Speechify Review: The Ultimate Text-to-Speech App for Productivity

Speechify is rapidly changing the landscape of text-to-speech technology, and it’s easy to see why. Founded in 2017 by Cliff Weitzman, a dyslexic student at Brown University, Speechify aims to revolutionize how we engage with written content. Today, Speechify has evolved from a startup with a powerful mission into a leading text-to-speech app, enhancing reading speeds, supporting individuals with learning differences, and much more.

This comprehensive review delves into Speechify’s features, exploring its functionality and benefits. We’ll cover its capabilities, pros and cons, pricing, and compare it to other leading tools. Whether you’re a student, professional, or someone who wants to make reading more accessible, this review will equip you with the information to decide if Speechify is the right tool for you.

What is Speechify?

At its core, Speechify excels in its advanced text-to-speech functionality. Input your text, and Speechify reads it aloud using over 100 natural-sounding AI voices across 50 languages. You can personalize your experience by choosing your preferred voice, accent, language, and adjusting the speaking rate. This feature allows users to absorb information up to 9x faster than traditional reading, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD, dyslexia, or anyone looking to boost their reading efficiency. Speechify integrates seamlessly across multiple platforms – access it online, utilize the Chrome extension, or download the app for iOS or Android devices.

Beyond text-to-speech, Speechify offers an AI Voiceover Generator. This tool opens doors to crafting professional-sounding voiceovers. With a selection of over 200 AI voices in over 60 languages, users can create compelling audio for a range of needs – from advertisements and videos to podcasts, audiobooks, and more.

Who Benefits from Speechify Text-to-Speech?

Speechify caters to a diverse range of users, each with unique needs:

Individuals with Dyslexia and ADHD: Speechify removes barriers for individuals with dyslexia and ADHD, transforming reading from a challenge into an engaging experience. By listening to text, users can better process information and overcome traditional reading hurdles.
Students: Imagine absorbing study material without being tied to a textbook. Speechify converts textbooks and study guides into audio format, either by directly uploading files or snapping a photo of the page. This feature is a game-changer for auditory learners or those looking to optimize their study time.
Writers & Editors: For writers and editors, Speechify serves as a valuable tool for proofreading and refining content. Hearing their work aloud provides a fresh perspective, making it easier to identify errors in grammar, phrasing, and overall flow that may have been missed during silent reading.
Businesses: Speechify enhances productivity in the workplace. Convert lengthy reports, emails, and presentations into audio files, allowing employees to stay informed while multitasking or commuting. This promotes efficient information absorption and streamlines workflows.
Teachers: Speechify is an asset for educators seeking to create inclusive learning environments. By converting lesson plans and materials into audio, teachers can cater to diverse learning styles and accommodate students who benefit from auditory learning.

Who Benefits from Speechify AI Voice Studio?

Speechify’s AI Voice Studio is a powerful tool for:

Podcast Hosts: Speechify streamlines podcast production. Hosts can convert scripts into polished audio narrations using the platform’s vast library of AI voices, saving time and maintaining a consistent, professional sound.
Course Creators: Course creators can benefit from Speechify’s AI Voice Studio to produce high-quality course narration without the need for costly voice actors or extensive recording sessions. This feature is invaluable for creating engaging e-learning experiences.
YouTube Creators: Speechify enhances YouTube content creation. Transform scripts into engaging voiceovers for videos, ensuring a professional and captivating delivery that resonates with viewers.
Audiobook Producers: Speechify streamlines audiobook creation. Generate professional-quality narrations from text, saving producers time and resources while delivering a polished final product.
Sales Professionals: Create impactful sales presentations with Speechify’s AI Voice Studio. Convert sales scripts into compelling audio, allowing for captivating delivery and a more engaging pitch to potential clients.

Getting Started with Speechify

Selecting the Try for free button on the Speechify homepage.

Getting started with Speechify is quick and easy:

Visit the Speechify Website: Go to the Speechify website and select “Try for Free.”
Explore the Walkthrough: Speechify offers a helpful walkthrough showcasing its key features and benefits.
Create a Free Account: Sign up using your Google account or email address. You can also opt for a free trial of their Premium plan to unlock the full range of features.
Navigate the User-Friendly Dashboard: Once you’ve created your account, you’ll land on the intuitive Speechify dashboard, ready to start converting your text files into speech.

Speechify Features

Speechify offers a range of impressive features:

Text to Speech
AI Voice Studio
AI Avatars

1. Text to Speech

Speechify's free online text-to-speech generator.

Speechify offers a free online text-to-speech generator, providing access to a library of over 100 natural-sounding AI voices spanning 50 languages. You don’t even need an account to use this feature.

Here’s how it works:

Input Your Text: Simply type or paste your desired text into the designated field.
Choose Your Voice and Speed: Select your preferred AI voice and adjust the speaking speed to your liking.
Press Play: Hit the “Play” button, and Speechify will instantly convert your written text into clear, natural-sounding audio.

Speechify offers multiple ways to engage with your content:

Online Platform: Use Speechify directly within your web browser.
Chrome Extension: Seamlessly integrate Speechify into your browsing experience.
Mobile Apps (iOS and Android): Enjoy Speechify’s text-to-speech capabilities on your smartphone or tablet.
Edge Add-on: Use Speechify within the Microsoft Edge browser.
PDF Reader: Listen to your PDF documents with ease.

The Speechify app for iOS and Android takes convenience a step further by allowing you to snap a photo of any printed text, which the app will then convert into speech. This feature is particularly useful for students and individuals who prefer listening to physical books or documents.

