Did you know some recent studies reveal that nearly 1 in every 5 people experience some sort of reading difficulty, while millions more simply prefer audio content for its convenience? No matter who you are or what you do, the ability to convert written text into spoken words can be incredibly beneficial and free online text to speech tools are becoming increasingly popular as a solution to this need.
If you are new to this technology, then Text to Speech (TTS) software allows you to transform written content into natural-sounding speech so that you can listen to articles, books or any other written content instead of reading it. And with the advancements in artificial intelligence and voice synthesis, many online tools now offer high-quality voices that sound just like humans. Here, we are going to explore some of the best free text to speech online tools available this year that can enhance your experience and make information more accessible than ever.
How to Choose the Best Text to Speech (TTS) Tool?
Before you start looking for the best free online text to speech tool, there are some key factors that you need to consider in order to ensure you find the right fit for your needs. For instance, always choose a platform that provides natural-sounding voices with different accents and genders. This won’t only help you enhance the overall quality of the voices but also allow you to select the voice that best suits your preferences.
A complicated interface can be frustrating, especially if you are short on time, so look for platforms that have a straightforward layout and clear instructions to make your experience smooth and efficient. Compatibility and accessibility are also crucial; make sure the online tool you choose works well on the devices and platforms you use most often, whether it’s your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Last but not least, while you may be looking for free options, consider the cost of any premium features you might want in the future. Some tools offer free versions with limited features, so check if they provide higher-tier plans that fit your budget because it’s wise to select a tool that allows you to upgrade in case your needs change with the passage of time.
1. Mango AI
Starting with the best in a category, Mango AI is a leading free AI video generator known for its exceptional quality and user-friendly features. It offers a diverse library of AI voices, including options for men, women, and even children that makes it easy to find the perfect voice for your project. However, what makes Mango AI one of the best and useful AI text to video generators free available in 2024 is its ability to create digital talking AI avatars, complete with synchronized lip movements through its advanced lip-sync functionality. In addition to creating high-quality voiceovers, this feature will help you add a unique touch to your content by making it more engaging and lifelike.
With flexible voice modulation options, the AI animation generator enables users to customize the speech output, which will ensure a professional and dynamic audio experience every time. The platform also supports multiple languages with the availability of regional accents that make it versatile for different type of users including content creators, marketers, and businesses.
- Extensive Voice Library: A wide range of AI voices, including options for men, women, and children
- Talking Photo: Create and customize avatars by uploading your own images
- Lip-Sync Functionality: Advanced feature that synchronizes lip movements with speech for a more realistic presentation
- Voice Modulation Options: Customize pitch, tone, and speed for a tailored listening experience
- Multi-Language Support: Offers voices in various languages that can accommodate a diverse user base
- Easy to Use: Intuitive interface that allows for quick text input and audio generation
2. Natural Reader
Natural Reader is another highly regarded free text-to-speech tool that offers an excellent user experience with its straightforward interface and impressive audio quality. Available in both online and desktop versions, the tool supports multiple formats and caters to a wide range of users, from casual readers to professionals. Natural Reader also includes built-in Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which enables users to upload images or scans of text and have them converted to speech. Moreover, it comes with a floating toolbar that allows users to highlight text in any application and have it read aloud, which is particularly useful for browsing the web or working in word processors.
Pros
- Supports a wide range of document types, including eBooks
- Built-in OCR for converting scanned text and images into speech
- Floating toolbar makes it simple to use across different applications
- Available as both an online platform and downloadable desktop application
Cons
- Cloud-based, which may require an internet connection for optimal performance
- Limited free voices are available as compared to paid plans
3. Listnr
This one is an innovative AI voice generator that specializes in turning written content into engaging audio files and podcasts. It features a text-to-speech platform that allows users to convert text into audio while offering customization options such as voice selection, accent, speed, and pauses. With over 600 realistic AI-generated voices and support for more than 100 languages, this free online text to speech tool provides a diverse range of auditory experiences, which makes it suitable for a global audience. Listnr’s free plan allows users to generate up to 1,000 words per month that can be suitable for those just starting with audio content creation but power users may find it limiting.
