9 Popular Speechify Alternatives for Text to Speech
From improving accessibility to content customization, AI-powered text-to-speech (TTS) tools provide versatile solutions that enhance user experience and promote inclusivity. Speechify is one of the most popular options, but it’s not the only choice. If you’re looking for a reliable Speechify alternative, there are several great tools tailored to various needs.
In this blog, we will:
Let’s get started.
What is Speechify?
Speechify is an AI-powered text to speech tool that transforms written content into audio. Whether it’s an article or class notes, Speechify can read the content aloud in a wide range of voices and accents.
The tool is particularly useful for students who want to catch up on course readings or professionals managing tight schedules. It also supports people with disabilities by making written content more accessible and engaging.
Speechify offers:
Is Speechify free?
As of December 2024, Speechify offers a free plan with limited features, including 10 standard reading voices. You need the Premium plan to access the whole package, which brings higher voice quality, speed, and more.
Looking for Real-Time Speech Translation?
Take accessibility a step further with Maestra, which translates speech in real-time in 125+ languages. Plus, it comes with a handy Chrome extension.
What is the best Speechify alternative?
The table below highlights some of the best Speechify alternatives, each offering unique features and pricing plans to suit diverse needs.
| Speechify Alternative | Best For | Pricing | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| NaturalReader | YouTube videos, e-learning and training content, audiobooks | Free version available, Plus plan is $20.90/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Balabolka | Anyone who needs an offline TTS solution | Free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Resemble AI | Voice-based ads, product demos, courses and tutorials | Creator plan is $1 for the first month, and $29 for every month after that | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ElevenLabs | Chatbots and virtual assistants, gaming, podcasts | Free plan available, Creator plan is $11 for the first month, and $22 for every month after that | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PlayHT | Video content, audio articles, elearning and training videos | Free plan available, Creator plan is $31.20/month | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Narakeet | Language lessons, audio articles, video reports from slides | Free trial available, prices are based on audio or video duration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Murf AI | Sales pitches, IVR voices, documentaries | Free plan available, Creator plan in $19/month | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| LOVO AI | Advertisements, explainer videos, podcasts | Basic plan is $24/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Google TTS | Voicebots and voice generation in devices | Free for personal use on Android devices; Google Cloud pricing applies for API usage | ⭐⭐⭐ |
1. NaturalReader
If you’re looking for a reliable and free Speechify alternative, NaturalReader stands out with its performance. It supports diverse file types, including PDFs and web pages, and provides high-quality voice synthesis for a seamless listening experience. While the free version offers access to basic features, advanced options like Optical Character Recognition (converting image-based files into a readable format) are available with paid plans.
Natural Reader offers:
Standout feature: Multilingual voices powered by LLMs that understand the content of the script and adapt the tone accordingly
Pricing: Free version available. Plus plan offers 500,000 characters/day listening with Plus Voices.
2. Balabolka
Balabolka is another free Speechify alternative that supports a wide range of file formats. Although it has an old school interface, the tool is capable of reading clipboard content and extracting text from documents such as DOCX, EPUB, PDF, and PPTX. In short, Balabolka is a solid choice for users who prioritize functionality over aesthetics.
Balabolka offers:
Standout feature: Balabolka doesn’t require an internet connection, making it ideal for use in offline environments.
Pricing: Completely free.
3. Resemble AI
Resemble AI’s voice synthesis technology can capture the essence of human speech and bring your text-based content to life. The tool offers versatile AI voices for diverse use cases, such as corporate presentations or video gaming. It’s a great solution for small businesses or those in need of realistic voiceovers for content.
Resemble AI offers:
Standout feature: Natural voice modification and intonation for context-aware narration
Pricing: Creator plan offers 10,000 seconds free each month. See more on pricing here .
4. ElevenLabs
As a powerful Speechify alternative, ElevenLabs is a strong contender in the market. With contextually aware AI voices, you can achieve emotional range in your projects and avoid logical errors. You can also convert text to sound effects and generate the sound you want from a text prompt.
ElevenLabs offers:
Standout feature: Voice Design; which lets users to build new voices from scratch by describing qualities like age, gender, and accent
Pricing: Free plan includes 10 minutes of ultra-high quality text to speech per month. See more on pricing here .
