[2025 Latest] 10 recommended text-to-speech software! Introducing free software that can be used for commercial purposes

June 18, 2025

[2025 Latest] 10 recommended text-to-speech software! Introducing free software that can be used for commercial purposes
What kind of text-to-speech software and services are available?
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In this article, we will compare and introduce a carefully selected list of recommended text reading software and services !

Text-to-speech software, which converts text into speech, can be used in a variety of situations, including video production, language learning, and improving accessibility.

In particular, free text-to-speech software that can be used for free offers significant advantages in terms of price.

There is also an increasing number of high-quality text-to-speech services available for commercial use .

This time, we will explain in detail the features and usability of each type, from the browser-based type that requires no installation to the highly functional desktop type.

We will also introduce a number of free software that can be used for commercial purposes .

You're sure to find the best text-to-speech software for you.

[Free] Recommended ready-to-use AI text-to-speech software

Ondoku

If you are looking for text-to-speech software, we recommend "Ondoku."

"Ondoku" is an AI text-to-speech software (web service) that can be used for free from your browser .

No installation required and easy to use.

Amazingly, Ondoku can read out up to 5,000 characters for free !

What's more, it's free and can be used for commercial purposes (though credit is required if it's free) .

If you want to have text read out loud, why not try "Ondoku" for free?

What is text-to-speech software? Basics and how to choose from free to paid

What is text-to-speech software? Basics and how to choose from free to paid

First, we will give you a simple explanation of the basics of text-to-speech software!

Basics and types of text-to-speech software

Text-to-speech software is software that converts text into speech .

Text-to-speech technology is evolving rapidly, and what was once a mechanical voice can now be read with natural intonation and pronunciation thanks to advances in AI technology.

There are two main types of text-to-speech software: browser-based and desktop-based .

The browser type has the advantage that it can be used from a web browser without the need for installation .

Using a cloud-based AI engine, it can read text aloud in high quality.

The desktop type is installed on a computer and has the advantage of being able to be used in offline environments.

Some are available as free software.

In addition, some paid installable software comes with attractive characters.

Browser vs Desktop - Which is Better?

Browser-based text-to-speech software has the great advantage that it can be used immediately without the need for installation .

Browser-based services like "Ondoku" can use the latest AI speech synthesis engines, allowing for high-quality reading regardless of the performance of your PC .

Plus, regular updates are performed automatically, so you always have the latest features.

On the other hand, desktop text-to-speech software has the advantage that it can be used even in environments without an Internet connection .

Another feature is that there is software that is specialized for specific purposes , such as reading out comments on video streaming.

There are some free software programs with high functionality, but they can be time-consuming to install and configure.

The browser type is recommended for beginners, those who want easy use, and those who want high-quality audio, while the desktop type is recommended for those who prioritize offline use, those who want to use it for streaming reading, and those who want to read in a character's voice.

The difference between free and paid - To what extent is commercial use possible?

The difference between free and paid - To what extent is commercial use possible?

There are differences between free and paid text-to-speech software , such as limited functionality, audio quality, and whether or not it can be used for commercial purposes .

Free text-to-speech software also has basic text-to-speech functions, but they may have character limits or limited advanced adjustment functions.

When it comes to commercial use , some software is permitted even in the free version, while others are not.

For example, even the free version of "Ondoku" can be used for commercial purposes as long as you provide credit.

Paid text-to-speech software has the advantage of offering a wider variety of voices, more detailed adjustment functions, and the ability to use it for commercial purposes without credit.

If you want to use it for free, it is important to first carefully check the software's terms of use and understand the conditions for commercial use.

Five points to help beginners choose the right software

When choosing text-to-speech software for the first time, it is important to first clarify your intended use .

The best software varies depending on your purpose, such as creating video narration, language learning, or improving accessibility .

Of course, ease of use is also important.

People are more likely to use text-to-speech software for a longer period of time if it has an intuitive interface rather than one with complex functions.

Naturalness of the voice is also an important point, so if you need natural Japanese intonation and pronunciation in particular, it is a good idea to choose text-to-speech software that is specialized for Japanese.

If you want to use it for free , it is important to check the functional limitations and make sure they will not affect your intended use.

If you are considering commercial use , you should choose free software that can be used commercially.

