10 Best PDF Read Aloud Apps

Are you feeling too lazy to read the written text in your PDF? You’re right on cue! Because you can turn these texts into spoken words through the PDF Read Aloud app or features included in your PDF Reader! Sometimes, this is called the Text-To-Speech (TTS) feature because of its sole reason of converting the text within the PDF documents into words! This feature is not merely for accessibility and lessening the exerted energy that a reader could utilize, but it also caters to inclusivity for visually impaired readers and those who struggle with reading problems!

Do not be overwhelmed because we will provide you with the most curated list of apps that read PDFs to you! If you are still struggling to pick which app is best suitable for you, we will tell you in advance the best app that can read PDF out loud! Here’s a little spoiler for you, come closer, it’s Natural Reader! But Afirstsoft PDF Reader has also shining moment and should be considered as a fine option for PDF editing and reading. If you are curious why, then continue reading this article!

Part 1. 10 PDF Read Aloud Apps

Let’s not prolong the excitement! Compose yourself and pay attention carefully because here are the Top 10 PDF Read Aloud Apps that cater to whatever learning style you have! These apps will make sure that every reader will achieve peak productivity and efficiency because of the hands-free feature they offer! It requires less energy, and you can multitask while listening to the PDF!  

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader

If you are looking for an all-in-one app to read PDF aloud that does not compromise quality for easiness, then Adobe Acrobat Reader fits best for you! It is one of the popular PDF readers that leveled up your streamlining of work by offering you multifaceted features from editing, converting, and especially annotating PDF documents.

adobe acrobat reader interface

Features

  • Well-established Read Out Loud – Not every tool has a reading-aloud feature and Adobe Acrobat Reader is just one of the few tools that offers this feature. It has a well-established feature where you can select the volume and the voice preferences. You can pause, stop, read a specific part, or read the whole document!
  • AI Assistant – Adobe leveled up the game by incorporating highly advanced technologies into its tools. If you still cannot understand the read data, then consult it with an AI assistant!
  • Highlighted Comments – It is perfect for the readers because you can highlight a specific page to put your comments and annotations.
Pros
  • Multiple viewing modes
  • Flexible aloud preferences
  • Easy and Straightforward Navigation
Cons
  • Cannot read the text in the images

2. Natural Reader

One of the best app that reads pdfs out loud and is perfect for reading your document is the Natural Reader. It can be accessed without any additional costs, and it has many things to offer. With so many features it has to offer, it is no surprise that it was trusted by 10 million users and different companies and brands.

natural reader interface

Features

  • Wide Choices of AI Voices – Alice, Kayla, Bruce, Dez, or Jon? Which of the following voice character assistants do you prefer? Mind you, they have multiple voice styles available!
  • Supports 20+ Formats – If you are worrying that images might left unread, Natural Reader will make it easily accessible to you!
  • Available Speed Options – Let’s say a 1x speed is boring, and you have to use your time wisely to catch up with other activities, then you can play with different speed options that cater to your learning style!
Pros
  • Accessible for Free
  • Applicable to Zoom while using the Reading feature
  • Supports multiple languages
Cons
  • Prone to loading especially with larger files

3. Voice Dream Reader

Hello to the iOS Apple users out there! Here is the app that reads pdfs to you, in fact, it is most recommendable for your device. Voice Dream Reader offers just as much as the other tool, but this app is not website-based, as you need to ready your iOS or Mac to be able to download it. This app is student-friendly with its multiple navigation preferences and additional features for your studying.

voice dream reader interface

Features

  • 200+ Human Voices – Do not worry about your accents, twangs, or intonations because this app can produce the most natural sound similar to a human voice.
  • Choose your Navigation Option – Whether it is by sentence, page, or the whole document, you can adjust it based on what you need!  
  • Read different formats – Aside from the ebooks and reading materials, you can also subject your HTML, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft PowerPoint to your reading.
Pros
  • Works without internet connection
  • Connected to Bookshare and Gutenberg
  • Offers more than 20 languages
Cons
  • Works only in apple devices

4. Legere Reader

If you are not using any Apple devices and cannot access the Voice Dream Reader, this is the best alternative for you. Launched in 2020, Legere Reader is one of the apps that can read PDF out loud with the utmost quality! It solely works for any Android, mobile, or tablet device.

legere reader interface

Features

  • Multiple Built-in Voices – There is already a free built-in voice you can use in the app while exploring their 24 available languages.
  • Amazing Voice Reading – Working excellently with voice reading, you can play this application just like how you are playing a remote control!
  • OpenDyslexia fonts – Inclusivity and representation as they said! Because this app is dyslexia-friendly and helps people face their deficiencies
Pros
  • Recognize the voice and speech rate
  • Works with screen off
  • Provides an option for auto-scrolling
Cons
  • Not applicable to DRM-protected books

5. Foxit PDF Reader

Another all-around tool on this list is the Foxit PDF Reader. When it comes to navigation, tool design, and interface, Foxit PDF Reader and Adobe Acrobat Reader are comparable. Still, Foxit Reader remains as one of the effective apps that reads PDFs to you.

foxit pdf reader interface

Features

  • Flexible Pitch and Volume Rate – You can hear the PDF based on your desired pitch and volume.
  • Read Comments – It extends beyond the text of the document as it also allows the comments to be read accurately.
  • Chat with AI – Its association with AI helps the task to be easier by asking the AI to revise or rephrase the text if you cannot understand it fully.
Pros
  • Free to use
  • The TTS language can be modified
  • Offers a Pause-Stop Option
Cons
  • The sound assistance is choppy and rob

