[Free] Text-to-Speech & Speech Synthesis Software Rankings

What is text-to-speech software and speech synthesis software?

Text-to-speech software and speech synthesis software are programs that convert documents such as characters and text into audio and read them aloud.
Depending on the software, some support multiple languages such as English and Chinese in addition to Japanese.
Additionally, some have audio download functions or intonation editing functions.

Differences between text-to-speech software and speech synthesis software

There is no difference between text-to-speech software and speech synthesis software.

In most cases, they are used with the same meaning.

Ranking of text-to-speech software and speech synthesis software

Here, we will introduce text-to-speech software and speech synthesis software that can be used for free in a ranking format.

1st Place. Ondoku

Ondoku is an AI text-to-speech site that can be used without downloading or installing software.

Since it is a web service, you can use all functions on a browser.

It can be used commercially for free, and downloading audio is easy.

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, any use for the purpose of obtaining profits such as money directly or indirectly is commercial use. However, please note that prohibited acts are established in Ondoku. This time, what you can and cannot do with Ondoku...

In addition to Japanese, it supports more than 30 languages such as English, Chinese, German, and Spanish!

【Ondoku】Listen to voice types and sample audio for supported languages

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

With free membership registration, you can read aloud and download up to 5,000 characters for free every month.

For use beyond that, paid plans starting from 980 yen for 200,000 characters are also available.

【Operating Environment】

• All terminals with internet access (smartphones, tablets, computers, etc.)

Why don't you try the recommended text-to-speech web app "Ondoku"?

2nd Place. Aquest Talk (Yukkuri Voice)

Aquest Talk's speech synthesis engine is famous as Yukkuri Voice. There are several types of software that use the Aquest Talk speech synthesis engine.

Commercial use is possible for each software, but for software using the current version of AquesTalk, a license must be purchased from Aquest Talk Co., Ltd.

Bouyomi-chan

It is a software so famous that it is associated with Yukkuri Voice. You can read text aloud with Yukkuri Voice.

It also supports reading aloud for Twitter and 2channel dedicated browsers, and can be used for various purposes beyond just reading text.
The read-aloud text can be saved as WAVE (.wav) files.

Regarding the commercial use of Bouyomi-chan, it uses an older version of AquesTalk (for Win), and the older version of AquesTalk (for Win) can be used for free regardless of whether it is for-profit or non-profit.

【Operating Environment】

• Windows 2000 or higher (only 64-bit version of 7 confirmed)
• Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or higher (only 3.5 confirmed)

Bouyomi-chan: Download

Softalk

It is a software that converts input text into audio and reads it aloud. Some versions use a speech synthesis engine slightly different from Bouyomi-chan.

Reading from other applications is also possible by specifying quote functions.
The read-aloud text can be saved as WAVE (.wav) files.

If you use Softalk's audio for commercial purposes, you need to purchase a license from Aquest Talk Co., Ltd. for some voices. Also, for SAPI/Speech Platform, inquiries to each company are required.

【Operating Environment】

• Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP/2000

Softalk: Download

Please also see this article about Yukkuri Voice.

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

Carefully selected introduction of Yukkuri Voice and Bouyomi software ideal for video production and game commentary. Explains how anyone can easily create high-quality audio with the latest 2026 apps from PC to smartphones.

3rd Place. Open JTalk

Open JTalk is an open-source speech synthesis engine.

Developed mainly by Nagoya Institute of Technology and released under the Modified BSD license. This speech synthesis engine itself is free and can be used commercially.

Textalk

Software that reads aloud text from loaded text files.

For Japanese, there is 1 type for male and 6 types for female, and for English, you can select voice from 1 type for female. The read-aloud audio can be saved to MP3/WAVE (.wav) files.

Since there are no particular restrictions on the use of audio, commercial use is also possible.

【Operating Environment】

• Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP/2000

Textalk: Download

SHABERU

A software that allows you to easily perform speech synthesis and text-to-speech using Open JTalk sound sources by entering characters in a text box.

Momone Momo and Kedane Rou are used for the default acoustic models. Other acoustic models are added on the website from time to time.
The read-aloud audio can be saved to WAVE (.wav) files.

Commercial use is not clearly stated, so check with the developer.

【Operating Environment】

• Windows 7/Vista (confirmed)

SHABERU: Download
Acoustic model distribution page

4th Place. Standard Reading Functions

Smartphones, computers, and tablets are each equipped with a standard reading function. There are various operation methods, such as being able to read aloud by specifying a range.

Smartphone Standard Reading Function

iOS terminals such as iPhone and Android terminals such as Xperia and OPPO have a standard reading function built into the smartphone itself.

However, in the case of the standard reading function, there are the following concerns. But if you just want to use the reading function, it can be said to be sufficient.

• Cannot download / Difficult to download
• Cannot use commercially / Unsure if possible

【For iOS terminals such as iPhone】

• Method 1: Ask Siri. Say: "Speak screen."
• Method 2: Select "Settings" > "Accessibility" > "Spoken Content."
  Select preferred items such as Speak Selection.

Source: iPhone User Guide

【For Android terminals】

Open the Settings app.
Select [Accessibility], then [Text-to-speech output].
Select the engine, language, speech rate, and pitch to use.

Source: Android Accessibility

Windows Standard Reading Function

Windows computers also have a standard reading function.

Narrator can be started in several ways. These are the four methods many people prefer:

1. On the keyboard, press the Windows logo key + Enter.
2. On a tablet, press the Windows logo button + Volume Up button together.
3. On the sign-in screen, tap or click the [Ease of Access] button in the lower-left corner and choose [Narrator].
4. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap [Settings], and then tap [Change PC settings].
   (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click [Settings], and then click [Change PC settings]). Tap or click [Ease of Access], tap or click [Narrator], and then move the slider under [Narrator] to turn it on.

Source: Microsoft

Mac Standard Reading Function (VoiceOver)

Mac computers also have a standard reading function.

Choose Apple menu > "System Preferences," click "Accessibility," then click "Spoken Content."

Source: macOS User Guide

5th Place. Coestation

The app version of Coestation provided by CoeStation Inc. allows you to use your own voice as reading software.

By reading designated text patterns, the accuracy improves, and you can develop the quality of the text reading.

You cannot use the app version's audio for commercial purposes. For corporate use, inquiries about separate fees are required.

【Operating Environment】

• iOS

Official: Coestation

6th Place. Google Translate

If you just want to read aloud, Google Translate is something you can use quickly and easily.

Enter text in the text box and press the translate button. You can read aloud by pressing the speaker icon.

Since there is no mention of commercial use, it is safe to assume that it basically cannot be done. Also, there is no download function.

【Operating Environment】

• All terminals with internet access (smartphones, tablets, computers, etc.)