[Free] 10 Recommended Text-to-Speech Software

Now, let's take a closer look at what kind of text-to-speech software we recommend!

  1. Ondoku
  2. AIVOICE
  3. CeVIO
  4. VOICEPEAK
  5. SofTalk
  6. Boyomi-chan
  7. VOICEVOX
  8. CoeFont
  9. COEIROINK
  10. Here we go!

1. Ondoku – Free, high-quality voice service that works right in your browser

Ondoku

"Ondoku" is a text-to-speech service that can be used immediately from your browser without the need for installation .

It features natural voice using the latest AI technology.

There is a wide variety of voices available ; for example, in Japanese you can choose from 16 different voices.

Although it is a free text-to-speech service, it can also be used for commercial purposes such as monetizing videos or for use in companies.

You can read up to 1,000 characters for free without registering, and up to 5,000 characters after registering , so you can create narrations of long texts for free.

Operation is also very simple; just enter the text and press the "Read aloud" button.

Even first-time users can operate it intuitively.

In addition, it supports 48 languages, including English , making it useful for creating foreign language content.

It is a free web service that can be used for free, but it can read text in the highest quality possible , so it is recommended for those who are trying out AI reading for the first time.

Of course, it's also ideal for professional narration purposes.

If you're having trouble deciding which text-to-speech software to use, why not try "Ondoku" first?

2. AIVOICE – A Japanese-specific voice synthesis software with high-quality AI voice

A.I.VOICE

AIVOICE is a high-quality voice synthesis software developed by AI Corporation.

It uses a speech synthesis engine called "AITalk," which can generate very natural Japanese speech.

The lineup includes many attractive character voices , including famous VOICEROID characters such as Yuzuki Yukari and Kotonoha Akane and Aoi.

It is compatible with both Windows and Mac and is sold as paid software.

The voice has a rich emotional expression, and the strength, pitch, and speed of the reading emotion can be finely adjusted, allowing for a more natural conversational tone of reading.

It also has a wide range of functions for editing intonation and pronunciation, so you can have technical terms and proper nouns read out accurately.

Its advantages are its high naturalness, rich emotional expression, and high degree of freedom in parameter adjustment, making it ideal for narration and video production .

The disadvantages include the fact that it is paid software, which requires an initial investment, and that each character must be purchased separately .

Regarding commercial use, individuals can generally use the product for commercial purposes by purchasing it, but corporate use requires a separate commercial license.

This software is recommended for those who want to create creative audio works or those who are looking for high-quality narration.

3. CeVIO – Integrated voice creation software that can also sing

CeVIO

CeVIO is a voice creation software that allows both talking and singing .

"Talk Voice" for talking and "Song Voice" for singing are sold.

It is based on the technology of Techno Speech, a venture company spun out of the Nagoya Institute of Technology, and is particularly adept at natural intonation and expressiveness in Japanese.

The unique character voices such as "Sato Sasara" and "Suzuki Tsuzumi" are popular and are widely used in video and content production.

This software is for Windows only and is sold as a one-time paid software.

By purchasing a "Song Voice", you can have your character sing songs.

The emotion parameters can be adjusted very precisely, allowing you to numerically adjust emotions such as joy, anger, and sadness, making it possible to create voices with a rich range of expression.

When it comes to commercial use, individual creators are allowed to use it relatively freely, but if you want to use it for corporate purposes or to sell products, you will need a separate license.

This software is recommended for those who want to create audio content with rich expressiveness or who want to try their hand at singing voice synthesis .

4. VOICEPEAK – Intuitive, high-quality voice synthesis editor

VOICEPEAK

VOICEPEAK is a voice synthesis software that features intuitive operability .

We offer a wide range of voices, from character voices to natural voices for narration .

It is one of the few desktop speech synthesis software that is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

It has excellent capabilities for analyzing the context of text and adding natural intonation, allowing you to generate high-quality speech even without specialized knowledge.

The intuitive editor screen allows you to visually edit intonation, speed, volume, etc., making it easy to use even for beginners.

Regarding commercial use conditions, commercial use rights are included in the basic license, but separate terms may apply to character voices.

This software is especially recommended for those who want to create professional narration or synthesize voice across multiple platforms.

