Best Free Text-to-Speech Software: 7 Top Sites & Tools Explained

Can I use reading software for free? I want to know about free software!

We will explain in detail about free-to-use reading software (text-to-speech software).

In fact, the number of people using free reading software has been increasing recently.

By using reading software (text-to-speech software), you can easily add audio to videos on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and more.

In the past, text read by computers had unnatural pronunciation and intonation, but now, it is possible to synthesize natural-sounding audio using the latest AI!

Moreover, many of these high-performance reading software programs can be used for free.

In this article, we will introduce recommended free reading software in detail.

From individual video creators to those who want to use text-to-speech software for work, why not try some of 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 a reading software (reading service) used through a web browser, it can be used on any device, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets.

No troublesome installation is required, and you can download high-quality text-to-speech audio immediately!

Furthermore, "Ondoku" can be used for free!

Since registration and login are not required, you can use it immediately whenever you want text-to-speech audio.

If you are looking for reading software (text-to-speech software), why not try "Ondoku" from here first?

What is Reading Software (Text-to-Speech Software)?

First, we will 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) is software that reads text input 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, it could only synthesize unnatural audio.

However, with the advancement of AI, it is now possible to read aloud with natural audio that sounds just like a real person speaking.

There are several reading software options that can be used for free, so you can easily try them out.

Types of Reading Software (Text-to-Speech Software)

Free-to-use reading software includes:

• Software used via a web browser (web services)
• Software used by installing

Software used via a web browser (web services) can be used immediately as there is no need for installation.

Additionally, because web browser-based reading software performs processing on web-based computers (the cloud), you can easily use the latest AI even if you do not have a high-performance computer.

[Browser Compatible] 7 Best No-Installation Reading Software: How to Use & Recommended Services

Explains how to read aloud from a web browser without installation. Also introduces services that allow free reading.

In the case of software that requires installation, a high-performance PC is necessary to synthesize audio comfortably with AI.

Benefits of Using Reading Software (Text-to-Speech Software)

The biggest advantage of using free reading software (text-to-speech software) is that anyone can easily synthesize high-quality reading audio for free.

Synthesize Easy-to-Hear Audio for Anyone

Have you ever found the voices of general public interviewees on TV programs difficult to hear compared to announcers?

In fact, it is very difficult for someone who has never studied narration, announcing, or theater to record audio that is easy to understand.

You'll see if you try recording with your smartphone

In such cases, by using free reading software (text-to-speech software), anyone can immediately synthesize professional-grade, easy-to-hear audio for free.

It is also recommended for those who find it "embarrassing to upload videos with their own recorded voice."

No Editing Hassle

When you read text yourself, you might make mistakes, necessitating edits.

Voice editing is actually a very time-consuming task.

It is normal for it to take an hour to edit 10 minutes of audio.

With reading software (text-to-speech software), such hassle is unnecessary.

Since AI does the reading, there are no mistakes or stammers!

By using free reading software (text-to-speech software), you can drastically reduce the effort involved in making videos.

[Free] 7 Recommended Free-to-Use Reading Software (Text-to-Speech Software)

Then, what kind of reading software should I use?

For those looking for free text-to-speech methods, we will introduce recommended reading software and web services that can be used for free!

1. Ondoku
2. Bouyomi-chan
3. SofTalk
4. CoeFont
5. VOICEVOX
6. COEIROINK
7. Textalk

1. Ondoku

The web service "Ondoku" is recommended for those looking for free reading software (text-to-speech software).

"Ondoku" is a service that uses the latest AI to read text in a voice that sounds just like a real human.

Since it is a service used from a web browser, no troublesome installation is required.

You can read text aloud from here right now.

Free-to-use reading and text-to-speech service

The biggest feature of "Ondoku" is that it can be used for free.

No registration or login is required, and 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 even though it's free!

"Ondoku" is a very high-performance service despite being a free reading/text-to-speech service!

You can choose from 16 different Japanese voices.

Listen to 16 types of voices from the text-to-speech software Ondoku for free. Change impressions with pitch variations.

Ondoku has 16 types of Japanese voices. Of course, both male and female voices are available. We have made it possible for you to sample 8 commonly used Japanese voices and how they sound when their pitch is adjusted.

Moreover, even though it's free, you can use multiple voices simultaneously to read like a conversation!

How to use Ondoku's conversation/dialogue feature. Synthesized speech makes listening materials and long text creation even more convenient!

