Top TextAloud Alternatives for Enhanced Text-to-Speech
TextAloud, developed by NextUp.com, has long been a go-to Windows text-to-speech (TTS) software, enabling your computer to speak with AT&T Natural Voices and even integrating as a Microsoft Word plug-in. While powerful, users often seek TextAloud alternative solutions that better fit their specific needs, whether it's for different platforms, open-source options, or unique feature sets. This article explores the best alternatives available to enhance your text-to-speech experience.
Best TextAloud Alternatives
If you're looking to expand beyond TextAloud, these alternatives offer a range of functionalities, from simple clipboard readers to comprehensive dictation software, ensuring there's a perfect match for everyone.
Balabolka
Balabolka is a versatile free text-to-speech utility available for Windows and as a PortableApps.com version. It stands out as an excellent TextAloud alternative because it can read from multiple document formats and export audio in various formats, offering features like Android Sync, Audio Recording, and a convenient tabbed interface.
eSpeak
eSpeak is a compact, free, and open-source speech synthesizer for English and other languages, compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. This formant synthesis-based software is a great TextAloud alternative for those seeking a lightweight solution with features like spell checking and support for Android Things.
Nuance Dragon
Nuance Dragon is a commercial powerhouse for speech-to-text, dictation, and voice recognition, available across numerous platforms including Mac, Windows, Android, and iPhone. While TextAloud focuses on TTS, Nuance Dragon provides a comprehensive speech solution, making it a robust TextAloud alternative for users needing advanced dictation and offline functionality.
Simple TTS Reader
Simple TTS Reader is a small, free Windows application that serves as an excellent basic TextAloud alternative. It excels as a clipboard reader, automatically reading aloud any copied text using your installed speech engines, such as Microsoft Anna.
NaturalReader
NaturalReader is a freemium TextAloud alternative available for Mac, Windows, and Web. Its main feature is comprehensive text-to-speech, allowing it to read text files, MS Word documents, Internet Explorer webpages, and Adobe PDF files, offering support for Windows Hello.
Speechify
Speechify is a freemium Text-to-speech application for iPhone, iPad, Chrome, and Mac. It’s a compelling TextAloud alternative for users seeking a simple, fast way to convert text to speech, also featuring support for keyboard shortcuts.
Read Aloud - Browser Extension
Read Aloud is a free and open-source browser extension for Chrome and Firefox. It's a fantastic, lightweight TextAloud alternative for web content, allowing you to select text from the screen and have it read aloud in different languages, with customizable speed and pitch settings.
ReadSpeaker
ReadSpeaker offers commercial online text-to-speech services, ideal for web and mobile applications. As a web-based TextAloud alternative, it's perfect for those who want to speech-enable websites, online documents, and forms via an API.
Central Access Reader
Central Access Reader (CAR) is a free, open-source TTS application for Windows. It functions as a straightforward TextAloud alternative, specifically designed to read .docx files and pasted text using your PC's installed voices.
Voice Dream Reader
Voice Dream Reader is a commercial, feature-rich mobile TTS reader for iPhone and iPad. While TextAloud is Windows-focused, Voice Dream Reader offers excellent accessibility and integrations with services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Evernote, making it a strong mobile-first TextAloud alternative.
With a wide array of TextAloud alternatives available, from free open-source solutions to commercial powerhouses, you can easily find the perfect text-to-speech software to meet your specific requirements. Explore these options to discover the best fit for your workflow and platform preferences.