What is Free Reading Software? 7 Best Free Text-to-Speech Tools and Sites

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

I will explain in detail about reading software (text-to-speech software) that can be used for free.

Actually, 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 for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

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, there are many such high-performance reading software programs that can be used for free.

In this article, I 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 out some recommended reading software?

[Free] Recommended Free Reading Software

For those looking for reading software (text-to-speech software) that can be used for free, there is a recommended free text-to-speech method.

That is Ondoku.

Ondoku is a reading service that can read text aloud with natural-sounding voices using the latest AI.

As it is reading software (reading service) used through a web browser, it can be used from any environment, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets.

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

Moreover, 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 start by using Ondoku from here?

What is reading software (text-to-speech software)?

First, I 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) refers to software that reads text entered on a computer or smartphone and synthesizes it into a voice that sounds like a human's.

Software that reads text aloud has existed for a long time, but previously, it could only synthesize unnatural voices.

However, with the advancement of AI, it is now possible to read text with natural voices that sound as if an actual person is speaking.

Since there are many reading software programs available for free, you can easily try them out at no cost.

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

Free reading software includes

• Software used from a web browser (web services)
• Software used by installing it

Software used from a web browser (web services) can be used immediately as there is no installation hassle.

Furthermore, because browser-based reading software processes data 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] 6 Selection of Text-to-Speech Software with No Installation Required: How to Use and Recommended Services

We explain how to perform text-to-speech from a web browser without installation. We also introduce 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.

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

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

Anyone can synthesize easy-to-understand audio

On TV programs, have you ever found the voices of ordinary people being interviewed harder to understand compared to announcers?

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

You'll understand if you try recording with your smartphone

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

It is also recommended for those who feel embarrassed about uploading videos featuring their own voice.

No editing hassle required

When you read a text yourself, you might misread something, making editing necessary.

Audio 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 effort is unnecessary.

Since the AI reads it, there are no misreadings or stutters!

By using free reading software (text-to-speech software), you can significantly reduce the effort required to make videos.

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

Well 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 available for free!

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

1. Ondoku

Ondoku is a web service recommended for those looking for free reading software (text-to-speech software) that can be used for free.

Ondoku is a service that can read text aloud with voices that sound just like a real human using the latest AI.

As it is a service used from a web browser, no tedious installation is required.

You can read text aloud from here right now.

Reading/Text-to-Speech Service Available for Free

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

Without registration or login, you can read up to 1,000 characters of text 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!

Even though Ondoku is a free reading/text-to-speech service, it is very high-performance!

You can choose from 16 types of Japanese voices.

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

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

Moreover, despite being free, it is also possible to use multiple voices simultaneously to read aloud like a conversation!

How to use Ondoku's conversation/dialogue function. Make listening materials and long text creation more convenient with speech synthesis!

How to use Ondoku's conversation function! Explaining how to use the conversation function with images. We will introduce specific examples of what the conversation function can be used for.

Supports Foreign Languages

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

Since it supports 81 languages and regions, including Japanese, it is easy to create foreign language videos and upload them to YouTube.

[Ondoku] Types of Voices for Supported Languages and Sample Audio Listening

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

Commercial Use is OK, of course!

Of course, Ondoku is OK for commercial use!

From individual to corporate use, high-quality text-to-speech audio can be utilized across a wide range.

*Credit is not required with paid plans!

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

Commercial use (business use) is possible with Ondoku. Regardless of whether you are an individual or a corporation, use for the purpose of obtaining monetary or other benefits directly or indirectly is considered commercial use. However, please note that Ondoku has established prohibited acts. This time, we will cover what you can and cannot do with Ondoku...

Why not try using high-quality text-to-speech audio for free?

If you are looking for free reading software (text-to-speech software), we recommend starting with Ondoku.

Why not start by experiencing text-to-speech with your own text from here?

2. Bouyomi-chan

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

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

Recently, it has also become famous as the voice for "Yukkuri commentary" and "Yukkuri videos".

Bouyomi-chan uses the speech synthesis library "AquesTalk".

Because it uses an older version of "AquesTalk", it can be used commercially for free.

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

• It is a free software that still has its place in niche situations, such as when you want to use a voice with a unique character.
• Or in situations like game streaming where there is limited PC performance overhead.

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

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3. SofTalk

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

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

While the SofTalk software itself is available for commercial use, since it uses external sound sources, you need to check the terms of use for those sound sources 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 is free for non-commercial use.

Login is required even for free use.

For commercial use, a paid plan contract is required.

Additionally, apart from the regular plans, a plan for those who may lose their voice due to illness or surgery is also provided for free.

5. VOICEVOX

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

It supports Windows and Mac.

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

While the VOICEVOX software itself can be used for free, the licenses differ for each character, so caution is necessary, especially for commercial use.

*For example, using characters like "Zundamon", "Kasukabe Tsumugi", or "Shikoku Metan" for commercial use without credit will incur a usage fee of 400,000 yen (excluding tax) per character.

Complete Guide to Using VOICEVOX! Detailed Explanation from Features of Free AI Speech Synthesis Software to Commercial Use

We explain everything from the features of VOICEVOX to its usage and precautions for commercial use. This is a complete guide to free AI speech synthesis software that allows you to read text with popular character voices 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 artistic works and can be used for free.

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

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

Also, please note that in addition to COEIROINK's terms of use, you must also follow the terms of use for each individual character.

What is COEIROINK? Thorough Explanation of Speech Synthesis Software Features, Usage, and Commercial Use

A complete guide to COEIROINK's features and usage. We explain everything from how to install the speech synthesis software to adding character voices and precautions 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, which comes with Windows.

It can be used without installation simply by extracting the zip file.

Because the speech synthesis engine used is old, there is a bit of unnaturalness compared to recent reading software, but the ease of use is an attraction.