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AUDIO TO TEXT CONVERTER

Convert audio to text here for instant, accurate audio transcriptions.

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Convert audio to text

Save your typing hands' energy. This audio to text converter gives you accurate, downloadable, and editable transcriptions so you can use them any way you want.

Transcribe audio to text accurately

Worried that an auto-generated transcript will be riddled with errors? Our audio transcriber uses speech recognition and machine learning to accurately convert audio to text. It learns from past mistakes and misspellings. Plus, in your Brand Kit, you can save the correct spelling and capitalization of words, phrases, and product names to ensure high accuracy in every transcription you create.

Get a quick summary from either audio or video files

Once you’ve got an accurate transcript, it’s time to use it. Our audio to text converter supports multiple file formats that are widely compatible. Download your transcript as a TXT file so you can use it for anything you like. Share it with your audience, repurpose it, or save it in your digital asset management system so your audio files are searchable. 

Directly edit your transcript, audio, and video all in one place

Punctuate and capitalize text exactly the way you want. Inside of Kapwing, it’s super easy to edit your auto-generated transcript to perfection. And, you can even remove parts of the transcript to cut the corresponding clips out of your audio and video file, making your editing workflow faster than ever.

"Kapwing is incredibly intuitive. Many of our marketers were able to get on the platform and use it right away with little to no instruction . No need for downloads or installations—it just works."

Eunice Park

Studio Production Manager at Formlabs

Get the most out of one recording

You’ve found an audio to text converter that makes transcribing audio easy. That’s all, right? Wrong! Explore the rest of our video editing and collaboration features all-in-one place. 

Get a summary, show notes, and an article

Putting the finishing touches on your content is so time-consuming that it leaves little room for promotion. Create accurate transcripts with Kapwing with the click of a button. Then, use them for show notes, or turn snippets of your transcript into blog post paragraphs and social media posts. 

Grow your audience in over 75 languages

Translating costs you a ton of time—or a ton of money. Well, not anymore. You can rely on Kapwing’s automated translation features for audio and text. Just upload any audio file, generate subtitles in one click, and select the language you want to translate the text into. Generate translations for all of the languages that matter to your brand.

Cut turnaround time in half with an audio transcription

The world is full of content, so let’s make yours stand out. After you transcribe your videos with Kapwing, you can auto-generate subtitles or captions in an instant. Choose one of our attention-grabbing subtitles to apply to your video or create a custom look with fonts, colors, and animation styles that match your brand. 

“Kapwing is probably the most important tool for me and my team. [It's] smart, fast, easy to use and full of features that are exactly what we need to make our workflow faster and more effective. We love it more each day and it keeps getting better.”

Panos Papagapiou

Managing Partner at Epathlon

How to Convert Audio to Text

Click the 'Upload audio' button and select an audio file from your computer. You can also drag and drop a file inside the editor.

Open Transcript in the left-hand toolbar and select "Trim with Transcript." From there, select the audio file you want to transcribe and click on Generate Transcript.

Click on the download icon that's just above the transcript editor (downwards-facing arrow). Choose the transcript file format you prefer. You can download your transcript as an SRT, VTT, or TXT file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert an audio recording to text?

Converting an audio recording to text is easy with Kapwing’s AI-powered video editing platform. Just upload any audio or video file. Then, head over to the Subtitles tab and select the correct language. Kapwing will auto-generate an accurate transcript that you can edit and download. 

How do I transcribe audio to text for free?

With Kapwing, you can generate text for up to ten minutes of audio per month. Use our AI-powered audio-to-text features to add subtitles and download transcripts. To unlock more minutes, choose one of our affordable plans.

Is there a tool that automatically transcribes my audio so I don’t have to manually type it out?

Yes, Kapwing automatically transcribes audio into text. Through speech recognition and machine learning, the automated transcriptions are highly accurate. Download the transcript for any purpose, or use this feature to automatically generate subtitles for a video.

Can I edit my transcript after I transcribed the audio?

Yes, after you use Kapwing’s automated audio-to-text capabilities, you can easily edit the transcript to perfect it. Kapwing even lets you edit your audio (trim and cut) simply by deleting the text you want to remove. Or, if you don’t want to alter the original audio track, you can always download the transcript as a TXT file and edit it on your computer.

What's different about Kapwing?

Kapwing is free to use for teams of any size. We also offer paid plans with additional features, storage, and support.

Google Chrome Required

Please open dictation.io inside Google Chrome to use speech recognition.

Cannot Access Microphone

Please follow this guide for instructions on how to unblock your microphone.

Dictation is now publishing your note online. Please wait..

Speed is the rate at which the selected voice will speak your transcribed text while the pitch governs how high or low the voice speaks.

Speak Reset

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•   Auto Save
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• Show /Hide Help Pane
• User-Interface Language:
• Upload to Google Drive
• Download as file (.txt)
• Word Document (.doc)
• Save Session (Ctrl+S)

Say or Click

Tip: While dictating, press Enter↵ (on keyboard) to quickly move results from buffer to text editor.

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Convert audio to text

Descript’s audio-to-text capabilities transcribe audio with up to 95% accuracy to create transcripts, captions, subtitles, and text files. The best part? You can edit your audio by editing the text—just like a doc—to remove filler words and make cuts with just a few keystrokes.

The Easiest Speech-to-Text Has Ever Been

Descript’s speech-to-text transcription tool uses advanced speech recognition technology to turn audio files into transcripts that can be edited in real-time, just like a Google Doc, to change the underlying audio. All you have to do is drag and drop your audio or video file, and Descript will immediately begin transcribing.

How to transcribe audio files to text

Experience the magic of Studio Sound on your audio clip. You just need an audio recording that’s no longer than 5 minutes and no more than 25mb.

Drag and drop an audio or video file into a new Descript project to upload it. A transcript will automatically generate and sync to your audio, including dialogue and even "wordless media" like sounds, and pauses. If there are multiple speakers in your audio, Descript will automatically identify and label them for you.

By default, your new transcript will be synced to your editing timeline. You can delete or rearrange the text to edit your audio, letting you do stuff like remove filler words in one click. If you want to fix any transcription errors, like a misspelled name, highlight the text and enter Correct mode by pressing 'C' to fix your transcript without affecting the audio.

Once your transcript is polished, head over to  Publish > Export  and choose an export option. You can export your transcript as plain text, rich text, markdown, HTML, Word doc, or even an SRT or VTT subtitle file. You can also publish it as a web link to share or embed your transcript alongside the audio with Descript's media player.

A text converter that is as easy as drag and drop

Descript makes it easy to transcribe audio files into text. Simply create a project, select the audio file you want to transcribe, and wait a few seconds for your accurate transcription. Descript also makes it easy to correct any inaccuracies, so you can quickly take your transcript from highly accurate to perfect.Whether you're a YouTuber, vlogger, podcaster, or simply wanting to transcribe an audio file, Descript’s advanced speech recognition technology ensures precise and accurate transcriptions every time, and our simple, intuitive user interface makes it easy to get started.Sign up for free today and see how easy it is to create searchable transcripts of your audio files.

Descript Audio Transcription is Better Than Ever

With our most recent updates, Descript’s transcription is better than ever.

Automatic transcription will save you a step when you’re importing media; rather than confirming that you want to transcribe, Descript just starts transcribing.

Other fixes & improvements:

• Our Correction Wizard streamlines transcript correction even more by automatically identifying transcription errors.
• You can now order our White Glove transcription service or initiate Speaker Detection from the file details section of the Track Inspector (in the rail to the right of your transcript).
• You can select Speaker Detection from the speaker dropdown menu in the script.  
• You can click and drag to make Learning Center videos bigger.

How does Descript’s speech-to-text tool work?

Descript uses state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and machine learning to take your audio files and give you a highly accurate transcription of that audio in minutes.

Can I use Descript to make captions?

Yes, you can use Descript to create captions for videos. Simply select the video file you want to add text to, transcribe the audio, and then use Descript’s Fancy Captions feature to add the text to your video in a few clicks.

Is Descript just a transcription tool?

Far from it. With tools like automated Filler Word Removal, Overdub voice synthesis, Studio Sound voice enhancement, and  text-to-speech editing, Descript uses AI and other advanced technological stuff to streamline your entire production workflow — so you spend more time creating content, and less on the technical drudgery.

Can Descript transcribe in different languages?

Yes! Descript supports transcription for 22 languages: Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Malay, Turkish, Polish, Dutch, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, Croatian, Finnish, Danish, Norwegian, Slovak, Catalan, Lithuanian, Slovenian, Latvian, (and English).

What audio file formats does Descript transcribe?

Descript can read WAV audio formats from nearly every popular source. Whether you have an audio recording on a mobile device like an Android, an iOS device like an iPad or iPhone, or even something you recorded directly into Windows or Mac, Descript’s transcription software can take that audio and turn it into editable text for your project.

Download the app for free

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Convert Audio to Text

• 3 Create a new project Drag your file into the box above, or click Select file and import it from your computer or wherever it lives.

Descript does more than just transcribe audio. It can also generate audio based on your text to expand your creative options. Keep your words and change your voice, or cloning your voice to add to your original audio without rerecording.

Whether you're a YouTuber, podcaster, or just want to transcribe an audio file, Descript's 95% accurate AI transcription gets you most of the way. From there, you can remove filler words in one click, automatically flag likely transcription errors, and make bulk corrections across your entire transcript.

Export your transcribed audio in your choice of format, including or excluding speaker labels, time codes, and markers. Plus, AI Actions make it easy to turn your transcript into blog posts, social media posts, or even a script based on your prompts.

Descript uses industry-leading artificial intelligence and machine learning to take your audio files and give you a highly accurate transcription of that audio in seconds.

Yes, you can use Descript to create captions for videos. Simply select the video file you want to add text to, transcribe the audio, and then use Descript’s Fancy Captions feature to add the text to your video in a few clicks.

Far from it. Descript is an all-in-one audio and video editor. With features like automated filler word removal, voice cloning, and Studio Sound voice enhancement, Descript uses AI to streamline your entire production workflow.

Yes! Descript supports transcription in  23+ languages , including English (US), Latvian, Romanian, Catalan, Finnish, Lithuanian, Slovak, Croatian,  French (FR) , Malay, Slovenian, Czech, German, Norwegian,  Spanish (US) , Danish, Hungarian, Polish, Swedish, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese (BR), and Turkish. The AI can understand a variety of accents and speaking styles thanks to continual training of its speech recognition models.

Descript can transcribe WAV, MP3, AAC, AIFF, M4A, FLAC audio files.

SpeechTexter is a free multilingual speech-to-text application aimed at assisting you with transcription of notes, documents, books, reports or blog posts by using your voice. This app also features a customizable voice commands list, allowing users to add punctuation marks, frequently used phrases, and some app actions (undo, redo, make a new paragraph).

SpeechTexter is used daily by students, teachers, writers, bloggers around the world.

It will assist you in minimizing your writing efforts significantly.

Voice-to-text software is exceptionally valuable for people who have difficulty using their hands due to trauma, people with dyslexia or disabilities that limit the use of conventional input devices. Speech to text technology can also be used to improve accessibility for those with hearing impairments, as it can convert speech into text.

It can also be used as a tool for learning a proper pronunciation of words in the foreign language, in addition to helping a person develop fluency with their speaking skills.

Accuracy levels higher than 90% should be expected. It varies depending on the language and the speaker.

No download, installation or registration is required. Just click the microphone button and start dictating.

Speech to text technology is quickly becoming an essential tool for those looking to save time and increase their productivity.

Powerful real-time continuous speech recognition

Creation of text notes, emails, blog posts, reports and more.

Custom voice commands

More than 70 languages supported

SpeechTexter is using Google Speech recognition to convert the speech into text in real-time. This technology is supported by Chrome browser (for desktop) and some browsers on Android OS. Other browsers have not implemented speech recognition yet.

Note: iPhones and iPads are not supported

List of supported languages:

Afrikaans, Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Basque, Bengali, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Burmese, Catalan, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Filipino, Finnish, French, Galician, Georgian, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Javanese, Kannada, Kazakh, Khmer, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Lao, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malay, Malayalam, Marathi, Mongolian, Nepali, Norwegian Bokmål, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Sinhala, Slovak, Slovenian, Southern Sotho, Spanish, Sundanese, Swahili, Swati, Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Tsonga, Tswana, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, Venda, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Zulu.

Instructions for web app on desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux OS)

Requirements: the latest version of the Google Chrome [↗] browser (other browsers are not supported).

1. Connect a high-quality microphone to your computer.

2. Make sure your microphone is set as the default recording device on your browser.

To go directly to microphone's settings paste the line below into Chrome's URL bar.

chrome://settings/content/microphone

To capture speech from video/audio content on the web or from a file stored on your device, select 'Stereo Mix' as the default audio input.

3. Select the language you would like to speak (Click the button on the top right corner).

4. Click the "microphone" button. Chrome browser will request your permission to access your microphone. Choose "allow".

5. You can start dictating!

Instructions for the web app on a mobile and for the android app

Requirements: - Google app [↗] installed on your Android device. - Any of the supported browsers if you choose to use the web app.

Supported android browsers (not a full list): Chrome browser (recommended), Edge, Opera, Brave, Vivaldi.

1. Tap the button with the language name (on a web app) or language code (on android app) on the top right corner to select your language.

2. Tap the microphone button. The SpeechTexter app will ask for permission to record audio. Choose 'allow' to enable microphone access.

3. You can start dictating!

Common problems on a desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux OS)

Error: 'speechtexter cannot access your microphone'..

Please give permission to access your microphone.

Click on the "padlock" icon next to the URL bar, find the "microphone" option, and choose "allow".

Error: 'No speech was detected. Please try again'.

If you get this error while you are speaking, make sure your microphone is set as the default recording device on your browser [see step 2].

If you're using a headset, make sure the mute switch on the cord is off.

Error: 'Network error'

The internet connection is poor. Please try again later.

The result won't transfer to the "editor".

The result confidence is not high enough or there is a background noise. An accumulation of long text in the buffer can also make the engine stop responding, please make some pauses in the speech.

The results are wrong.

Please speak loudly and clearly. Speaking clearly and consistently will help the software accurately recognize your words.

Reduce background noise. Background noise from fans, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. can drop the accuracy significantly. Try to reduce background noise as much as possible.