5. PlayHT
With PlayHT, you can instantly convert any text into a natural-sounding, conversational AI voice. Thanks to an extensive library, the platform offers various voice actors for different purposes and projects. For example, while “Aaliyah” can read anything and make it sound poetic, “Leroy” is perfect for announcements and news.
PlayHT offers:
Standout feature: Custom pronunciations for brand names and niche terminologies
Pricing: Free plan offers 12,500 characters. See more on pricing here .
6. Narakeet
Narakeet’s text-to-audio tool can convert a Word document, Excel file, and more to speech in seconds. It proves that you don’t necessarily need special equipment or skills of a pro voice actor to create high-quality audio content. Plus, with Narakeet’s user-friendly interface, you can easily edit out mistakes and save a lot of time during your workflow.
Narakeet offers:
Standout feature: Add pauses to give your listeners a moment to process and better understand your content.
Pricing: 30 minutes of audio or video is $6. See more on pricing here .
7. Murf AI
Another reputable Speechify alternative, Murf AI’s text-to-speech model can produce voice indistinguishable from human speech. You can emphasize different words to capture the exact intention, or take control of the narration by adjusting the pitch. It is also possible to effortlessly fine tune the speed to match the flow of the message.
Murf AI offers:
Standout feature: Expressive voice style palette ranging with options like calm, friendly, terrified, and more
Pricing: Free plan offers 2 projects and 10 minutes of voice generation. See more on pricing here .
8. Lovo AI
Lovo AI’s text-to-speech tool, Genny, can be a game-changer for creators by significantly reducing production steps without sacrificing quality. All you need to do is type or paste text, and professional speech will be generated within seconds. Afterward, you can download the audio or video file in WAV, MP3, or MP4 format.
LOVO AI offers:
Standout feature: AI art generator to create HD royalty-free visuals for video content
Pricing: Basic plan offers 2 hours of voice generation monthly. See more on pricing here .
9. Google Text-to-Speech
A simple yet effective Speechify alternative, Google TTS is a result of DeepMind’s speech synthesis expertise. The tool can deliver voices that are nearly human quality, and let users personalize communication based on their voice and language preferences. Developers can also utilize the robust Google TTS API to integrate realistic voices into apps, devices, or other products seamlessly.
Google TTS offers:
Standout feature: Custom Voice to train a custom voice model for your organization by using your own audio recordings
Pricing: Google TTS is free for personal use on Android devices. For API usage, see more on pricing here .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free alternative to Speechify?
Yes, there are free alternatives to Speechify. For example, Balabolka offers offline text-to-speech capabilities at no cost, while NaturalReader’s free version provides basic features with high-quality voices. Both options are reliable and easy to use for converting text into audio.
What is the best alternative to Speechify?
There is no single best Speechify alternative , as the ideal choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, ElevenLabs stands out for its contextually aware AI voices and emotional range. Its flexibility and advanced features make it a strong alternative to Speechify.
What is better, NaturalReader or Speechify?
Choosing between NaturalReader and Speechify depends on your priorities. Speechify focuses on advanced AI voices, while NaturalReader’s free plan and support for diverse file formats make it a great option for casual users. Ultimately, NaturalReader is better for budget-conscious users, whereas Speechify might suit professionals requiring premium features.
Can ChatGPT read out loud?
As of December 2024, itself cannot read out loud. To listen to responses, you can use external text-to-speech tools mentioned in this blog. These can convert written content from ChatGPT into audio.
Does Grammarly read aloud?
As of December 2024, Grammarly does not have a built-in feature to read text aloud. You can use other apps or browser extensions to listen to Grammarly’s suggestions and corrections. This solution provides an audio option for those who prefer auditory feedback.
Summary
This blog first briefly reviewed Speechify and its capabilities, and then explored 9 best Speechify alternatives. From free options like Balabolka to premium tools like Elevenlabs, each Speechify alternative comes with its own features and pricing.
Consider these when choosing the best Speechify alternative for you:
Take the time to explore so you can choose the best Speechify alternative that aligns with your requirements perfectly.
