Speechify Alternatives (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Speechify is a popular app that reads text aloud, which is handy for long articles, study notes and PDFs. But it isn't the only way to turn words into speech. Some people want something with a free plan, some want voiceovers for videos rather than a reading app, and some just want a simple tool that does one job without a subscription screen.

This page covers ten alternatives in no particular order, listed alphabetically. They fall into two groups: reading apps that speak existing text to you, and voiceover tools that turn a script into audio you can publish. I've deliberately included smaller, independent tools next to the better-known names, using each tool's own website and directory listings. If you want to dig into the wider category, my guide to the best text to speech software is a good next step.

Speechify alternatives compared at a glance

In the Free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a permanent free option or free use. Trial only means a free try without an ongoing free plan. Limits and voice quality vary, so check each tool's current plans before you rely on it.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Balabolka	Desktop reader	Reading text aloud and saving it as audio	Yes
ElevenReader	Reading app	Listening to PDFs, books and articles	Yes
Microsoft Edge	Built-in browser reader	Having web pages and PDFs read aloud	Yes
Murf	Voiceover studio	Polished voiceovers for videos and demos	Yes
Narakeet	Voiceover and video maker	Turning scripts and slides into narrated video	Trial only
NaturalReader	Reading and voiceover app	Reading text aloud and making audio files	Yes
Notevibes	AI audio studio	Voiceovers, podcasts and audiobooks from scripts	Yes
Read Aloud	Browser extension	Reading web pages aloud in your browser	Yes
Speaktor	Text-to-speech app	Turning pasted text and documents into audio	Yes
TTSMaker	Online text-to-speech	Quick voice clips from text in many languages	Yes

Ten text to speech apps to try instead of Speechify

Balabolka

Best for: Windows users who want a no-frills program that reads documents aloud and saves the speech as audio files.

ElevenReader

Best for: Anyone who wants to listen to PDFs, eBooks and articles in lifelike voices on their phone.

Microsoft Edge

Best for: People who just want web pages and PDFs read aloud with nothing extra to install.

Murf

Best for: Business owners who want polished voiceovers for videos, presentations and product demos.

Narakeet

Best for: Creators who want to turn scripts, slides or documents into narrated videos with many voices and languages.

NaturalReader

Best for: Students and professionals who want an easy reader for documents plus a way to make voiceovers.

Notevibes

Best for: Creators who want voiceovers and audio content from scripts, with a choice of voices.

Read Aloud

Best for: Anyone who wants a one-click way to have web articles read aloud in Chrome, Firefox or Edge.

Speaktor

Best for: People who want to paste text or upload a document and get audio quickly, across many languages.

TTSMaker

Best for: Creators who want quick, downloadable voice clips in many languages straight from a web page.

Reader or voiceover tool: which Speechify alternative suits you

Before comparing voices, decide which job you need done, because the two groups are built very differently.

• Reading tools speak text to you. They suit students, people with long reading lists, and anyone who prefers listening, and they usually work with web pages, PDFs and books.
• Voiceover tools turn your script into audio files to publish. They suit video makers, trainers and podcasters, and they often include editing, downloads and licences for use in public.
• Some tools do a little of both, so a free trial is a good way to see which side they're stronger on.

How to choose a text to speech tool

• Voice quality: listen to a sample of your own content, not just the demo clip on the homepage.
• Languages and accents: check the voices cover the languages your audience speaks.
• File types: if you read lots of PDFs or books, confirm they're supported.
• Devices: decide whether you need a phone app, a browser extension or a desktop program.
• Permission to use the audio: if you'll publish the voices, read the licence for commercial use on the free version.
• Limits on the free version: look at how much audio you can make before you hit a cap.

Questions to ask before you move away from Speechify

• Which features do I use every week, and does the new tool have them?
• Do I need audio I can download, or only listening inside an app?
• Will my existing library or saved documents come across?
• Does it sound natural at the speed I like to listen?
• Do I need a free plan to get started, or is the free version only a short taster?

If you're making voiceovers for videos, my roundup of free AI voiceover tools covers more options, and the best AI voice generators goes deeper on voice quality.

Why a smaller text to speech tool can be a smart pick

Independent speech tools often focus on one job and do it simply, whether that's reading web pages aloud or making a quick voice clip. They can also have friendlier free plans than the bigger apps.

The trade-off is polish and support. A smaller tool may have fewer voices, fewer apps or a lighter help section. Check it's still being updated, test it with a few paragraphs of your real content, and read the terms on how you can use the audio before you publish anything.

Do you make a text to speech or voiceover tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Final checks before you pick a text to speech tool

Try two or three options with the same page of text and compare how they sound at your normal listening speed. Check the free limits, the devices you can use and the licence for any audio you'll share. Then keep the one that you're happy to listen to for a long stretch.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free alternative to Speechify?

Yes. Several tools have a permanent free plan or are free to use, and browsers can read pages aloud without extra software. Free versions usually have limits on voices, length or commercial use, so check the details.

What's the difference between a reading app and a voiceover tool?

A reading app speaks existing text to you for listening. A voiceover tool turns a script into audio files you can download and use in videos, podcasts or presentations.

Can I use text to speech audio in my videos?

Often yes, but it depends on the tool and plan. Some free versions don't allow public or commercial use, so read the licence before you publish.

Which text to speech tools work offline?

Desktop programs that use voices installed on your computer can work without a connection. Browser tools and online services generally need to be online.

Do text to speech tools support other languages?

Many do, with different numbers of languages and accents. Test a sample in the language you need, because quality can vary between voices.