5. SofTalk – A classic desktop software with simple functions

SofTalk

SofTalk is a classic free software that has long been used as a free text-to-speech software for Windows .

It has a simple interface and focuses on basic functions, making it easy to use even for beginners.

You can choose from multiple voice synthesis engines, including our original voice synthesis engine, MikoVoice, and SAPI .

Previously, it was compatible with AquesTalk (the voice engine that Yukkuri Voice is based on), but support for it has now been discontinued.

You can easily have text read aloud by simply entering it, and it also has a function that automatically reads the contents of the clipboard.

Its advantages are that it is very lightweight and runs comfortably even on low-spec PCs , and that the basic operations are simple and easy to understand .

Its disadvantages are that the voice is not as natural as the latest AI, and because it comes with a wide variety of sound sources, the file size is over 300MB, which is very large for free software.

Regarding commercial use conditions, the software itself is free, but since the terms vary depending on the speech synthesis engine, you will need to check the terms of the speech engine you are using if you plan to use it commercially.

This is a free text-to-speech software recommended for those who are looking for basic text-to-speech functions or for those looking for lightweight software.

6. Boyomi-chan – A standard text-to-speech software for streaming

Boyomi-chan

Boyomi-chan is a free text-to-speech software that is mainly used for game streaming and live streaming , and is characterized by a distinctive voice known as the "yukkuri voice."

It uses an older version of the speech synthesis library AquesTalk, which has the major advantage of being free for commercial use .

It is a lightweight free software for Windows that has a wide range of functions for linking with other software, so it is often used in combination with distribution tools.

It is known as a standard software used for "Yukkuri Commentary" and "Yukkuri Explanation" on Nico Nico Douga and YouTube.

It can also be integrated with streaming software such as OBS , and is widely used to read out comments during YouTube broadcasts.

Its strengths include its high compatibility with other software, its large community support, and its unique, distinctive voice.

Its disadvantages include mechanical and unnatural sound quality, the requirement to install it, and the fact that it only supports Windows.

Regarding commercial use conditions, since it uses an older version of AquesTalk, it is possible to use it for commercial purposes free of charge, but we recommend that you check the terms of use.

This is a reading software recommended for those involved in game streaming, comment reading, and slow video production.

7. VOICEVOX – High-quality character voice generation engine

VOICEVOX

VOICEVOX is a high-quality speech synthesis software developed as open source, featuring a wide variety of character voices.

It is possible to have the book read aloud in the voices of popular characters such as "Zundamon," "Shikoku Metan," and "Kasukabe Tsumugi."

This is desktop software that is compatible with the three major operating systems: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Deep learning technology is used for voice synthesis, enabling the generation of natural, high-quality voices.

It allows you to adjust intonation and fine-tune voice parameters , and also supports professional voice editing.

A version that is compatible with GPUs (graphics cards) is also available, allowing for faster processing on high-performance PCs.

Regarding commercial use conditions, the software itself can be used for commercial purposes, but since the terms differ for each character, you will need to check the terms of use for the character you are using.

This is a text-to-speech software recommended for those who want to incorporate unique audio into their creative activities or video production.

8. CoeFont – High-quality AI Japanese speech synthesis service

CoeFont

CoeFont is a paid Japanese speech synthesis service that uses AI .

It features natural Japanese pronunciation and intonation, and can read with a natural intonation that is close to that of a human narrator.

A wide variety of voices modeled after voice actors and actors are available, so you can choose the voice that best suits your needs.

Thanks to its unique AI technology, it also has the ability to automatically add appropriate intonation and pauses by understanding the context.

We also offer a function to create an AI voice based on your own voice, so you can also create your own original voice.

There is a free plan available, although it has limited functionality and character count.

This is a recommended service for those who want to create professional Japanese narration or those looking for high-quality voice synthesis.

9. COEIROINK – Open source AI voice synthesis software

COEIROINK

COEIROINK is an AI voice synthesis software developed primarily for creative activities .

This is a desktop software that is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux and requires installation.

In addition to official and authorized character voices, the user-created voice model "MYCOE" can also be used.

Fine adjustments to intonation and emotional expression are possible, allowing you to create more expressive voices.

The download size is generally large, so you need to be careful about your internet environment when installing.

