Text to Speech Options

Readingrockets.org says, "Text-to-speech (TTS) is a type of assistive technology that reads digital text aloud. It's sometimes called 'read aloud' technology. With a click of a button or the touch of a finger, TTS can take words on a computer or other digital device and convert them into audio."

Listed below are some common TTS programs, their costs, and their features.

TTS Programs, Costs, and Features

Microsoft Edge Immersive Reader

Free with MS Edge browser.

      • Easy to operate
      • Reads web pages
      • Word tracking
      • Reads PDFs well
      • Adjustable readings speed and many choices of voices

Apple Accessibility Menu

Free. Built in on Apple products.

      • Adjustable reading speed
      • Limited choices of voice
      • Access through preferences menu
      • Choose "accessibility" or "speech" and choose "speak selected text aloud"
      • Use "option + escape" to read selected text

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Kurzweil 3000

Free to ASC students

      • Reads aloud
      • Adjustable reading speed
      • Many choices of human sounding voices in multiple languages
      • Study aids, including dictionary, reference features, voice notes, highlighting, and sticky notes
      • Can export audio files and text files
      • Accessible for home use with good internet
      • Uses optical character recognition technology to turn physical books or printed text into audio

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Read and Write Chrome Extension

Available for Cabrillo students Links to an external site.. Free extension for Google Chrome Browser.

      • Reads highlighted text on web pages
      • Tracks and highlights words
      • Some study skills features including dictionary, notes, and reference features

Speechify

Free limited version Links to an external site. or $139 per year for a premium subscription

      • Moblie, chrome extension and desktop app that reads text aloud using a computer-generated text to speech voice
      • Uses optical character recognition technology to turn physical books or printed text into audio
      • Users can take photos of text and listen to it read out loud. Many human sounding voices

Natural Reader Links to an external site.

Free basic version, $10/month for premium, and $20/month for plus.

      • Adjustable reading speed
      • Choice of voices
      • Floating bar to read text in other applications
      • Paid version makes audio files and reads webpages directly

Balabolka Links to an external site.

Free.

      • Easy to use and simple program without many features
      • Adjustable reading speed
      • Choice of voices
      • MP3 file creation

@Voice Aloud Reader Links to an external site.

         Free.

      • Reads aloud text displayed in an Android app, e.g. web pages, news articles, long emails, sms, PDF files and more

TextAloud Links to an external site.

$34.95

      • Reads out loud and highlights text
      • Adjustable reading speed and choice of voices
      • Users can cut and paste into program or open MS Word,PDF, and email.
      • Can make MP3 files

Adobe Reader

Free.

      • Click "view" and "read out loud"
      • The program is simple and has robot voices, but it works
      • PDF must have recognized text
      • No ability to change speaker or speed
      • Does not highlight text

For any questions or assistance regarding alternative media formats, please contact Bianca Hernández, the Alternate Media Specialist, email: bihernan@cabrillo.edu. Who can provide guidance and support for all inquiries related to alternate media and assistive technology at the Accessibility Support Center.