7 Best Text-to-Speech Software for Commercial Use (Free & Paid)

Do you know what text-to-speech software is?

Text-to-speech software is software that converts documents such as text and characters into audio and reads them aloud.

In addition to reading in Japanese, there are also software programs that support multiple languages such as English, Chinese, German, Spanish, and Italian.

There are also convenient features such as being able to freely change the audio speed and downloading the audio as MP3 files.

You might think, "I don't have any occasion to use such software."

But actually, text-to-speech software is much closer to our daily lives than we think.

Text-to-speech software is constantly being developed for various purposes, and currently, text-to-speech software using AI is also being developed and provided as a service.

Even if you think, "Well, I want to actually use it, so let me look for some software," there are so many types that finding one that suits your preferences from the vast ocean of the internet is quite difficult.

Therefore, this time, we will introduce a total of seven recommended text-to-speech software programs from both free and paid versions.

Modern text-to-speech software can read aloud realistically like a human voice! I have also prepared audio so that you can listen to it right away, so please give it a try!

Related Articles on Recommended Text-to-Speech Software

This article also introduces the latest recommended text-to-speech software information!

Please take a look.

[Latest for 2026] 9 Recommended Text-to-Speech Software! Introducing Free Software Available for Commercial Use

A comparison of recommended text-to-speech software! Carefully selected tools including browser-based types that require no installation to high-performance desktop types, including free tools that can be used for commercial purposes.

Introducing Recommended Free Text-to-Speech Software

Even if you think, "I want to try or test out text-to-speech software," you might be hesitant to spend money on it.

For those of you, we will first introduce free software.

• Ondoku
• TextTalk
• SoftTalk
• Bouyomi-chan
• Coestation

Ondoku

For those looking for text-to-speech software, we recommend the latest AI service, "Ondoku".

It features a wide range of free usage, and the sound quality is very clear and easy to listen to.

Since it can be used on a website, there is no need to install it on a computer or smartphone.

You can use it casually anywhere.

It also has a wide range of multi-language support, covering 81 languages and regions. The created audio can be downloaded immediately in MP3 format. Commercial use is also possible.

• Price: 0 yen to 2,980 yen
• Voice Adjustment: Possible
• Voices: Over 180 people
• Multi-language: 81 languages and regions
• Commercial Use: Possible
• Operating Environment: Computers and smartphones with an internet connection

If you are unsure which software to use, "Ondoku" is recommended first.

Why don't you also experience the free text-to-speech of "Ondoku"?

TextTalk

TextTalk is a text-to-speech software that uses the free text speech synthesis system "Open JTalk".

The version is old, and updates stopped on 2015/02/03, so the quality is from before the appearance of AI.

It is recommended for use if you are looking for any free software that works.

• Voice Adjustment: Possible
• Voices: 8 people
• Multi-language: Japanese, English
• Commercial Use: Possible
• Operating Environment: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista

TextTalk

SofTalk

Note: The following content is outdated. As of 2025, support for AquesTalk (Yukkuri Voice) has ended.

This is software that can read aloud in a voice commonly called "Yukkuri Voice."

Since the voice has a strong machine-like quality, the intelligibility is not very high.

It is recommended when you want to create unique or characteristic presentations, such as "Yukkuri Commentary."

Although it is free software, it allows for detailed settings, such as being able to fast-forward and rewind text line by line.

Regarding commercial use, there may be restrictions set by the provider of the speech synthesis engine/library. Be sure to check them.

• Voice Adjustment: Possible
• Voices: 28 people
• Multi-language: Japanese, English
• Commercial Use: Partially possible
• Operating Environment: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista

SoftTalk

Bouyomi-chan

Bouyomi-chan is software that incorporates AquesTalk.dll, the same as SofTalk's voice.

Because it uses the same engine, it can read aloud with sound quality similar to SofTalk.

Since it uses the older version of AquesTalk (for Win), commercial use is also possible.

It is recommended for video production with Yukkuri Voice.

• Voice Adjustment: Possible
• Voices: 8 people
• Multi-language: English
• Commercial Use: Possible
• Operating Environment: Windows 7 or higher

Bouyomi-chan

Coestation

Coestation, provided by Coestation Inc., is a groundbreaking service that allows you to use your own voice as text-to-speech software.

By reading specified text patterns, you can improve the accuracy of automatic text reading.

Currently, only a smartphone app version is available, and it cannot be used from a computer.

• Voice Adjustment: Possible
• Voice: You
• Multi-language: Japanese
• Commercial Use: Not possible
• Operating Environment: iOS

Coestation

Paid Text-to-Speech Software

Next, we will introduce paid software.

• VOICEROID+
• Kantan! AITalk3
• Ondoku

VOICEROID+

VOICEROID+ is a series that AHS Co., Ltd. has been selling since 2009.

The number of voices has continued to grow, and currently, the VOICEROID+ lineup features voices from 20 speakers.

You can edit the reading style and intonation. By performing voice adjustment work, the audio becomes even smoother, as if a real human were reading it.

This is the perfect software for those who want to put effort into creating audio.

You can also download a trial version from the official page.

Regarding commercial use, commercial licenses for individuals are also sold.

• Price: 15,180 yen~ / per speaker
• Voice Adjustment: Detailed settings possible
• Voices: 20 people
• Multi-language: Japanese, English
• Commercial Use: Possible (Separate license purchase required)
• Operating Environment: Windows 10, Windows 8.1

[2026 Edition] VOICEROID Complete Guide! Detailed explanation from history, characters, and usage to VOICEROID culture

Introducing the history, characters, and latest usage for 2026 of VOICEROID. Also explains popular characters such as Yuzuki Yukari and Kotoha Akane/Aoi, VOICEROID culture, VoiChevi, and software talk.

Kantan! AITalk5

AITalk is a series sold by AI Inc.

In AITalk4 "Koe no Shokunin" for corporations, evolution is progressing rapidly, such as the number of speakers increasing to 17.

Kantan! AITalk5 generally cannot be used for commercial or business purposes by individuals.

However, some uses, such as narration for YouTube, can be used with a regular license.

Is it okay to upload to video sites such as YouTube and Niconico Douga?
Kantan! AITalk Series

We permit this only for private use by individual customers (including ad display and affiliates). For specific cases, please see the use cases from this page.

Source: FAQ

For more details on commercial use, please see the FAQ page.

• Price: 16,500 yen / 5-speaker pack
• Voice Adjustment: Detailed settings possible
• Voices: 7 people
• Multi-language: Japanese, English
• Commercial Use: Generally not possible (depends on the case)
• Operating Environment: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7

Kantan! AITalk5

Text-to-Speech Software Comparison Table

Overall recommendations are

If you want to use it simply and intuitively, Ondoku,

If you want to focus on creating with care through voice adjustments, VOICEROID+.

There are many different types of text-to-speech software!

I was surprised to find so many software programs while researching.

What surprised me even more was that text-to-speech software is being used for so many purposes.

• Services that summarize and read daily news in just 5 minutes
• Used for narration in the program "Moya-Moya Summers 2"
• Used as narration for YouTube

In this way, text-to-speech software has become a very familiar presence.

There are some software programs that I couldn't introduce fully here. I will introduce those software programs at another time.

I would be happy if you read other blogs besides this article or watch YouTube!

Well then, I look forward to meeting you again.