What is free-to-use reading software? A detailed introduction to 7 selected free reading software and sites.
Jan. 26, 2026

This article provides a detailed explanation of free reading software (text-to-speech software) that can be used at no cost.
Actually, the number of people using free reading software has been increasing recently.
Using reading software (text-to-speech software) allows you to easily add audio to videos on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and more.
In the past, text read by computers had awkward pronunciation and intonation, but now, the latest AI can synthesize natural-sounding audio!
Moreover, there are many such high-performance reading software options available for free.
In this article, we will introduce recommended free reading software in detail.
From individual video creators to people who want to use text-to-speech software for work, why not try our recommended reading software?
[Free] Recommended Free Reading Software
For those looking for free reading software (text-to-speech software), there is a recommended free text-to-speech method.
That is 『Ondoku』.
『Ondoku』 is a reading service that can read aloud with natural voices using the latest AI.
Since it is reading software (a reading service) used through a web browser, it can be used from any environment—PC, smartphone, or tablet.
No troublesome installation is required, and you can download high-quality text-to-speech audio immediately!
What's more, 『Ondoku』 can be used for free!
Registration and login are also unnecessary, so you can use it as soon as you decide you want text-to-speech audio.
If you are looking for reading software (text-to-speech software), why not try using 『Ondoku』 starting from here?
What is Reading Software (Text-to-Speech Software)?
First, let's explain what kind of software reading software (text-to-speech software) is.
Features of Reading Software (Text-to-Speech Software)

Reading software (text-to-speech software) refers to software that reads text entered on a computer or smartphone and synthesizes audio to read it aloud like a human voice.
Software for reading text aloud has existed for a long time, but previously, only unnatural audio could be synthesized.
However, with the development of AI, it is now possible to read aloud with natural audio that sounds just like an actual person speaking.
There are several reading software options available for free, so you can try them out easily without any cost.
Types of Reading Software (Text-to-Speech Software)
Free reading software includes:
- Software used via a web browser (web services)
- Software installed and used
Software used via a web browser (web services) can be used immediately without the hassle of installation.
In addition, reading software used via a web browser performs processing on a computer on the web (cloud), so you can easily use the latest AI even if you do not own a high-performance PC.
In the case of software that is installed and used, a high-performance PC is required to comfortably synthesize audio with AI.
Benefits of Using Reading Software (Text-to-Speech Software)
The biggest benefit of using free reading software (text-to-speech software) is that anyone can easily synthesize high-quality reading audio for free.
Anyone can synthesize easy-to-hear audio

In TV programs, have you ever found it difficult to hear the voices of general people being interviewed compared to announcers?
Actually, for someone who hasn't studied narration, announcing, or theater, recording easy-to-hear audio is very difficult.

In such cases, by using free reading software (text-to-speech software), anyone can immediately synthesize professional-level, easy-to-hear audio for free.
It is also recommended for those who feel embarrassed about uploading videos read by themselves.
No editing effort required

When you read text yourself, you may make mistakes that require editing.
Audio editing is actually a very time-consuming task.
It is common to spend an hour editing 10 minutes of audio.
With reading software (text-to-speech software), such effort is unnecessary.
Since AI reads it, there are no misreadings or stumbling over words!
By using free reading software (text-to-speech software), you can drastically reduce the effort involved in making videos.
[Free] 7 Recommended Free Reading Software (Text-to-Speech Software)

For those looking for free reading methods, we will introduce recommended free reading software and web services!
1. Ondoku
Ondoku is the recommended web service for those looking for free reading software (text-to-speech software).
Ondoku is a service that can read text aloud using the latest AI with a voice that sounds just like a real human.
Since it is a service used through a web browser, troublesome installation is unnecessary.
You can read text aloud starting from here right now.
Free reading and text-to-speech service
The greatest feature of Ondoku is that it is available for free.
No registration or login required; you can read up to 1,000 characters for free every month.
Furthermore, if you register your email address, you will be able to read up to 5,000 characters for free every month.
High-performance despite being free!
Ondoku is a free reading and text-to-speech service, yet it is very high-performance!
You can choose from as many as 16 types of Japanese voices.
Moreover, despite being free, it is possible to use multiple voices simultaneously to read aloud like a conversation!
Supports foreign languages

