Recommended Text-to-Speech Software Summary: 7 Selections for Commercial Use [Free and Paid]
Oct. 27, 2025
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, some software supports multiple languages such as English, Chinese, German, Spanish, and Italian.
There are also convenient features such as being able to freely change the voice speed and downloading audio files in formats like MP3.
"I have no opportunity to use such software," you might think.
But actually, text-to-speech software is much more familiar than we think.
Text-to-speech software is being developed for various purposes, and particularly now, text-to-speech software adopting AI is being developed and provided as a service.
Even if you think, "Well, I want to try using it, so let's look for software," there are so many types that finding a software that suits your taste 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.

Related Articles on Recommended Text-to-Speech Software
In this article as well, we introduce the latest recommended text-to-speech software information!
Please take a look.
Introducing Recommended Free Text-to-Speech Software
Even if you think, "I want to try or test text-to-speech software," you might be hesitant to spend money to buy it.
For you, we will start by introducing free software.
- Ondoku
- Textalk
- 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 very clear, easy-to-listen-to audio quality.
Since it can be used on the website, there is no need to install it on a computer or smartphone.
You can use it easily anywhere.
The range of multilingual support is also wide, covering more than 30 countries. Created audio can be downloaded immediately in MP3 format. Commercial use is also possible.
- Price: 0 yen to 2,980 yen
- Voice adjustment: Possible
- Voice: Over 180 people
- Multilingual: Over 30 languages
- Commercial use: Possible
- Operating environment: Computers and smartphones with internet connection
If you're wondering which software is best, we first recommend "Ondoku".
Why not experience "Ondoku's" free text-to-speech for yourself?
Textalk
Textalk is text-to-speech software that uses the free text-to-speech synthesis system "Open JTalk."
The version is old, and updates stopped on 2015/02/03, so the quality is from before the emergence of AI.
It is recommended for use if you are looking for any software that can be used for free.
- Voice adjustment: Possible
- Voice: 8 people
- Multilingual: Japanese, English
- Commercial use: Possible
- Operating environment: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista
SoftTalk
Note: The following is old content. As of 2025, support for AquesTalk (Yukkuri Voice) has ended.
This is software that can read aloud in a voice commonly called "Yukkuri Voice."
The voice has a strong mechanical feel, so its ease of listening is not very high.
It is recommended when you want to create a unique or individual production, such as Yukkuri commentary.
Although it is free software, detailed settings are possible, such as fast-forwarding and rewinding 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.
- Voice adjustment: Possible
- Voice: 28 people
- Multilingual: Japanese, English
- Commercial use: Partially possible
- Operating environment: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista
Bouyomi-chan
Bouyomi-chan is software that incorporates AquesTalk.dll, the same as SoftTalk's voice.
Because it uses the same engine, it can read aloud with the same sound quality as SoftTalk.
Since it uses an older version of AquesTalk (for Win), commercial use is also possible.
It is recommended for video production with Yukkuri Voice.
- Voice adjustment: Possible
- Voice: 8 people
- Multilingual: English
- Commercial use: Possible
- Operating environment: Windows 7 or higher
Coestation
Coestation, provided by CoeStation Inc., is a groundbreaking service where you can 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
- Multilingual: Japanese
- Commercial use: Not possible
- Operating environment: iOS
Paid Text-to-Speech Software
Next, we will introduce paid software.
- VOICEROID+(ボイスロイド+)
- Kantan! AITalk3
- Ondoku
VOICEROID+(ボイスロイド+)
VOICEROID+, a series sold by AHS Co., Ltd. since 2009.
The voices have been increasing, and currently, VOICEROID+ features a lineup of 20 voices.
You can edit reading methods and intonation. By performing adjustment work, the voice becomes even smoother, as if a real human were reading it.
This is the perfect software for those who want to create elaborate audio.
You can also download a trial version from the official page.
Regarding commercial use, personal commercial licenses are also sold.
- Price: 15,180 yen~ / 1 speaker
- Voice adjustment: Detailed settings possible
- Voice: 20 people
- Multilingual: Japanese, English
- Commercial use: Possible (Separate license purchase required)
- Operating environment: Windows 10, Windows 8.1
Kantan! AITalk5
AITalk, a series sold by AI Inc.
In the corporate-oriented AITalk4 Koe no Shokunin, evolution is progressing rapidly, with the number of speakers increasing up 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 standard license.
Is it okay to upload to video sites such as YouTube and Nico Nico Douga?
Kantan! AITalk SeriesWe permit it only for private use by individual customers (including advertising displays and affiliates). For specific cases, please see the use cases from this page.
Source: FQA
For more details about commercial use, please see the FQA page.
- Price: 16,500 yen / 5-speaker pack
- Voice adjustment: Detailed settings possible
- Voice: 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
Text-to-Speech Software Comparison Table
| # | Fee | Reading Accuracy (Is it human-like?) | Ease of outputting 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 recommended options are:
If you want to use it simply and intuitively, Ondoku,
If you want to focus on creating detailed adjustments, VOICEROID+(ボイスロイド+).
There are various 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 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 truly familiar presence.
There are some software programs that I couldn't introduce here this time. I will introduce those software programs on another occasion.
I would be happy if you read other blogs besides this article 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 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.
Email: ondoku3.com@gmail.com
"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
