Some people struggle with or are physically unable to read text on a screen. Others might want their computer to read something to them aloud while they do something else. There are numerous reasons to use a text-to-speech tool, also known as a screen reader. If you want your computer or phone to read to you, we've collected the best tools for the job below. A few standalone text-to-speech apps make this list, sure, but you probably don't need them. That's because most operating systems and popular apps already have viable text-to-speech capabilities. Read on for more information about where to find these features and what you need to know about the best standalone apps.
Best Text-to-Speech App for Windows
Balabolka
Why We Picked It
Balabolka is a free app for Windows (it works on Windows 7 and later). You can paste text into the app or open almost any document directly, including ebooks, text files, and Word documents. You can then press play to start listening to the app read aloud or export an audio file if you prefer. Balabolka doesn't have many voices by default, and the ones it does have are fairly robotic. You can add more voices, though, and thoroughly customize the application. Even though the app is a bit clunky, it’s the best Windows-specific app I’ve found outside of the one built into Edge and Microsoft Office (which I prefer). The built-in Windows screen reader is called Narrator. To launch it, press the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter. You can also access Narrator settings by pressing the Windows logo key + Ctrl + N.
Who It's For
People who want flexibility: Balabolka is available in several different ways, including as a command-line utility and a portable version that doesn't require installation. You can also add other voices and customize the app's interface, as mentioned.
Windows 7 and 10 users: Microsoft is no longer fully supporting Windows 10, let alone Windows 7, but Balaboka is still getting updates. If you are using an older version of Windows, this program could help you stay a little more up-to-date.
Best Text-to-Speech Tool for Microsoft Office and Edge
Immersive Reader
Why We Picked It
Microsoft 365 applications have a native text-to-speech feature, and the quality of the voices is fantastic. In any document, click View > Immersive Reader, and then press the play button that appears. It then reads your document back to you, highlighting the corresponding words as it goes. Immersive Reader is ideal for copyediting and reviewing lengthy documents. Microsoft Edge has this feature, too (it's one of the best Microsoft Edge tricks). Just enter Immersive Reader mode > Read Aloud. (An easy and reliable way to do so is to add "read:" before a URL.)
Who It's For
Microsoft 365 subscribers: If you pay for Microsoft 365, you don't need to pay extra to get a quality screen reader. It's available in Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word on most platforms.
Microsoft Edge users: Microsoft Edge is a capable web browser, and the Immersive Reader mode is one reason why. It opens a clean version of the page and gives you several options for how text appears.
Best Text-to-Speech Browser Extension
ReadAloud
Why We Picked It
Read Aloud is an extension for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox that reads the content of the website you currently have open. Just click the button in the toolbar to start listening. You can control playback and follow along with the text in the pop-up window. A wide range of voices is available in the settings, including premium ones from Amazon and Google. It's the best tool we've found for listening to Google Docs, and it also supports Kindle books and PDF files. The PDF feature worked better than that of other apps I tested.
Who It's For
Chrome, Edge, and Firefox users: If you use Chrome, Edge, or Firefox (or any combination of them), Read Aloud is a good cross-browser option.
Google Docs and PDF creators: Read Aloud should serve you well if you often work in Google Docs or on PDF files. Your browser might not have a text-to-speech feature by default, so this extension is the next best thing.
Best Text-to-Speech Tool for Android
Select to Speak (Android)
Why We Picked It
Android's Select to Speak feature is under Accessibility settings. Once it's active, you can have it read any text on any screen. Simply click the customizable and persistent icon bubble on your screen and select the text in question. Controls show up toward the bottom of the screen, allowing you to start and control playback and change the playback speed. Select to Speak is simple to use and supports a variety of voices, which you can configure in the settings. There's even experimental support for reading text inside images.
Who It's For
Android device owners: All Android devices come with the Select to Speak feature, so you don't need to download an additional app to use it. And since it's part of the OS, it works seamlessly wherever you need it.
Multitaskers: An option within the Select to Speak settings section allows you to multitask. It will continue to read aloud even if you move to another screen or app.
Best Text-to-Speech Tool for Apple Users
Spoken Content (macOS)
Why We Picked It
Every Apple computer comes with the Read & Speak feature, which uses high-quality voices to read text aloud. On a Mac, you can enable the feature by heading to System Settings > Accessibility > Read and Speak and checking the Speak Selection option. Then, you can trigger the tool using a keyboard shortcut (Option-Esc) for a document or any text you select. As the tool reads the text, it highlights the corresponding words on the page in most applications, allowing you to read along. On-screen buttons let you speed up, slow down, or pause the reading. On older versions of macOS, Apple referred to this feature as Spoken Content.
The iOS and iPadOS text-to-speech feature works much like the one on macOS. You can turn it on in the Settings app under Accessibility > Read & Speak. Once Speak Selection is active, any text you highlight in any application will have a Speak option, which you tap to activate. You also get options for reading all the text on the current screen, with an optional always-on control button.
Who It's For
iPad, iPhone, and Mac owners: The Read and Speak tools are available on all iPads, iPhones, and Macs with the latest software versions. The features appear modern and offer numerous options for customizing and controlling the experience.
People who want a consistent experience: Since Apple's accessibility tools are fairly consistent across platforms, there's no reason to make your life more difficult by using different apps on different devices.
Best Text-to-Speech Web Reader
TTSMaker
Why We Picked It
The free TTSMaker is a top browser-based text-to-speech app. Copy and paste your text into the box, fill out the CAPTCHA, click Convert to Speech, and the application will start reading your text. Even better, you can download the reading as an MP3 file and use it in commercial projects. Most similar services charge a subscription for those capabilities. It offers a wide range of voices to choose from, many of which sound quite good. Paid plans (starting at $13.99 per month) are available if your usage exceeds 20,000 characters per week.
Who It's For
People who primarily work in a browser: You can access TTSMaker no matter what browser you use and without installing an extension. The interface is extremely simply to use, and the free version should accommodate most people's needs.
Professionals: Paid TTSMaker plans support many dozens of hours of speech generation for professionals. If you require numerous voice model options and generous allowances for your work, this is one of your best options.