The best Free Text To Speech Software makes it quick and straightforward to convert text files into audio files that can be played anywhere.
It is useful when you want to listen to a document while multitasking, sense-check a paper or article you’ve just written, or if you’re an aural learner and want to retain knowledge more efficiently.
Even greater, however, are its practical apps. For example, the best Free Text To Speech Software can be pretty helpful for those who are visually handicapped or have a condition such as dyslexia that makes reading on a screen difficult. It can also assist individuals who read a language but do not speak it or who are in the process of learning it.
It enables you to leave the workplace and listen to an updated manuscript or report as a podcast while running errands by loading the completed file onto your smart device, such as an iPhone.
You’re in luck if you’re seeking the best Free Text To Speech Software available for this purpose. We have compiled our favorite recommendations for reading paragraphs or entire texts aloud.
Best Free Text To Speech Software Picks for 2022
We’ve also featured the best Free Text To Speech Software.
1. WordTalk
An extension that adds text to speech to your word processor
- Specifications
Operating system: Windows - Today’s Best Deals
Visit site - Reasons to buy
+Integrates with Microsoft Word
+Customizable voices
+Speaking dictionary - Reasons to avoid
-A little unattractive
WordTalk is a Word toolbar addon developed by the University of Edinburgh that adds customizable text-to-speech to Microsoft Word. It’s compatible with all versions of Word and can be accessed from the toolbar or ribbon, depending on the version being used.
The toolbar is not the most aesthetically pleasing thing you’ll ever see since it appears to have been created by a toddler. Neither are the functions of all the buttons clear, but thankfully a help file is available.
This Free Text To Speech Software simplicity is undeniable. However, the program does support SAPI 4 and SAPI 5 voices, which can be customized. The option to read individual words, sentences, or paragraphs aloud is an especially nice feature. There is also the possibility to save narrations, and several keyboard shortcuts provide quick and easy access to frequently used options.
2. Natural Reader
Free Text To Speech Software with its web browser
- Specifications
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux (in browser) - Today’s Best Deals
Visit site - Reasons to buy
+Built-in OCR
+Choice of interfaces
+Built-in browser
+Dyslexic-friendly font
Natural Reader is a free text-to-speech tool with multiple apps. The first option is to load documents into the system’s library and have them read aloud. It is a clever method for managing multiple files, and the amount of supported file types, including ebook formats, is impressive. OCR also allows you to load a photo or scanned text and have it read out to you.
The second choice consists of a floating toolbar. In this mode, you may choose text in any app and use the options on the toolbar to initiate and adjust text-to-speech. You may use the feature relatively quickly in your web browser, word processor, and other apps. A built-in browser facilitates the conversion of web content to voice.
3. Balabolka
Powerful Free Text To Speech Software with customizable voices
- Specifications
Operating system: Windows - Today’s Best Deals
Visit site - Reasons to buy
+Excellent file format support
+Lots of voices to choose from
+Can create audio files
+Bookmarking tools
There are two ways to use Balabolka’s free text-to-speech software: copy and paste the text into the program or directly open various supported file types (including DOC, PDF, and HTML). In terms of output, you can pick between SAPI 4 with eight voices, SAPI 5 with two voices, and the Microsoft Speech Platform. In addition, you can customize the speech, pitch, and loudness of replay regardless of your chosen path.
This Free Text To Speech Software can save narrations as audio files in various formats, including MP3 and WAV, and reading aloud text. In addition, you may set bookmarks for lengthy papers to make it easier to return to a particular spot, and excellent tools are available for customizing word pronunciation.
ALSO SEE: Best Podcast Hosting Software
Balabolka is the best Free Text To Speech Software available, as all of these functions make life easier when reading text on a screen is impossible.
4. Panopreter Basic
Easy text to speech conversion, with WAV and MP3 output
- Specifications
Operating system: Windows - Today’s Best Deals
Visit Site - Reasons to buy
+Quick and simple to use
+Exports in WAV and MP3 formats
+Good range of input formats - Reasons to avoid
-For Windows only
Panopreter Basic, as its name suggests, is the best Free Text To Speech Software if you’re seeking one without other features. For example, it accepts plain and rich text files, web pages, and Microsoft Word documents as input and exports the resulting audio in WAV and MP3 formats (the two files are saved in the same location, with the exact name).
Spend a little time investigating Panopreter Basic’s Settings menu; you’ll find choices to adjust the language, destination of saved audio files, and interface colors. The default settings are suitable for rapid operations. However, the software can also play a piece of music once it has completed reading — a unique feature among free text-to-speech programs.
A paid edition of Panopreter is offered if you require something more sophisticated. This edition includes toolbars for Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer, the capability to highlight the area of text now being read, and more voices.
5. Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader
An excellent choice for converting text from websites to speech
- Specifications
Operating system: Windows - Today’s Best Deals
Visit site - Reasons to buy
+Converts text from the clipboard
+Good file format support - Reasons to avoid
-Voices are pretty expensive
-Windows only
Despite its simple appearance, Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader has more to offer than might be initially apparent. For example, you may copy and paste text or open several file formats straight in the software.
As long as the app is active and the applicable option is enabled, Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader can read aloud any content you copy to the clipboard and pop-up dialogue windows. In addition, it helps convert website text to speech. It is one of the best Free Text To Speech Software to convert text files to WAV format.
Unfortunately, the variety of voices is restricted, and the only options that can be modified are volume and speed unless you delve far into the settings to adjust pronunciations. Additional voices are available for a price that seems excessive and prevents it from ranking higher on our list.
