Read Aloud: Text to Speech Extension

Recently, a teacher asked for a recommended text to speech tool for Chromebooks.  Of course, a Chromebook means it has to be a Chrome extension and can't be a program to install.  While there are many to be found, most text to speech extensions fall into one of two categories.  The first: they are very useful but cost for their full capability (a popular example is Read & Write for Chrome).  The second: they are free but offer limited usability and/or functionality.

I hadn't looked in a while, so I was glad to take a peek at the Chrome Store to see what was available now.   After playing with several and reading Chrome Store reviews, I found one that I can easily recommend: Read Aloud.  It is free with no hidden charges.

Note the bullhorn extension icon for Read Aloud in the upper right.

While some text to speech (TTS) tools may excel in an area or two, Read Aloud ranks highly across multiple aspects:

• It is easy to use!

• It grabs text from the website, simplifies the font/formatting, and puts it in an easy to read “box”; it then highlights text as it reads (although in settings, you can turn highlighting off).

• Multiple male and female voices are available in a fairly normal “American” accent.  These are included at no charge.  (Many TTS tools have only one voice with an English affect, or additional voices cost additional money.)

• It works on Google Docs.  (Many do not!)

• You can adjust speed and pitch.  (Many only have this option for a premium/paid version.)

• It is one of the few TTS tools that can read a PDF that is opened inside a tab of your Chrome browser. 

• It is important to note that while typical websites should be fine, Read Aloud will NOT work inside a learning management system (LMS) such as Schoology or Edmodo.  However, this is true of nearly all TTS extensions (such as Read & Write), paid or free.

You can get to the settings (gear icon) by hitting the bullhorn icon, then hitting stop to end reading the text aloud. Here you can change the voice with dropdown choices, use the sliding bars to adjust speed and pitch, and turn text highlighting on or off.  You can also test what this sounds and looks like without using an actual website page.

Do you recommend a different text to speech Chrome extension that is free?  Share in the Comments below.