Speak directly into the microphone. Speaking directly into the microphone enhances the accuracy of the software. Avoid speaking too far away from the microphone.

Speak in complete sentences. Speaking in complete sentences will help the software better recognize the context of your words.

Can I upload an audio file and get the transcription?

No, this feature is not available.

How do I transcribe an audio (video) file on my PC or from the web?

Playback your file in any player and hit the 'mic' button on the SpeechTexter website to start capturing the speech. For better results select "Stereo Mix" as the default recording device on your browser, if you are accessing SpeechTexter and the file from the same device.

I don't see the "Stereo mix" option (Windows OS)

"Stereo Mix" might be hidden or it's not supported by your system. If you are a Windows user go to 'Control panel' → Hardware and Sound → Sound → 'Recording' tab. Right-click on a blank area in the pane and make sure both "View Disabled Devices" and "View Disconnected Devices" options are checked. If "Stereo Mix" appears, you can enable it by right clicking on it and choosing 'enable'. If "Stereo Mix" hasn't appeared, it means it's not supported by your system. You can try using a third-party program such as "Virtual Audio Cable" or "VB-Audio Virtual Cable" to create a virtual audio device that includes "Stereo Mix" functionality.

How to use the voice commands list?

The voice commands list allows you to insert the punctuation, some text, or run some preset functions using only your voice. On the first column you enter your voice command. On the second column you enter a punctuation mark or a function. Voice commands are case-sensitive. Available functions: #newparagraph (add a new paragraph), #undo (undo the last change), #redo (redo the last change)

To use the function above make a pause in your speech until all previous dictated speech appears in your note, then say "insert a new paragraph" and wait for the command execution.

Found a mistake in the voice commands list or want to suggest an update? Follow the steps below:

• Navigate to the voice commands list [↑] on this website.
• Click on the edit button to update or add new punctuation marks you think other users might find useful in your language.
• Click on the "Export" button located above the voice commands list to save your list in JSON format to your device.

Next, send us your file as an attachment via email. You can find the email address at the bottom of the page. Feel free to include a brief description of the mistake or the updates you're suggesting in the email body.

Your contribution to the improvement of the services is appreciated.

Can I prevent my custom voice commands from disappearing after closing the browser?

SpeechTexter by default saves your data inside your browser's cache. If your browsers clears the cache your data will be deleted. However, you can export your custom voice commands to your device and import them when you need them by clicking the corresponding buttons above the list. SpeechTexter is using JSON format to store your voice commands. You can create a .txt file in this format on your device and then import it into SpeechTexter. An example of JSON format is shown below:

{ "period": ".", "full stop": ".", "question mark": "?", "new paragraph": "#newparagraph" }

I lost my dictated work after closing the browser.

SpeechTexter doesn't store any text that you dictate. Please use the "autosave" option or click the "download" button (recommended). The "autosave" option will try to store your work inside your browser's cache, where it will remain until you switch the "text autosave" option off, clear the cache manually, or if your browser clears the cache on exit.

Common problems on the Android app

I get the message: 'speech recognition is not available'..

'Google app' from Play store is required for SpeechTexter to work. download [↗]

Where does SpeechTexter store the saved files?

Version 1.5 and above stores the files in the internal memory.

Version 1.4.9 and below stores the files inside the "SpeechTexter" folder at the root directory of your device.

After updating the app from version 1.x.x to version 2.x.x my files have disappeared

As a result of recent updates, the Android operating system has implemented restrictions that prevent users from accessing folders within the Android root directory, including SpeechTexter's folder. However, your old files can still be imported manually by selecting the "import" button within the Speechtexter application.

Common problems on the mobile web app

Tap on the "padlock" icon next to the URL bar, find the "microphone" option and choose "allow".

• TERMS OF USE
• PRIVACY POLICY
• Play Store [↗]

copyright © 2014 - 2024 www.speechtexter.com . All Rights Reserved.

How to use speech to text in Microsoft Word

Speech to text in Microsoft Word is a hidden gem that is powerful and easy to use. We show you how to do it in five quick and simple steps

Master the skill of speech to text in Microsoft Word and you'll be dictating documents with ease before you know it. Developed and refined over many years, Microsoft's speech recognition and voice typing technology is an efficient way to get your thoughts out, create drafts and make notes.

Just like the best speech to text apps that make life easier for us when we're using our phones, Microsoft's offering is ideal for those of us who spend a lot of time using Word and don't want to wear out our fingers or the keyboard with all that typing. While speech to text in Microsoft Word used to be prone to errors which you'd then have to go back and correct, the technology has come a long way in recent years and is now amongst the best text-to-speech software .

Regardless of whether you have the best computer or the best Windows laptop , speech to text in Microsoft Word is easy to access and a breeze to use. From connecting your microphone to inserting punctuation, you'll find everything you need to know right here in this guide. Let's take a look...

How to use speech to text in Microsoft Word: Preparation

The most important thing to check is whether you have a valid Microsoft 365 subscription, as voice typing is only available to paying customers. If you’re reading this article, it’s likely your business already has a Microsoft 365 enterprise subscription. If you don’t, however, find out more about Microsoft 365 for business via this link . 

The second thing you’ll need before you start voice typing is a stable internet connection. This is because Microsoft Word’s dictation software processes your speech on external servers. These huge servers and lighting-fast processors use vast amounts of speech data to transcribe your text. In fact, they make use of advanced neural networks and deep learning technology, which enables the software to learn about human speech and continuously improve its accuracy. 

These two technologies are the key reason why voice typing technology has improved so much in recent years, and why you should be happy that Microsoft dictation software requires an internet connection. 

Once you’ve got a valid Microsoft 365 subscription and an internet connection, you’re ready to go!

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Step 1: Open Microsoft Word

Simple but crucial. Open the Microsoft Word application on your device and create a new, blank document. We named our test document “How to use speech to text in Microsoft Word - Test” and saved it to the desktop so we could easily find it later.

Step 2: Click on the Dictate button

Once you’ve created a blank document, you’ll see a Dictate button and drop-down menu on the top right-hand corner of the Home menu. It has a microphone symbol above it. From here, open the drop-down menu and double-check that the language is set to English.

One of the best parts of Microsoft Word’s speech to text software is its support for multiple languages. At the time of writing, nine languages were supported, with several others listed as preview languages. Preview languages have lower accuracy and limited punctuation support.

Step 3: Allow Microsoft Word access to the Microphone

If you haven’t used Microsoft Word’s speech to text software before, you’ll need to grant the application access to your microphone. This can be done at the click of a button when prompted.

It’s worth considering using an external microphone for your dictation, particularly if you plan on regularly using voice to text software within your organization. While built-in microphones will suffice for most general purposes, an external microphone can improve accuracy due to higher quality components and optimized placement of the microphone itself.

Step 4: Begin voice typing

Now we get to the fun stuff. After completing all of the above steps, click once again on the dictate button. The blue symbol will change to white, and a red recording symbol will appear. This means Microsoft Word has begun listening for your voice. If you have your sound turned up, a chime will also indicate that transcription has started. 

Using voice typing is as simple as saying aloud the words you would like Microsoft to transcribe. It might seem a little strange at first, but you’ll soon develop a bit of flow, and everyone finds their strategies and style for getting the most out of the software. 

These four steps alone will allow you to begin transcribing your voice to text. However, if you want to elevate your speech to text software skills, our fifth step is for you.

Step 5: Incorporate punctuation commands

Microsoft Word’s speech to text software goes well beyond simply converting spoken words to text. With the introduction and improvement of artificial neural networks, Microsoft’s voice typing technology listens not only to single words but to the phrase as a whole. This has enabled the company to introduce an extensive list of voice commands that allow you to insert punctuation marks and other formatting effects while speaking. 

We can’t mention all of the punctuation commands here, but we’ll name some of the most useful. Saying the command “period” will insert a period, while the command “comma” will insert, unsurprisingly, a comma. The same rule applies for exclamation marks, colons, and quotations. If you’d like to finish a paragraph and leave a line break, you can say the command “new line.” 

These tools are easy to use. In our testing, the software was consistently accurate in discerning words versus punctuation commands.

Microsoft’s speech to text software is powerful. Having tested most of the major platforms, we can say that Microsoft offers arguably the best product when balancing cost versus performance. This is because the software is built directly into Microsoft 365, which many businesses already use. If this applies to your business, you can begin using Microsoft’s voice typing technology straight away, with no additional costs. 

We hope this article has taught you how to use speech to text software in Microsoft Word, and that you’ll now be able to apply these skills within your organization. 

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Transcribe Audio to text

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Transcribe up to 2 minutes of audio at a time.

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Free online speech to text : type with your voice.

Have you ever thought to use your voice to transcribe everything you want to be typed out? You can do it with our free speech to text online tool.

Click on start dictation and allow our voice to text software to use your microphone. Start to dictate what you want to say. Watch as the online voice transcription offers live transcribing of your message.

How can you use our free speech to text online software?

• Click on Start Dictation.
• Allow our Speech to Text software to use your microphone.
• Start dictating.

Recording can also be initiated with keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+D. Doesn’t work for you? Make sure you are using Google Chrome browser.

Why should you use our free speech to text online software?

It’s quick, it’s simple and it’s totally free. Our speech to text / speech recognition software makes it easier than ever to turn your voice and diction into typed-out transcriptions. Our functional software allows you the chance to start dictation, save your transcription as a text, save your voice transcription as a word document, print your transcription, send by email, and more.

Using our transcription and voice to text recognition tool, you can dictate a text and see it typed out all.

Which features does this online voice to text software offer?

This talk to text feature provides a clear transcript, allows you to save text, and acts as a voice transcription. This tool is free and online so you can access it from anywhere, it recognizes key voice commands. It provides perfect functionality for professionals, teachers, students and more for high-quality voice typing online to increase productivity.

• Free and online
• No downloads, installation, or registration
• Supports Multi-language
• You can pause or stop dictation and our software will pause where you left off and hold your place
• Recognizes voice commands for inserting punctuation: for example, say "Comma" and it will type ","
• Smart capitalization
• You can save, copy, print, or send the dictated text
• You can use it on your computer, tablet or mobile device

What are the benefits of voice to text?

Some of the benefits of voice to text might seem obvious, and right off the bat, it’s simple to see why a free voice to text software might be useful. However, this program offers many more benefits that you might not have considered.

With our voice to text tool, you can experience seamless ease of communication, quick document turnaround, and course, flexibility for your work. Why take the time to type out your grand ideas when you can quickly capture them through our voice to text tool?

Ever have a great idea you can’t wait to type out but once you get the chance to type it out, you’ve forgotten the idea? Or further, have you ever constructed a great sentence in your head, but by the time you’ve pulled up a document to type it out, your brain has totally switched up the order? It happens to all of us. But with our speech to text tool, you simply speak into our software and record the idea without lifting a finger! Then, simply print the transcription, save it as a text, or save it as an email or word document

But that’s not all, there’s a long list of benefits that voice to text tools can offer! For example, voice to text software can:

• Help you save time : a speech recognition tool can cut your time in half when compared to typing out something on a document
• Multitask: this is a must for busy individuals
• Make fewer errors: when you type something out, it’s possible to make errors and fail to capture an idea well. With a voice to text converter, you can capture the emotion, message, and grammatically correct transcription straight from your diction.
• Make working and communicating on your smartphone easier than ever: our program works with iPhone, Android, tablets, and more: just open it with Chrome.Guarantee a secure pathway for your information: it goes from our transcription service to the next location you assign (as a text, word document, printed document, etc.).
• Streamline a tedious job.
• Increase and enhance workflow and visibility, allowing for easier management of projects and increased turnarounds.

What exactly is speech recognition?

A speech recognition tool, otherwise called an automatic speech recognition tool, a speech to text software, or online speech recognition tools, are softwares that are designed to offer a live transcription of a live dictation with your voice. These types of tools do not require any typing or physical effort.

They operate solely based on the user’s voice and then offer a typed out or written out version of that dictation. While most speech to text programs work differently than others, typically they offer live, instantaneous speech recognition transcription.

Who uses speech to text also known as voice typing?

Speech recognition tools are a useful addition for most people. In other words, almost anyone who wants to use a speech to text software will easily see the benefits of them almost instantly.

This tool is built to help enhance productivity for professionals who can save time by typing faster notes, taking more efficient and effective meeting notes, creating thorough to-do lists, and dictating on the go.

Many people benefit from using the voice typing and talk to text feature. This is a useful talk to text tool for professionals, teachers and students looking to excel. It can enhance the ability to take accurate class notes, be a true game changer for thesis statement work, enhance vocabulary, and improve just about any type of writing or speaking someone might do.

Dictation is an assistive technology and we are thrilled to help thousands of people around the globe everyday who struggle with writing. This speech recognition tool is helping people facing dysgraphia, dyslexia and other learning and thinking differences that impact writing. Blind or vision impaired people also find it helpful.

Speak to text allows you to write with your voice instead of writing by hand or with a keyboard. Speech to text software is designed to make typing easier than ever by only requiring a voice to transcribe dictation.

Speech to text or voice typer helps those who are interested in keeping their concentration and workflow going without distractions, those who are physically impaired, and those who simply enjoy the convenience of not having to type or write out their thoughts.

Online Dictation vs. Speech to Text Tools : what’s the difference?

Users read or hear about two different types of software or tools known as online dictation and speech to text programs. While these two terms are used interchangeably, many are wondering if there’s a difference between the two. In most cases, this isn’t so. Typically online dictation tools and speech to text tools fall into the same category and do the same things. Other times, however, the difference lies in how that live dictation is accomplished.

With speech to text programs, it’s essentially a guarantee that the program is a tool run by automated intelligence. In other words, there is no live person helping with this dictation. While this is often the case in online dictation tools too, sometimes online dictation can be referred to a real person offering dictation services online.

Speech recognition tool troubleshooting

The following problems might occur:

• The browser doesn't support speech recognition : the latest version of Chrome does. We highly recommend you to use Chrome.
• Hardware problem with the microphone : make sure your computer has detected your microphone.
• Permission for accessing the microphone is not granted. Allow our Speech Recognition tool to have access to your microphone.
• The browser listens to the wrong microphone. To solve microphone permission issues, click on the small camera icon in the browser's address bar (will appear after you click on the start dictation button), and set there the permission to allow the use of microphone, and pick the correct microphone from the dropdown list.

