Text to Speech - Read Text Aloud Online
Type or paste any text and hear it spoken aloud — choose from dozens of voices, adjust speed and pitch in real time.
What Is Text to Speech?
Text to Speech (TTS) converts written text into spoken audio. This tool uses your browser's built-in Web Speech API to read any text aloud — no server upload, no software install. You can choose from all voices available on your device, and fine-tune speed, pitch, and volume. It's ideal for proofreading, accessibility, language learning, or simply listening to articles hands-free.
How to Convert Text to Speech
- Enter Text — Type or paste the text you want to hear
- Choose a Voice — Select from the available system voices grouped by language
- Adjust Settings — Set your preferred speed, pitch, and volume
- Click Play — The text is spoken aloud with real-time word highlighting
- Pause or Stop — Use the controls to pause, resume, or stop at any time
Why Use This Text to Speech Tool?
- Private — Your text never leaves your device. Everything runs locally in the browser
- No Installation — Works instantly in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari
- Word Highlighting — Follow along as each word is spoken, great for language learners
- Full Control — Adjust speed from 0.5x to 2x, change pitch, and pick any available voice
- Free Forever — No account, no limit, no cost
FreeToolbox vs Other TTS Tools
| Feature | FreeToolbox | Google TTS | NaturalReader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browser-based | Yes | No (server) | No (server) |
| Privacy | Your device only | Text sent to Google | Text sent to server |
| Free to use | Yes | Limited quota | Limited (paywalled) |
| Word highlighting | Yes | No | Premium only |
| Speed/Pitch control | Yes | Speed only | Speed only |
| No signup | Yes | API key required | Account needed |
FAQ
Is my text sent to a server?
No. All speech synthesis happens locally in your browser using the Web Speech API. Your text never leaves your device.
Why do I see different voices on different devices?
Available voices depend on your operating system and browser. Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS each provide different built-in voices. Chrome may also load additional Google voices.
Can I download the audio?
The Web Speech API does not support direct audio download. For downloadable audio, you would need a server-side TTS service. This tool is designed for real-time listening.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes, it works on mobile Chrome and Safari. Available voices may differ from desktop. Some mobile browsers may have limitations with the pause feature.
What languages are supported?
Any language that has voices installed on your device. The voice dropdown groups all available voices by language — common options include English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and many more.