6 min

7 Best Text To Speech iPhone Apps In 2024

Searching for the best text-to-speech iPhone apps? See our top 7 picks that make converting text to speech a breeze, plus they’re free!

Author:
Luke Sperber

Are you always on the go and struggling to find time to read? Do you wish you could be more productive while driving, working out, or doing chores? Are you a slow reader or need help with reading? If so, you're in luck! 

Text-to-speech (TTS) apps for iPhone are a game-changer, allowing you to convert written text into spoken words to communicate more effectively, stay productive, learn better, function at school and work at your best. 

But with so many text-to-speech iPhone apps available, it can be tricky to find the best one for your needs. That's why we've compiled the 7 Best Text To Speech Apps for iPhone in 2024.

And if you want to learn more about what's new in assistive technology, connect with Nagish to get the latest! 

If you want a deeper dive and learn more about this type of assistive technology, make sure to read this section:

  • What Do Text To Speech Apps Do?
  • How Does TTS Work?
  • What Other Uses Does TTS Offer?

Or jump right into The 7 Best Text To Speech Apps for iPhone in 2024.

Girl is playing with the smartphone.
Girl is playing with the smartphone.

What Do Text To Speech Apps Do?

Text-to-speech (TTS) apps are assistive technology that reads digital text aloud, sometimes called "read aloud" technology, converting words on a screen into audio. 

Text-To-Speech apps (TTS) can also help reduce screen time and increase efficiency and productivity, and who doesn't want that? 

From reading a web page, email, or google docs, text-to-voice technology can turn anything into podcast-like audio in a natural-sounding voice, where you can even control the play speed, making it a helpful tool for those who struggle with reading or learn more effectively by listening. 

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How Does TTS Work?

Text-to-voice apps read aloud any text displayed on a computer, tablet, or phone screen using a computer-generated voice that can be sped up or slowed down for improved comprehension. 

The software uses "text analysis" to break down the written text into smaller parts, such as individual words, sentences, and paragraphs. The software then applies linguistic rules and algorithms to create natural-sounding speech, converting text into audio signals that a speaker or headphones can playback.

​​TTS technology has advanced significantly in recent years, producing highly realistic and lifelike voices that come very close to the sound of human speech. 

What Other Uses Does TTS Offer?

TTS technology is an incredibly versatile tool that enhances productivity, accessibility, and learning in various settings. 

With the help of TTS apps, you can easily listen to emails, news articles, and other written content while doing other tasks that would otherwise make it difficult to read. 

For example, you can use a TTS app while driving to listen to emails or documents hands-free without taking your eyes off the road. Similarly, if you're working out or doing chores around the house, you can listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or other audio content while still getting things done.

The 7 Best Text To Speech Apps for iPhone in 2023

01. Speechify

Why we love it?

It’s the #1 rated app for text-to-speech in the App Store, and a dyslexic person created it after his experience pushing through middle school with difficulty reading.

Pros

  • Available for iOS, Android, and API and even has a Google Chrome extension.
  • Available in more than 60 foreign languages
  • Can playback 900 words per minute. Now that’s fast!
  • Uses natural-sounding voices
  • Converts images of text to spoken word.

Cons

  • There's a free version, but it only contains some features. 
  • The subscription is $139/per year.

02. Natural Reader

Why we love it?

Overcomplicating things is overrated. Natural Reader is a simple and user-friendly platform with text-to-speech capabilities. 

Pros

  • Available for iOS, Android, and API and web browser applications.
  • Offers a variety of voice styles with different emotions and effects. 
  • Converts scanned image text to spoken audio files.
  • Free version available.
  • A great solution for personal, commercial, or educational use.

Cons

  • The free version only contains some of the features. 
  • Pricing tiers range from $99.50 to $199.50

03. Text To Speech!

Why we love it?

With 178 different voices in 63 languages and accents to choose from, there’s nothing robotic about this text-to-speech iPhone app.

Pros

  • Includes rate and pitch adjustments
  • No internet is required for use
  • Exports speech into audio files
  • Excellent tool for nonverbal individuals
  • Simple and easy to use

Cons

  • There’s a free version, but features are limited

04. Voice Dreamer Reader

Why we love it?

It’s a 2021 Apple Design Award Winner, and with good reason. The app takes accessible design thinking into account by allowing you to adjust the size, color, and font style of text documents to accommodate personal preferences and needs.

Pros

  • A popular choice for people with learning disabilities, autism, dyslexia, blindness or low vision.
  • Not free, but only $9.99 (one-time charge!)
  • Natural sounding voices
  • Converts scanned image text to spoken audio files.
  • Has a highlighter and notes function, great for studying!
  • 27 languages are available for free
  • Supports most document formats

Cons

  • Internet is required for use
  • Premium voices can be obtained from in-app purchases

05. Nagish

Why we love it?

Did you really think we weren’t going to toot our own horn? The free app is primarily used for phone calls and also functions as a text-to-voice app. 

When you use Nagish for a phone call, the other side of the call hears a natural-sounding voice, and whatever they say is shown as text on your screen. This bridges the gap between the deaf and HoH community and those with difficulty reading to still have a private communication channel that allows users to hear the other side in real-time.

Pros

  • Fast, 100% private and FREE!
  • Converts text-to-speech and speech-to-text in real time
  • Works on iOS and Android
  • Supports English, Spanish, Japanese, French, Italian, and Hebrew.
  • Let’s you keep your call history private
  • Let’s you refer back to past conversations with access to your call transcripts 
  • Promotes accessibility and inclusivity 
  • Includes built-in spam filters
  • Lets you keep your phone number
  • Offers a personal dictionary feature

Cons

  • Sorry, we couldn’t think of any.

06. Aloud!

Why we love it?

Aloud! offers comprehensive language support, catering to a diverse range of users with proficiency in English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and more. Whether you're a native speaker or a language enthusiast, Aloud! is your versatile companion. The application goes beyond language boundaries by accommodating various popular text formats, not limited to PDF, ePub, and docx; it extends its capabilities to iWork Pages files and the seamless importation of webpages.

Pros

  • Free
  • Adjustable reading speech and pitch
  • Keeps you informed about your reading progress

Cons

  • Offers in-app purchases

07. Speak4Me

Why we love it?

This versatile text-to-speech app converts any text into speech with a variety of voices and languages. It can read PDFs, books, web articles, messages, and more. The app allows you to share your speech as an audio file via various platforms acting as a tool to help you express yourself with ease.  

Pros

  • CustomizABLE voices
  • Adjustable speed
  • Offers over 20 languages
  • Adjust the voice speed and the font size
  • Save your phrases as favorites
  • Download your speech as an audio file and share it with your friends via iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and e-mail.

Cons

  • Offers in-app purchases and subscription fees

AI and assistive technology are experiencing massive advancements, and we're here for it! From education, communication, and integration for all, AI-powered apps are unlocking possibilities with a big potential to create a greater good for society.   

If you know anyone who could benefit from text-to-speech iPhone apps, please share this article.

Luke Sperber

Marketing at Nagish

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