If you have other issues, please contact us describing the problem in detail.

What is speech to text software?

A speech to text software is a speech recognition tool. By listening to your voice, it automatically recognizes what you are saying and simultaneously transcribes it into text. Using a voice recognition software, you can type faster and avoid typographical errors. Voice typing software provides live voice recording to text.

How to turn on speech to text?

To turn on our speech to text software you just need to click on the “Start Dictation” button and allow the program to access your microphone. The speech recognition software will then start listening to what you are dictating and it will start transcribing what you are saying.

How to use speech to text?

One way to use it is to open our free speech to text tool. Simply select the language that you want to be live transcribed and click on “start dictation”. Allow your browser to access your microphone and start dictating. The free voice dictation software will now start recognizing your voice and will simultaneously transcribe the dictation into text.

Is there any software that can convert speech to text?

Yes, our free online speech to text software is one of the applications that can convert speech to text. It's a free automatic tool that can be used without registration. You can use it on your computer, tablet or on your mobile.

What is speech to text technology?

Speech to text technology converts spoken words into text. The conversion from audio to text is done simultaneously and helps you to write quicker and to avoid typing errors and eventual distractions. The audio to text converter is one of the best solutions when you want to make a note of something. You can also use it as a free online voice recorder. No paper and pen is needed, you just need to have access to your favorite device and internet.

How to use voice to text?

Using the voice to text converter is easy, free and without registration.To use our audio to text converter, simply select the language you will speak. To translate voice to text, click on “start dictation” and allow the program to access your microphone. The live transcription will start immediately.

How to do voice to text?

You can turn on voice to text by clicking on the “start dictation” button and by allowing the system to access your microphone. You can then start speaking and the live transcription will start. What you’ll say will automatically be converted into text and it’ll appear on your screen.

What is speech recognition?

Speech recognition is a technology that recognizes your voice and that converts every word that you say into text. This helps you to type quicker and avoid typos. Our speech recognition software can be used by a large set of people as journalists, students, business workers, writers, etc.

How does speech recognition work?

After clicking on the button “start dictation”, the speech recognition system will send the sound recorded by your microphone to an external partner such as Google Text-to-Speech, IBM Watson Speech to Text, Microsoft's speech-to-text or Amazon Transcribe. The partner will then convert your speech into text and will send back the text transcription. This process is happening live, this is why you can see the audio transcription directly on your screen. This is also why you need to be connected to the Internet to use this tool.

How to voice type?

You can voice type by using our free voice-to-text software. There is no need to download or to register any account. You just need to select the language you’ll speak, press the button “start dictation” and allow the site to access your microphone. As soon as it’s done, you will see that the words you’ve just pronounced are automatically typed into text.

How do I turn on voice typing?

Turning on this voice typing software is really easy. You just need to select the language, click on “start dictation” and allow the system to access your microphone. You will not need to download any application, to pay any fee or to register your email. Your transcription is happening live and is totally anonymous.

What does voice typing mean?

Voice typing means that you can type some text by using the sound of your voice instead of using your keyboard. Using your voice instead of your keyboard helps to avoid misspellings and inefficiencies.

How to talk to text?

Talk to text is easy. By finding the right online transcription tool, you can write your text by talking. Our online voice to text software can type what you dictate. Clicking on “Start dictation” and your dictation will be typed live on the screen.

How to turn on talk to text?

Wondering “How do i talk to text” ? By clicking on the button called “start dictation” and by allowing the software to access your microphone, you can turn on the talk to text system. Once these two initial steps have been completed, you can start dictating what you want to type and the system will automatically transcribe your voice into text.

What is live transcribe?

Live transcribe provides you instant captions of what you say. It uses speech recognition technology to turn your voice into text. Our live transcribe system offers you live transcriptions. Your voice is transcribed into text on the spot.

How to use live transcribe?

Two elements are needed to use our live transcription software. You need to have a microphone and an internet connection. Click on “start dictation” to enable the live transcription process. Start talking and the tool will instantly transcribe what you say.

How does speak to text work?

Speak to text tools listen to your voice and automatically transcribe the words that you’ve spoken into words into text. This process is done in real time. It’s free and doesn’t require any registration. To start using the tool, simply click on “Start dictation” button.

Can I convert speech to text?

Yes, you can. Converting speech to text is easy. Turn on our voice to text tool, select the language you’ll speak and start dictating what you want to be written on the screen. You also have the opportunity to add the punctuation just by saying “point” or by saying “comma” for example.

How can I turn on voice to text?

To turn on voice to text just press on the button “start dictation”, allow the system to register and grant access to your microphone. You can then start talking loud. The system will hear what you are saying and automatically write the words on the screen.

How can I type with my voice?

You can type with your voice by opening our voice to text tool. Click on “start dictation”, grant the access to your microphone and you will start transcribing your voice into text.

Is speech to text free?

Our speech to text is free and doesn’t require any registration. You only need to have a good internet connection available and a microphone. You can use Speech to text from anywhere, from your computer, your tablet or your phone.

How to get the transcription of an audio file?

To get the transcription of an audio file, simply sign up to our transcription software AudioScripto.

Once logged in, select the language of your audio file and upload it. A few minutes later, once the audio file has been transcribed, you will be alerted by email that your transcription is ready. You can immediately download the transcription of your audio file.

How to make a transcript of an audio file?

To make a transcript of an audio file simply register to our transcription software AudioScripto.

Select the language of your audio file and upload it. Once the file has been uploaded, the transcription will start. You will receive an email a few minutes later informing you that your audio file has been transcribed and that the transcription is ready.

Who can transcribe audio or video files?

There are several companies that offer transcription services or tools that can transcribe audio or video files into text. It can be done manually or automatically. The choice between both options will depend on your needs.

Is automatic transcription better than human transcription services?

It actually depends on your needs but automatic transcriptions have some advantages vs human transcriptions.

An automatic transcription tool like AudioScripto :

• Is faster than a human : upload your file, wait a few minutes and receive the transcription of your audio or video file,
• Will complete the transcription almost instantly : you are sure that the transcription will be completed within the deadline,
• Is cheaper than human transcriptions,
• Avoid human errors : you avoid the uncertainty of choosing the wrong person for the job.

Despite the fact that human transcription is much slower than automated transcription tools, the quality of the transcription is supposed to be better than the automated transcription. But this depends on the person that is transcribing your audio or video files. Thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning, the quality of automated transcription gets better every single day!

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Online Audio to Text Converter

Convert audio to text online free instantly. This best voice to text converter can save time and energy without sacrificing accuracy. 90+ languages and rich formats supported.

How to Automatically Convert Voice to Text Online Free?

Figuring out how to quickly convert speech, voice recordings or sound to text for podcast, interview, education, meetings, journalism, personal pleasure or any other purpose? Well, you've come to the right place! Media.io auto audio transcription tool does the difficult job for you. It's a simple online program that uses AI and deep ML to accurately analyze video or audio sounds and generate transcripts. You only need 3 simple steps to convert speech to text. See how this best audio transcriber works!

Step 1. Upload Your Voice Files to Convert

Launch Media.io speech to text converter to upload your audio or video files to transcribe. You can upload medias from local storage.

Step 2. Start Transcribing Audio to Text Online

Select "Subtitle" - "Auto Subtitles" on the left side. The automatic transcription tool will quickly analyze the voice and convert it into text in an instant. (You can make any necessary edits to the resulting transcripts.)

Step 3. Download Speech-to-Text File

Now your audio transcript is ready. Preview and Export the text file in .TXT or .SRT format to your device.

Standout Features of Media.io Audio to Text Transcriber

As for audio-to-text converting, Media.io empowers you to transcribe sound with remarkable accuracy and efficiency. After extracting the texts or subtitles from any video or audio files, you can get it auto-synced with your video or perform other editing tasks - delete, duplicate, copy and type, etc. Give it a try!

Online Speech to Text

With Media.io Auto transcript service of this online transcriber , you don't need to install any complicated software transcribing audio recording apps. Simply launch it from browser and transcribe from audio to text free.

High Recognition Accuracy

Media.io uses an advanced AI translator and deep ML to transcribe any audio recordings into quality text. Gives you up to 95% accuracy with few spelling or grammar errors that need proofreading.

90+ Languages Supported

You can easily transcribe audio file or video files in over 90 languages. It supports English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Indian, and other languages. Many accents are included. (Currently it only supports English, but support for other languages will be available soon!)

Accept Various Audio Types

Media.io supports almost all standard sound formats for importing. You can directly upload video or audio files in formats like MP3, M4A, WAV, MP4, MOV, WebM, AVI, OGG, FLAC, and more.

Multi-Functional Editor

This speech recognition software comes with a multitrack timeline to edit audio, video and text accordingly. You can trim, split, cut, add captions, etc.

Auto Add Video Subtitles

To cover up more regions and users and let them understand what you are saying or presenting in the video you post on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or Tiktok, convert your speech to different subtitles.

Auto Subtitle Video

Add Audio to Video

Remove Video Noise

Cut & Trim Audio

Generate Voice

Remove Audio Noise

How Can Media.io Voice to Text Converter Help You?

Imagine you have to transcribe the audio to text by typing words manually, it could take hours to finish a speech-to-text typing work. But now, you got this Audio to Text Converter for helping you get relief from the time-spending work! It could be used to convert podcasts, speeches, video captions, etc. And the exported text file can be saved in .txt for matching Google Sheets, Microsoft Word, etc.

Convert Online Lectures, Interviews, Speechings or Teachings to Text

Online courses are rising in recent years, people can take lessons all around the world. However, lecturers and tutors may have to deal with students from different countries and regions and let them understand what they are teaching without using their native language.

To solve this problem, a transcription service like Media.io is helpful. Teachers can convert audio into the widely spoken languages like English or alternatively, students can make use of smart translation techniques to understand the speech in their native language. In both ways, transcribing sound to text helps to understand the knowledge more efficiently.

Auto Transcribe YouTube Video Contents to Subtitles & Caption

CC captions is an audio to text service with the language you are speaking. Yet, if you want to reach a wider audience, it is more wiser for you to offer more native language to get more views. Therefore, use Media.io to accurately transcribe videos by adding subtitles and captions in different languages. You can even customize and edit the description.

*Tips: Learn how to transcribe YouTube to Text and auto generate subtitles or captions for videos .

Transcribe Podcasts to Words for Further Explaination

A podcast is an online audio or spoken word that focuses on a specific topic. To grab more audiences, you may want to understand every word in the podcast and create descriptions or posts for each episode. And some of them prefer to read than listen. This is why Media.io comes into play; it will create auto-generated transcripts of your podcasts to transcript audio and improve the whole workflow.

Convert Audio to Text to Help Someone that Is Hard to Type by Hands

Audio to Text Converter is such a gift for people with dyslexia or who are disabled to use conventional input devices for typing words. This technology can help them to express their words with text so that everyone can know it clearly.

FAQs Regarding Sound to Text Converter

How can I transcribe voice to text quickly?

Media.io makes it super simple for you to transcribe from audio to text. Just upload your audio recording files and our AI transcription software will take care of the rest, generating plain text in a matter of seconds. Interestingly, you can record voices using the inbuilt recorder and transcribe it.

How can I edit the auto-transcribed text?

Once you've finised auto audio transcription audio to text on Media.io, you can simply download the plain text or edit it further.

Can I add the auto-transcribed text to my video?

Yes, you can add the extracted text tracks to any video without manual operations. Just toggle on the Auto Subtitle button. The transcribed texts will be automatically burned into the video. If you wish to save the subtitles separately, click the Export icon to download the subtitle file in SRT or TXT.

More Tips and Tricks for STT and Voice Changing

This online voice to text converter works really well. The accuracy is amazing and it helps me transcribe my videos to English transcript without any hassles. I'm happy.

I've been a fan of Media.io products for a while now and this particular online product impresses me. The transcript from audio is simple, fast, and accurate.

This online audio to text converter works magic for me. Apart from being 100% accurate, it allows me to edit the generated text which is a big plus. Continue the good work, guys!

As an online student, I always have to transcribe my lecture videos to understand everything and create notes. Luckily, Media.io helps me with that most of the time.

Everything about this online video editor is spot on. It's 95% accurate and hardly gives me the wrong texts when adding subtitles to my YouTube videos. I highly recommend it!

Sound into Text Converter You Can Rely On.

The Best (Free) Speech-to-Text Software for Windows

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Looking for the best free speech to text software on Windows?

The best speech-to-text software is Dragon Naturally Speaking (DNS) but it comes at a price. But how does it compare to the best of the free programs, like Google Docs Voice Typing (GDVT) and Windows Speech Recognition (WSR)?

This article compares Dragon against Google Docs Voice Typing and Windows Speech Recognition for three typical uses:

• Writing novels.
•  Academic transcription.
• Writing business documents like memos.

Comparing Speech Recognition Software: Dragon Vs. Google Vs Microsoft

We will look at the nuances between the three below, but here's an overview on their pros and cons which will help you quickly make a decision.

1. Dragon Speech Recognition

Dragon Naturally Speaking beats Microsoft's and Google's software in voice recognition.

DNS scores 10% better on average compared to both programs. But is Dragon Naturally Speaking worth the money?

It depends on what you're using it for. For seamless, high-accuracy writing that will require little proof-reading, DNS is the best speech-to-text software around.

2. Windows Speech Recognition

If you don't mind proofreading your documents, WSR is a great free speech-recognition software.

On the downside, it requires that you use a Windows computer. It's also only about 90% accurate, making it the least accurate out of all the voice recognition software tested in this article.

However, it's integrated into the Windows operating system, which means it can also control the computer itself, such as shutdown and sleep.

3. Google Docs Voice Typing

Google Docs Voice Typing is highly limited in how and where you use it. It only works in Google Docs, in the Chrome Browser, and with an internet connection.

But it offers several options on mobile devices. Android smartphones have the ability to transcribe your voice to text using the same speech-to-text engine that also works with Google Keep or Live Transcribe.

And while Dragon Naturally Speaking offers a mobile app, it's treated as a separate purchase from the desktop client.

Dragon and Microsoft work in any place you can enter text. However, WSR can execute control functions whereas Dragon is mostly limited to text input.

