This is my preferred software solution on Mac OS for text to speech. With Natural Reader 16, the desktop app is finally on par with the webapp. It is basically the webapp but wrapped in an app container, the one exception is that the desktop app includes what was formerly known as the Floating Bar, which is now called the Miniboard and resides under the overflow menu 'More', a feature I use a.
In this guide, we want to review the top 10 best text to speech software that’s in today’s market. The main purpose of using text to voice software is language learning and voiceover creating for videos.
Also With TTS software, people are finding it easier to read a difficult text they previously had problems with.
Contents
Text 2 Speech is a completely free tts website that runs off of donations. You will not have to pay for their services or for the use of any audio clips translated using their software. Despite their small size and bare-bones approach, Text 2 Speech is one of the best text to voice programs available in 2020.
Dictation is Apple’s own free dictation software on Mac (and the equivalent of WSR – Windows Speech Recognition) that has been a feature since macOS Sierra. By default it’s only suitable for dictations of 30 seconds or less but you can turn-on Enhanced Dictation for unlimited transcriptions.
Free Text To Speech Download
№1 Notevibes (for natural sounding voices)
Features:
Commercial and Personal uses
177 Natural Sounding Voices
18 Languages
Advanced editor with Voice Tuning
Dialogs
Mp3/WAV download
Overview:
Notevibes is a text to speech application that provides both free and paid options for users. In the free version, you have a limit of 5000 characters for testing Notevibes functionality. This is good for personal use for small projects, as it allows you to hear multiple sentences at once.
Notevibes has over 18 languages and 177 unique voices, you won't have a hard time reading your text due to its natural sounding voices.
The personal pack gives you up to 100,000 characters per month to convert your text to voice. This pack best suite for languages learning and pronunciation training.
The Commercial pack gives you up to 1,000,000 characters per month. This means that you can store multiple paragraphs in the software and hear an accurate reading. If you’re looking for the Wav files of the software, then the paid option is the way to go.
With advanced editor you can customize your speech with breaks, emphasis and spelling. The commercial pack allows you to create custom audio files for your company. All intellectual rights for these files belong to you.
No matter what option you choose, Notevibes is the best free text to speech software with the largest number of natural voices and pitch settings.
№2 Natural Reader
Features:
Microsoft Voice included
Mainboard Included helping read text in other applications
Change Speaker and Speed
All functions to read out text aloud in your computer
Assists persons with vision impairments
Overview:
Natural Reader is a downloadable text to speech software that comes with the ability to read text aloud in multiple natural sounding voices. The software itself is easy to use, and you can convert written text from PDF, Word, and even email documents into spoken words. Also, Natural Reader has the ability to convert their written text into file formats such as .WAV or MP3 files that can be used on an iPod or a compact disk.
Users like Natural Reader because it's easy to use, has a 'One-click' technology, and there is no difficulty in copying and pasting the text into other forms that TTS software requires. All you need to do is have Natural Reader select the text you'd like to read out loud and press one single hotkey.
The MiniBoard gives users the opportunity to listen to the text without disturbing the ability to read on the computer screen. You can switch between your main window and the floating Miniboard. People that don't have a lot of computer knowledge can use a MiniBoard because of its intuitive text interface.
Natural Reader can adjust the speed of the text that's read and the voices that are used. You can adjust these settings via hotkeys or through the settings option. The software can even magnify text via zoom in feature, making the test more accessible to senior citizens, people with disabilities and others.
№3 Oddcast
Features:
TTS Translator
No programming skills needed
APIs are available for developers
Users can manipulate the tone, pitch, and speed of the audio playback
Emotive cues allow you to customize the delivery of your text
Overview:
Oddcast’s Text to Speech functionality allows for their voices to speak out any text dynamically, with accurate lip-syncing and real-time speeds. You can apply special effects to the audio, including expressions and emotive cues.
This functionality comes as a compliment or alternative to a realistic human voice. Oddcast is often used with their Record by Mic or Record by Phone technologies, making it easier for people with learning disabilities to have an opportunity in reading correctly
In fact, there are no programming skills required. Just type in the text bin what characters you would like to be read out loud. Users like this feature as it allows them to read their text without any hassles included.
