Productivity tools have become essential for managing your tasks efficiently. Among them, text-to-speech tools have gained popularity due to their ability to convert written text into spoken words, so you can multitask and enhance productivity.
The text-to-speech extension market offers a variety of options, from simple tools that read web content with one click to more advanced solutions. When selecting the best TTS tools, consider factors like Chrome integration, ease of use, and audio quality.
With Chrome’s text-to-speech plugins, you can listen to articles or web pages while performing other tasks. It saves you time, reduces screen fatigue, and streamlines your workflow. These plugins also make content more inclusive for diverse users. Let’s explore the best text-to-speech plugins for Chrome to boost your productivity.
In this article
Part 1. Why Use Text-to-Speech Plugins for Productivity?
Chrome’s text-to-speech extensions are valuable tools that boost productivity in many ways. By converting written content into audio, these tools allow users to listen to web pages, articles, or emails while engaging in other tasks. This functionality can help streamline workflows, making multitasking easier.
Here are some of the benefits of using Chrome’s extension text-to-speech:
- Web Accessibility
Chrome’s text-to-speech extensions make web content more accessible. It helps convert text into audio for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties. This feature ensures that online content can be consumed by a wider audience.
- Enhanced Multitasking
These plugins allow users to listen to articles, emails, or web pages while performing other tasks. This multitasking capability helps streamline productivity. It also reduces the need for dedicated reading time.
- Seamless Browser Integration
These extensions integrate smoothly with Chrome’s interface. It provides users with easy access to text-to-speech functionality. Most plugins only need a single click to convert web content into spoken words.
- Customization Options
Text-to-speech extensions for Chrome often offer customization features. It allows users to adjust voice speed, tone, and language. This flexibility enhances the user experience and ensures a personalized approach to consuming content.
- Time-saving Efficiency
Converting text into speech saves time by enabling users to consume information on the go. Whether commuting or multitasking, users can listen to content without being tied to a screen.
- Reducing Screen Fatigue
For those who spend long hours reading from a screen, Chrome’s text-to-speech extensions provide a break from visual strain. Users can listen to text instead of reading, reducing the chances of eye fatigue.
With the benefits of Chrome’s text-to-speech plugins clear, let’s move on to explore the top 6 options available. We’ll review their features and functionalities to help you choose the best plugins.
Part 2. Top 6 Text-to-Speech Plugins for Chrome
In this section, we’ll dive into the top 6 text-to-speech plugins for Chrome. Each plugin offers unique features designed to enhance your productivity and make your web experience more efficient. Let’s find the best fit for your needs.
Plugin 1: NaturalReader
NaturalReader is a text-to-speech extension for Chrome that turns online text into natural-sounding audio. With a simple play button, you can have emails, websites, PDFs, Google Docs, and Kindle books read aloud. You can save time by listening at faster speeds and can multitask during commutes, walks, or cooking.
Plugin 2: Speechify
Speechify converts any Google Doc, PDF, webpage, or book into natural-sounding audio in over 30 languages. It supports listening at up to 4.5x faster than average reading speed. Features include syncing across devices, human-like voices, and the ability to read screenshots.
Plugin 3: Voice Reader
Voice Reader is an AI-powered Chrome extension that converts web pages, books, and PDFs into spoken text. It supports many languages and offers adjustable speaking speeds. Features include play/pause controls, volume change, and options for male or female voices.
Plugin 4: Read Aloud
Read Aloud is a text-to-speech Chrome extension that converts web page text into audio with a single click. It supports over 40 languages and various voices from cloud services like Google Wavenet and Amazon Polly. Features include voice selection, adjustable speed, and compatibility with PDFs and Google Docs.
Plugin 5: Audioread
Audioread helps to turn articles, PDFs, and emails into human-like voices. It creates a personal RSS feed for easy listening on podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. It offers natural-sounding TTS and supports sending articles from iOS or Android.
Plugin 6: ReadText
ReadText offers instant text-to-speech with a single click in your browser, supporting over 30 languages. Customize speed, voices, and navigation easily. It turns any webpage into an audiobook, helps you multitask, and keeps your data private—all for free, with no ads or hidden fees.
Part 3. How to Integrate Text-to-Speech Plugins into Your Workflow
To get the most from your text-to-speech plugins for Chrome, start by integrating them into your daily workflow. These tools can help you stay productive and manage tasks more efficient. Follow these steps to install and set up your text-to-speech plugin:
Step 1. Install the Plugin
Open Chrome and visit the Chrome Web Store. Search for your chosen TTS plugin (e.g., NaturalReader). Then, click Add to Chrome and then Add extension to install.