Download : Live Transcribe for Android (Free)

Speech-to-Text Testing Methods

In order to test the accuracy of the dictation with the tools, I read aloud three texts:

• Charles Darwin's "On the Tendency of Species to Form Varieties"
• H.P. Lovecraft's "Call of Cthulhu"
• California Governor Jerry Brown's 2017 State of the State speech

When a speech-to-text software miscapitalized a word, I marked the text as blue in the right-column (see graphic below). When one of the software got a word wrong, the misspelled word was marked in red. I did not consider wrong capitalizations to be errors.

I used a Blue Yeti microphone which is the best microphone for podcasting  and a relatively fast computer. However, you don't need any special hardware. Any laptop or smartphone transcribes speech as well as a more expensive machine.

Test 1: Dragon Naturally Speaking Speech-to-Text Accuracy

Dragon scored 100% on accuracy on all three sample texts. While it failed to capitalize the first letter on every text, it otherwise performed beyond my expectations.

While all three transcription suites do a great job of accurately turning spoken words into written text, DNS comes out way ahead of its competitors. It even successfully understood complicated words such as "hitherto" and "therein".

Test 2: Google Docs Voice Typing Speech-to-Text Accuracy

Google Docs Voice Typing had many errors compared to Dragon. GDVT got 93.5% right on Lovecraft, 96.5% correc t for Brown, and 96.5% for Darwin. Its average accuracy came out to around 95.2% for all three texts.

On the downside, it automatically capitalized a lot of words that didn't need capitalization. It seems the engine also hasn't improved in accuracy since I last tested GDVT three years ago.

Test 3: Microsoft Windows Speech Recognition Text-to-Speech Accuracy

Microsoft's Windows Speech Recognition came in last. Its accuracy on Lovecraft was 84.3% , although it did not miscapitalize any words like GDVT. For Brown's speech, it got its highest accuracy rating of around 94.8% , making it equivalent to GDVT.

For Darwin's book, it managed to get a similarly high score of 93.1% . Its average accuracy across all texts came out to 89% .

Related: The Best Free Text-to-Speech Tools for Educators

Are Free Transcription Services Worth Using?

• Dragon Naturally Speaking got a perfect 100% accuracy for voice transcription.
• Microsoft's free voice-to-text service, Windows Speech Recognition scored an 89% accuracy.
• Google Docs Voice Typing got a total score of 95.2% accuracy.

However, there are some major limitations to free text-to-speech options you should always keep in mind.

GDVT only works in the Chrome browser. On top of that, it only works for Google Docs. If you need to enter something in a spreadsheet or in a word processor other than Google Docs, you are out of luck.

Our test results indicate it is more accurate than WSR, but you have to keep in mind that it only works in Chrome for Google Docs. And you will always need an internet connection.

WSR can make you more productive with its hands-off computer automation features. Plus, it can enter text. Its accuracy is the weakest out of the services that I tested.

That said, you can live with its misses if you are not a heavy transcriber. It's on par with Google Docs Voice Typing but limited to Windows.

For most users, the free options should be good enough. However, for all those who need high levels of transcription accuracy, Dragon Naturally Speaking is the best option around. As an occasional user, if you need a free service, Google Docs Voice Typing is a viable alternative.

These tools prove that your voice can make you more productive. Now, try out Google Voice Assistant  which is the best voice-control assistant you can use right now to manage everyday tasks.

Plus, be sure to check out these free online services to download text to speech as MP3 .

• Productivity
• Speech Recognition

Use voice typing to talk instead of type on your PC

With voice typing, you can enter text on your PC by speaking. Voice typing uses online speech recognition, which is powered by Azure Speech services.

How to start voice typing

To use voice typing, you'll need to be connected to the internet, have a working microphone, and have your cursor in a text box.

Once you turn on voice typing, it will start listening automatically. Wait for the "Listening..." alert before you start speaking.

Note:  Press Windows logo key + Alt + H to navigate through the voice typing menu with your keyboard. 

Install a voice typing language

You can use a voice typing language that's different than the one you've chosen for Windows. Here's how:

Select Start > Settings > Time & language > Language & region .

Find Preferred languages in the list and select Add a language .

Search for the language you'd like to install, then select Next .

Select Next or install any optional language features you'd like to use. These features, including speech recognition, aren't required for voice typing to work.

To see this feature's supported languages, see the list in this article.

Switch voice typing languages

To switch voice typing languages, you'll need to change the input language you use. Here's how:

Select the language switcher in the corner of your taskbar

Press Windows logo key + Spacebar on a hardware keyboard

Press the language switcher in the bottom right of the touch keyboard

Supported languages

These languages support voice typing in Windows 11:

• Chinese (Simplified, China)
• Chinese (Traditional, Hong Kong SAR)

Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan)

• Dutch (Netherlands)
• English (Australia)
• English (Canada)
• English (India)
• English (New Zealand)
• English (United Kingdom)
• English (United States)
• French (Canada)
• French (France)

Italian (Italy)

• Norwegian (Bokmål)

Portuguese (Brazil)

• Portuguese (Portugal)
• Romanian (Romania)
• Spanish (Mexico)
• Spanish (Spain)
• Swedish (Sweden)
• Tamil (India)

Dictation commands

Use dictation commands to tell you PC what to do, like “delete that” or “select the previous word.”

The following table tells you what you can say. If a word or phrase is in bold , it's an example. Replace it with similar words to get the result you want.

Dictating letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols

You can dictate most numbers and punctuation by saying the number or punctuation character. To dictate letters and symbols, say "start spelling." Then say the symbol or letter, or use the ICAO phonetic alphabet.

To dictate an uppercase letter, say “uppercase” before the letter. For example, “uppercase A” or “uppercase alpha.” When you’re done, say “stop spelling.”

Here are the punctuation characters and symbols you can dictate.

Dictation commands are available in US English only.

You can dictate basic text, symbols, letters, and numbers in these languages:

Simplified Chinese

English (Australia, Canada, India, United Kingdom)

French (France, Canada)

Spanish (Mexico, Spain)

To dictate in other languages, Use voice recognition in Windows .

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How to use speech-to-text on Microsoft Word to write and edit with your voice

• You can use speech-to-text on Microsoft Word through the "Dictate" feature.
• With Microsoft Word's "Dictate" feature, you can write using a microphone and your own voice.
• When you use Dictate, you can say "new line" to create a new paragraph and add punctuation simply by saying the punctuation aloud.
• If you're not satisfied with Word's built-in speech-to-text feature, you can use a third-party program like Dragon Home.
• Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

While typing is certainly the most common way to create and edit documents in Microsoft Word , you're not limited to using a keyboard. 

Word supports speech-to-text, which lets you dictate your writing using voice recognition. 

Speech-to-text in Word is convenient and surprisingly accurate, and can help anyone who has issues typing with a typical keyboard. 

You can use speech-to-text in Microsoft Word in the same way on both Mac and PC.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple macbook pro (from $1,299.00 at apple), acer chromebook 15 (from $179.99 at walmart), how to use speech-to-text on word using dictate.

Make sure you have a microphone connected to your computer. This can be built-in, like on a laptop, or a separate mic that you plug into the USB or audio jack. 

It doesn't matter which type you use, though the best kind of mic to use is a headset, as it won't need to compete with as much background noise as a built-in microphone.

1. In Microsoft Word, make sure you're in the "Home" tab at the top of the screen, and then click "Dictate."

2. You should hear a beep, and the dictate button will change to include a red recording light. It's now listening for your dictation. 

3. Speak clearly, and Word should transcribe everything you say in the current document. Speak punctuation aloud as you go. You can also say "New line," which has the same effect as pressing the Enter or Return key on the keyboard. 

4. When you're done dictating, click "Dictate" a second time or turn it off using your voice by saying, "Turn the dictate feature off."

You can still type with the keyboard while Dictate is on, but if you click outside of Word or switch to another program, Dictate will turn itself off.  

Want to change languages? You can click the downward arrow on the Dictate button to choose which of nine or so languages you want to speak. You might also see additional "Preview Languages," which are still in beta and may have lower accuracy.

Speech-to-text alternatives

You're not limited to using the Dictate feature built into Word. While not as popular as they once were, there are several commercial speech-to-text apps available which you can use with Word. 

The most popular of these, Dragon Home , performs the same kind of voice recognition as Word's Dictate, but it also lets you control Word, format text, and make edits to your text using your voice. It works with nearly any program, not just Word.

Related coverage from  Tech Reference :

How to use speech-to-text on a windows computer to quickly dictate text without typing, you can use text-to-speech in the kindle app on an ipad using an accessibility feature— here's how to turn it on, how to use text-to-speech on discord, and have the desktop app read your messages aloud, how to use google text-to-speech on your android phone to hear text instead of reading it, 2 ways to lock a windows computer from your keyboard and quickly secure your data.

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Guide Center

The best dictation software in 2024

These speech-to-text apps will save you time without sacrificing accuracy..

The early days of dictation software were like your friend that mishears lyrics: lots of enthusiasm but little accuracy. Now, AI is out of Pandora's box, both in the news and in the apps we use, and dictation apps are getting better and better because of it. It's still not 100% perfect, but you'll definitely feel more in control when using your voice to type.

I took to the internet to find the best speech-to-text software out there right now, and after monologuing at length in front of dozens of dictation apps, these are my picks for the best.

The best dictation software

What is dictation software.

If this isn't what you're looking for, here's what else is out there:

AI assistants, such as Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, and Microsoft's Cortana, can help you interact with each of these ecosystems to send texts, buy products, or schedule events on your calendar.

Transcription services that use a combination of dictation software, AI, and human proofreaders can achieve above 99% accuracy.

What makes a great dictation app?

How we evaluate and test apps.

Dictation software comes in different shapes and sizes. Some are integrated in products you already use. Others are separate apps that offer a range of extra features. While each can vary in look and feel, here's what I looked for to find the best:

High accuracy. Staying true to what you're saying is the most important feature here. The lowest score on this list is at 92% accuracy.

Ease of use. This isn't a high hurdle, as most options are basic enough that anyone can figure them out in seconds.

Availability of voice commands. These let you add "instructions" while you're dictating, such as adding punctuation, starting a new paragraph, or more complex commands like capitalizing all the words in a sentence.

Availability of the languages supported. Most of the picks here support a decent (or impressive) number of languages.

Versatility. I paid attention to how well the software could adapt to different circumstances, apps, and systems.

I tested these apps by reading a 200-word script containing numbers, compound words, and a few tricky terms. I read the script three times for each app: the accuracy scores are an average of all attempts. Finally, I used the voice commands to delete and format text and to control the app's features where available.

What about AI?

Also, since this isn't a hot AI software category, these apps may prefer to focus on their core offering and product quality instead, not ride the trendy wave by slapping "AI-powered" on every web page.

Tips for using voice recognition software

Though dictation software is pretty good at recognizing different voices, it's not perfect. Here are some tips to make it work as best as possible.

Speak naturally (with caveats). Dictation apps learn your voice and speech patterns over time. And if you're going to spend any time with them, you want to be comfortable. Speak naturally. If you're not getting 90% accuracy initially, try enunciating more.  

Punctuate. When you dictate, you have to say each period, comma, question mark, and so forth. The software isn't always smart enough to figure it out on its own.

Learn a few commands . Take the time to learn a few simple commands, such as "new line" to enter a line break. There are different commands for composing, editing, and operating your device. Commands may differ from app to app, so learn the ones that apply to the tool you choose.

Know your limits. Especially on mobile devices, some tools have a time limit for how long they can listen—sometimes for as little as 10 seconds. Glance at the screen from time to time to make sure you haven't blown past the mark. 

Practice. It takes time to adjust to voice recognition software, but it gets easier the more you practice. Some of the more sophisticated apps invite you to train by reading passages or doing other short drills. Don't shy away from tutorials, help menus, and on-screen cheat sheets.

The best dictation software at a glance

Best free dictation software for Apple devices

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Look no further than your Mac, iPhone, or iPad for one of the best dictation tools. Apple's built-in dictation feature, powered by Siri (I wouldn't be surprised if the two merged one day), ships as part of Apple's desktop and mobile operating systems. On iOS devices, you use it by pressing the microphone icon on the stock keyboard. On your desktop, you turn it on by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Dictation , and then use a keyboard shortcut to activate it in your app.

Apple Dictation price: Included with macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Apple Watch.

Apple Dictation accuracy: 96%. I tested this on an iPhone SE 3rd Gen using the dictation feature on the keyboard.

Best free dictation software for Windows

Windows 11 speech recognition (windows).

Windows 11 Speech Recognition (also known as Voice Typing) is a strong dictation tool, both for writing documents and controlling your Windows PC. Since it's part of your system, you can use it in any app you have installed.

To start, first, check that online speech recognition is on by going to Settings > Time and Language > Speech . To begin dictating, open an app, and on your keyboard, press the Windows logo key + H. A microphone icon and gray box will appear at the top of your screen. Make sure your cursor is in the space where you want to dictate.

When it's ready for your dictation, it will say Listening . You have about 10 seconds to start talking before the microphone turns off. If that happens, just click it again and wait for Listening to pop up. To stop the dictation, click the microphone icon again or say "stop talking."  

As I dictated into a Word document, the gray box reminded me to hang on, we need a moment to catch up . If you're speaking too fast, you'll also notice your transcribed words aren't keeping up. This never posed an issue with accuracy, but it's a nice reminder to keep it slow and steady. 

While you can use this tool anywhere inside your computer, if you're a Microsoft 365 subscriber, you'll be able to use the dictation features there too. The best app to use it on is, of course, Microsoft Word: it even offers file transcription, so you can upload a WAV or MP3 file and turn it into text. The engine is the same, provided by Microsoft Speech Services.

Windows 11 Speech Recognition price: Included with Windows 11. Also available as part of the Microsoft 365 subscription.

Windows 11 Speech Recognition accuracy: 95%. I tested it in Windows 11 while using Microsoft Word. 

Best customizable dictation software

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In 1990, Dragon Dictate emerged as the first dictation software. Over three decades later, we have Dragon by Nuance, a leader in the industry and a distant cousin of that first iteration. With a variety of software packages and mobile apps for different use cases (e.g., legal, medical, law enforcement), Dragon can handle specialized industry vocabulary, and it comes with excellent features, such as the ability to transcribe text from an audio file you upload. 

