Several free and popular text-to-speech (TTS) software options are available but keep in mind that the landscape is consistently changing.
Here are some notable options for Windows Operating System:
Balabolka:
This is a free TTS program for Windows that supports a variety of formats and voices. It can save the spoken text as an audio file.
eSpeak:
eSpeak is an open-source TTS software that works on Windows and Linux. It supports multiple languages and can be used from the command line or as a shared library.
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access):
While primarily a screen reader for the visually impaired, NVDA has a built-in TTS engine and can be used to convert text to speech. It is available for Windows.
Festival:
Festival is a general-purpose TTS system that works on Linux and other Unix-like systems. It is more technically oriented and may require some configuration.
Google Text-to-Speech:
If you’re looking for online TTS services, Google Text-to-Speech is an option. It’s used in various Google products and services.
ResponsiveVoice:
ResponsiveVoice is a JavaScript-based TTS library that can be used for web applications. It has a free tier with limitations.
Here are some notable options for Mac Operating System:
For macOS, there are also several free text-to-speech (TTS) options available. Here are a few choices:
Built-in Text-to-Speech (macOS)
MacOS itself has a built-in text-to-speech feature. You can find it in the System Preferences under Accessibility > Speech. This feature allows you to select a system voice and convert text to speech.
eSpeak (macOS):
eSpeak, mentioned earlier, is cross-platform and can be used on macOS as well. You can install it using package managers like Homebrew.
Acapela-Box (Online Service):
Acapela-Box is an online TTS service that supports multiple languages. While it primarily operates through a web interface, you can use it on macOS by visiting the Acapela-Box website.
Google Text-to-Speech (Online Service):
Similar to the Google Text-to-Speech service for Windows, Google’s TTS service can be accessed online and used on macOS.
Here are some notable options for online:
Here are some online text-to-speech (TTS) services that you can use:
Google Text-to-Speech:
Google’s TTS service is available online and can be accessed through the Google Translate website. It supports multiple languages.
Acapela-Box:
Acapela-Box is an online TTS service that allows you to convert text into speech. It supports various voices and languages.
ResponsiveVoice
ResponsiveVoice is a JavaScript-based TTS library that you can use for web applications. It has a free tier with limitations.
Notevibes:
Notevibes is an online TTS service that offers natural-sounding voices. It provides a user-friendly interface for converting text into speech.
iSpeech:
iSpeech is an online TTS service that supports multiple languages. It provides both free and paid plans with varying features.
Amazon Polly:
Amazon Polly is a cloud-based TTS service by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It offers a free tier with limited usage and supports various languages and voices.
IBM Watson Text to Speech:
IBM Watson provides a cloud-based TTS service that supports multiple languages and offers both free and paid plans.
CereProc:
CereProc offers an online TTS demo that allows you to test their voices and convert short pieces of text into speech.
ReadSpeaker:
ReadSpeaker is an online TTS service that provides natural-sounding voices. While it primarily caters to businesses, it may have some free options or trials available.
MaryTTS:
MaryTTS is an open-source TTS system that can be accessed online. It supports multiple languages and voices.
Neospeech:
Neospeech offers an online demo for testing their TTS voices. While it may have limitations, it provides an opportunity to experience their voices.
Before choosing a specific TTS service, make sure to review the terms of use, consider any limitations on free usage, and explore the available voices and languages to ensure they meet your requirements.
Additionally, the TTS landscape can evolve, so it’s a good idea to check for any new services that may have emerged since this posting.
Remember to verify the terms of use and licensing for each software, as some may have restrictions on commercial use or other conditions.