Because of these features, Oddcast is one of the best text to speech software with natural voices. Not only does it have a simple interface, but users can see the emotive cues behind each text, giving them more context to their reading. So, think about using OddCast if you’re trying to improve your reading skills.
№4 TTS Demo
Features:
600 Characters Max
20+ Languages
Natural Voices
Faster Voice Recognition
Overview:
TTS Demo is a simple to use text to speech interface. It allows users to paste in 600 characters of text and have it read aloud in 20+ languages. Each of the languages consists of 1-5 voices that you can choose from, giving you a customized reading experience.
Another benefit is its sound customization. Users can adjust the sound, pitch, reverb, and other effects just by clicking the Effects tab on the interface. Users enjoy this feature as it allows them to manipulate the reading speed to a tone that works best for them.
So don't worry if you're suffering from a learning disability, TTS Demo has you covered. Due to its simple interface, you can have text read aloud without having to download additional software. So think about using this top text to audio software the next time you have issues reading the text.
№5 TTS Reader
Features:
Record audio for publishing
Listen to articles, websites, and ebooks
Proofread your own writing
Chrome Extension for Online Usage
Export Speech to Audio Files
Overview:
TTS Reader uses naturally sounding speech synthesizers to read out text aloud. You can also import files and edit the text. The position and text will be automatically saved. Because of these features, it's one of the best online text to speech platforms available.
We like that TTS Reader allows you to highlight the selected text once it's read aloud. This allows you to follow with your eyes and read more fluently. As a result, this makes it easier for people with vision problems, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities to get used to the current text they're reading.
Users can choose the speech pattern that works best for them. Want to read the text at a slower speed? It allows you to adjust it to your preferences, making it a great app for people needing TTS solutions to their learning issues.
What Is The Best Text To Speech Software For Mac And Ios
№6 From Text to Speech
Features:
Convert English Text to MP3
8 Languages
Adjust Pitch Settings
Simple Copy/Paste text bin
Natural Sounding Voices
Overview:
From Text to Speech is the best free text to speech software if you’re on a budget. There’s no paid version available, just a single text box that allows you to paste in your desired text. It will then read the text out loud and have it downloadable in MP3 format.
With over 8 languages available, you'll have no problem reading the difficult text. Also, each language has over 2-3 voices with it, ensuring that you get the right reader to assist your listening needs. So think about using this software if you want to have full control over your reading needs.
And the voice speed can be adjusted using this software. For users needing to skim through text quickly, switch it to a very fast setting. But, if you're trying to comprehend reading, then the very slow feature will help. While this TTS software appears simple, its functionality is a great way to help international students read outside their native tongue.
№7 Text 2 Speech
Features:
4,000 characters
MP3 Downloadable Files
6 Unique Voices
Languages in: US, UK, India
Easy to Use
Overview:
Text 2 Speech is one of the best text to speech program due to its ease of use. Simply enter in your desired text, select one of the available voices and listen or download the resulting MP3 file.
You'll also like Text 2 Speech because it is completely free. The service is free and you can use the speech files for virtually any purpose, including commercial ones. Because of this feature, users can enhance their reading without burning a hole in their wallet.
With over 4,000 characters available, Text to Speech is best used for short paragraphs at once. And it features 6 different languages and voices, making it easier to have control over the text and produce a better reading experience.
№8 iSpeech
Features:
Downloads audio in multiple formats
3 Reading Speeds
27 Natural Voices and Languages
Convert eBooks, texts, and PDF to Speech
Overview:
iSpeech is a TTS software that has over 30 different languages. It's one of the best text to speech voices as each language can be downloaded in multiple sound formats (.WAV, MP3, OGG, etc.). Because of this, new learners find this software useful as it helps them break down the complicated text into simple audio files.
About 15% - 20% of the world's population has difficulties with a language-based learning disability. Font size, the use or native languages, or settings can go a long way to increase accessibility. With iSpeech, users can select 3 different reading speeds to assist them.
iSpeech helps web developers, bloggers, online content creators, and readers communicate with a larger audience than they would previously. It gives users the ability to absorb information that’s displayed on web pages while not always having to look at the screen.