Regarding commercial use conditions, commercial use is generally permitted, but the terms and conditions vary depending on the voice model used.

Recommended for those who want to incorporate unique voices into their creative activities or who want to use a wide variety of voice models.

10. Yukumo! – A browser-based, slow voice reading service

Here we go!

Yukumo! is a browser-based text- to-speech service that uses AquesTalk, a speech synthesis library developed by Aques Corporation.

No installation is required and it can be used directly from your browser, so you can start using it right away on any device.

Its greatest feature is that it can read aloud in a distinctive voice known as the "Yukkuri Voice" (monotone voice) .

It supports multiple engine versions, including AquesTalk1, AquesTalk2, and AquesTalk10, allowing you to choose from a variety of voice qualities.

Entering text is easy; just enter the text into the text box on your browser and reading will begin.

The audio of the reading can also be downloaded and used for video editing, etc.

Its advantages include the fact that it can be used easily without the need for installation, that it is one of the few services that allows you to use Yukkuri Voice from a browser , and that the operation is simple, making it easy to use even for beginners.

The disadvantages include the fact that the voice is less natural than the latest AI technology and that there are limitations to its commercial use.

Regarding commercial use, personal non-commercial use is free, but if you wish to use it for commercial purposes, you will need to purchase a separate AquesTalk commercial license.

This is a recommended service for those who want to easily start creating videos such as "Yukkuri Commentary" and "Yukkuri Live Commentary" without the need for installation.

[Free] Text-to-speech software installation and setup guide

As an example of how to use text-to-speech software, we will explain how to use "Ondoku" !

[Free] How to get started and set up the browser-based "Ondoku"

"Ondoku" is a text-to-speech service that can be used immediately by simply accessing it from your browser.

First, access the official website .

Ondoku

Type or paste the text you want to read into the text entry field.

Enter text

Select your preferred voice from "Voice".

Choose from a wide range of Ondoku voices

You can also adjust the reading speed and pitch to suit your needs.

Adjust the speed and pitch of your voice

Once you've finished setting up, click the "Read aloud" button.

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You'll hear high quality audio instantly.

Loading complete

You can save the audio in MP3 format by clicking the "Download" button .

If you want to have longer texts read aloud, you can register for free and have up to 5,000 characters read aloud.

As you can see , Ondoku is free and easy to use!

Why not try using Ondoku for your creative activities, language learning, or business?

Tips and examples of voice customization

Tips and examples of voice customization

Proper adjustment of settings is important to make text-to-speech software sound more natural.

First, adjust the reading speed to suit the content and purpose.

For general explanations, speak at a standard speed, while for detailed explanations and important parts, speak at a slightly slower speed to make them easier to understand.

For language learning, it is recommended to slow down the speed extremely, such as to 0.3 times slower.

"Ondoku" also allows you to adjust the pitch of your voice, so if you want to bring out a more distinctive character, it's effective to set it a little higher, or if you want a more subdued impression, set it a little lower.

Even with free text-to-speech software, by adjusting these settings you can create a voice that sounds quite natural and easy to listen to.

How to use on a smartphone and precautions

When using text-to-speech software on a smartphone, the easiest method is to use a browser-based service .

"Ondoku" can be accessed from a smartphone browser and provides high-quality reading just like on a PC.

Many desktop software programs cannot be used on smartphones, so if you want to use it across platforms such as PCs, smartphones, and tablets, we recommend a browser-based version .

When using a text-to-speech service on your smartphone, be careful about your mobile data usage.

It is recommended to use a Wi-Fi environment.

If you save the reading audio created on your smartphone to cloud storage, you can edit it later on your PC more smoothly.

Recommended reading methods for iPhone and Android smartphones are also introduced on this page.

Techniques for using free text-to-speech software

Techniques for using free text-to-speech software

How to use it for efficient information gathering

Text-to-speech software allows you to take in information not only visually but also aurally .

You can make effective use of your time by converting long news articles and reports into audio using free text-to-speech software and listening to them during your commute or while doing housework.

Free services like "Ondoku" offer high-quality reading, so you can convert news articles and blog contents into audio and gather information efficiently.

If you want to increase the amount of reading you do, another effective method is to input the contents of e-books into text-to-speech software and convert them into audio .

