a single language. Advancements in AI and machine learning have enabled the creation of synthetic speech across a vast spectrum of languages, breaking down the traditional barriers faced by polyglots and voice actors. 

This innovation is revolutionizing how we interact with digital content, allowing individuals and businesses to connect with a global audience in a more accessible, personalized, and immersive way. 

For example, take a look at this video showcasing ElevenLabs’ technology narrating गोदान (Godaan) by Munshi Premchand in the Hindi language.

Coupled with voice cloning technology, multilingual TTS not only expands the reach of content but also retains the unique vocal characteristics of the original speaker. This feature empowers creators to produce vocal content in multiple languages, ensuring a consistent and authentic voice across different linguistic contexts. 

Voice cloning optimizes recording time and enhances the personal connection with the audience, potentially increasing information retention and maintaining consistency in multi-language projects.

TTS in action: a spectrum of applications for iOS

The impact of iOS TTS technology is far-reaching:

• Enhanced user experience: The hands-free interaction enabled by TTS apps not only makes using devices more convenient but also enhances productivity, especially for professionals who rely on constant information intake and persons with disabilities.
• Seamless multitasking: Imagine cooking a meal or jogging in the park while listening to your favorite book or catching up on work emails - TTS makes this possible.
• Revolution in customer service: Automated responses such as integrated API are powered by TTS technology and are transforming customer service, offering quick and efficient solutions to queries.
• A new dimension in gaming: Game developers are tapping into TTS to provide gamers with rich, interactive narratives, adding depth to gaming experiences.
• Educational empowerment: For teachers and their students who are finding reading challenging, TTS is a game-changer. It also serves as an invaluable tool for language learners, aiding in pronunciation and comprehension.​

Best text-to-speech apps for iOS: a symphony of voices

While ElevenLabs stands out as the leading expert in the realm of text-to-speech technology, we recognize and celebrate the diversity and innovation brought forth by other applications in the iOS ecosystem. 

Each app offers unique features and functionalities that cater to various needs and preferences. Here, we explore some of the most distinguished apps in the field of iOS text-to-speech.

Voice dream reader: A versatile TTS app offering a wide range of voices and languages, ideal for avid readers and language learners.

• NaturalReader: Known for its natural-sounding voices and ease of use, it's perfect for listening to various types of documents and web content.
• Speechify: This stands out for its ability to convert scanned text and PDFs into speech, making it great for students and professionals.
• Overcast (Podcast player with smart speed): Primarily a podcast player, it features a unique Smart Speed function for adjusting speech pace in podcasts.
• OpenAI ChatGPT (with TTS functionality): Integrates ChatGPT's conversational AI with text-to-speech technology, providing a unique and interactive experience for iOS users.

Voice Dream Reader: a reader’s paradise 

Voice Dream Reader by Voice Dream LLC is more than just a TTS app; it's a comprehensive tool that caters to avid readers and language enthusiasts. Its expansive library of voices and languages sets it apart, making it an ideal choice for those who seek variety and customization. 

The app's user-friendly interface and customizable reading experience – including adjustable speed, tone, and pitch – make it a favorite among iOS users. 

Dream Reader’s ability to integrate with various file formats and cloud services further enhances its versatility, making it a reliable companion for both casual reading and academic research.

Text-to-Speech Voice Quality: Extremely High. Voice Dream Reader is praised for its high-quality voice and we found the voice quality to be quite high. Voices were natural-sounding and catered to a huge range of user preferences.

Rating: 4/5

Price: Free to use with In-App purchases available. The subscription plan starts from $59.99/year.

NaturalReader: simplicity meets elegance 

Distinguishing itself with its uncluttered interface and natural-sounding voices, Natural Reader by NaturalSoft is designed for ease of use. It allows users to effortlessly convert a wide range of text formats – from documents and podcasts, to web pages – into speech. 

Its strength lies in its simplicity, making digital content accessible to everyone, including those who may be new to TTS technology. 

The app also includes features like text highlighting in sync with speech, aiding in comprehension and retention, especially beneficial for language learners and individuals with reading challenges.

Text-to-speech voice quality: High. A good balance between masculine and feminine voice. The narration voices were reasonably clear and pleasantly natural.

Rating: 3/5

Price: A free plan is available. For intensive personal use, plans start at $99.50/year. Professional plans start at $129.50/year and the Ultimate plan is $199.50/year.

Speechify: the multitasker’s Ally 

Speechify excels in delivering high-quality voice output, making it a standout text-to-speech toolchoice for students, professionals, and anyone in need of converting written text to speech on smartphones. 

Its ability to scan and convert physical documents and PDF files into audible formats is particularly noteworthy. 

This feature is a boon for users who deal with a lot of printed material, allowing them to listen to their documents on the go. 

