Is there a device that will read a book out loud to you? See your options

Numerous assistive technology tools and software can read text out loud. These devices use artificial technology to translate written text into audio files. If you want to have a book read aloud, you can try any of the physical devices or software with text to speech (TTS) functionality.

This article shares an overview of the physical devices and software that can read a book out loud.

Devices that read text out loud

Let’s start with physical devices.

Scan2Voice

Scan2Voice is a desktop magnifier that reads documents out loud. The device includes an electronic magnifying glass, an audiobook creator, a word processor, and many other functionalities.

The magnifier consists of software and a physical scanner. The magnifier can zoom in up to 70 times, has high-speed scanning features, and uses optical character recognition (OCR) to scan printed text.

The device is lightweight, only weighing 2.2 pounds. Numerous positions are available, including letter, zoom 1 and 2, whiteboard, and transport positions.

Scan2Voice is a great reader for people with visual impairments and low vision.

OrCam Read

Reading pens aren’t new to the market. However, smart pens that use state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and advanced machine learning don’t cease to amaze.

OrCam screen reader comes from an Israeli company specializing in assistive technology tools for the visually impaired and blind. This device has a Smart Reading feature that uses voice commands for better control of the audio.

Scanning every word or sentence is not necessary, and the scanner can read the entire page with a single click of a button. The reader is a handheld device and works offline.

The OrCam reader is lightweight and can fit any bag or pocket, making it a travel-friendly gadget.

The reader uses Bluetooth and has an in-built microphone that reads the content of the text to the user. The device doesn’t require internet connectivity to read text.

Users with low vision and those who spend a lot of time reading text can benefit from this device to make their daily lives easier.

Kindle eReader

Amazon’s e-book reader, Kindle, supports text to speech functionality for eligible books. This e-book reader allows users to change languages, narration speed, and more.

The Kindle seventh generation reader has a special feature called VoiceView which can read anything on the screen, turn pages automatically as it reads them, and has exceptional voice quality.

Readers who prefer listening to content can turn their Kindle devices into powerful screen readers with no additional software installation.

NaturalReader

NaturalReader is a free text to speech app that can read and transform numerous text formats into audio files. It has some of the highest-quality AI voices. Users just have to drag and drop the text they wish to read aloud and press the play button to listen to the audio.

The mobile app is available for Apple and Android phones and also works on Mac and Windows computers.

Natural Reader is cloud-based and works great for people with visual impairments or other reading difficulties like dyslexia and ADHD.

Voice Dream Reader

Voice Dream Reader is a macOS and iOS-only app with hundreds of built-in computer-generated voices. The app works with more than 30 languages, including English, German, French, Danish, Greek, Italian, and many others.

The cloud-based app can convert documents, e-books, and web pages into lifelike speech.

The distraction-free and full-screen modes help boost focus. The software integrates with online programs like Google Drive, iCloud Drive, and others.

Speechify

Speechify is an online reader of any type of text. The software is available on all digital devices and can read text files (HTML, doc, txt, Microsoft Word, ePUB, and others) through a web browser or app.

Speechify uses OCR technology to read printed text. Users can listen to text in dozens of languages through a single text to speech app.

You can also adjust the reading speed to 4.5 times the original and download the files for offline use. Users with disabilities can use keyboard shortcuts to control the playback.

Your computer or smart device can read text aloud, too

Many devices can read text aloud. Thanks to text to speech technology, your iPhone or Android phones can be turned into screen readers. Best of all, the functionality comes free.

The text to speech feature on iPhones works through the in-built VoiceOver feature. When you turn this feature on, your iPad or iPhone can read text from the screen for you. Numerous tutorials are available online that explain how these tools work.

The in-built tools, however, are still in their basic version and lack the features of text to speech software like NaturalReader, Voice Dream Reader, or Speechify.

Listen to any text in natural-sounding voices with Speechify

Speechify is a text to speech assistive technology tool that uses advanced deep learning and AI to read printed and digital text aloud. This text to speech reader is perfect for people with reading disabilities like dyslexia, low vision, and ADHD.

The universal features make Speechify suitable for students, language learners, and anyone who works with large amounts of text without impairments. Speechify can read aloud the content of all types of texts, including PDF files, Microsoft Word documents, web pages, and more.

The app is available in the App Store, Google Play Store, and as a Chrome extension for users worldwide.

Start the free trial today or learn more details by visiting the official website.

FAQ

What is the process of getting a book read out loud to you?

To get a book read aloud, you either have to use a reading device or a text to speech software.

What is the size of the OrCam Read device?

The OrCam Read is 11 inches x 4 inches x 3 inches in size.

How much does an OrCam Read cost?

OrCam Read costs from $2,000 to $2,500.