What this tool does
This tool reads any text aloud using your browser's built-in speech synthesis engine. Paste an article, type a note, or enter any text and hear it spoken in a natural voice. You can choose from all the voices installed on your device, and fine-tune the speed and pitch to match your preference.
Everything runs locally in your browser. No text is sent to any server, so your content stays private.
How it works
The tool uses the **Web Speech Synthesis API**, a standard feature built into modern browsers. When you press Speak, your browser converts the text into audio using a speech synthesis engine on your device.
**Estimated duration** is calculated using: \`\`\` Duration = (Word Count / Words Per Minute) x 60 seconds \`\`\` The base rate is approximately 150 words per minute at 1.0x speed. Adjusting the rate slider scales this proportionally.
Voice options
Available voices depend on your operating system and browser:
- **Windows**: Typically includes Microsoft voices in multiple languages - **macOS / iOS**: Offers a wide selection of high-quality voices through the system - **Chrome**: May provide additional Google voices alongside system voices - **Android**: Uses Google TTS voices when available
Voices marked **[Remote]** are processed through your browser's cloud services rather than locally. Local voices work offline.
Controls explained
- **Rate** (0.5x to 2.0x): Controls speaking speed. 1.0x is normal conversational pace. Lower values slow the speech down; higher values speed it up. - **Pitch** (0.5 to 2.0): Adjusts the vocal tone. 1.0 is the voice's natural pitch. Lower values produce a deeper sound; higher values make it higher. - **Speak**: Begins reading the text from the start. - **Pause / Resume**: Temporarily halts and continues playback. - **Stop**: Ends playback entirely and resets to the beginning.
Who should use this
- **Proofreaders and writers**: Hearing text read aloud helps catch awkward phrasing, typos, and rhythm issues that are easy to miss when reading silently. - **Language learners**: Listen to pronunciation in different voices and languages while following along with the text. - **Accessibility needs**: Anyone who benefits from audio versions of text content, whether due to visual impairment, reading difficulties, or personal preference. - **Content creators**: Preview how scripts, presentations, or social media posts sound before recording or publishing. - **Multitaskers**: Listen to articles or notes while doing other tasks.
Tips for best results
1. **Break long text into sections** for easier listening and more reliable playback. 2. **Try different voices** to find one that sounds clear and natural for your content. 3. **Slow the rate to 0.7x or 0.8x** when listening to dense or technical material. 4. **Add punctuation** for more natural pauses. Commas create short pauses; periods create longer ones. 5. **Use line breaks** between paragraphs to add natural breathing room to the speech.
Browser compatibility
The Web Speech Synthesis API is supported in all major modern browsers:
- Chrome (desktop and Android) - Safari (macOS and iOS) - Edge - Firefox
Note: The number and quality of available voices varies by browser and operating system. Chrome on desktop typically offers the largest selection.
FAQs
**Q: Is my text sent to a server?** A: No. All speech synthesis happens locally in your browser. Your text never leaves your device (unless you select a remote voice, which is handled by your browser, not this tool).
**Q: Why do I see different voices on different devices?** A: Voices are provided by your operating system and browser. macOS has Apple voices, Windows has Microsoft voices, and Chrome may add Google voices on top of those.
**Q: Can I save the audio as a file?** A: The Web Speech API does not support audio export. For saving speech as audio files, you would need a dedicated text-to-speech service.
**Q: Why does playback stop mid-sentence on long text?** A: Some browsers have a timeout on speech synthesis for long passages. If this happens, try breaking your text into shorter sections.
**Q: Does this work offline?** A: Yes, as long as you use a local voice (not marked [Remote]). Local voices are processed entirely on your device.
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