The app's intuitive interface and customizability in terms of speech speed and voice selection make it a versatile tool for various contexts, from studying to leisurely listening on both the iPhone and Microsoft Windows web browser.

Text-to-speech voice quality: Exceptional. Speechify delivers outstandingly clear and articulate dictation. While the app excels in its range of functionalities, the voice quality stands out as well. Even the free voices offer a high level of clarity and naturalness, with the premium voices providing an even more refined and lifelike listening experience.

Rating: 5/5

Price: A free version is available including 10 free English voices. A paid subscription to Speechify is $139/year and includes different voices, different accents, 20 languages (including Russian, Portuguese, and Spanish), and 5 reading speeds. 

Speech Air: note-taking and OCR combined

Speech Air by Wzp is a standout in the realm of iOS text-to-speech apps, particularly for its innovative integration of note-taking and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities for iPad. 

This app excels in its ability to convert textin extracting text from images, enabling users to effortlessly convert printed material from diverse sources – be it news articles, books, or text-laden images – into the narrator’s voice spoken words. Its simplicity shines through in its user-friendly interface, complete with handy widgets, making it accessible and easy to navigate. 

Ideal for students, professionals, or anyone in need of an efficient way to transform written contentvisual text such as word documents into audible format, Speech Air combines practicality with a variety of voicestechnological sophistication, making it a valuable addition to the toolbox of any iOS user.

Text-to-speech voice quality: Extremely High. The Speech Air narration quality is clear and understandable. Even though the defining feature of this application is the integration of image to text, the voice quality is also quite remarkable. Expect higher quality from the premium paid voices. 

Rating: 4/5

Price: Free to download and use. There are various micro-transactions to purchase more advanced features and voices. 

OpenAI ChatGPT: revolutionizing conversational AI 

The latest entrant in the iOS TTS landscape is OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which integrates the prowess of ChatGPT with text-to-speech capabilities. 

This app combines the conversational intelligence of ChatGPT with advanced speech generation, offering a unique and interactive TTS experience. 

Users can engage in conversations, ask questions, and receive responses in a natural, human-like voice. 

The app's ability to understand and generate speech in real-time makes it a groundbreaking tool for various applications, from education and customer service to personal entertainment.

Text-to-speech voice quality: Excellent. The ChatGPT TTS feature adds incredible functionality to what is already an innovative platform. We were pleasantly surprised to find that in addition to the impressive generative AI features of ChatGPT, the TTS narration voices are clear, smooth, and excellent in quality.

Rating: 5/5

Price: At the time of writing, the TTS feature on the ChatGPT mobile application is only available to those with a ChatGPT Plus subscription. The Plus plan is $20/month. OpenAI has indicated they are preparing to roll the feature out to free accounts in the near future.

What technology to look for in an excellent text-to-speech platform

In the quest for the most effective text-to-speech (TTS) platform, ElevenLabs emerges as a leader, offering a suite of groundbreaking features. 

At its core, ElevenLabs' technology is about generating lifelike, emotive speech in any language, harnessing the full power of AI for a context-aware auditory experience. 

The platform's ability to recognize text nuances creates synthetic human voiceovers that are not just accurate in intonation and resonance but also deliver crystal clear audio transcription at 128 kbps for a premium listening experience.

With ElevenLabs, users can effortlessly generate long-form content without quality compromise, explore a diverse and dynamic voice library, and even fine-tune voice outputs for precise delivery. 

The platform's commitment to emotional range, multilingual capability, and voice variety, alongside an ethical approach to voice AI generation, sets a new standard in the generation of TTS audio fileslandscape. 

Whether it's precision voice tuning, effective punctuation interpretation, or context and speaker profile matching, ElevenLabs provides an unparalleled tool for anyone looking to enhance their digital content with authentic and expressive voice technology.

Let’s take a look at the standout features you should expect to see in a text-to-speech platform in the digital soundscape:

Multilingual capability and translation: breaking linguistic boundaries

Image: ElevenLabs

In a world resplendent with diversity, where over 6,900 unique languages weave the rich tapestry of global communication, ElevenLabs has made a groundbreaking move with the launch of Multilingual v2. 

This foundational AI speech model embraces this diversity by supporting nearly 30 languages, marking a significant step towards bridging linguistic divides.

This advancement marks a significant stride in eliminating linguistic barriers, allowing content creators across various industries to enhance the accessibility of their offerings globally​.

The new multilingual voice generation model from ElevenLabs is capable of producing emotionally rich AI audio in a broad spectrum of languages, offering unprecedented authenticity. 

By integrating in-house research on human speech markers, ElevenLabs has developed mechanisms for understanding context and conveying emotions in speech generation, which ensures that the synthetic voices are not just linguistically accurate but also emotionally resonant​.

The Eleven Multilingual v2 model can automatically identify nearly 30 written languages and generate speech with maintained voice characteristics across all languages. 