Key Highlights:

Unmatched Reading Speed: Speechify allows you to increase your reading speed up to nine times faster than traditional reading, significantly boosting your information absorption rate.
Exceptional Voice Quality: The AI voices are remarkably natural, with human-like intonations, making the listening experience enjoyable and engaging.

2. AI Voice Studio

Speechify's AI Voice Studio landing page.

Speechify’s AI Voice Studio elevates the platform’s functionality, providing users with a comprehensive tool for crafting professional-grade voiceovers.

Key Features:

Extensive Voice Library: Access over 200 AI voices across more than 60 languages, offering a wide range of styles and accents to suit your project needs.
User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive interface makes creating and customizing your voiceovers simple and efficient.
Advanced Customization Options: Fine-tune your voiceovers by adjusting the speaking speed, tone, pauses, pitch, and pronunciation for a truly polished sound.
Versatile Applications: Create voiceovers for a diverse range of content, including advertisements, videos, podcasts, audiobooks, explainer videos, and more.

How to Use AI Voice Studio:

Access AI Voice Studio: From your Speechify dashboard, navigate to the AI Voice Studio.
Create a New Project: Choose from a variety of project templates or start from scratch.
Input Your Script: Type or paste your script into the provided text block.
Select Your Voice: Choose your preferred AI voice from the extensive library.
Customize Your Voiceover: Adjust the speaking speed, tone, pauses, and other parameters to achieve the desired sound.
Preview and Export: Listen to a preview of your voiceover and make any necessary adjustments. Once you’re satisfied, export your finished product in your preferred audio format.

3. AI Avatars

Speechify's AI Video Generator landing page.

Speechify takes content creation to the next level with its innovative AI Video Generator, featuring a vast selection of customizable AI avatars.

Benefits of Using AI Avatars:

Enhanced Engagement: AI avatars bring your voiceovers to life, creating a more visually appealing and engaging experience for your audience.
Time and Cost-Effective: Produce professional-looking videos without the need for traditional video shoots, saving you valuable time and resources.
Wide Range of Applications: Use AI avatars for presentations, social media content, explainer videos, marketing materials, and more.

How to Use AI Avatars:

Access the AI Video Generator: From your Speechify dashboard, navigate to the AI Video Generator.
Select Your Avatar: Browse through the library of AI avatars and choose the one that best fits your project.
Customize Your Avatar (Optional): Depending on the plan you’ve chosen, you may be able to customize your avatar’s appearance, including clothing, hairstyles, and backgrounds.
Generate Your Video: Speechify will automatically sync your voiceover with your chosen avatar’s movements, creating a seamless and engaging video.

Speechify Pros and Cons

Here’s a breakdown of Speechify’s advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

Exceptional Text-to-Speech Capabilities: Enjoy natural-sounding AI voices and a wide range of languages, accents, and customization options.
Enhanced Reading Speed and Comprehension: Absorb information up to 9x faster than traditional reading, ideal for students, professionals, and individuals with learning differences.
Versatile AI Voice Studio: Create professional-quality voiceovers for a multitude of applications, from videos and podcasts to audiobooks and presentations.
Innovative AI Avatars: Add a visual element to your content with customizable AI avatars, enhancing engagement and capturing audience attention.
User-Friendly Interface: Speechify is incredibly easy to use, even for those unfamiliar with text-to-speech technology.
Multi-Platform Accessibility: Access Speechify on your preferred devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

Cons:

Limited Features on the Free Plan: Unlocking the full potential of Speechify often requires upgrading to a paid plan.
Occasional Inaccuracies with Complex Text: While Speechify’s AI is impressive, it may encounter challenges with highly technical or nuanced text.
Internet Dependency for Some Features: Certain features, such as voice selection and customization, require an internet connection.

Speechify Pricing and Packages

Speechify offers a free plan and two paid subscription options:

Free Plan

Basic text-to-speech functionality
Limited voice options
Limited customization features

Premium Plan

Unlimited text-to-speech
Access to over 100 AI voices
Advanced customization options
Offline listening (mobile app)
Faster reading speeds
Premium voices and accents

Audiobooks Plan

All the features of the Premium Plan
Access to a vast library of audiobooks

Speechify Alternatives

While Speechify is a strong contender in the text-to-speech and AI voiceover arena, exploring alternative options ensures you select the best tool for your specific requirements.

Lovo.ai: Boasting a library of over 500 AI voices, 150 languages, and an impressive range of emotions, Lovo.ai delivers highly realistic text-to-speech. It goes beyond basic voice generation by incorporating an AI writer, art generator, and video editor, making it an all-in-one content creation platform.
Murf AI: Designed for content creators, educators, and businesses, Murf AI excels in creating natural-sounding voiceovers. With a selection of 120 AI voices across 20 languages and a user-friendly interface, Murf AI streamlines the process of generating high-quality audio.
Synthesys: Synthesys stands out for its human-like AI voices, making it an excellent option for professional voiceovers. It offers a vast library of voices, languages, and accents, along with AI video generation capabilities and an integrated art generator.
WellSaid Labs: Known for its incredibly realistic English AI voices, WellSaid Labs specializes in creating engaging voiceovers for a range of content, including training videos, advertisements, and marketing materials.

Speechify Review: Final Verdict

Speechify emerges as a powerful and versatile tool, bridging the gap between text and audio with its intuitive features and impressive AI capabilities. Whether you’re looking to boost your reading speed, create engaging voiceovers, or explore the world of AI avatars, Speechify offers a solution to meet your needs. While the free plan provides a taste of what Speechify offers, the Premium plan unlocks the platform’s full potential.

If you’re ready to revolutionize your relationship with written content, give Speechify a try.