[Free] Text-to-Speech and Speech Synthesis Software Ranking

What are 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 speech and read them aloud.
Depending on the software, some support multiple languages such as English and Chinese in addition to Japanese.
Furthermore, some include features for downloading audio or editing intonation.

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 to mean the same thing.

Ranking of Text-to-Speech software and Speech Synthesis software

Here, we will introduce free-to-use Text-to-Speech software and Speech Synthesis software in a ranking format.

1st Place. Ondoku

Ondoku is an AI reading site that can be used without downloading or installing software.

As a web service, you can use all features on your browser.

It allows commercial use for free, and audio downloads are easy.

What you can do with Ondoku. About commercial use (business use) and prohibited items. | Text-to-Speech software Ondoku

Ondoku allows for commercial use (business use). Use for the purpose of obtaining financial or other benefits, directly or indirectly, by individuals or corporations, constitutes commercial use. However, please note that Ondoku has established prohibited acts. This time, we will introduce what you can and cannot do with Ondoku.

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

[Ondoku] Preview voice types and sample audio for supported languages | Text-to-Speech software Ondoku

Here we introduce the supported languages and sample audio for Ondoku.

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

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

【Operating Environment】

• All devices with an internet connection (smartphones, tablets, PCs, etc.)

Why not try using 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 purchase from Aquest Talk Co., Ltd. is required.

Bouyomi-chan

This software is so famous that the term Yukkuri Voice is often associated with Bouyomi-chan. It allows you to read text aloud with Yukkuri Voice.

It also supports reading for Twitter and 2channel-specific browsers, allowing for various uses beyond just text reading.
The read-aloud text can be saved as a WAVE (.wav) file.

Regarding 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 free of charge for both commercial and non-commercial purposes.

【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

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

By specifying citation functions, it is also possible to read from other applications.
The read-aloud text can be saved as a WAVE (.wav) file.

When using Softalk audio for commercial purposes, some voices require a license purchase from Aquest Talk Co., Ltd. For SAPI or 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.

[2025 Latest] Recommended 5 Yukkuri Voice/Bouyomi Software | Complete Comparison of PC and Smartphone Apps | Text-to-Speech software Ondoku

Carefully introducing Yukkuri Voice and Bouyomi software ideal for video production and game commentary. From PCs to smartphones, we explain how anyone can easily create high-quality audio with the latest 2025 apps.

3rd Place. Open JTalk

Open JTalk is an open-source speech synthesis engine.

It is an open-source project developed mainly by the Nagoya Institute of Technology and released under the Modified BSD license. The speech synthesis engine itself is available for commercial use for free.

Textalk

This software reads text from imported text files.

For Japanese, you can select from male (1 type) and female (6 types) voices, and for English, you can select from female (1 type) voices. Read-aloud audio can be saved as MP3/WAVE (.wav) files.

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

【Operating Environment】

• Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP/2000

Textalk: Download

SHABERU

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

Momone Momo and Kedamono Low are used as default acoustic models. Other acoustic models are added to the website from time to time.
Read-aloud audio can be saved as WAVE (.wav) files.

Regarding commercial use, it is not clearly stated, so please check with the developer.

【Operating Environment】

• Windows 7/Vista (confirmed)

SHABERU: Download
Acoustic Model Distribution Page

4th Place. Standard Reading Functions

Smartphones, PCs, and tablets are each equipped with standard reading functions. There are various operating methods, such as reading by specifying a range.

Smartphone Standard Reading Functions

iOS devices such as iPhone and Android devices such as Xperia and OPPO have standard reading functions built into the smartphone itself.

However, with standard reading functions, there are the following concerns. Nonetheless, they can be said to be sufficient if you simply want to use a reading function.

• Downloading is impossible or difficult
• Cannot be used commercially, or it is unknown if it can be

【For iOS devices such as iPhone】

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

Source: iPhone User Guide

【For Android devices】

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 PCs are also equipped with standard reading functions.

Narrator can be started in several ways. These are the four methods most users prefer:

1. On your 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 select [Narrator].
4. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap [Settings] > [Change PC settings].
   (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click [Settings] > [Change PC settings]). Tap or click [Ease of Access] > [Narrator], and then move the slider under [Narrator] to turn it on.

Source: Microsoft

Mac Standard Reading Function (VoiceOver)

Mac computers are also equipped with standard reading functions.

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 cultivate the quality of the text-to-speech.

The audio from the app version cannot be used commercially. For corporate use, inquiries regarding separate fees are required.

【Operating Environment】

• iOS

Official: Coestation

6th Place. Google Translate

If you just want to read something aloud, Google Translate is quick and easy to use.

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

There is no mention of commercial use, so it is safer to assume it is generally not allowed. Also, there is no download feature.

【Operating Environment】

• All devices with an internet connection (smartphones, tablets, PCs, etc.)

■ 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.

Text-to-speech software "Ondoku" can read out 5000 characters every month with AI voice for free. You can easily download MP3s and commercial use is also possible. If you sign up for free, you can convert up to 5,000 characters per month for free from text to speech. Try Ondoku now.

HP: ondoku3.com
Email: ondoku3.com@gmail.com