Step 2. Configure the Plugin
Click the Plugin icon in the Chrome toolbar. Select the text-to-speech plugin for Chrome you added before. It will open a new window. Here, you can access settings to adjust voice, speed, and language preferences. Save your changes to customize the reading experience.
Step 3. Start Using the Plugin
Navigate to any web page or document. Click the Plugin icon in the Chrome toolbar. Then, a pop-up window for the plugin will appear, click the Play button to begin reading the web page or document. Select text if needed, or adjust settings for specific needs.
Tips to Maximize Chrome’s Text-to-Speech Plugin for Productivity:
- Set Default Preferences
Configure default voice, speed, and language settings to save time on each use.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Learn and use keyboard shortcuts to control playback without interrupting your workflow.
- Highlight Key Text
Highlight important sections to focus on specific parts of the content if possible. This action will make it easier to select which text you want to read.
- Sync Across Devices
If your text-to-speech plugin supports it, ensure it syncs across all your devices for a seamless experience.
- Regular Updates
Keep your plugin updated to enjoy the latest features and improvements.
While text-to-speech plugins for Chrome offer many benefits, you might face some challenges when using them. It’s important to be aware of potential problems and how to address them. Here are common challenges and solutions to ensure a smooth experience:
- Compatibility Issues
Some plugins may not work well with all websites or file formats. Check compatibility before installation.
- Voice and Accent Limitations
If the available voices or accents don’t meet your needs, look for plugins that offer a wider voice options.
- Customization Complexity
The initial setup can be overwhelming. Take time to explore settings and adjust preferences.
- Data Privacy Concerns
Ensure the plugin you choose has a clear privacy policy and doesn’t compromise your data security.
Integrating text-to-speech plugins for Chrome into your workflow can enhance your productivity. By following the setup steps, using practical tips, and addressing any challenges, you’ll make the most of these tools. Next, we’ll explore how to leverage text-to-speech technology without relying on plugins.
Part 4: How to Use Text-to-Speech Technology without Plugins
While Chrome plugins for text-to-speech are excellent, other solutions can also provide powerful text-to-speech capabilities. Wondershare Filmora, a video editing software, includes a built-in text-to-speech (TTS) feature. This feature allows you to convert text into natural-sounding voice overs while editing. So, everything can be done within one platform only.
Why should you use Filmora instead of the Chrome text-to-speech plug-in?
- Two generation modes. Filmora offers two options for generating text-to-speech: manually inputting your own text or using its AI Copywriting feature to create them based on your topic.
- Choose from 40 different tones and voices. You can also clone your own voice for consistent use across all videos.
- Automatic sentence segmentation. The tool automatically handles sentence segmentation, eliminating the need for manual trimming and positioning of text clips.
- Multilingual support. You can connect with a global audience using Filmora's advanced AI text-to-speech technology, which supports 33 languages and breaks down language barriers
How to Use the Text-to-Speech Feature on Filmora to Create Voice Overs
Step 1. Begin a New Project in Filmora
Launch Wondershare Filmora and select New Project to start. Import your media files into the Filmora workspace for editing.
Step 2. Open the Text-to-Speech Tool
Navigate to Audio > Text to Speech and click Start. This action will open the Text-to-Speech window.
Step 3. Input Your Text
In the Text-to-Speech pop-up window, type or paste the text you want to convert into speech.
Step 4. Select Language and Voice
From the same window, choose your preferred language from the Language dropdown.
Next, pick the voice you want from the Select Voice menu.
Scroll down to adjust the Speed and Pitch of the voice if needed. When ready, click Try Free to generate the voiceover if you’re using the free version.
Conclusion
Text-to-speech plugins for Chrome can boost productivity by converting written content into spoken words. Chrome extensions enhance your browsing experience. It allows for efficient multitasking, and reduces screen fatigue.
This guide has the best 6 Chrome text-to-speech plugins with a range of options available. Choosing the right plugin can streamline your workflow. It also improves accessibility and saves valuable time. You can streamline your tasks, improve accessibility, and enhance your productivity.
Additionally, there is another option for those seeking a more integrated approach. Wondershare Filmora has a built-in text-to-speech feature for voiceover creation within video projects. Explore these options and find the solution that best fits your needs. Make the most of text-to-speech technology to boost your productivity.
