Speechify is a well-known, high-quality text-to-speech app used by individuals and businesses. However, since there are several other similar platforms on the market, it's no surprise that many users find themselves exploring alternatives.

Whether it's seeking a different set of features, pricing options, or better voice quality, the abundance of choices in the TTS app market can leave you wondering if there’s something “better” out there. Naturally, it’s important to remember that what’s "better" is subjective — it all depends on your specific needs and preferences.

In this article, we look at three strong alternatives — our own ElevenReader app, Veed.io, and Murf.ai. Here’s how they compare to Speechify.

Why look for Speechify alternatives?

Limited free listening time

Speechify’s free plan limits users to 100 minutes of voice generation per month, which can be restrictive for daily listeners of articles, PDFs, or emails. For example, an average audiobook lasts 6–12 hours, meaning free users can't even finish one book.

Students and professionals may also find this frustrating, especially since unused minutes don't roll over. This often leads users to upgrade to Speechify Premium for unlimited voice generation, but the price is high.

A monthly plan costs $29. There’s a more affordable yearly subscription of $139 ($11.58/month), but not all free plan users are ready for such a long-term commitment. That’s why some search for other text to speech apps like Speechify instead.

Standard, lower-quality voices (compared to AI options)

Speechify offers natural-sounding voices, particularly in its premium plan, which includes AI-enhanced voices that mimic human speech well. However, some users have noted that the free-tier voices can sound robotic compared to more advanced AI options.

Though Speechify offers multiple accents and languages, a few users feel that intonation and pacing can seem unnatural, especially in complex sentences.

One user shared their frustration, saying, “Speechify does have a top limit for the premium voices, which I hit at the 3-week mark. The whole point of premium is to access the voices. I won’t be renewing.”

In comparison, Speechify competitors like ElevenLabs use deep learning models, offering smoother intonation and emotional depth. These platforms allow for more customization, including tone, speed, and style adjustments. While Speechify remains a solid choice, those in need of more lifelike, realistic AI voices might find these alternatives better suited for professional or long-form content.

Waiting for reset

One major inconvenience of Speechify’s 100-minute monthly limit is the waiting period before the listening time resets. Once users hit the cap, they must wait until the next billing cycle to regain access — unless they upgrade to a paid plan.

This can be particularly frustrating for students, professionals, or audiobook listeners who rely on text-to-speech regularly. If they run out of minutes mid-task, they either have to switch to another tool or pause their workflow until the reset.

Unlike some alternatives that offer daily or weekly refreshes, Speechify’s rigid monthly limit leaves users without flexibility. This restriction often forces those who need continuous access to consider upgrading or seeking a tool with a more generous free-tier structure.

Paywalls on features

Beyond the 100-minute limit, Speechify’s free plan also locks several other key features behind a paywall. This can frustrate users expecting more from a basic version. Playback speed control, for example, is restricted, meaning free users can’t adjust reading speed beyond a certain limit. This is something Speechify competitors often provide for free.

Other premium-only features, like camera-based text import and access to higher-quality voices, further limit the free experience.

Here’s an opinion from a former Speechify user: “Speechify used to be my go-to app to get required readings done, but the app doesn’t even work for me anymore. Ever since everything has been paywalled the app will constantly lag and freeze over. Needless to say, I don’t want to pay a small fortune just for an app that I can’t even use.”

Criteria for a great Speechify alternative

While searching for an app that is better than Speechify, consider the following factors:

Voice quality – look for lifelike, natural-sounding voices with clear intonation and accurate pacing. High-quality voices are necessary for a pleasant listening experience, especially for long-form content.
Pricing – compare free vs. paid plans in text to speech apps like Speechify to check value for money. A great alternative should offer a generous free tier and affordable premium options, ensuring access to essential features without breaking the bank.
Features – consider supported formats (like PDFs, web pages), language options, and customization features including playback speed, voice selection, and text highlighting.
Ease of use – the platform should be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing users to quickly upload and start listening without a steep learning curve.
Platform availability – ensure the tool is available on the devices and platforms you use most, whether that’s web, mobile, or desktop, for seamless integration into your routine.

Top Speechify alternatives – ElevenReader, Veed.io, and Murf.ai

ElevenReader