For this test, I used Dragon Anywhere, Nuance's mobile app, as it's the only version—among otherwise expensive packages—available with a free trial. It includes lots of features not found in the others, like Words, which lets you add words that would be difficult to recognize and spell out. For example, in the script, the word "Litmus'" (with the possessive) gave every app trouble. To avoid this, I added it to Words, trained it a few times with my voice, and was then able to transcribe it accurately.

It also provides shortcuts. If you want to shorten your entire address to one word, go to Auto-Text , give it a name ("address"), and type in your address: 1000 Eichhorn St., Davenport, IA 52722, and hit Save . The next time you dictate and say "address," you'll get the entire thing. Press the comment bubble icon to see text commands while you're dictating, or say "What can I say?" and the command menu pops up. 

Once you complete a dictation, you can email, share (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox), open in Word, or save to Evernote. You can perform these actions manually or by voice command (e.g., "save to Evernote.") Once you name it, it automatically saves in Documents for later review or sharing. 

Accuracy is good and improves with use, showing that you can definitely train your dragon. It's a great choice if you're serious about dictation and plan to use it every day, but may be a bit too much if you're just using it occasionally.

Dragon by Nuance price: $15/month for Dragon Anywhere (iOS and Android); from $200 to $500 for desktop packages

Dragon by Nuance accuracy: 97%. Tested it in the Dragon Anywhere iOS app.

Best free mobile dictation software

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Back to the topic: it has an excellent dictation feature. To start, press the microphone icon on the top-right of the keyboard. An overlay appears on the screen, filling itself with the words you're saying. It's very quick and accurate, which will feel great for fast-talkers but probably intimidating for the more thoughtful among us. If you stop talking for a few seconds, the overlay disappears, and Gboard pastes what it heard into the app you're using. When this happens, tap the microphone icon again to continue talking.

Wherever you can open a keyboard while using your phone, you can have Gboard supporting you there. You can write emails or notes or use any other app with an input field.

The writer who handled the previous update of this list had been using Gboard for seven years, so it had plenty of training data to adapt to his particular enunciation, landing the accuracy at an amazing 98%. I haven't used it much before, so the best I had was 92% overall. It's still a great score. More than that, it's proof of how dictation apps improve the more you use them.

Gboard price : Free

Gboard accuracy: 92%. With training, it can go up to 98%. I tested it using the iOS app while writing a new email.

Best dictation software for typing in Google Docs

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Just like Microsoft offers dictation in their Office products, Google does the same for their Workspace suite. The best place to use the voice typing feature is in Google Docs, but you can also dictate speaker notes in Google Slides as a way to prepare for your presentation.

To get started, make sure you're using Chrome and have a Google Docs file open. Go to Tools > Voice typing , and press the microphone icon to start. As you talk, the text will jitter into existence in the document.

You can change the language in the dropdown on top of the microphone icon. If you need help, hover over that icon, and click the ? on the bottom-right. That will show everything from turning on the mic, the voice commands for dictation, and moving around the document.

It's unclear whether Google's voice typing here is connected to the same engine in Gboard. I wasn't able to confirm whether the training data for the mobile keyboard and this tool are connected in any way. Still, the engines feel very similar and turned out the same accuracy at 92%. If you start using it more often, it may adapt to your particular enunciation and be more accurate in the long run.

Google Docs voice typing price : Free

Google Docs voice typing accuracy: 92%. Tested in a new Google Docs file in Chrome.

Best dictation software for collaboration

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It's not as robust in terms of dictation as others on the list, but it compensates with its versatility. It's a meeting assistant, first and foremost, ready to hop on your meetings and transcribe everything it hears. This is great to keep track of what's happening there, making the text available for sharing by generating a link or in the corresponding team workspace.

The reason why it's the best for collaboration is that others can highlight parts of the transcript and leave their comments. It also separates multiple speakers, in case you're recording a conversation, so that's an extra headache-saver if you use dictation software for interviewing people.

When you open the app and click the Record button on the top-right, you can use it as a traditional dictation app. It doesn't support voice commands, but it has decent intuition as to where the commas and periods should go based on the intonation and rhythm of your voice. Once you're done talking, Otter will start processing what you said, extract keywords, and generate action items and notes from the content of the transcription.

If you're going for long recording stretches where you talk about multiple topics, there's an AI chat option, where you can ask Otter questions about the transcript. This is great to summarize the entire talk, extract insights, and get a different angle on everything you said.

Otter price: Free plan available for 300 minutes / month. Pro plan starts at $16.99, adding more collaboration features and monthly minutes.

Otter accuracy: 93% accuracy. I tested it in the web app on my computer.

Otter supported languages: Only American and British English for now.

Is voice dictation for you?

Dictation software isn't for everyone. It will likely take practice learning to "write" out loud because it will feel unnatural. But once you get comfortable with it, you'll be able to write from anywhere on any device without the need for a keyboard. 

And by using any of the apps I listed here, you can feel confident that most of what you dictate will be accurately captured on the screen. 

Related reading:

This article was originally published in April 2016 and has also had contributions from Emily Esposito, Jill Duffy, and Chris Hawkins. The most recent update was in November 2023.

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Miguel Rebelo

Miguel Rebelo is a freelance writer based in London, UK. He loves technology, video games, and huge forests. Track him down at mirebelo.com.

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#1 Text To Speech (TTS) Reader Online

Proudly serving millions of users since 2015

Type or upload any text, file, website & book for listening online, proofreading, reading-along or generating professional mp3 voice-overs.

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Play Text Out Loud

Reads out loud plain text, files, e-books and websites. Remembers text & caret position, so you can come back to listening later, unlimited length, recording and more.

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The simplest most robust & affordable AI voice-over generating tool online. Mix voices, languages & speeds. Listen before recording. Unlimited!

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Turns your articles, PDFs, emails, etc. into podcasts, so you can listen to it on your own podcast player when convenient, with all the advantages that come with your podcast app.

SpeechNinja says what you type in real time. It enables people with speech difficulties to speak out loud using synthesized voice (AAC) and more.

Battle tested for years, serving millions of users, especially good for very long texts.

Need to read a webpage? Simply paste its URL here & click play. Leave empty to read about the Beatles 🎸

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Listen to some of the best stories ever written. We have them right here. Want to upload your own? Use the main player to upload epub files.

Simply paste any URL (link to a page) and it will import & read it out loud.

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Reads out loud webpages, directly from within the page.

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TTSReader reads out loud texts, webpages, pdfs & ebooks with natural sounding voices. Works out of the box. No need to download or install. No sign in required. Simply click 'play' and enjoy listening right in your browser. TTSReader remembers your text and position between sessions, so you can continue listening right where you left. Recording the generated speech is supported as well. Works offline, so you can use it at home, in the office, on the go, driving or taking a walk. Listening to textual content using TTSReader enables multitasking, reading on the go, improved comprehension and more. With support for multiple languages, it can be used for unlimited use cases .

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Listen to great content.

Most of the world's content is in textual form. Being able to listen to it - is huge! In that sense, TTSReader has a huge advantage over podcasts. You choose your content - out of an infinite variety - that includes humanity's entire knowledge and art richness. Listen to lectures, to PDF files. Paste or upload any text from anywhere, edit it if needed, and listen to it anywhere and anytime.

Proofreading

One of the best ways to catch errors in your writing is to listen to it being read aloud. By using TTSReader for proofreading, you can catch errors that you might have missed while reading silently, allowing you to improve the quality and accuracy of your written content. Errors can be in sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar, but also in your essay's structure, order and content.

Listen to web pages

TTSReader can be used to read out loud webpages in two different ways. 1. Using the regular player - paste the URL and click play. The website's content will be imported into the player. (2) Using our Chrome extension to listen to pages without leaving the page . Listening to web pages with TTSReader can provide a more accessible, convenient, and efficient way of consuming online content.

Turn ebooks into audiobooks

Upload any ebook file of epub format - and TTSReader will read it out loud for you, effectively turning it into an audiobook alternative. You can find thousands of epub books for free, available for download on Project Gutenberg's site, which is an open library for free ebooks.

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Generate audio files from text

TTSReader enables exporting the synthesized speech with a single click. This is available currently only on Windows and requires TTSReader’s premium . Adhering to the commercial terms some of the voices may be used commercially for publishing, such as narrating videos.

Accessibility, dyslexia, etc.

For individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties, listening to textual content, lectures, articles & web pages can be an essential tool for accessing & comprehending information.

Language learning

TTSReader can read out text in multiple languages, providing learners with listening as well as speaking practice. By listening to the text being read aloud, learners can improve their comprehension skills and pronunciation.

Kids - stories & learning

Kids love stories! And if you can read them stories - it's definitely the best! But, if you can't, let TTSReader read them stories for you. Set the right voice and speed, that is appropriate for their comprehension level. For kids who are at the age of learning to read - this can also be an effective tool to strengthen that skill, as it highlights every sentence being read.

Main Features

Ttsreader is a free text to speech reader that supports all modern browsers, including chrome, firefox and safari..

Includes multiple languages and accents. If on Chrome - you will get access to Google's voices as well. Super easy to use - no download, no login required. Here are some more features

Fun, Online, Free. Listen to great content

Drag, drop & play (or directly copy text & play). That’s it. No downloads. No logins. No passwords. No fuss. Simply fun to use and listen to great content. Great for listening in the background. Great for proof-reading. Great for kids and more. Learn more, including a YouTube we made, here .

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We facilitate high-quality natural-sounding voices from different sources. There are male & female voices, in different accents and different languages. Choose the voice you like, insert text, click play to generate the synthesized speech and enjoy listening.

Exit, Come Back & Play from Where You Stopped

TTSReader remembers the article and last position when paused, even if you close the browser. This way, you can come back to listening right where you previously left. Works on Chrome & Safari on mobile too. Ideal for listening to articles.

Vs. Recorded Podcasts

In many aspects, synthesized speech has advantages over recorded podcasts. Here are some: First of all - you have unlimited - free - content. That includes high-quality articles and books, that are not available on podcasts. Second - it’s free. Third - it uses almost no data - so it’s available offline too, and you save money. If you like listening on the go, as while driving or walking - get our free Android Text Reader App .

Read PDF Files, Texts & Websites

TTSReader extracts the text from pdf files, and reads it out loud. Also useful for simply copying text from pdf to anywhere. In addition, it highlights the text currently being read - so you can follow with your eyes. If you specifically want to listen to websites - such as blogs, news, wiki - you should get our free extension for Chrome

Export Speech to Audio Files

TTSReader enables exporting the synthesized speech to mp3 audio files. This is available currently only on Windows, and requires ttsreader’s premium .

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10 Best Speech-to-Text Software in 2024

Manasi Nair

Managing Editor

July 26, 2024

For me, inspiration strikes when I least expect it. A brilliant idea pops up under the shower, in the cab, or during a leisurely walk. But capturing those fleeting thoughts has been a real challenge.

Juggling multiple tasks—from writing blog posts to designing graphics—also hinders productivity . Constant context switching saps energy and slows me down.

That’s how I discovered the usefulness of voice technology software. Imagine a world where your thoughts can be transformed into text instantly. Speech-to-text technology has made this a reality. With a speech-to-text app, you can capture your ideas on the fly. No more lost thoughts!

Modern speech recognition software boasts impressive accuracy rates, often exceeding 99.9% for clear audio.

After rigorous testing and research by the ClickUp team, I have compiled the 10 best speech-to-text tools to help you achieve efficiency in your content creation journey. 

But first, let’s discuss the features that you should look out for in good speech-to-text software.

What You Should Look for in Speech-to-Text Software

1. clickup—best for transcription and audio projects, 2. lovo—best for ultra-realistic text-to-speech, 3. readaloud—best for easy listening on the go, 4. speechify—best for all-in-one text-to-speech and dictation, 5. capti voice—best for education and dyslexia support, 6. voice dream reader—best for immersive reading with accessibility, voice dream reader limitations, 7. wordtalk—best for a simple and free reading experience, 8. wellsaid labs—best for hollywood-quality narrations, 9. naturalreader—your everyday text-to-speech companion, 10. tts reader—your no-frills text-to-speech tool, use clickup and go from speech to text in seconds.

Experimenting with different speech-to-text tools taught me a valuable lesson: finding the right fit is crucial. 

Here’s what you should prioritize when picking a speech-to-text tool:

• Accuracy: The best dictation software understands natural speech accents, even amid background noise. It would help if you didn’t have to spend hours cleaning up a messy transcript—the software should get it right the first time
• Ease of use: Don’t get bogged down by a clunky interface. The best speech-to-text software should be intuitive and user-friendly . You want to focus on capturing your ideas rather than wrestling with complex settings
• Compatibility: Look for a compatible system to ensure that the creative process runs smoothly and without interruption . Integration with your existing workflow is a must
• Price: Speech-to-text options range from free to premium. Consider your needs and budget. Free options are great for basic tasks, while feature-rich paid software is a better fit for complex projects
• Export options: Choose a tool that allows you to export your transcripts in various formats , such as .txt, .docx, or .pdf, for easy integration with your existing workflow
• Advanced editing tools: Powerful editing features such as speaker identification, timestamping, and noise reduction are valuable features for transcribing interviews, meetings, or lectures
• Security: If you’re dealing with sensitive information, ensure the speech-to-text software offers robust security features, including data encryption and access controls

By prioritizing these factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect speech-to-text transcription software—whether for Windows, iOS, or Android.

Also read: How to Leverage Different Communication Styles in Leadership

The 10 Best Speech-to-Text Software to Use in 2024

Now that you have a wish list for your ideal features, it’s time to explore the exciting world of speech-to-text apps and software.

The following list features free and premium choices:

ClickUp is much more than just a project management software. It can also be an audio/video recording and AI-powered transcription tool.

Let’s check out its multiple features that  can optimize your speech-to-text needs:

ClickUp Clips

This isn’t just about recording audio; it’s about capturing ideas in the moment and seamlessly with your workflow. With ClickUp Clips , you can record and share short video messages directly within the ClickUp platform.  

