Text-to-Speech Preview
Hear how your content sounds when read aloud. Preview your text with text-to-speech to catch awkward phrasing, test accessibility, or proofread by ear. Choose from multiple voices and speeds.
The tool uses your browser's built-in Web Speech API, so no data leaves your device. This simulates how screen reader users might hear your content.
Ready to play
How the Text-to-Speech Preview Works
- 1Paste or type your text in the input box
- 2Select a voice and adjust speed to your preference
- 3Press play and follow along with word highlighting
- 4Pause, resume, or stop at any time
Frequently Asked Questions
How do screen readers read text?
Screen readers convert on-screen text to speech using text-to-speech engines. They read content in document order, announce headings and links, and let users navigate by elements. Our tool simulates the speech output to help you hear how your content sounds.
Why use text-to-speech for proofreading?
Hearing your text read aloud helps catch errors your eyes skip over. It reveals awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, missing words, and rhythm problems. Many professional writers and editors use text-to-speech as part of their revision process.
What voices are available?
Available voices depend on your browser and operating system. Most systems include multiple English voices (US, UK, Australian) plus voices in other languages. The tool automatically detects and lists all voices available on your device.
Does this work like a real screen reader?
This tool simulates text-to-speech output but isn't a full screen reader. Real screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver also announce page structure, form fields, and interactive elements. Use this for content preview, but test with actual screen readers for full accessibility testing.
Is my text stored or sent anywhere?
No. The text-to-speech runs entirely in your browser using the Web Speech API. Your text never leaves your device and isn't stored anywhere. This makes it safe to use with confidential or sensitive content.
Why Use a Text-to-Speech Preview?
Text-to-speech preview helps you understand how your content will sound when read aloud by screen readers and assistive technologies. This is essential for creating accessible content that works for everyone, including people with visual impairments.
Common Use Cases
- Accessibility testing: Check how your website or app content sounds to screen reader users
- Proofreading: Hearing your text read aloud helps catch errors you might miss when reading
- Content creation: Preview podcasts scripts, video narrations, or presentations
- Language learning: Hear proper pronunciation of words and phrases
- Document review: Listen to long documents while doing other tasks
- UX research: Understand the audio experience of your digital products
Why This Tool?
- Browser-based: Uses your device's built-in voices for instant, private playback
- Real-time highlighting: See which word is being spoken as you listen
- Adjustable settings: Control speed and pitch to match your preferences
- Multiple voices: Choose from various languages and voice styles
- Mobile-friendly: Works on phones and tablets for on-the-go testing
Pro tip: Try adjusting the speed to 0.8x for longer content — it gives you time to follow along with the highlighted text and catch any awkward phrasing.