№9 Readspeaker Voice Demo
Features:
Easy to Use
70+ Unique Voices
20+ Languages
Industry Leading TTS Voice
250 Max Character Limit
Overview:
Readspeaker Voice Demo uses humanlike, realistic voices to help readers engage with their content. With over 20+ languages and 70+ voices, it's one of the larger TTS applications on this list. Thus making it the best text to speech software for someone that's struggling to learn their native language.
How does it work? Simply go on their website and type in the desired text you want to be read out loud. You’ll have a limit of 250 characters, so you’ll be able to have a few sentences read in audio format.
You'll like Readspeaker because of the quality they place behind their voice talents. Each voice actor is set under weeks of training and is given a script to help them produce a natural sounding voice. Because of this, you'll have a reliable TTS system that can help you boost your reading comprehension.
№10 Readspeaker
Features:
100 Voices
35 languages
Text Pitch Adjustment
Speech Production
Enhance Reading Comprehension
Overview:
Readspeaker is an online platform that provides TTS solutions that are used by multiple websites. Readspeaker was the first to create a speech-enabling application for websites, making it one of the best free text to speech applications available.
Also, Readspeaker has helped students with learning disabilities by improving their reading comprehension and speed. Now, they can consume the same information in a way that gives them learning challenges and suits their style.
With over 35 languages and 100 unique voices, you won't have any issue learning in your native language. Readspeaker has a customized reading area and highlights colors to help you read faster. Thus, you won't have any issues getting your reading levels up to speed.
Conclusion
When searching for the best text to mp3 software, you have to decide which application is best for your needs. For general purpose reading, you should opt for Notevibes. But if you need something that's simple you can use From Text to Speech. Whichever one you choose, you'll have some high-quality software to help make your reading easier and more efficient.
Whether you prefer articles read to you while you do something else or trying to grasp a new foreign language or even for specially abled students, TTS (short for text-to-speech) has proved to be very useful.
In our previous articles we saw some of the best text to speech apps for Windows and Android. And today, we take a look at some of the best TTS options available for Macs.
Text To Speech For Mac
1. macOS TTS
Before we get too ahead of ourselves and start downloading third party apps, it is very trivial to know that macOS itself comes with a built-in TTS and you can use it anywhere on your computer from the Notes app to any browser.
To get started, highlight or select the text which you want to be read and then right click, go to Speech and then to Start Speaking; and your Mac should start reading the text to you. It also supports a lot of other languages other than English and there are a lot of voices to choose from in all the languages. To change the language option simply go to Accessibility > Speech. Although some voices are very robotic, there are a few which aren’t and sound more like a human.
But the TTS is far from perfect; it is very basic and barebones and lacks options like pause/play, picking up from a selected word instantly and a lot more.
Quick Tip: It blew my mind and might even blow yours to know that the native TTS on Mac also supports converting your text into audio files. Just select the required text, right click and go to Services > Add to iTunes as a spoken track. The text will be converted to an audio track and added to your iTunes library.
Pros: – Built-in system wide – Lots of voice options – Converting text to iTunes track
Cons: – No Pause/Play – Have to select manually all the words to be read – No instant pickup
Verdict: Overall, the TTS that comes with macOS is very barebones without all the bells and whistles and should be perfect for somebody looking for a basic TTS experience without even buying or installing any third party software.
2. Invicta TTS
Invicta TTS is a very simple free Text To Speech app available on the Mac App Store. Once you open up the app, it presents you with a text box where you can enter or paste any text which will be then converted to speech. The app is very lightweight and minimal in nature with everything being to the point.
Although the app is very basic, unlike the built in TTS of Mac OS, it does add the option of playing or pausing the audio which becomes crucial when listening to long texts or articles. The voice settings cannot be changed but the in built voice does the job pretty good enough.
Pros: – Minimal and Light – Play/Pause Option
Cons: – Cannot read documents automatically – Supports only English
Verdict: If you need a simple and light TTS app and might be listening to long articles, Invicta TTS does the job pretty well but do remember that it can only read English.
Link: Get Invicta TTS on the App Store
Price: Free
3. Natural Reader
The next app on our list is Natural Reader which is an extremely powerful TTS software available not only on Mac OS but also on Windows, iOS, Android and even has an online reader.