Here’s how it can assist you:

• Record a Clip using ClickUp, and the built-in AI automatically transcribes the content. This includes timestamps and snippets, making it easy to scan highlights, jump to specific sections, and copy relevant text
• Share Clips effortlessly with your team. You can embed them in ClickUp, generate public links, or download the video files for various use cases
• Leave comments directly on Clips to start conversations . ClickUp displays the timeline of all comments, allowing accessible replay of specific sections
• Transform any Clip into an actionable ClickUp Task . Embed it in task descriptions, assign owners, and manage ideas shared during discussions
• Leverage multiple languages to transcribe meetings with international colleagues and customers
• Integrate seamlessly with everything you already do in ClickUp. Just click the video icon to create a Clip right within any conversation. There is no need to switch tools or upload files

What’s more? ClickUp Brain indexes Clip transcripts, making the content instantly searchable. Ask AI questions, and it will search through the transcriptions to bring up buried knowledge for your entire team.

ClickUp Brain

ClickUp Brain, the AI-powered assistant, takes things a step further . It can assist with content creation by suggesting topics, writing outlines, or even generating initial drafts based on the proposed audio content. 

It can also help you:

• Craft messages efficiently by using shorthand. The AI will create well-phrased responses with the perfect tone
• Generate meeting minutes by transcribing the audio and summarizing key points. This saves time and ensures accurate documentation of decisions made
• Automatically convert voice into text and use AI to answer questions from meetings and video clips

Alongside ClickUp Brain, you can use ClickUp Whiteboards as a collaborative space to brainstorm, map out ideas, and even capture audio snippets . Imagine recording a quick explanation of a concept, transcribing it with ClickUp Brain, and then visually representing it on a whiteboard. With ClickUp, It’s almost like magic! 

ClickUp best features

• Use ClickUp Goals to define your speech-to-text project goals and break them into actionable steps. You can even create custom metrics to track transcription accuracy, turnaround time, and other relevant KPIs
• Leverage ClickUp’s Universal Search to search across your entire workspace, including tasks, Docs, and Clips for older transcriptions
• Organize and structure your thoughts with ClickUp Docs . Outline your business messaging strategy, collaborate with your team, and even link to relevant Clips for additional context
• ClickUp Integrations offer a wide range of third-party tools, such as Loom, Otter.ai, and Fireflies.ai, including tools that offer speech-to-text or text-to-speech functionalities
• Leverage built-in security and privacy features

ClickUp limitations

• New users might experience a learning curve due to ClickUp’s extensive features

ClickUp pricing 

• Free Forever 
• Unlimited: $7/month per user
• Business: $12/month per user
• Enterprise: Contact for pricing
• ClickUp AI: Add to any paid plan for $7 per member per month

ClickUp ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (9,500+ reviews) 
• Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews) 

Also read: How to Use AI for Documentation

Lovo.ai, a web-based AI tool, can create professional-sounding voiceovers. It’s useful for anyone who wants to generate realistic-sounding audio to match their business tone for presentations or explainer videos.

It includes many voices in over 100 languages and various accents. It is fantastic for global teams, allowing you to tailor voiceovers to the specific language and tone needed for each project. 

Lovo.ai goes beyond just providing voice typing. It can also fine-tune speech rate, pitch, and emphasis to match the desired style, professional or casual, perfectly. This level of control ensures clear and impactful communication.

Lovo best features

• Generate content outlines in an instant, add royalty-free images in HD to your videos, edit the videos, and add subtitles, all within the Lovo platform
• Integrate with other tools , such as Google Drive and Evernote, and convert documents and webpages to audio directly within your existing workflow
• Collaborate efficiently with LOVO Teams , securely storing and accessing projects in the cloud
• Developers can leverage LOVO’s versatile API to incorporate advanced AI voices into their applications or services

Lovo limitations

• An internet connection is essential as Lovo is a web-based app with no option of installing desktop software
• Creating a custom voice model with Lovo can involve some trial and error and may require a significant investment of your time 

Lovo pricing

• Basic: $29/user per month
• Pro: $48/user per month 
• Pro+: $149/user per month 

Lovo ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.5/5 (150+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (55+ reviews)

Also read: Best Internal Business Communication Software for Team Messaging in 2024

ReadAloud is a browser extension that transforms web pages into audiobooks. 

It’s free to use, making it a budget-friendly option for anyone wanting to explore text-to-speech functionality. This is a big plus for casual users or students who might only need some of the bells and whistles of paid tools.

While it doesn’t offer a dictation feature, ReadAloud excels at making online content more accessible , especially for those who prefer listening over reading.

ReadAloud best features 

• Handle a variety of content , including documents, webpages, emails, and PDFs
• Listen to text in the background while you work on other tasks or when you switch to other browser tabs
• Integrate the tool seamlessly with your web browser and just click a button to have it read any webpage article, news story, or blog post aloud
• Choose from a variety of natural-sounding male and female narrator voices to personalize your listening experience

ReadAloud limitations

• ReadAloud has no offline listening option and requires an internet connection to function
• Poorly formatted documents or websites might not translate smoothly into an audiobook experience

ReadAloud pricing

• Free browser extension 

ReadAloud ratings and reviews

• G2: Not available
• Capterra: Not available

Speechify caught my attention with its extensive focus on artificial intelligence and personalization .

This tool is a versatile option for content creators, writers, and anyone who wants to leverage the power of their voice. With one click, you can change a video into any language. The tool will also match the speaker’s voice, intonation, and speed.

You can access Speechify’s features from your computer, phone, or web browser extension. For instance, with Speechify, you can create high-quality AI clones of human voices within seconds, right in your browser, without installing anything.

Speechify also has built-in accessibility features and allows speed adjustments during a session, which makes it a valuable tool for users with learning disabilities or visual impairments.

Speechify best features 

• Control the narration speed to suit your comfort level while listening to the content
• Leverage offline access by taking a photo of text and letting Speechify read it to you
• Access over 40+ languages for increased versatility with Speechify premium

Speechify limitations

• Speechify’s pricing and feature set seem to be geared more toward professionals and businesses than casual users 
• Mastering advanced voiceover customization options might require you to invest a significant amount of time

Speechify pricing

Speechify text-to-speech plans:

• Free: Limited  
• Basic: $29/month per user

Speechify studio plans:

• Basic: $69/month per user
• Professional: $99/month per user
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Speechify ratings and reviews

• G2: Not enough reviews
• Capterra: Not enough reviews

Also read: We Tested the 14 Best Free Screen Recorder Tools (With No Watermarks) in 2024

Capti Voice is a mobile device-based software that caters to the needs of students, educators, and those with dyslexia or reading difficulties.  

This tool includes features that enhance the learning experience, such as a built-in dictionary, translation tools, and creating bookmarks and highlights within your text.

You can transcribe and read aloud various documents in multiple formats and languages, including PDFs, ebooks, webpages, and even scanned documents. You can also download documents for offline reading and listening and continue to access learning materials even without an internet connection.

Capti Voice’s best features 

• Leverage Capti Voice’s integration with OCR software to transform scanned documents and images into editable text, making physical documents and handwritten notes accessible
• Capti Voice’s compatibility with various assistive technologies , including speed control, optical character recognition, text highlighting, and font adjustments, catering to users with dyslexia or visual impairments
• Use Capti Voice’s cross-platform accessibility with mobile apps, enabling on-the-go access to text-to-speech functionalities and learning materials from any device

Capti Voice limitations

• Capti Voice has no free tier, and its pricing structure can be steeper than the basic versions
• Capti Voice might not be the most robust option for dictation compared to some of the other tools we’ve covered

Capti Voice pricing

• Individual Plan: Free with optional in-app purchases
• Educational Plans: Starting from $500 per year

Capti Voice ratings and reviews

Also read: 10 User-Friendly Training Video Software for Educating, Upskilling, and Reskilling

Voice Dream Reader offers a full-fledged reading experience for anyone who enjoys listening to digital content. One of its unique features is that it pays special attention to small UX details. For example, if you rewind for 30 seconds, the app starts reading from the beginning of a complete sentence, which makes your listening experience seamless.

It can handle voice commands and a wide range of file formats . You can process PDFs, ebooks, webpages, and even plain text files and convert them to audio.

Voice Dream Reader’s best features

• Enhance accessibility with Voice Dream Reader’s integration of text-to-speech for physical books, benefiting users with visual impairments
• Optimize reading comprehension with Voice Dream Reader’s text highlighting feature, allowing for visual tracking and improved focus
• Download the software on your devices and listen to documents anytime, online or offline
• While there’s a desktop version, Voice Dream Reader is primarily designed for mobile use
• Voice Dream Reader is only available for Mac and iOS users. It doesn’t have an Android app which might be a limitation for Windows or Linux users

Voice Dream Reader pricing

• Free Trial: 7
• After Trial: $79.99/year per user 

Voice Dream Reader ratings and reviews

Also read: 12 Examples of Communication Strategies for the Workplace

WordTalk is a straightforward free text-to-speech app that can be handy for people with reading and writing difficulties. 

It’s available as a Microsoft Word plugin under the ‘Add-Ins’ tab in Microsoft Word.

WordTalk is a solid option for basic text-to-speech needs. However, if you require advanced features , offline functionality, or broader compatibility, you should explore paid alternatives.

Its interface is uncomplicated, with clear buttons for controlling playback and highlighting text as it’s spoken. It’s perfect for users who aren’t comfortable with complex software.

WordTalk best features

• Expand your vocabulary with WordTalk’s integration of talking dictionaries , enabling instant audio definitions for enhanced learning
• Simply click where you want WordTalk to start reading, then choose from options such as reading the entire document, a paragraph, a sentence, or a single word
• Convert text to speech and save it as a WAV or MP3 file

WordTalk limitations

• Currently only available for Windows operating systems, and Mac or Linux users will need to explore alternative options
• Customization options for the voice itself (speed, pitch, etc.) are minimal, and complex vocabulary can lead to minor errors

WordTalk pricing

• Free plugin

WordTalk ratings and reviews

WellSaid Labs takes text-to-speech and voice control to a new level, offering crystal-clear, hyper-realistic AI voices of sound studio quality. Their massive library of voices is impressive, from natural-sounding to downright quirky.  

What truly sets them apart is their level of control. This includes granular editing tools that let you fine-tune every aspect of your narration —from pacing and emphasis to breaths and pauses. 

If you’re serious about creating high-quality audio content, put WellSaid Labs on your shortlist, elevate your production value, and make your storytelling shine.

WellSaid Labs’ best features

• Simplify your workflow by integrating WellSaid Lab directly into popular editing tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro for seamless audio synthesis
• Create custom voices tailored to your specific needs. This feature is valuable for branding and personalized experiences
• Access your voice projects from anywhere. WellSaid Labs operates and stores files in the cloud, making collaboration and sharing straightforward

WellSaid Labs limitations

• Mastering the advanced editing tools has a learning curve and can take some time and practice

WellSaid Labs pricing

• Studio Trial: Free for one week
• API Trial: Free for two weeks
• Maker: $49/month per user
• Creative: $99/month per user
• Business: $199/month per user
• Enterprise: Custom pricing 

WellSaid Labs ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (100+ reviews)

Also read: 15 Free Project Communication Plan Templates: Excel, Word, & ClickUp

NaturalReader can benefit people with dyslexia or visual impairments with its text-to-speech functionality and dyslexia-friendly fonts.

With NaturalReader, you can create audiobooks from articles, PDFs, or ebooks in a snap! The narration is natural and feels like a human reading the text.

Whether you’re a student catching up on readings, a busy professional conquering emails on the go, or someone who prefers listening to speech patterns and spoken words rather than reading words, NaturalReader has you covered.

NaturalReader best features

• Instantly clone any voice using AI. It is perfect for personalized experiences and branding
• Access over 50 languages and 200+ AI voices
• Leverage new multi-lingual voices powered by Large Language Models (LLM)

NaturalReader limitations

• For advanced features such as voice customization, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid subscription
• Though it has a mobile app, Natural Reader seems to be primarily designed for desktop 

Natural Reader’s pricing

• Premium: $9.99/month per user
• Plus: $19/month per user

Natural Reader’s ratings and reviews

A web-based solution, TTS Reader is a cloud-based platform that tackles a variety of text-to-speech needs. It cuts through the clutter of apps, fancy features, and premium subscriptions. 

TTS Reader integrates with popular web browsers and cloud storage . Whether working on a document in Google Drive or reading an article online, TTS Reader lets you easily convert the text to speech.

TTS Reader’s best features

• Prepare text offline with TTS Reader for uninterrupted playback during commutes or in areas with limited connectivity
• Copy and paste your text, hit play, and enjoy clear audio output without downloading software or fiddling with complicated settings
• Listen to translations in your native tongue . TTS Reader offers support for a vast number of languages, making it an excellent tool for those working with international documents or collaborating with people worldwide

TTS Reader limitations

• Poorly formatted documents or text with many typos might translate into a bumpy listening experience
• Available only as a Chrome extension 

TTS Reader pricing

• Premium: $10.99/month per user

TTS Reader ratings and reviews

These AI-enabled transcription and dictation softwares have been a lifesaver for me to capture meeting minutes, brainstorming, and dictating tasks. But the tools you choose should work together, not against each other. That’s where project management powerhouses such as ClickUp come in handy.

ClickUp integrates seamlessly with many popular speech technology apps. Without switching between apps or software, you can capture ideas, dictate tasks, and generate notes directly within the ClickUp platform.

Imagine dictating a meeting summary and automatically having it populate as a ClickUp Task with assigned members and deadlines. This level of integration simplifies your process and keeps you focused on high-impact activities.

Ready to experience the power of ClickUp for yourself? Sign up for a free ClickUp account today!

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Text to Speech: How to Get a Word Doc to Read to You

Learn how to use Microsoft Word's read-aloud feature and explore Listening.com, a superior text-to-speech solution for converting documents to audio.

Glice Martineau

Jul 30, 2024

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik

Are you looking for a way to have your Microsoft Word documents read aloud to you?

Whether you’re a busy professional, a student with visual impairments, or someone who prefers auditory learning , the text-to-speech feature in Microsoft Word offers improved accessibility, productivity, and multitasking by making written content more accessible to everyone.

In this article, we’ll explore how to use the Microsoft Word read-aloud feature and introduce you to Listening.com , a superior alternative that can significantly enhance your listening experience.

Why Use Text-to-Speech for Word Documents?

