Best Text-to-Speech Software: 7 Free & Paid Tools for Commercial Use

Sept. 27, 2026

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 is also software that supports 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 or download the audio as files like MP3.

You might think, "I'll never have a chance to use software like that."

But in fact, text-to-speech software is much closer to our lives than we might think.

Development of text-to-speech software is progressing rapidly for various purposes, and particularly now, text-to-speech software employing AI is being developed and provided as services.

Even if you think, "Well then, I want to try using it, so let's find some software," there are so many types that it is quite difficult to find software that suits your preferences from the vast ocean of the internet.

Therefore, in this article, we will introduce a total of 7 recommended text-to-speech software programs from both free and paid versions.

Recent text-to-speech software can read aloud realistically like a human voice! We have prepared audio so you can listen to it right away, so please give it a listen!

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 to buy it.

For those of you, we will start by introducing free software.

Ondoku
Textalk
SoftTalk
Bouyomi-chan
Coestation

Ondoku

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

It features a wide range of free usage and very clear, easy-to-hear sound quality.

Since it can be used on a website, no installation on a computer or smartphone is required.

You can use it easily anywhere.

It also has a wide range of multilingual support, covering 81 languages and regions. Created audio can be downloaded immediately in MP3 format. Commercial use is also possible.

Price: 0 yen - 2,980 yen
Voice adjustment: Possible
Voices: Over 180 people
Multilingual: 81 languages/regions
Commercial use: Possible
Operating environment: Computers/smartphones with internet connection

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

Why not experience the free text-to-speech of "Ondoku" for yourself?

Try Ondoku now

Textalk

Textalk is text-to-speech software that adopts 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 AI appeared.

It is recommended for use if you are looking for any software that can be used for free.

Voice adjustment: Possible
Voices: 8 people
Multilingual: Japanese, English
Commercial use: Possible
Operating environment: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista

Textalk

SoftTalk

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

This is software that can read aloud with audio commonly referred to as "Yukkuri Voice."

Because the voice has a strong mechanical feel, 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, detailed settings are possible, such as fast-forwarding and rewinding text by line.

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

Voice adjustment: Possible
Voices: 28 people
Multilingual: 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 SoftTalk's audio.

Since it uses the same engine, it can read aloud with audio quality similar to SoftTalk.

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

It is recommended for video production with Yukkuri Voice.

Voice adjustment: Possible
Voices: 8 people
Multilingual: English
Commercial use: Possible
Operating environment: Windows 7 or higher

Bouyomi-chan

Coestation

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

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

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

Voice adjustment: Possible
Voice: You
Multilingual: 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 sold by AHS Co., Ltd. since 2009.

The number of voices has been increasing, and currently, VOICEROID+ has a lineup of 20 voices.

You can edit pronunciation and intonation. By performing voice adjustment work, the audio becomes even smoother, as if read by a real human.

This is a special software for those who want to create elaborate audio.

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

Regarding commercial use, individual commercial licenses are also sold.

Price: From 15,180 yen / per speaker
Voice adjustment: Detailed settings possible
Voices: 20 people
Multilingual: 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 Boiro culture

Introducing the history, characters, and latest usage of VOICEROID in 2026. Also explaining popular characters like Yuzuki Yukari, Kotoha Akane/Aoi, Boiro culture, VoiChebi, and software talk.

Kantan! AITalk5

AITalk is a series sold by AI Inc.

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

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

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

Can I upload to video sites such as YouTube and Nico Nico Douga?
Kantan! AITalk Series

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

Source: FQA

For details on commercial use, please see the FQA page.

Price: 16,500 yen / 5 speaker pack
Voice adjustment: Detailed settings possible
Voices: 7 people
Multilingual: Japanese, English
Commercial use: Basically not possible (depends on the case)
Operating environment: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7

Kantan! AITalk5

Comparison Table of Text-to-Speech Software

#	Price	Reading accuracy (closeness to human)	Ease of output to audio files	Ease of use (simplicity)
Textalk	0 yen	△	△	○
SoftTalk	0 yen	△	△	○
Bouyomi-chan	0 yen	△	✗	○
Coestation	0 yen	◎	✗	◎
Ondoku	0 yen -	◎	◎	◎
Kantan! AITalk5	16,500 yen	◎	◎	○
VOCALOID+	15,180 yen -	◎	◎	◎

Overall, the recommendations are

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

If you want to focus on details like voice adjustment, it is VOICEROID+.

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

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

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

Services that read and summarize daily news in just 5 minutes
Used for narration on the program "Moyamoya Summers 2"
Used for YouTube narration

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

There are some software programs that I could not introduce here this time. I will introduce those programs on another occasion.

I would be happy if you read other blog posts besides this one or watch YouTube!

Well then, I look forward to seeing you again.

■ AI voice synthesis software "Ondoku"

"Ondoku" is an online text-to-speech tool that can be used with no initial costs.

Supports 81 languages and regions, 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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Ondoku

"Ondoku" is a Text-to-Speech service that anyone can use for free without installation. If you register for free, you can get up to 5000 characters for free each month. Register now for free