This includes maintaining the original accent in different languages, thus offering creators the ability to use the same voice across diverse linguistic content. 

The languages supported include but are not limited to Chinese, Korean, Dutch, Turkish, and many more, encompassing a wide geographical spread from Europe to Asia and the Middle East​.

Looking to the future, ElevenLabs plans to introduce mechanisms for voice sharing on the platform, fostering human-AI collaboration and further expanding the scope of multilingual applications. 

This vision is in line with ElevenLabs' mission to make content universally accessible in any language and in any voice, ultimately aiming to eliminate linguistic barriers and enhance creativity, innovation, and diversity.

By reducing the cost and resources required to create high-quality audio content in multiple languages, ElevenLabs is enabling a more imaginative and culturally resonant content creation process. 

This technology provides significant benefits to various sectors, including gaming, education, and content creation for visually impaired or learning-challenged individuals, by supplementing visual content with speech in multiple languages​.

A voice library: the heart of versatile TTS applications

A key feature to look for in an outstanding text-to-speech softwareplatform is an extensive and versatile voice library. ElevenLabs exemplifies this with its Voice Library, a groundbreaking community space where users can generate, share, and explore an almost infinite range of voices. 

Leveraging their proprietary Voice Design tool, the library offers a global collection of vocal styles, each unique, crisp, and lifelike, with parameters like age, gender, and accent customizable for a wide array of applications​.

The Voice Library at ElevenLabs is both a repository of voices and a dynamic community platform fostering discovery and sharing. 

Users can contribute their created voices, enriching the library and aiding others in finding the perfect voice for various applications, from audiobooks to video game characters. 

This participatory model not only encourages creativity but also rewards users when their voices are utilized by others, creating an ecosystem of shared resources and mutual benefits​.

Additionally, the library is equipped with features like sorting for the most-used or top-trending voices, aiding in identifying popular choices that resonate with the community. 

ElevenLabs plans to expand these features, introducing more labels, language-specific voices, and enhanced discovery tools to make the voice selection process even smoother and more effective​.

Voice conversion: the art of authentic replication in text-to-speech

Voice conversion technology, particularly as developed by ElevenLabs, stands as a vital aspect of what makes a text-to-speech (TTS) app exceptional. 

At ElevenLabs, voice conversion is executed through a sophisticated process known as voice cloning, which involves encoding a target voice to generate speech that matches the target speaker's identity while preserving the original intonation​.

This technology has revolutionary potential across various industries. It can optimize production time and costs and enables content creators to earn passive income through sharing their voices. 

Its applications range from filmmaking, where actors can share voice databases to create audio tracks remotely, to medicine, where it can help patients who have lost their ability to speak to communicate again in their own voice. 

In the realm of gaming, advertising, and educational content, voice conversion enriches the user experience by providing authentic, personalized audio content​.

ElevenLabs is also developing an identity-preserving automatic dubbing tool as part of their voice conversion software. This tool aims to make spoken content accessible across languages while maintaining the original speaker’s voice, creating a more immersive and entertaining way of engaging with content across different languages. 

Voice cloning here preserves the speaker's identity, while voice conversion ensures the preservation of emotions, intent, and style of delivery for maximum immersion​.

The process of voice conversion is analogous to face-swapping apps. It involves mapping the "atoms" of speech - phonemes - of the target speech and using them to render the source speech content. 

This ensures that the speech remains authentic to the target voice, balancing between preserving the emotional charge of the source speech and the distinct characteristics of the target voice​.

However, ethical concerns surrounding voice cloning and conversion are paramount. ElevenLabs addresses these concerns by implementing safeguards against misuse and supporting voice owners and licensors in claiming their rights. 

Our commitment to ethical use is reflected in their terms of service and content production protocols, ensuring that the technology is used responsibly​.

Elevating digital communication with ElevenLabs

Our journey through the world of iOS text-to-speech apps reveals a transformative digital landscape where technology bridges gaps, enhances accessibility, and enriches our daily interactions. 

From the versatile Voice Dream Reader to the advanced capabilities of ElevenLabs, these apps offer more than just convenience; they are a testament to human ingenuity and technological advancement.

As we embrace the future of text-to-speech technology, ElevenLabs stands out as a beacon of innovation. 

With our groundbreaking Multilingual v2, extensive Voice Library, and cutting-edge voice conversion technology, ElevenLabs is not just leading the way but redefining the boundaries of what's possible in voice AI. 

Our commitment to ethical use, combined with a vision to make content universally accessible, positions them at the forefront of this technological evolution.

Discover the possibilities with ElevenLabs’ state-of-the-art text-to-speech technology, sign up to be a part of this revolutionary community, and explore the future of digital voice at ElevenLabs Text-to-Speech, sign-up, and discover more insights with the ElevenLabs blog. 

Join us in shaping a world where every voice is heard, in every language, in every corner of the globe.