Text-to-speech (TTS) technology has revolutionized how we interact with written content. When it comes to Word documents, the Microsoft Word read-aloud feature offers several benefits:

• Improved accessibility: For users with learning disabilities or visual impairments, text-to-speech features provide essential access to written content.
• Enhanced multitasking: Listen to your documents while performing other tasks and increase your productivity and efficiency.
• Better proofreading and editing: Hearing your written text can help you catch errors and improve the flow of your writing.
• Reduced eye strain : Give your eyes a break by listening to lengthy documents instead of reading them on screen.

The read-aloud feature in Microsoft Word has made it easier than ever to convert written text into spoken words.

Using Microsoft Word's Built-in Read Aloud Tool

For windows users.

Microsoft Word’s read-aloud feature is readily available for Windows users.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

• Open Microsoft Word and go to your specific document.
• Navigate to the “Review” tab in the top menu.
• Look for the “Read Aloud” button in the “Speech” group.
• Click on the “Read Aloud” button to activate the feature.

Once activated, you’ll see read-aloud controls appear on your screen. These controls allow you to play, pause, and navigate through the document as it’s being read.

You can also adjust the reading speed and voice settings to suit your preferences.

For quick access, you can add the read-aloud feature to your Quick Access Toolbar:

• Click on the drop down menu next to the Quick Access Toolbar.
• Select “More Commands.”
• In the “Choose commands from” dropdown, select “All Commands.”
• Scroll down and find “Read Aloud.”
• Click “Add” to move it to your Quick Access Toolbar.

Additionally, the 'speak icon' can be added to the Quick Access Toolbar to enhance user accessibility and usability.

This icon reads selected text aloud, aiding in reading comprehension and engagement in document management.

For MacOS Users

While the process is slightly different for Mac users, you can still use text-to-speech in Microsoft Word:

• Open your Word document.
• Go to “Tools” in the menu bar.
• Select “Speech” and then “Start Speaking.”

To customize text-to-speech settings on Mac:

• Go to “System Preferences.”
• Click on “Accessibility.”
• Select “Speech” in the left sidebar.
• Adjust voice selection and speaking rate to your liking.

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Limitations of Microsoft Word's Read Aloud Feature

While Microsoft Word’s read-aloud feature is useful, it does have some limitations, such as not being able to read the entire document from the cursor location:

• Limited voice options: The selection of voices may be restricted, depending on your system.
• Lack of advanced customization: You may find the customization options for speech rate and voice selection to be basic.
• Restricted to Word documents: The feature only works within Microsoft Word, thus limiting its use for other file types.
• No option to save audio: You can’t create portable audio files of your documents for later listening.

Introducing Listening.com: A Superior Text-to-Speech Solution

To overcome these limitations and enhance your text-to-speech experience, consider using Listening.com . This powerful platform offers a range of features that surpass Microsoft Word’s built-in capabilities, providing a more versatile and user-friendly solution for converting text to speech.

Compared to other accessible tools like the Windows screen reader app, Listening.com offers superior functionality and ease of use.

Key Features of the Listening App

1. Cross-platform compatibility: Use Listening.com on various devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS , and Android phones. This flexibility allows you to access your audio content wherever you go.

2. High-quality, natural-sounding voices: Choose from a wide selection of lifelike voices in multiple languages. These voices sound more natural and engaging than typical text-to-speech options, making for a more pleasant listening experience.

3. Advanced customization options : Adjust the reading speed, pitch, and emphasis to suit your preferences. You can fine-tune these settings for each document, ensuring optimal clarity and comprehension.

4. Support for multiple file formats: Convert not just Microsoft Word documents, but also PDFs, TXT files, and other text formats to speech. This versatility makes Listening.com a one-stop solution for all your text-to-speech needs.

5. Ability to save and share audio files: Create portable audio versions of your documents for on-the-go listening. This feature is particularly useful for students reviewing course materials or professionals preparing for presentations.

6. Collaborative features: Share your audio files with team members or classmates, making it easier to work on group projects or study together.

7. Cloud storage: Access your converted audio files from any device, ensuring your content is always available when you need it.

How to Use Listening.com for Word Documents

Getting started with Listening.com is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a Listening.com account: Visit the website and create your account. You can often start with a free trial to explore the features.

2. Upload your Word document: Once logged in, you'll see an option to upload files. Simply drag and drop your Microsoft Word document or use the file browser to select it.

3. Choose your preferred voice and customize settings: Listening.com offers a variety of voices to choose from. Select the one that best suits your document and preferences. You can also adjust the speech rate, pitch, and other settings to fine-tune the output.

4. Generate the audio file: After configuring your settings, click the "Convert" or "Generate" button to create your audio file.

5. Download or stream the audio: Once the conversion is complete, you can download the audio file to your device or stream it directly from Listening.com's platform.

Benefits of Using Listening.com over Microsoft Word's Read Aloud

1. Improved voice quality: Listening.com's advanced text-to-speech engine produces more realistic and engaging voices compared to Microsoft Word's default options. This makes for a more enjoyable and immersive listening experience.

2. Greater flexibility in file formats: While Microsoft Word's read-aloud feature is limited to Word documents, Listening.com allows you to convert various document types. This versatility is particularly useful if you work with different file formats regularly.

3. Enhanced customization options: Listening.com offers more advanced settings for fine-tuning your listening experience. You can adjust not just the speech rate, but also the pitch, emphasis, and even add pauses between paragraphs for better comprehension.

4. Ability to save and share audio files: Unlike Microsoft Word's read-aloud feature, which only provides real-time audio, Listening.com allows you to create and save audio files. This means you can listen to your documents offline, share them with others, or revisit them later without needing to access the original text file.

5. Multi-device access: With Listening.com's cloud-based platform, you can access your audio files from any device with an internet connection. This flexibility is perfect for users who switch between devices or need to access their content on the go.

6. Continuous improvements: As a dedicated text-to-speech platform, Listening.com regularly updates its technology to provide the best possible user experience. This means you'll always have access to the latest advancements in text-to-speech technology.

Tips for Optimizing Your Text-to-Speech Experience

To get the most out of text-to-speech technology, whether you're using Microsoft Word's read-aloud feature or Listening.com , consider these tips:

1. Proper document formatting: Ensure your document is well-structured with clear headings and paragraphs for better text-to-speech interpretation.

2. Proofreading for clarity: Some words or phrases may not translate well to speech. Review your document with this in mind, and consider using phonetic spelling for unusual words or names.

3. Experiment with different voices and settings: Find the combination that works best for your listening preference and the content of your document. Some voices may be better suited for certain types of content or accents.

4. Use headphones for better focus: When listening to your documents, using headphones can help minimize distractions and improve comprehension, especially in noisy environments.

5. Break long documents into sections: If you're working with lengthy documents, consider converting them in smaller sections. This can make the content more manageable and easier to navigate.

Use Text-to-Speech Now

Text-to-speech technology has made it easier than ever to consume written content in audio format. While Microsoft Word's read aloud feature provides a basic solution for converting documents to speech, platforms like Listening.com offer a more robust and flexible experience.

By understanding how to use these tools effectively, you can enhance your productivity , improve accessibility, and enjoy a more versatile approach to consuming written content.

Whether you're using Microsoft Word's built-in feature for quick reads or exploring advanced options like Listening.com for a superior listening experience, text-to-speech technology is sure to revolutionize the way you interact with your documents.

Ready to take your text-to-speech experience to the next level?

Sign up for Listening.com's free trial today and convert your first Word document to high-quality audio. Experience the difference that superior text-to-speech technology can make in your daily life and workflow. With Listening.com , you're not just reading your documents – you're giving them a voice.

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I used to hate school because I’d spend hours just trying to read the assignments. Listening has been totally life changing. This app saved my education.

Ana, student with dyslexia

Speechify has made my editing so much faster and easier when I’m writing. I can hear an error and fix it right away. Now I can’t write without it.

Daniel, writer

Speechify makes reading so much easier. English is my second language and listening while I follow along in a book has seriously improved my skills.

Lou, avid reader

Amazing I have ADHD and I love to read but have piles of book that I have never touched. I downloaded this app and it has helped me read more and obtain information better for school! Love this app , I recommend it to everyone!

It was easy to understand I have a learning disability and I completely understand everything that I was reading about.

best app evaaa I use it because my head be scrambling up words, so I scan pages off books and work, and boom!!!! It works so well I love it .❤️❤️❤️

Excellent voices I used this Program to review the draft manuscript for a novel. He did an exceptional job of rendering voices conversation and words. I was very impressed.

Bryan Canter

Very useful As a young professional that’s always on the go, this makes my academic pursuits more manageable. It’s really helped with time management!

Mighty be one of the GOAT apps This is probably top 5 of greatest apps ever, you can literally read alone an entire book in a day. Easily worth the cost of the app.

Time Saver I’m new to Speechify but already looking forward to the info I will gain when listening while I do daily chores!

Priceless! Excellent! Especially (and since I am a retired Special Education teacher) it would have helped so many of my students. I can’t wait to share this with my friends and family!

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Information, must read content, ai speech recognition: everything you should know.

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Frequently asked questions

What is text-to-speech (tts).

Text-to-speech goes by a few names. Some refer to it as TTS,  read aloud , or even speech synthesis; for the more engineered name. Today, it simply means using  artificial intelligence  to read words aloud be; it from a PDF, email, docs, or any website. Instantly turn text into an AI voice . Listen in English, Italian, Portuguese,  Spanish , or more and choose your accent and character to personalize your experience.  Learn more Try Speechify for Free

How does AI text-to-speech work?

Beautifully. Speech synthesis works by installing an app like Speechify either on your device or as a browser extension. AI scans the words on the page and  reads it out loud , without any lag. You can change the default AI voice to a custom voice, change accents, languages, and even increase or decrease the speaking rate. AI has made significant progress in synthesizing voices. It can pick up on formatted text and change tone accordingly. Gone are the days where the voices sounded  robotic . Speechify is revolutionizing that. Once you install the TTS mobile app, you can easily convert text to speech from any website within your browser, read aloud your email, and more. If you install it as a  browser extension , you can do just the same on your laptop. The web version is OS agnostic. Mac or Windows, no problem. Try Speechify for Free

How do I turn text into an AI voice?

Install a  AI voice generator  app like Speechify on any of your  browsers  or devices. After minor configurations, all you have to do is press “Play”. Text is instantly turned into natural-sounding speech. You can turn any text into an  audiobook  or a podcast. Try Speechify for Free

What is the best text-to-speech app?

There are quite a few text-to-speech apps for  iOS ,  Android ,  Chrome  and Safari. Speechify is the #1 rated app in the App Store and the  subscription is very affordable  and with one of the best customer experience. Speechify pays attention to all customer interactions. Impeccable functionality allows you to read web pages, PDFs, Google Docs and more with dozens of text-to-speech voices to choose from. See our pricing page for more info. Speechify customers describe the speech output as almost lifelike. It must be noted that text-to-speech is not speech recognition. It only works one way: it converts text into audio. Neither does not create audio files. Try Speechify for Free

Who is text-to-speech-software for?

There are many use-cases for TTS, also known as  voice generator . From personal to  API  or SDK for the enterprise. Speech tools are great for anyone with disabilities, help with e-learning, for professionals,  productivity  and high performance hackers and more. Try Speechify for Free

Can I use text-to-speech online?

It is both. Text-to-speech is a technology. You simply install the app on your device or if you’d rather use it on your laptop, then install it as a browser extension on either  Chrome  or Safari and use it online. Adoption on Firefox and Microsoft browsers as far as the speech web application is yet low. Most apps convert text to audio in real time and reads the text aloud well as some allow you to download the audio files in various file formats. Try Speechify for free  on  Android ,  iOS ,  Chrome , or Safari.

Are the voices natural-sounding?

Yes.  AI  and machine learning continues to make significant strides. If your last experience with any  text to speech  is a year old, then things have change significantly since then. What’s even more impressive is that these advances span multiple languages apart from just English. Portuguese, Italian, and others can be converted real-time to a very  human voice  with native sounding accents Try Speechify for Free

Who should use text-to-speech?

There are limitless reasons and use cases for TTS. Children pick up so much from listening (ask any parent) and unlocking the number of (quality) words a child can listen to holds tremendous potential in their development. College students, teachers, professors, parents, professionals, productivity enthusiasts, and those that are challenged with reading can benefit greatly as well. For children and e-learning As children play, you could use TTS to read out their favorite book, or a school reading, or use it for more intentional times. With TTS, words are highlighted (think Karaoke) so your child could  read and listen at the same time . This makes for greater retention as two senses are stimulated. The web pages you allow your children to read come alive. For parents Parents can live an exhausting life sometimes. Work and personal life clash and there’s just no time. Text-to-speech enables parents to get more done, read those work emails, and even the ones from their child’s school much quicker as they multi task. Parents can also turn their  favorite book into an audiobook  and have it read aloud on those long road trips. Great for parents homeschooling their children. For college students & professionals Working on your PhD? In law school? Simply scan your reading and have it read aloud up to 5x the speed.  Get more productive , retain, and understand more in a shorter amount of time. For professionals Graduated law school? Passed the Bar? Writer, doctor, engineer, professor, or any profession that requires plenty of reading, TTS is a great tool to help simplify a productive life. For the professionals who travel a lot, read any document, email, or book. Listen as fast as you can. Crush it. The use-cases are limitless. Attorneys can read their case files much quicker. People in healthcare can listen much quicker and on the go. Teachers, editors, you name it. If your job requires you to read, text-to-speech can help. For the hobbyists Many people just want to unplug from a screen and listen to a great book. Text-to-speech is a fantastic way to turn any PDF, eBook, or a physical book, into an audiobook. You don’t have to rely on just audiobooks, have any text read aloud. Most subscriptions are relatively cheap on a per month basis. For dyslexia and other disabilities Text-to-speech is great for those who face reading challenges such as  dyslexia . Speechify, in fact, was founded to solve a very specific problem. Read Cliff’s story about how he, as a dyslexic reads 100 books a year! People with TBI, ADHD, dry eyes, or any other illness that makes reading difficult can benefit from converting text into speech on the fly. Try Speechify for Free

Is there text to speech for enterprise & SMBs?

