In order to convert any Ebook into an audiobook for free, you need to make sure you have the correct software to interpret the text. Most technology devices have the built-in ability to read the text, but they need additional support that takes care of the reading aloud of the text. This is where TTS comes into play.
What is TTS?
TTS stands for text-to-speech and is a speech synthesis application, computer-generated simulation of human speech, that converts text on a device into spoken content. It is used in computer and to allow users
What are my options for converting my Ebook into an audiobook?
Fortunately for you, there’s a lot to choose from. The options provided below will provide you apps, as well as how to tweak your phone settings to get the same effect.
How to convert any iPhone to read content aloud to you
- If you don’t have iOS 14, you will need to find the Accessibility tab for your iPhone, which sometimes is found as follows, Settings -- General -- Accessibility -- VoiceOver
- Turning this feature on will give you the ability to change the reading speed (slower or faster), choose the reading voice (South African English or change the language), add pitch changes, and whether you want sound effects or not.
How to convert any Kindle ebook into an audiobook on your iPhone
- Go to your Kindle App and open your book
- Ask Siri to turn on VoiceOver
- To manually set up VoiceOver: Settings -- General -- Accessibility -- VoiceOver
How to convert and Ebook into an audiobook on Android Devices
- Download a TTS app in the Google Play Store (can use the examples in this article or whichever you prefer)
How to convert an Ebook on your computer into audio
For Macbooks:
- Mac computers have TTS built-in
- Select the text -- right-click -- select more -- select “speaking”
For Windows:
- Since there is no built-in TTS for Windows computers, you will need to download software before beginning.
- Example TTS applications: Balabolka, Natural Reader
Good EREADER App
What is it?
- An E-reader and audiobook app in one that converts written text into an audio format for you to listen to any time.
Features
- 28 languages in either a male or female voice available
- Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Portuguese (European), Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Spanish (Latin American), Swedish, Turkish, Welsh.
- Uses Amazon Polly TTS system (also used in Alexa)
- Import ebooks through Google Drive, Dropbox, or another file management system
- Text is highlighted as the words are read
- Change the font type, font size, margins, line spacing, and take notes
Cost: Free
Upgrade
- A lone, one-time $9.99 fee to remove ads, in-app cloud storage, grandfathered into future upgrades at no cost
Where to find it
- Google Play
- Website
- Amazon
- iOS (coming soon)
VoiceDream
What is it?
- It is an accessible reading tool for mobile and tablet devices.
Features
- Sleep timer
- 200+ voices and 30 languages
- English, Arabic, Bulgarian, Catalan, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish
- Library management
- Safari Extension
- Import ebooks through Google Drive, Dropbox, or another file management system
- Text is highlighted as the words are read
- Change the font type, font size, margins, line spacing, and take notes
Cost: $14.99
Where to find it
Other apps to check out:
Smart AudioBook Player Google Play
Voice Audiobook Google Play
MortPlayer Audio Books Google Play
Voice Aloud Reader App Google Play
What if my Ebook is not compatible with the applications above?
If you run into this issue, you may need to check the file you are attempting to upload. Is the file DRM free? If not, you will need to use an Ebook DRM Removal and Book Converter. By using a program like Epubor Ultimate, you will be able to solve this issue. For any questions on the process, refer to this DRM Removal help guide.
