Let’s picture a world where each written word can be heard, where websites and software easily speak the language of their users. This is made possible by text-to-speech APIs.
The best text to speech api turns written text into natural-sounding audio, helping apps connect better with customers. They capture the details of tone, rhythm, accent, and pronunciation to make sure every listener is fully engaged.
This article will cover all you need to know about text-to-speech APIs, including how they work and the top 10 TTS API options you can choose from. Whether you’re a developer wanting to add voice features to your app or just curious about new speech technology, these APIs have what you need. Let’s dive in!
What is a Text to Speech API?
A text-to-speech (TTS) API is a cloud-based tool that uses AI and deep learning to turn written text into genuine-sounding speech. This process creates high-quality audio files, like MP3 or WAV. You can also customize the voice to match a certain speaking style, with realistic sounds in different languages.
This feature is more than just reading aloud; it’s about making things accessible and convenient, improving user experiences on different platforms. Developers use these APIs in sites, apps, and software to let them speak to visitors—whether reading notifications or helping people who need assistive technology.
How does the Best Text to Speech API work?
The text to speech API uses advanced machine learning and neural networks that learn to understand language and create natural-sounding voices. When users enter text into a text-to-speech api, the system is used to mimic how a human would say it.
Professionals can make the speech sound better by using speech synthesis markup language (SSML) to adjust the pitch, speed, and tone, making the voice sound more lifelike.
Benefits of Using the Best Text to Speech API
Suppose you enjoy your morning coffee while your favorite blog reads to you or learn a new language while jogging in the park by listening to an AI voice. Text-to-speech technology makes information easy to access for everyone.
Here’s a quick look at the benefits of using the renowned text-to-speech API:
Time efficiency
Text-to-speech APIs make it easy to consume content fast, especially when reading would take too long.
Quick Access
These tools make content more accessible for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties, letting them to easily listen to what they need.
Scalability
The best text to speech api provides flexible pricing and can be scaled up or down, making it a good fit for both small apps and large businesses.
Improved user experience
They improve the user experience by offering a different way to interact and meet various user preferences.
Multilingual support
These APIs support multiple languages, such as English and Spanish, making it simple to reach people worldwide and customize content for different regions.
What are the 10 Best Text to Speech APIs?
There are many different text-to-speech APIs for various uses. The following are the top 10 text-to-speech APIs that you can use:
1. Amazon Polly
Amazon Polly’s cloud-based TTS API uses special markup language (SSML) to turn text into realistic speech. It helps users add speech features to their apps, improving accessibility and engagement. You can try Amazon Polly for free with the AWS free tier plan, but there are limits on voice options.
Main features of Amazon Polly
- Supports basic and advanced text-to-speech in more than 20 languages and variations.
- Provides audio files in MP3 and OGG formats.
- Offers sampling rates of 8kHz, 16.05kHz, 22.05kHz, and 24kHz.
- Allows custom words and pronunciations with custom lexicons.
2. IBM Watson
The IBM Watson TTS API uses IBM’s technology to turn text into speech through HTTP and WebSocket. This realistic text to speech api offers two main types of voices: expressive neural voices and enhanced neural voices that sound natural. Premium users can also create their own custom voices.
Main features of IBM Watson
- It uses deep neural networks (DNNs) to figure out pitch, sound structure, and waveform.
- Handle over 14 languages and their variations.
- Provides speech in Ogg, MP3, WAV, FLAC, PCM, A-law, Mu-law, G.729, and basic audio formats.
- The Tune by Example feature lets you adjust the speech without needing SSML knowledge.
3. Lovo AI
Lovo provides a top-notch AI voice generator named Genny, which quickly turns written text into realistic speech. Its TTS API can understand language patterns and regulate speech features like voice and accent to meet specific needs.
Main features of Lovo AI
- It supports more than 100 languages and 400+ voices.
- Emotional Voices can add 25 different emotions to the speech.
- Upload subtitles or SRT files to match voice overs with videos automatically.
- Clone voices to create custom, branded voices.
4. Google Cloud Text-to-Speech API
Google Cloud’s TTS API, one of the best text to speech api, uses DeepMind’s advanced neural network trained with many speech samples. This technology helps Google’s text-to-speech AI provide a broad range of high-quality, natural-sounding voices.
Main features of Google Cloud Text to Speech API
- Available in over 50 languages with localization features and 380+ voices.
- Uses Neural2, Standard, WaveNet, and Studio voices for international options.
- Custom voice training to develop a unique brand voice.
- Voice tuning with 20 semitones, adjustable speaking rate, and 4x speed control.
5. Murf AI
Murf AI provides cloud-based software for text-to-speech and video creation using AI. The firm is situated in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Murf Studio includes AI voice changers and AI translation and works with Canva, Google Slides, Windows Apps, and more. They have three pricing plans: Creator, Business, and Enterprise.
Main features of Murf AI
- Strong voice customization options to control pitch, speed, pronunciation, and pauses.
- Export in formats like MP3, WAV, and FLAC.
- Choose from 40+ high-quality English voices with accents like British, American, Scottish, and Indian for natural voiceovers.
- Adjust sampling rates to 8kHz, 24kHz, and 48kHz.
6. Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure’s best text to speech API uses a RESTful setup. This cloud-based service allows users to run text-to-speech from their data sources. It also uses SSML to give detailed control over speech features like speed, pitch, pauses, and pronunciation.
Main features of Microsoft Azure
- Supports over 80 languages and regional variations.
- Make use of neural text-to-speech with SSML for fine control over the audio.
- Custom neural voice lets you create a personalized voice using real voice samples.
- Certified by PCI DSS, SOC, HIPAA, HITECH, FedRAMP, and ISO.
7. Play.ht
Play.ht provides text to speech output that works well for different requirements. Consumers can choose from many options for conversations, narrations, emotions, accents, and more to create unique audio. It also offers a large selection of AI voices, so you can find one that matches your particular needs.
Main features of Play.ht
- Offers 142 languages and accents with 829 AI voices.
- Automatically updates with the latest voices in real time.
- Users can download the audio files in MP3 and WAV formats.
- Supports text and SSML to adjust speech.
8. Speechify
Speechify’s text-to-speech API helps make websites and apps accessible for publishing, blogging, content marketing, and managing resources. It also helps businesses improve engagement and keep customers happy. You can use Speechify as a Chrome extension to read text out loud.
Main features of Speechify
- Live text highlighting shows the words Speechify is currently reading.
- The floating widget lets you control speech while scrolling.
- Available for both web and iOS.
9. Resemble AI
Resemble’s RESTful TTS API lets users create a voice with just five lines of code. As one of the best text to speech API, it allows users to access content from the web, choose from voices in the Resemble AI marketplace, or record their own voice. Resemble makes it quick and easy to integrate voice generation into projects.
Main features of Resemble AI
- The Core Cloning engine helps design and control unique voices.
- Upload audio files with one click to personalized sounds (with permission).
- Has a popular AI Voice Marketplace.
- Offer 35 languages with over 100 regional options.
10. ReadSpeaker
ReadSpeaker’s cloud-based TTS API is simple to use and works on desktop, web, and mobile. It’s easy to set up and is part of the ReadSpeaker Web Application Service Platform. The API also includes SSML control to adjust how the speech sounds.
Main features of ReadSpeaker
- It comes with a customizable dictionary to save specific words.
- Provides over 200 voices in more than 50 languages.
- Includes timing info for synced text highlighting in the API.
- Creates audio files in various formats: PCM, A-law, u-law, Ogg, MP3, and WAV.
How to Choose the Best Text to Speech API for Your Needs?
When looking for the prominent text-to-speech APIs, you’ll find many options, but not all are the same. Here are key factors to consider for developers, companies, and individuals when picking an api text to speech:
Text Volume
When choosing a text-to-speech API, consider how much text you’ll convert regularly and pick an api with flexible pricing for high volumes. Check if the API offers the voice features you need, such as gender, accent, or language.
Language Support
Select a TTS API that supports many languages and can provide speech in the user’s local language. This helps you reach more people and enter new markets. Make sure the API fits your project’s goals and meets your users’ expectations.
Customer Support
Pick a TTS API provider with strong customer support for help with setup, customization, and any issues. While documentation and forums are useful, having direct support can save time and effort. Choose a provider that values customer satisfaction.
Integration Capabilities
Make sure the programming languages, tools, and platforms you already use are compatible with the best text to speech API. This makes it easier to develop and set up. Testing the API with your system first can help avoid problems later.
Trail Options
Find text-to-speech APIs that offer free trials so you can try them out in real situations. See how they perform, their personalization options, and any features they have for your industry before paying. Free trials help you choose the right option for your needs.
Provide Customization
Choose a TTS API that lets you customize it to fit your project’s needs. Look for options to adjust the voice, pronunciation, and language settings. This flexibility helps you create a unique audio experience that matches your brand.
Wrapping Up
The best text to speech api turns written text into spoken words using artificial intelligence to create natural-sounding speech. These tools are important for making content accessible, supporting multiple languages, and improving user engagement across different platforms.
These APIs are helpful for people who have trouble seeing or reading. When picking a TTS API, consider the speech quality, language choices, how easy it is to use, cost, and security. These factors help make sure the API suits your project and provides a good experience for all users.
FAQs
How do TTS APIs analyze speech quality?
The text-to-speech APIs use smart algorithms to check how natural and clear the speech sounds. They look at things like tone, rhythm, and emphasis to make sure the speech feels real and interesting.
Deep learning helps improve the voice over time. To choose a text to speech API, listen to sample voices and check reviews to make sure they fit your needs.
How Simple Is It to Integrate TTS APIs?
Adding TTS APIs to your projects is usually easy. Many providers offer clear guides and support for developers. They often come with instructions for working with different platforms and programming languages. Good guides help you fix issues and use the API well. Providers also have forums and extra help available.
What are some common ways to use the best text to speech api?
The TTS APIs are useful in many areas. In education, they create audiobooks and language learning tools. In customer service, they improve automated phone systems.
They also provide voice directions in navigation apps, help people with vision problems, and generate voiceovers for entertainment. By adding spoken words to various applications, these APIs make information more accessible.
How Much Does a Text to Speech API Cost?
Text-to-speech APIs often charge based on how much you use them or how many requests you make. Pricing plans vary by provider, ranging from small startups to big tech companies. Most businesses should expect to pay some thousand dollars per year for a TTS API with good support.