Yes! Text to speech can be  used for businesses  that want to offer a premium digital experience to their readers. Medium offers  text-to-speech  free to their millions of readers. Their readers are more engaged, and reading time isn’t relegated to eyes on a screen. Readers can now take it to go, turning every blog or article into a podcast. Your readers can enjoy your content even if their mobile device is in their pocket, bag, or purse. Deploying Speechify takes minutes. Automate your speech. The heavy lifting and backend processing is done on our servers. Imagine your visitors engaging with your content while grocery shopping, driving, or exercising. They don’t have to be locked in to a screen. Interested in the Speechify API or SDK?  Contact us . Try Speechify for Free

What is the best platform to listen to audiobooks?

The best platform for listening to audiobooks depends on your preferences and needs. Popular platforms for audiobooks include Speechify, Audible, Apple Books, Google Play Books, Kobo, and Scribd.

Is there a Netflix for audiobooks?

Yes. Download the Speechify app and start reading premium audiobooks, using your Speechify credits. Speechify Audiobooks is the best alternative to Audible.

What is the easiest way to listen to audiobooks?

Listening experience heavily depends on the app you use. Speechify is the newest player in this market and brings modern features and offers the best listening experience. You can get a premium audiobook for just $1. So, try it out today!

What is the most popular audiobook app?

There are audiobook apps that are now decades old and are clunky and were the only options. Speechify however, is the newer app that offers the best experience and is rapidly becoming popular in the AppStore and GooglePlay. The listening experience and care for users makes this one of the fastest growing audiobook apps.

What is voice cloning

Voice cloning is the process where AI can “listen” to a person’s voice for just a few seconds and then be able to read and speak in that voice.

What is an AI voice?

An AI voice refers to the synthesized or generated speech produced by artificial intelligence systems, enabling machines to communicate with human-like spoken language.

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The 6 Best Text-To-Speech Software Options For 2024 (Free & Paid)

If you're online in any capacity, chances are good a big chunk of your time is spent reading through mountains of content. Whether you find yourself scanning through articles, tutorials, emails, or books on a regular basis, there's no denying how exhausting and time-consuming it can be to go through lengthy walls of text on your screen. Doing so extensively can lead to digital eye strain – a problem that has seen a spike since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thankfully, there are many text-to-speech programs out there that can cut down your reading time and up your productivity. As the name implies, these software options take words and convert them into clear audio. Advancements in generative AI within recent years have upped the functionality and natural-sounding quality of many of these programs, allowing for a more versatile range of tasks. Whether you have accessibility needs, want something that will read through your work and catch typos, or simply need instructions read aloud to you while you're working, you have no shortage of excellent options to choose from. 

Let's take a look at some of the most recommended picks out there today — both free and paid — to determine which text-to-speech software will work best for you.

If you've looked into text-to-speech programs, chances are you've come across  Murf AI . Whether you're looking to convert text to audio or vice versa, Murf AI presents a dynamic range of tools to aid in an assortment of tasks while still being easy for users of various experience levels to get a handle on. 

Users can type or paste their text into Murf, pick a voice, and listen to the results. What sets Murf apart from similar services is its range of voices. Whereas many text-to-speech programs suffer from having stiff-sounding computer-generated audio, Murf provides its users over 120 different voices to choose from, with specific customization options to alter pronunciations, age, accents, personality, and more. You even have the ability to time out the audio to your liking, with the option to add in pauses for more natural sounding speech. Once you're satisfied with the audio, you can download it as an MP3 file.

This, combined with a robust yet easy-to-use interface and additional features such as collaborative editing, make Murf AI a top choice for many, from educators and businesspeople to advertisers and  content creators looking for AI tools . Murf allows users to generate up to 10 minutes of text-to-speech and two projects for free. From there, you can upgrade to either a Creator plan that starts at $23 a month or a more advanced Business plan that starts at $79 a month. 

Free: NaturalReader

For those seeking an easy way to perform text-to-speech tasks across different platforms, NaturalReader has a lot to offer. The best part is that, while there are paid options for NaturalReader, those seeking a free text-to-speech software can still get quite a bit out of the program. 

There are three ways to utilize NaturalReader. First, it can be used as a web app where you type or paste in your text and hear it read out loud from a variety of different voices. This option is also the best way to load documents into your library to be read to you. NaturalReader is also among the best free text-to-speech phone apps you'll find , which allows for additional options like an OCR camera scanner that will help read scanned documents to you. Finally, you can add NaturalReader as a handy Google Chrome extension that will read documents you come across while going about your online tasks. 

NaturalReader features a collection of over 100 natural-sounding voices under the Premium and Plus subscription plans. These voices can still be accessed for free users, but with a daily limit of 20 minutes for Premium and 5 minutes for Plus voices before reverting to a more generic dialect. While it may not be a bad idea to invest in these plans if you have extensive reading needs, those looking for a simple way of getting through lengthy walls of text may be surprised by the functionality of the free version. 

Paid: Speechify

Similar to NaturalReader, Speechify is a text-to-speech tool that you can get a lot out of across various platforms using its free version. However, Speechify's paid tiers are also pretty affordable, making it a good choice for those seeking a more dynamic program on a budget. 

This is another program that can be used online, through a mobile app, or as a web extension. Speechify delivers great speed when it comes to loading audio, often taking a second or less. While its free option performs decently enough, the paid plans from Speechify come with a wealth of unique text-to-speech features that make the program stand out from the crowd. Meanwhile, its varying speed options allow you to adjust how fast or slow your audio is played. 

The prices available for Speechify's paid plans aren't all that bad. While there are more advanced studio subscription plans that go for between $69 and $99 a month, most can get more than enough use out of the regular Premium plan at $29 a month. If you're going with the yearly option, however, you'll save quite a bit with a plan that goes for $139 annually (or $11.58 a month).

Free: TTSMaker

A text-to-speech program may not be something you need for extensive, daily use. Rather, you may simply need a text-to-speech program to save in your bookmarks for quick tasks. Easily one of the best to get the job done is TTSMaker , a free and accessible software that's as straightforward as it gets. 

While plenty of text-to-speech programs are capable of running in browsers for free, they often do this while aiming to advertise their more feature-filled paid plans. TTSMaker cuts right to chase, though, letting you easily insert your text and choose between hundreds of voice options in numerous languages to read for you right from the homepage. From there, you have the ability to download your audio as an MP3 file for either personal or commercial use, entirely for free. Most other services require you to pay or subscribe for such a function. 

Of course, there are a number of monthly payment options under TTSMaker, ranging from a $12.99 lite option to a $140 studio plan. However, given the versatile features offered by the free version, including unlimited MP3 downloads and a 20,000 character-per-week limit, it's more than suitable for the needs of most.

Paid: Descript

While many use text-to-speech tools simply to get through lengthy walls of words, they can also prove incredibly helpful to content creators. Whether for podcasts, YouTube videos, or social media reels, using text-to-speech software can remove the hassle of spending money on  different types of microphones and recording your own audio. Descript is a solid option for this purpose

Of course, you can generate audio in Descript like a typical text-to-speech software with a provided range of adjustable stock voices. But what sets Descript apart is the manner in which the platform lets you edit pre-recorded audio. You can load your video and audio files into the program, with the audio converting to a transcribed format similar to a Google Doc. From there, you can add or remove from the text, which will then edit the audio itself. On top of this, Descript can clean up audio to remove additional noise, trim out filler words such as "um" or "uh," and add captions.

You can get started with the software for free, which allows for an hour of transcribed content per month. There are also three monthly plans going for either $19, $35, or $50, which go down to $12, $24, and $40 respectively if you go with an annual plan.

Free: Read Aloud

Read Aloud is another program that can be an easy shortcut when cutting through online articles. It's far from the most versatile in terms of platforms, however, only existing as a browser extension as opposed to a separate website or app. With that said, it is available across a wide range of browsers, including Google Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. 

Due to this, it's well-integrated with many webpages. Along with being easy to use on typical news sites or blogs, it can also go through extensive digital textbooks and university materials, thanks to its ability to read through documents such as Google Docs and PDFs. Read Aloud gives you 40 different language options as well as the ability to alter the pitch and speed or highlight sections of text of whatever you're reading to better suit your needs. 

This is about as simple of a text-to-speech program as it gets, so don't expect any surprising editing or download functions. The program can also be a bit finicky, playing audio even when you close out of the tab. Certain features requiring keyboard shortcuts to bring up. However, once you get the hang of it, this makes for a handy  tool, particularly useful for students or those with accessibility needs.

How we chose these text-to-speech programs

There are lots of capable text-to-speech programs on the market. Other options like Synthesia, Listnr, and ElevenLabs also came up during the research process for this list and certainly have their fair share of supporters. The final picks came about as the result of various deciding factors.

I tried out many of these programs personally, giving NaturalReader, TTSMaker, and Read Aloud the most thorough run-throughs. I've even had past experience with some of these as well. I also explored the free trials for Murf AI, Descript, and Speechify. Ultimately, these options were chosen based on a mix of my experience, reviews from other industry-trusted platforms, and user ratings on different app stores and review sites.

We also wanted to account for the varying tasks that users typically use text-to-speech programs for. Whether you're a student going through homework, a content creator seeking a way to streamline the production process, or you just need something handy for reading recipes out loud, there will hopefully be something on this list that suits your specific needs and situation.

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Description.

BBBBBOOOOOMMMMM!!!! Speechie Is Here! The Ultimate Speech-to-Text Revolution Transform Your Words into Written Magic with Speechie! Speechie is not just an app; it's your personal transcription wizard! Harnessing cutting-edge AI, Speechie effortlessly converts your spoken words into crisp, clear text. Whether you're whispering or speaking out loud, our app catches every syllable with unparalleled precision. Why Speechie? Here's Why You'll Love It: Effortless Transcription: Convert speeches, interviews, and audio files into editable text in a snap. Multimedia Mastery: Whether it's audio or video, Speechie has got you covered. Cloud Connectivity: Seamlessly pull your iCloud audio files for instant transcription. Hear It to Believe It: Experience your transcripts with ultra-realistic voice playback. Personalized Text: Customize your transcripts to match your style. Easy Export: Share your text with the world or keep it for reference. Sleek Design: Enjoy an intuitive, user-friendly interface. Widgets For Easy Access From Your Home Screen! Your Voice, Our Command! Perfect for journalists, researchers, or anyone needing a written record of audio encounters, Speechie is the tool you've been waiting for. Download Now & Experience the Power of Speechie! ---Subscriptions--- - Weekly $7.99 - Monthly $14.99 - Annual $39.99 --One Time Purchases-- -LifeTime $49.99 - Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. - Subscription automatically renews unless auto renew is turned off at lest 24-hours before the end of the current period - Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period If you subscribe, you can use these features: - Unlimited Speech To Text - Unlocking v3 Speech To Text Model - Unlocking Ultra Realistic Voices - Unlimited Transcript Exporting Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nXx8FTPf489anp56c5VxVQ38KhL6ONRbttyoCupPatA/edit?usp=sharing Terms Of Use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FkM4khIkPlLG7Jn3rFxZwarsp8VfMqY1_xXv3wPsVJ8/edit?usp=sharing

Version 0.5.0

What's New? - Onboard Algorithm Changed - New Languages - Widgets

Ratings and Reviews

Developer cares about those of us who use voiceover.

This is an app review for an application called Speechie. This app is phenomenal, offering top-notch transcription services. I penned a review about a week or two ago, where I awarded it four stars due to its lack of recognition of the record button, despite offering excellent import features. I promised to return and assign five stars if the issue was addressed, and to my delight, it was promptly rectified. So, here I am, commending the developers for their quick response and fix. I’m deeply impressed. My heartfelt thanks go to the app developers for remedying this issue. It’s clear that they value their user experience, and I couldn’t appreciate it more. The app, save for the previous record button hiccup, worked seamlessly with VoiceOver. This only underscores the criticality of reviews. If we, as users, don’t voice our concerns, the developers remain in the dark. While it’s true that not all developers heed feedback, those that do, like the team behind Speechie, deserve recognition and gratitude. The app is now more functional and user-friendly, not just for me, but for all users. A massive thank you to the developer for crafting such a splendid app.

Developer Response ,

Thank you for the phenomenal review! We're thrilled you love Speechie. We value your support and are committed to delivering a seamless experience. Thanks!  Have a great day

To whom who may concern, just want to say ,awesomeness develops, this is ?

Thank you for your review

Thank you for your review.

NOW AVAILABLE

App privacy.

The developer, Bulent Hanci , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, Catalan, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese

• Speechie - Annual $39.99
• Speechie - LifeTime $49.99
• Speechie - Weekly $7.99
• Speechie Monthly $14.99
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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AI Text to Speech Video Maker

Convert your text to realistic AI voices and add it to the video quickly.

Why Choose FlexClip Text to Speech Tool

AI Text to Speech

Generate realistic voices with AI. There is no need to hire voice actors again.

Online TTS Software

FlexClip online TTS software is accessible through a web browser, making it convenient and user-friendly.

Convert text to speech fast by using prebuilt neural voices, saving your time to make a better video.

Lifelike AI Speech

Convert text to natural-sounding voices that closely resemble human speech. These voices are highly expressive and can convey a range of emotions and tones, making them ideal for creating engaging videos.

Wide Voice and Language Selection

Choose from a fantastic selection of 400+ voices across 140+ languages including English, French, German, Hindi, Spanish, and Chinese. You can easily find a perfect voice for any scenario.

Flexible Voice Options

The TTS tool allows you to customize the voice at will. You can adjust the speaking speed and pitch. After adding the generated voice to the video project, it is available to change its volume, trim, and add fade in/out effects.

How to Make a Text to Speech Video Online?

Convert Text to Speech

Type or paste your text and convert it to speech.

Add Voice to Video

Add the AI generated voice to your video project and make edits.

Export & Share

Download your narrated video or directly share it on social media platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why you need to add narration to your video?

Adding narration to a video can improve comprehension and increase engagement. Narration can guide the viewer through the video's key points and help them better understand the content of your video. This can make your video more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

How do I convert text to speech for free?

FlexClip TTS tool is free to use. Simply add your text to the editor, choose the voice you prefer, and then generate the speech.

How do I put text to speech on a video?

Head to FlexClip video editor and convert your text to speech. The speech will be saved to Media. Then add the voice to your video creation and make some adjustments to match the visuals.

How to make text to speech videos for YouTube?

To create a text-to-speech video for YouTube, start by writing a script and converting the script to speech using FlexClip TTS video editor. Add photos and clips to accompany the AI generated voiceover. Edit the video if desired. Finally, export the finished video and directly share it on YouTube.

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