6 min

5 Best Text To Speech iPhone Apps In 2023

Searching for the best text-to-speech iPhone apps? See our top 5 picks that make converting text to speech a breeze, plus they’re free!

Luke Sperber
Author:
Luke Sperber
5 Best Text To Speech iPhone Apps In 2023

Is accessible communication a barrier in your daily life? Tired of people not understanding sign language? Luckily, technology has made it easier for us to communicate in various ways, especially between hearing individuals and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. And anything that can be used as a tool for communication is worth exploring because this is what connects people.

Text-to-speech apps have become increasingly popular in recent years to facilitate communication for the deaf or hard of hearing community and those with speech disabilities. 

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 5 Best Text To Speech Apps for iPhone in 2023.

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

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 a form of 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.

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. This is especially helpful for those who are blind or have low vision, which allows them to enjoy content at their convenience.

What Benefits Do TTS Apps Have for the Deaf and Hard of Haering?

  • Greater Independence: With TTS apps, deaf and hard of hearing individuals can rely less on others to communicate, leading to greater independence in interacting with the world.
  • Increased Accessibility: TTS apps have made it easier to access information in different forms, including videos, podcasts, and live events. 

Cost-Effective: TTS apps are often free or available at low cost, making them an affordable option.

The 5 Best Text To Speech Apps for iPhone in 2023

01. Nagish

Why we love it:

Did you really think we wouldn’t toot our own horn? The free app is primarily used for phone calls and 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 hard of hearing 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!
  • Text-to-speech is 100% accurate. Always! 
  • Converts text-to-speech and speech-to-text in real time
  • Works on iOS and Android
  • Supports English, Spanish, Japanese, French, and Hebrew.
  • Let’s you save your call history while keeping it private
  • Promotes accessibility and inclusivity 

Cons

  • Only supports 5 languages but the team is working on adding more
  • Requires registration
  • As of now, only offers text to speech and speech to text over phone calls, but not for in-person situations.

02. T-Mobile IP Relay

Why we love it:

IP Relay was the first advanced communication tool before VRS came into play. IP Relay (as the name suggests) relays typed messages to your caller and deliver their response back to you in written text. 

Pros

  • Available for iOS, Android.
  • Available to receive Text Mail when you are not available to answer IP Relay calls
  • Ability to save/email your conversations
  • Available in English/Spanish 

Cons

  • Operated by stenographers and typists, causing slow response times and lower accuracy rates
  • Requires registration with T-Mobile.
  • Outdated interfaces

03. 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

04. 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

05. 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

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. 

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