The app comes in many flavours, each with its fair share of features for the price. The free version comes with basic TTS features along with the ability to read directly from file formats such as Docx, PDF, ePub and Txt. It also has a floating bar which can be used to read text while you are in other applications. The next option or the Personal version, at a steep $100, allows you to read web pages directly, converting text to audio files and syncing everything between your phone apps. There are also Professional and Ultimate versions which add OCR support and a bunch of natural voices.
Pros: – Support for file formats – Convert to audio files – Cross Platform – OCR Support
Cons: – Pricey – No instant pickup
Verdict: All the features of Natural Reader definitely come at a price and you should be able to decide whether it is a suit for you with respect to your investment in TTS, but even for a casual user the free version works really well. Overall, Natural reader is not just best text to speech software with natural voices, but since it also support PDF, it’s also a good option for those who are looking for PDF Voice Reader for macOS.
Pricing Options: Pricing for Natural Reader
Link: Download Natural Reader from here
4. Read Aloud
Read Aloud is not exactly a stand alone Mac app but instead a Chrome extension which might appeal to some people. Considering how many posts and articles are read on the internet everyday, we had to include Read Aloud.
It is completely free and once you install it, its icon will appear in the extension bar which you can now use to read any webpage or any online article, just by a single click. When it is in work, you get a play/pause button along with a forward or rewind button which can be used to advance or backtrack paragraphs. Considering it is free, the voice options are really good and feel very natural and premium.
Pros: – Great natural voice – Forward or rewind by paragraphs – Listen to webpages
Cons: – Works only on Chrome
Verdict: Suggesting Read Aloud is very straight forward; if you are someone who reads a lot on the internet and are looking for a free TTS software for that, nothing beats Read Aloud.
Price: Free
Link: Download Read Aloud from the Chrome Store
5. Capti Voice
Capti Voice is probably the most polished and well rounded TTS software available for the Mac and the award are only there to justify that. Starting off, Capti Voice uses your browser for the app to function instead of a stand alone Mac application. Don’t worry, you can still use it while you are offline as it stores all its data locally and personally I have had no issues.
Capti Voice has a subscription based model and even the free version has a lot to offer from various file format supports to text search while the premium versions add features like creating playlists, OCR Support and intelligent dictionary lookup. The voices offered across all the platforms are very high quality and commendable.
Quick Tip: Don’t forget to use the Chrome extension which allows you to save articles or webpages to be read later by Capti Voice.
Pros: – Cross platform with mobile apps – Create Playlists – Dictionary lookup – Shortcuts to get around
Cons: – No standalone app – Syncs only when you add to cloud storage
Verdict: Overall, Capti Voice is a really compelling app with features packed to the brim and is very similar to natural Reader but with a subscription based model. It is really the best TTS experience you can get on Mac OS.
Pricing Info: Pricing Options for Capti Voice
Link: Download Capti Voice from here
6. Honorable Mentions
Text To Speech On Mac
CereProc has some of the most natural sounding computer speeches available on the market, which you can use to replace the default voice on your Mac (also available for other platforms). There are a lot of high quality voice packs to choose from and each costs around $35.
Free Speech To Text Software For Windows
Zamzar is a free online service which you can use to convert your text to audio files or mp3s. Unlike the iTunes spoken track which you can use only on Apple devices, you can use it on any platform without any hassle.
Wrapping up: Best Text to Speech for Mac
So these were some of the TTS software available on the Mac and we hope we made your decision a little bit easier. If you are someone who reads mainly on the internet, Read Aloud is by far the best free option. Although a little limited, the built-in TTS feature seems to work just fine, but it can be a pain for long stretches of texts or long articles for which there is Invicta which is also free.
Natural Reader and Capti Voice both are spectacular TTS apps with a lot of plans to choose from, but I guess what it comes down to is the paying model. Natural reader is a one time purchase and should be better if you feel you will be invested in TTS for a long time whereas Capti Voice follows a subscription based model also with a one week free trial. Thanks for reading and do comment below which one is your favorite TTS app on Mac OS.
Voice To Text Software Mac
Read: Make your Devices Read Out Text, With Text to Speech