Listening as another way to read
Text to speech is a tool many people use every day, and for lots of different reasons. Hearing words while seeing them can make long passages feel less overwhelming, help you catch mistakes in your own writing, and give tired eyes a break. It doesn’t replace any support from a teacher, specialist or doctor; it’s simply one more option for taking in information.
Speechma is free, works in any modern browser and needs no account, so it’s easy to try at home, at school or at work without installing anything.
How different readers use read aloud
| Reader | How listening can help | Settings to try |
|---|---|---|
| People with dyslexia | Hear text while following along on screen; listen back to your own writing to spot errors | Normal or slightly slower speed; a clear, steady voice |
| People with low vision | Listen to articles, letters and documents instead of zooming in on small print | Comfortable volume; pick a voice you enjoy for long sessions |
| People with ADHD | Pair listening with reading to stay engaged; turn long readings into audio for a walk | Slightly faster speed often helps keep attention |
| English language learners | Hear correct pronunciation and the rhythm of natural sentences | Slower speed; compare American and British accents |
| Anyone with tired eyes | Rest your eyes after a long day of screens | Download MP3s and listen offline |
Everyone is different. Experiment with voices and speeds until listening feels comfortable.
How to have text read aloud to you
- Copy your textCopy from an email, website, Google Doc, Word file or PDF. Up to 2,000 characters fit in one conversion; split longer documents into parts.
- Paste it and choose a voicePaste into the text box above. Use the filters to pick your language and accent, and press play on previews to find a voice that is easy on your ears.
- Adjust speed and volumeSlow the voice down for tricky material or speed it up for familiar topics. Pitch can be adjusted too.
- Listen or downloadEnter the 5-digit security code, generate and press play. Download the MP3 to listen later on your phone, in the car or on a walk.
Designed to be easy to use
Simple and free
No sign-up, no app to install, no cost. Paste text and listen.
Your speed
Make the voice slower or faster to match how you like to listen.
Natural voices
1,700+ voices, including many American, British, Australian, Canadian, Irish and Indian English voices.
Many languages
Listen in 75+ languages and locales, helpful for bilingual families and language learners.
Favorite voices
Save the voices you find most comfortable so they’re always one click away.
Private history
Your history stays in your own browser. You don’t need to share an email or create a profile.
Everyday ideas for read aloud
- Homework and reading assignments: students can listen to a passage while following along in the book.
- Proofreading: paste your essay, cover letter or email and listen. Missing words and awkward sentences stand out when you hear them.
- Mail and paperwork: paste text from a letter or form to hear it clearly, then read the original for details.
- News and articles: turn a long article into an MP3 and listen during your commute.
- Language practice: hear new vocabulary in context. Learners of Spanish, French or Japanese can pick a native voice for that language.
- Turn speech into text, too: if writing is the harder part, record yourself and use Speech to Text to get a written draft.
Our commitment to accessibility
We want Speechma to be usable by as many people as possible. Learn more on our accessibility page, and if anything on the site is difficult to use with your screen reader, keyboard or other assistive technology, please tell us at contact@speechma.com. Speechma is a general reading tool and is not a medical device or treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free text to speech tool for dyslexia?
Can I make the voice read more slowly?
Can Speechma read a PDF or website aloud?
Does it work with screen readers?
Is it suitable for English language learners?
Can I listen on my phone?
Is my text kept private?
Make better voiceovers, faster
- New voices and features the day they launch
- Script templates and tricks that make AI voices sound human
- Creator stories, community picks and early access
