ReadAloud
on-device, podcast-quality text-to-speech in the browser
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What is ReadAloud?
ReadAloud is a free Chrome browser extension that converts web articles and text into natural-sounding speech using neural voices. It runs entirely in the browser with offline capability, word-by-word highlighting, and variable playback speeds, prioritizing privacy by keeping all processing local.
ReadAloud pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Free tier ($0 forever) with system voice and speeds up to 2x; Premium $6/month (2-week free trial) unlocks speeds up to 3.5x and unlimited usage
ReadAloud pros
- Natural-sounding podcast-quality AI voices (6 options) without robotic TTS sound
- Runs fully offline in your browser with no data sent to servers
- Very affordable premium at $6/mo compared to competitors like Speechify at $29/mo
- Genuinely free tier with multiple voices, highlighting, and up to 2x speed
- Playback speeds up to 3.5x with maintained voice clarity
ReadAloud cons
- Chrome-only extension with no mention of other browser support
- Free tier limited to 2x playback speed
- Premium voices and expanded language support still listed as 'coming soon'
Frequently asked questions about ReadAloud
Is ReadAloud free?
Yes — free account includes the player, system and natural voices, word highlighting, and speeds up to 2x. Premium ($6/mo) adds faster speeds up to 3.5x.
How does ReadAloud work offline?
Natural voices download once to your device and run locally, enabling offline listening without internet connection.
Where does the player appear?
The player appears as a slim white pill at the right edge of the page.
Is my privacy protected?
Yes — all reading is processed locally on your device and never uploaded or logged.