What is Speechify? A Complete Overview
Speechify is a powerful text-to-speech application designed to convert written content into natural-sounding audio. The Speechify app works across multiple platforms including iOS, Android, desktop browsers, and as a Chrome extension. Founded in 2016 by Cliff Weitzman, who himself struggled with dyslexia, Speechify aims to make reading more accessible and convenient for everyone.
Using advanced AI technology, the Speechify app can read almost any text aloud, from articles and books to emails and documents. With its intuitive interface and flexible reading options, Speechify has gained popularity among students, professionals, and anyone looking to consume content more efficiently.
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Key Features of the Speechify App in 2025
Natural-Sounding Voices
The Speechify app offers a variety of natural-sounding voices across different accents and languages. Premium users get access to more lifelike voices that make listening for extended periods much more enjoyable.
Adjustable Reading Speed
Speechify allows users to customize the reading speed from 0.5x to 4.5x, helping you consume content at your preferred pace. This feature makes the Speechify app particularly useful for those who want to get through long documents quickly.
Cross-Platform Synchronization
With Speechify, your reading progress synchronizes across all your devices. Start listening on your phone and continue seamlessly on your computer, making the Speechify app versatile for different situations.
Research has shown that text-to-speech technology can improve reading comprehension by 29% for those with reading difficulties.
Speechify Pricing: Is the Premium Version Worth It?
Speechify Free
$0
- Basic text-to-speech functionality
- Limited voice options
- Standard reading speed
- Basic OCR capabilities
Speechify Premium Monthly
$11.99/month
- All premium voices
- Unlimited reading speed
- Advanced OCR technology
- Cloud storage for documents
- Sync across all devices
Speechify Premium Annual
$139.99/year
Save 2 months
- All premium voices
- Unlimited reading speed
- Advanced OCR technology
- Cloud storage for documents
- Sync across all devices
- Priority customer support
The Speechify app offers significant advantages in its premium version. While the free version provides basic functionality, serious users will benefit from the premium features, especially if you plan to use Speechify regularly for work or study.
Speechify App Performance on Different Devices
Speechify on iOS
The Speechify iOS app offers perhaps the smoothest experience, with excellent integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Text selection and audio controls are intuitive, and the app runs efficiently even on older iPhone models.
Speechify on Android
The Android version of the Speechify app provides similar functionality to its iOS counterpart but with a few interface differences to match Android design patterns. Performance is generally good, though some users report occasional synchronization issues.
Speechify on Desktop
The desktop experience of Speechify, available as both a web application and Chrome extension, is particularly useful for professionals who need to process large documents. The text highlighting feature helps users follow along as the Speechify app reads their content.
How Speechify Compares to Other Text-to-Speech Solutions
| Feature | Speechify | Natural Reader | Voice Dream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice Quality | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Reading Speed | 0.5x-4.5x | 0.5x-3x | 0.5x-4x |
| Platform Support | iOS, Android, Web, Chrome | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android |
| OCR Capability | Advanced | Basic | Moderate |
| Price (Annual) | $139.99 | $99.99 | $119.99 |
While there are several alternatives to the Speechify app, its combination of natural-sounding voices, cross-platform compatibility, and advanced OCR technology makes Speechify stand out in the text-to-speech market. However, budget-conscious users might find that competitors offer better value depending on their specific needs.
For more on accessibility tools, see our guide to digital accessibility solutions.
Our Final Verdict on Speechify
Pros
- Exceptional voice quality with natural intonation
- Seamless cross-platform synchronization
- Intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate
- Excellent OCR capabilities for printed text
- Wide range of reading speeds
Cons
- Premium version is relatively expensive
- Free version is quite limited
- Occasional synchronization issues
- Battery drain on mobile devices during extended use
The Speechify app is a powerful tool for anyone who wants to consume written content through audio. Whether you’re a student looking to absorb textbook material more efficiently, a professional trying to keep up with industry articles, or someone with reading difficulties, Speechify offers a solution that adapts to your needs. While the premium price point may be a barrier for some, the quality and functionality justify the cost for those who will use it regularly.
Learn more about Speechify on their official website.
Ready to Try Speechify?
Experience the benefits of converting text to speech with the Speechify app. Start with the free version to test the basic features, then upgrade to premium for the full experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Speechify
Is Speechify available offline?
Yes, the Speechify app allows premium users to download content for offline listening, making it perfect for travel or areas with poor internet connectivity.
How accurate is Speechify’s OCR technology?
Speechify uses advanced OCR (Optical Character Recognition) that can accurately convert most printed text, though complex layouts or low-quality images may reduce accuracy.
Can Speechify read PDFs?
Yes, the Speechify app can read PDFs, including those with complex formatting, making it ideal for academic papers, reports, and eBooks.
How many languages does Speechify support?
Speechify supports over 20 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Chinese, with varying levels of voice quality.
Is Speechify good for people with dyslexia?
Yes, the Speechify app was originally created by someone with dyslexia and includes features specifically designed to help people with reading difficulties, such as text highlighting and adjustable reading speeds.