6. Balabolka

If you cannot still choose what to use, then you have the power to choose this app to read PDF aloud. Balabolka, a Russian word that means “chatterer”, is one of the options mostly used by students and content creators because of its easy-to-use interface and multilingual options.

balabolka interface

Features

  • Applicable to different text formats – It supports a wide range of style formats.
  • Read Clipboard Automatically – If you put the copied text in the clipboard, Balabolka can read it automatically.
  • Export Audio – You can also export the audio in MP3, WAV or OGG.
Pros
  • Very easy interface
  • Supports multiple languages
  • Open to customization
Cons
  • Only applicable on Windows devices

7. Text-To-Speech PDF Reader

In a very literal sense, just based on the name, this is an app that reads PDFs out loud or is capable of converting text into speeches. This app has one of the easiest interfaces and does not take so much of your time to learn and explore.

text to speech reader interface

Features

  • Supports Modern Browsers – Get access to the browser's voices such as Google by using this app!  
  • High Quality Natural Voices – Unlike the other tool, it is capable of generating a high-quality natural-sounding voice with different accents and languages.
  • Exporting Speech – If you had fun about the generated speech, you have the option to download and export it.
Pros
  • Accessible to everybody
  • It read along the documents
  • Catch errors by proofreading
Cons
  • Other features are locked in for premium

8. Narakeet

Turn your PDF document into a whole podcast session with Narakeet. It is one of the PDF read aloud app that is greatly used for text-to-speech functions.

narakeet interface

Features

  • Available in 100 languages – This is perfect for multilingual, or those who want to explore different languages.
  • Reads different types of documents – PDF is not the only format that is applicable for this. You can use Word, RTF, EPUB, and the list goes on.
  • Customize your Audio File- You can pick a different narrator per part, customize it the way you want, and make it inclined with your preferences.
Pros
  • Creates voiceovers
  • Modifiable pitch and volume
  • No registration needed
Cons
  • After 20 conversions, sign up for a paid plan.

9. Sider AI

Do not put this to the other side because Sider is one of the free text-to-speech apps powered by ChatGPT which can make the workload so much easier.

sider ai interface

Features

  • Natural AI Voices – Aside from the automatic robot option, you can choose a natural voice that suits your favorites. Play with the tone!
  • Chrome Extension – Extend this to your chrome so you have the option to turn the PDF documents into an audio.
  • Listen to ChatGPT – After asking for a content, you may just listen to it and chill in the corner.
Pros
  • Can pin to your browser
  • Available widely in many devices
  • Hands-free option
Cons
  • Greater learning curve required

10. Speechify

A must in the list of the app that can read PDF out loud is Speechify. It leaves you wondering how did you finish a task in minutes because this app is capable of easing the workloads effectively, thanks to its PDF converter.

speechify interface

Features

  • Read captured photo – After capturing a photo, you can ask Speechify to read it for you.
  • Listen to 30 languages - You can enjoy the multiple languages listed with tons of voice actors that produce natural sounds.
  • Comes as an extension – For easier use, you can put this as your extension in browsers such as Chrome and Safari.
Pros
  • Accessible in wide choices of device
  • Different standard voices provided
  • Converting pdf files to speech
Cons
  • Free plan only for 3 days

Part 2. Which Is the Best App to Read PDF Aloud?

Drum roll as we announce the app that shines the most! The best PDF read aloud app is none other than Natural Reader! It has what it takes to be hailed as the best. With its quality, multifaceted features and offers, easy learning curve, and quick straightforward navigation, its ability should not be put into question, especially towards serving millions of users in converting text into words!

How to Use Natural Reader?

Step 1: Go to their website and click the “get started for free.”

natural reader step 1

Step 2: Click the “add files” and choose the format you want to be converted into words.

natural reader step 2

Step 3: Pick a file and then wait for it to completely load. Click the “pause” icon to start playing the reading.

natural reader step 3

Part 3. Why Choose Afirstsoft PDF Reader to Read Your PDF?

If you are looking for an app that works more than its Text-To-Speech feature, Afirstsoft PDF is the best for you! This tool offers a wide range of viewing, navigating, and editing features. It might take until tomorrow to fully list the features. So why should we choose Afirstsoft PDF reader for PDF reading?

Afirstsoft PDF Reader as the Best PDF Reading

  • Multiple options for zooming mode – Fit Height, Fid Width, Actual Size, or Full Screen? You do not have to choose one because you already have it all! Aside from these, you can zoom your document up to 6400%.
  • Different Scrolling Modes – You can choose to auto-scroll your document, whether it’s a single page or a double page.  
  • AI inclusion – Its AI assistance is very amazing in that it can summarize PDF, concisely, explain, and provide an aid to help you understand your PDF better. A perfect feature for learners and educators!
  • Convert to different kinds of formats – It allows you to convert the PDF into any file format you would want to try!

Part 4. Conclusion 

PDF read aloud app does not only cater to students, learners, and educators but also opens opportunities for learning to people with disabilities. They maintain a high sense of inclusivity with features such as read-aloud functions, read-aloud highlights, dyslexic-friendly fonts, and easy-to-use apps and tools. You can choose from multiple options depending on your needs, whether you are looking for an app that reads PDFs to you or an all-in-one tool with a read-aloud feature.

Either way, these apps aim to provide you with the best possible easy learning experience!

Emily Davis

Editor-in-Chief

Emily Davis is one of the staff editors of Afirstsoft PDF Editor team. She is a dedicated staff editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for refining content.

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