Furthermore, unlike other free reading software (text-to-speech software), it can read languages other than Japanese.
Supporting 48 languages including Japanese, it is easy to create videos in foreign languages and upload them to YouTube.
[Ondoku] Listen to voice types and sample audio for supported languages | Text-to-Speech Software Ondoku
Here we introduce Ondoku's supported languages and sample audio.
Commercial use is OK, of course!
Ondoku is OK for commercial use, of course!
From personal use to corporate use, a wide range of high-quality reading audio can be utilized.
*Credit is not required for paid plans!
Why not try using high-quality reading audio for free?
If you are looking for free reading software (text-to-speech software), Ondoku is recommended first.
Why not experience reading text aloud for yourself with your own text starting from here?
2. Bouyomi-chan

Bouyomi-chan is free reading software.
It has long been famous as a free text-to-speech software and has been used for various purposes.
Recently, it is also famous as the voice for "Yukkuri commentary" and "Yukkuri videos."
Bouyomi-chan uses the speech synthesis library "AquesTalk."
Since it uses an older version of "AquesTalk," it is available for commercial use for free.
As it is an old software, it lacks realism, but
- When you want to use a voice with a unique flavor
- When you want to use it in situations where PC specs are limited, such as game streaming
it is a free software that still has its place in niche situations.
3. SofTalk

SofTalk is also a long-famous free reading software (text-to-speech software).
Previously, SofTalk could also use "AquesTalk" (the voice for Yukkuri videos), but support has ended in the versions currently being distributed.
The SofTalk software itself is available for commercial use, but since the sound sources used are external, you need to check the terms of use for those sound sources when using them for commercial purposes.
4. CoeFont

CoeFont is a reading tool (text-to-speech tool) using AI.
It is a tool used through a web browser and is free for non-commercial use.
Login is required even for free use.
For commercial use, a paid plan contract is required.
In addition to the regular plan, a plan for those who may lose their voice due to illness or surgery is also provided for free.
5. VOICEVOX

VOICEVOX is a reading software (text-to-speech software) that is installed and used on a PC.
It is compatible with Windows and Mac.
It is characterized by having characters prepared for each voice, and you can use the voices of famous characters such as "Zundamon" and "Kasukabe Tsumugi."
The VOICEVOX software itself is free to use, but licenses differ for each character, so caution is required, especially for commercial use.
*For example, if you use characters like "Zundamon," "Kasukabe Tsumugi," or "Shikoku Metan" for commercial use without credit, a fee of 400,000 yen (excluding tax) per character is required.
6. COEIROINK

COEIROINK is also a reading software (text-to-speech software) that is installed and used on a PC.
Mainly targeted at creative uses such as artistic works, it is free to use.
In addition to official and authorized characters prepared for each voice, users can also load and use voice models they created themselves called "MYCOE."
It is free to use, but credit notation is mandatory.
Also, please note that in addition to the COEIROINK terms of use, you must also comply with the terms of use for each character.
What is COEIROINK? Thorough Explanation of Features, Usage, and Commercial Use of Speech Synthesis Software | Text-to-Speech Software Ondoku
A complete guide to the features and usage of COEIROINK. We explain in detail everything from how to install the speech synthesis software to adding character voices and points to note for commercial use.
7. Textalk

Textalk is a reading software (text-to-speech software) compatible with Windows.
It is a free software that supports the free speech synthesis engine OpenJTalk and Microsoft Haruka Desktop, which comes with Windows.
You can use it just by extracting the zip file, without installation.
Because the speech synthesis engine used is old, there is a slight sense of unnaturalness compared to recent reading software, but the ease of use is attractive.
■ AI voice synthesis software "Ondoku"
"Ondoku" is an online text-to-speech tool that can be used with no initial costs.
- Supports approximately 50 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, and German
- Available from both PC and smartphone
- Suitable for business, education, entertainment, etc.
- No installation required, can be used immediately from your browser
- Supports reading from images
To use it, simply enter text or upload a file on the site. A natural-sounding audio file will be generated within seconds. You can use voice synthesis up to 5,000 characters for free, so please give it a try.
Email: ondoku3.com@gmail.com
"Ondoku" is a Text-to-Speech service that anyone can use for free without installation. If you register for free, you can get up to 5000 characters for free each month. Register now for free