How to use this tool
Read‑Aloud runs entirely in your browser. Copy any text you have permission to use, paste it into the box above, pick a language and voice, adjust speed, and press Start. You can pause or resume at any time, and the progress bar shows how far through the text you are. If your browser offers multiple voices, try a few to find the tone that keeps you engaged.
For longer reading, break the material into sections. Paste one section, listen, take notes, and move to the next. This keeps the app responsive and helps you remember more of what you hear. If you are on iPhone or iPad and hear nothing, flip the Ring/Silent switch, refresh the page, and tap Start again. More fixes live in the Help guide.
Who this is for
- Students and researchers who want to review articles and lecture notes while resting their eyes or walking between classes.
- People with dyslexia or ADHD who find listening easier than visually scanning long paragraphs. The app stays simple so you can focus on the words.
- Language learners who want to hear pronunciation and pacing from the voices built into their browser and operating system.
- Editors and proofreaders who catch awkward phrasing by ear. Listening at 0.9× often surfaces missing words or repeated phrases.
- Anyone who prefers hands‑free reading while cooking, commuting, or stretching.
Features that help you listen better
- Browser-native voices: your text never leaves your device. The speech comes from the voices your browser already has.
- Speed control: slide between 0.5× and 2×. Slow down for dense material, speed up for quick skims.
- Keyboard shortcuts: press Ctrl + Enter (or ⌘ + Enter on Mac) to start, Space to pause/resume, and Esc to stop.
- Progress indicator: track elapsed and remaining time so you can plan breaks.
- Privacy-first design: Read‑Aloud plays audio in your browser and does not export audio files or upload your text.
Tips for best results
- Chunk long documents: copy one heading or section at a time for smoother playback.
- Pick a calm environment: pair a comfortable headset and reduce background noise for easier focus.
- Experiment with voices: if one sounds robotic, switch to another language/region option in your browser.
- Use repetition: replay tricky sections at 0.8×, then do a fast 1.3× skim to reinforce.
- On iOS: ensure the device is not muted by the hardware switch; see Help for the quick checklist.
- Pair with timers: try 25‑minute listening blocks followed by a 5‑minute stretch to stay fresh.
Keep learning
Explore deeper workflows in our guides. Start with the overview, then pick the scenarios that match how you read:
- Guides hub for everything in one place.
- Step-by-step walkthrough to master the controls.
- Study with text-to-speech for note-taking and test prep.
- Proofread by ear to catch errors you miss on screen.
- Language learning tips for pronunciation and pacing practice.
- Focus routines and accessibility tips for distraction-free listening.