Task
Best AI tools for text to speech
We compared 6 AI tools for text to speech. All 6 have a free plan. ElevenLabs ranks first on our task-fit signals: reads text aloud in 90+ languages using a library of 17,500+ voices or a voice designed from a text prompt. Listings were last checked on Nov 6, 2026.
Text-to-speech tools read text aloud in synthetic voices. For listening to articles, compare reading apps and browser extensions; for narration and video, compare voice quality, language range, per-character or per-minute limits, and commercial-use rights.
Preview build: this list has 6 of the 8+ tools a task page needs before it can be published (methodology, coverage rule).
The ranking
- 1
ElevenLabs
FreemiumFrom $6/moWhy it fits: Reads text aloud in 90+ languages using a library of 17,500+ voices or a voice designed from a text prompt.
Fit score 9/9: The task is the tool's first-listed use case; The tool's primary category matches the task's category; Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 2
CapCut
FreemiumFrom $12.49/moWhy it fits: Text to speech is built in and covers 40+ languages.
Fit score 3/9: Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 3
Descript
FreemiumFrom $24/moWhy it fits: Built-in text-to-speech generates voice audio inside the editor next to your recorded tracks.
Fit score 3/9: Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 4
HeyGen
FreemiumFrom $29/moWhy it fits: HeyGen Voice provides text to speech; Creator lists up to 10 hours of it.
Fit score 3/9: Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 5
Runway
FreemiumFrom $15/moWhy it fits: A built-in text-to-speech tool sits alongside music, voice and sound effects generation.
Fit score 3/9: Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 6
Synthesia
FreemiumFrom $29/moWhy it fits: Scripts are voiced by AI voiceovers attached to avatars, across 140+ languages.
Fit score 3/9: Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
Side-by-side
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Platforms | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ElevenLabs | From $6/mo | Yes | API | Nov 6, 2026 |
| CapCut | From $12.49/mo | Yes | Web, Desktop app | Nov 6, 2026 |
| Descript | From $24/mo | Yes | API | Nov 6, 2026 |
| HeyGen | From $29/mo | Yes | API | Nov 6, 2026 |
| Runway | From $15/mo | Yes | iOS, Android, API | Nov 6, 2026 |
| Synthesia | From $29/mo | Yes | API | Nov 6, 2026 |
Choosing a tool for text to speech: what the data says
- Free to try: ElevenLabs, CapCut, Descript, HeyGen, Runway and Synthesia have a free plan.
- Lowest listed entry price: ElevenLabs at $6/mo; the highest entry price here is Synthesia at $29/mo.
- On your phone: Runway lists an iOS or Android app.
- For developers: ElevenLabs, Descript, HeyGen, Runway and Synthesia offer an API.
Order is by fit score, from published signals; ties go alphabetically and no tool can pay for a position. How the score works.