With Ondoku, anyone can easily create audiobooks.

By using the speed adjustment function and gradually increasing the playback speed as you become more accustomed to it, you can take in more information in a shorter amount of time.

If you find it tiring to gather information from digital content, you can continue to take in information while reducing eye strain by using text-to-speech software.

How to use it in proofreading and editing

Text-to-speech software is also ideal for proofreading and revising text .

By listening to the text you have written using text-to-speech software, you can discover unnaturalness and errors that you might not notice with your own eyes.

Using software like "Ondoku" that reads text with a natural intonation allows you to quickly spot any irregularities in the rhythm or flow of the text .

You will be able to notice sentences that are too long or expressions that are difficult to understand more quickly by hearing them read out loud rather than just looking at them.

You can also check how easy it is for your audience to understand your presentation materials and speech manuscripts by listening to them using free text-to-speech software.

After you have revised your text, you can read it out again to check it, allowing you to refine your writing.

Checking business documents and emails with text-to-speech software before sending can make them more accurate and easy to understand.

Application to foreign language learning

Text-to-speech software can be a powerful learning tool when learning a foreign language .

Free, multilingual services like Ondoku allow you to easily check your pronunciation by reading out text in the language you're learning.

Text-to-speech software can also be used for shadowing practice (practicing pronouncing words in the same way after audio).

You can rapidly improve your pronunciation by simply imitating the native pronunciation of AI text-to-speech software or services.

Text-to-speech software and services are also ideal for improving listening skills .

It is effective to start with simple sentences and gradually work your way up to more difficult content.

Free text-to-speech software also allows you to learn with native pronunciation , which greatly improves the efficiency of your language learning, from speaking to listening.

Use text-to-speech software for free for presentations and video production

Using text-to-speech software for presentations and video production can give a professional impression.

By using a commercially available free service like Ondoku , you can create high-quality narration audio without incurring any costs.

For explanatory videos on YouTube and other sites, text-to-speech software is useful if you don't want to speak your own voice or want to make the narration easier to understand.

When creating videos for commercial use, be sure to check the terms and conditions of the free software you are using and remember to provide the necessary credits.

Be sure to check out this article, which explains tips on how to create smooth audio for videos!

Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting

Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting

What to do if certain words aren't being read properly

If technical terms or proper nouns are not being pronounced correctly, there are a few things you can do.

First, the dictionary function.

By using the dictionary function as a reference in this article, you can adjust the way Japanese is read.

You can also deal with this by taking measures such as changing kanji to hiragana .

When foreign language words are mixed in, it is a good idea to write them in katakana instead of the alphabet .

If the text contains symbols or special characters, removing or replacing them will improve reading speed.

If you just can't read it out correctly, it may be effective to rephrase it in a different way.

How to read multiple files at once

If you want to read multiple text files consecutively, the method varies depending on the software.

Browser-based services like Ondoku allow you to read multiple pieces of text at once by simply copying and pasting them into a text box .

If you need to read a long file, it will be easier to manage if you split it into multiple files with appropriate divisions.

How to save and export audio

The method for saving the read audio as a file varies depending on the software.

With Ondoku , you can save the reading in MP3 format by simply clicking the "Download" button after it has been read aloud .

On desktop software, select functions such as "Export" or "Save Audio" from the menu.

Select the format of the audio file you want to save based on your intended use.

For general use, the MP3 format is highly versatile and offers a good balance between sound quality and capacity.

What's next for text-to-speech technology?

As AI technology advances , the quality of text-to-speech software will continue to improve in the future.

This enables more natural intonation and emotional expression, resulting in high-quality reading that is indistinguishable from a human voice .

It seems likely that high-quality speech synthesis will become more common, even with free services that can be used for free.

In addition, the accuracy of multilingual support will be improved, enabling natural reading in more languages.

AI text-to-speech technology is rapidly improving and will likely become even more important in a variety of fields, including improving accessibility and streamlining content production.

Would you like to try out the text-to-speech software that's right for you?

When choosing text-to-speech software, first determine your intended use.

It's also important to try out some free text-to-speech software to find the one that best suits your needs .

For example, you can try a browser-based service like "Ondoku" for free right now.

Why not try out some of the free software and services that use the latest AI to read aloud?

■ 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
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