Speechify
Text-to-speech app that reads anything aloud
What it is
Speechify converts text from PDFs, articles, emails, Google Docs, and ebooks into spoken audio using AI-generated voices. It is used by students, professionals, and people with dyslexia or reading difficulties who want to consume written content faster or more comfortably. The voice quality is genuinely good at normal speeds, but at very high playback rates naturalness degrades noticeably. The free tier is limited to one standard voice and a capped speed.
Key features
- ●AI text-to-speech with multiple voice options and accents
- ●Speed control from 0.5x to 4.5x
- ●Chrome extension for instant webpage listening
- ●iOS and Android apps with cross-device sync
- ●PDF and document import
- ●Highlighting of words as they are read aloud
- ●Offline listening mode (premium)
- ●Speechify Studio for creating voiceover audio files
Pros and cons
Pros
- +High-quality AI voices that sound natural at moderate speeds
- +Wide import support: PDFs, web pages, Google Docs, ebooks, emails
- +Mobile and desktop apps with synced listening position
- +Adjustable playback speed up to 4.5x for fast listeners
- +Chrome extension lets you listen to any webpage instantly
- +Useful for people with dyslexia, ADHD, or visual impairments
Cons
- –Premium plan at around $139/year is expensive compared to alternatives
- –Voice quality drops at speeds above 2.5x
- –Free tier restricts you to ten basic voices and lower speed caps
- –No collaborative or team features for shared content libraries
- –Offline listening requires a premium subscription
- –Limited editing or annotation tools compared to dedicated reading apps
Who it's for
- ●Students listening to textbooks and research papers while commuting
- ●Professionals getting through long reports and newsletters faster
- ●People with dyslexia or low vision consuming written content more easily
- ●Content creators generating voiceovers via Speechify Studio
- ●Language learners hearing correct pronunciation of written text
- ●Podcast listeners who want to consume articles in audio format
Categories
Good for
Podcasters, Newsletter writers
Frequently asked questions
What does Speechify cost and is there a free plan?
Speechify has a free tier that includes one standard voice and limited speed. The premium plan is billed annually at around $139/year, or $29 on the monthly plan.
Does Speechify work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes, Speechify has apps for iOS and Android as well as a Chrome extension and a Mac desktop app. Your listening position syncs across devices on a premium plan.
How does Speechify compare to Natural Reader or Voice Dream Reader?
Speechify has stronger AI voice quality and a more polished mobile experience than Natural Reader's free tier. Voice Dream Reader is a one-time purchase that suits heavy offline readers, while Speechify suits people who want cross-device sync and web-based listening.
Can I use Speechify to create voiceover audio files for videos or podcasts?
Speechify Studio is a separate product within the Speechify ecosystem specifically for generating and exporting voiceover audio. It is aimed at creators rather than personal listening, and has its own pricing separate from the main app.
What file types can Speechify read?
Speechify supports PDFs, Google Docs, ePub ebooks, web articles via the Chrome extension, emails, and plain text. It cannot read scanned image-only PDFs without OCR processing.
Is Speechify actually useful for people without reading difficulties, or is it mainly an accessibility tool?
Many users without disabilities use it to consume written content faster while multitasking, such as listening to newsletters during a commute. Whether the speed advantage justifies the cost depends on how much written content you process weekly.