How to use Ondoku's conversation feature! Explaining the conversation feature with images. Introducing specific examples of what the conversation feature can be used for.

Supports foreign languages

Furthermore, unlike other free reading software (text-to-speech software), it can read languages other than Japanese.

It supports over 80 languages and dialects, including Japanese, making it easy to create foreign-language videos and upload them to YouTube.

[Ondoku] Listen to voice types and sample audio for supported languages

Here we will introduce Ondoku's supported languages and sample audio.

Commercial use OK, of course!

"Ondoku" is, of course, OK for commercial use!

From individual use to corporate use, you can widely utilize high-quality reading voices.

*In paid plans, credit is not required!

What you can do with Ondoku. About commercial use (business use) and prohibited items.

Commercial use (business use) is possible with Ondoku. Any use for the purpose of obtaining direct or indirect financial profit, whether by an individual or a corporation, is considered commercial use. However, please note that Ondoku has prohibited acts. This time, we will cover what you can and cannot do with Ondoku...

Why not try high-quality reading audio for free?

If you are looking for free-to-use reading software (text-to-speech software), we first recommend "Ondoku."

Why not experience reading with your own text from here first?

2. Bouyomi-chan

Bouyomi-chan is a free reading software that can be used for free.

It has been famous as free text-to-speech software for a long time 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.

Since it is an old software, it lacks realism, but...

• Want to use a voice with a unique character.
• Want to use it in situations where PC specs are limited, such as game streaming.

...it is a free software that still has a place in niche situations.

[2026 Latest] 5 Recommended Yukkuri Voice & Bouyomi Software | Complete Comparison of PC and Smartphone Apps

Selecting and introducing the best Yukkuri voice and Bouyomi software for video production and game streaming. Explaining how anyone can easily create high-quality audio with the latest 2026 apps, from PC to smartphone.

3. SofTalk

SofTalk is also a famous free reading software (text-to-speech software) from long ago.

Previously, SofTalk could also use "AquesTalk" (the voice of Yukkuri videos), but support has ended in the currently distributed version.

SofTalk itself can be used commercially, but since it uses external sound sources, you need to check the terms of use for the sound source when using it commercially.

4. CoeFont

CoeFont is a reading tool (text-to-speech tool) that uses AI.

It is a tool used from a web browser and can be used for free for non-commercial use.

Login is required even when using it for free.

For commercial use, a paid plan contract is required.

Also, separate from the regular plans, a plan for those who may lose their voice due to illness or surgery is offered for free.

5. VOICEVOX

VOICEVOX is reading software (text-to-speech software) used by installing it on a PC.

It is compatible with Windows and Mac.

A feature is that characters are prepared for each voice, and you can use voices of famous characters such as "Zundamon" and "Kasukabe Tsumugi."

VOICEVOX itself can be used for free, but licenses vary by character, so caution is required, especially for commercial use.

*For example, to use characters like "Zundamon," "Kasukabe Tsumugi," and "Shikoku Metan" commercially without credit, a usage fee of 400,000 yen (excluding tax) is incurred per character.

Complete guide to using VOICEVOX! Detailed explanation from features of free AI speech synthesis software to commercial use

Detailed explanation of VOICEVOX features, usage, and points of caution for commercial use. A complete guide to the free AI speech synthesis software that can read aloud with voices of popular characters like Zundamon.

6. COEIROINK

COEIROINK is also reading software (text-to-speech software) used by installing it on a PC.

It mainly targets creative uses such as original works and can be used for free.

In addition to official and authorized characters provided for each voice, users can also load and use voice models they have created themselves, called "MYCOE."

It can be used for free, but credit notation is mandatory.

Also, in addition to the COEIROINK terms of use, it is necessary to follow the terms of use for each character.

What is COEIROINK? Thorough explanation of speech synthesis software features, usage, and commercial use

A complete guide to COEIROINK features and usage. Explaining in detail from how to introduce the speech synthesis software to adding character voices and points of caution for commercial use.

7. Textalk

Textalk is reading software (text-to-speech software) compatible with Windows.

It is free software that can be used for free, supporting the free speech synthesis engine OpenJTalk and Microsoft Haruka Desktop included with Windows.

It can be used without installation just by unzipping the zip file.

Because the speech synthesis engine it uses is old, it feels a bit unnatural compared to recent reading software, but the ease of use is an attraction.