Pros
- Over 600 high-quality AI voices to choose from
- Supports more than 100 languages and accents for a diverse audio experience
- Podcast hosting feature simplifies audio content management and distribution
- User-friendly text editor with adjustable settings for voice and speed
Cons
- Limited free plan allows only 1,000 words per month, which may not be sufficient for frequent users
4. Balabolka
If you are looking for a simple text to speech software with some customization options and wide file format support, then you can consider trying Balabolka. You can easily copy and paste text into the program, or directly open various supported file types, including DOC, PDF, and HTML documents. Balabolka utilizes SAPI 4 and SAPI 5 voice engines, which give users access to a variety of voices and allowing for adjustments in speech rate, pitch, and volume to create a personalized listening experience. Beyond its reading capabilities, Balabolka enables users to save their narrations as audio files in various formats, such as MP3 and WAV.
In addition to its reading capabilities, Balabolka allows users to save their narrations as audio files in multiple formats, including MP3 and WAV.
Pros
- Offers various voice options with customizable speech settings
- Bookmarking tools for easy navigation through long texts
- Customization options for pronunciation
Cons
- The interface may appear outdated and less intuitive to some users
5. TTSReader
Still, looking for the free online text to speech generator in 2024? If yes, then TTSReader is a straightforward cloud-based text to speech tool designed to simplify the conversion of text to audio without the hassle of downloads or complicated settings. This browser-based platform integrates seamlessly with popular web browsers and cloud storage services and makes it easy to read documents from places like Google Drive or to convert online articles into speech. A unique feature of TTSReader is its offline capabilities that allow users to prepare text for playback in areas with limited internet connectivity. It is an excellent option for those working with international documents; however, users should note that poorly formatted text or documents with numerous typos may lead to an uneven listening experience.
Pros
- Simple to use and requires no software installation
- Integrates well with web browsers and cloud storage services
- Offline capabilities for uninterrupted playback
- Supports a vast number of languages for diverse users
Cons
- Limited to a Chrome extension, which may not be suitable for all users
- Poorly formatted text may result in a less-than-ideal listening experience
6. Speechify
Another smart and user-friendly option designed to enhance reading speed and improve information retention is Speechify. Unlike some other TTS applications, Speechify focuses on personal use rather than business applications, although it does offer a voiceover solution for creating audio and video content. It has the ability to read nearly any text found on web pages, and users can easily access this feature through a Chrome or Edge extension, or by downloading the Speechify app available on iOS and Android devices. Speechify also includes an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature that allows users to take pictures of printed text and have it read back to them.
Pros
- Customizable reading voices and speeds to enhance understanding
- Optical Character Recognition for reading printed text
- Document storage for cross-device listening
- Supports over 20 languages
Cons
- Monthly word limit for premium voices can be restrictive for some users
7. FreeTTS
FreeTTS is yet another straightforward and cost-effective text to speech service that allows users to generate natural-sounding audio from text. It can be highly useful for those on a budget because it offers a free tier while still providing quality output in multiple languages and accents. Built on Google’s machine learning technology, FreeTTS (free online text to speech) produces high-quality audio conversions and users can even preview the audio before downloading. Furthermore, it supports a range of languages, including English (both US and UK variations), French, Italian, and Japanese, among others.
Pros
- Free to use, with a generous monthly character limit
- Supports multiple languages and accents
- Based on Google’s advanced machine learning for quality audio
Cons
- Character limits may hinder users needing to convert longer texts
8. ElevenLabs
The last TTS platform on our list is ElevenLabs, which is specifically designed to meet the needs of various industries by providing lifelike and natural-sounding voices that can convey different emotions and tones. With support for 29 languages and multiple accents, ElevenLabs is an excellent option for businesses aiming to connect with a global audience. The platform also enables users to personalize their voice output by adjusting pitch, tone, and style, which allows them to achieve the ideal voice for their unique projects. Additionally, ElevenLabs offers a voice cloning option that enables users to recreate unique voice profiles for applications like audiobooks, videos, and more.
Pros
- High-quality, natural-sounding voices that convey emotions
- Supports 29 languages and various accents for global communication
- Extensive customization options, including pitch and tone adjustments
- Versatile pricing options designed to meet diverse requirements
Cons
- No offline capability may limit use in certain situations
Final Thoughts
As we move into the end of this post, it’s now clear that there are numerous free online text to speech tools available that can enhance your productivity and accessibility. From natural-sounding voices to customization options, each tool we have discussed here offers unique features that can help you engage with text like never before.
Among the options available, Mango AI comes out as an excellent choice. Its high-quality speech synthesis, user-friendly interface, and versatile capabilities make it perfect for anyone looking to convert text to speech like never before.