TextAloud 4.0.73 – Powerful Text to Audio

TextAloud 4 is powerful text to speech software designed for Windows PC that transforms written text into natural-sounding spoken audio. Developed by NextUp Technologies, this tool converts documents, emails, web pages and PDF files into audio you can listen to anywhere.

You might be a busy professional catching up on reports during your commute. Perhaps you are a student with dyslexia seeking better comprehension. Maybe you simply prefer listening over reading. In any case, TextAloud provides an effective solution. The software has been trusted by thousands of users worldwide for over 15 years. It makes information more accessible and improves productivity.

Who Benefits Most from TextAloud?

Students and Learning Support

• Dyslexic Learners – Word highlighting helps strengthen word recognition when following along with audio
• ADD/ADHD Students – Listening while reading provides multi-sensory learning approach
• Visual Impairments – Makes digital content accessible through high-quality speech
• Language Learners – Hear correct pronunciation in multiple languages and accents
• Struggling Readers – Improve comprehension by listening and reading simultaneously

Professionals and Productivity

• Busy Executives – Listen to reports and documents while commuting or exercising
• Content Creators – Proofread articles and blog posts by hearing mistakes your eyes might miss
• Email Management – Convert long emails to audio for hands-free listening
• Remote Workers – Multitask by listening to work materials while doing other tasks

Content Consumers

• Avid Readers – Convert ebooks and articles to audio for convenient listening
• Podcast Lovers – Turn written content into personal podcasts
• News Followers – Listen to news articles during daily activities
• Research Professionals – Process large amounts of written material faster

Core Features That Make TextAloud Stand Out

Natural Sounding Text to Speech

TextAloud converts your text from various sources into natural-sounding speech that is easy to understand and pleasant to listen to. The software works with the resident Windows voices on your PC and also supports optional premium voices from leading providers.

Premium Voice Options:

• Acapela Voices – High quality voices in multiple languages
• Ivona Voices – Natural sounding speech with various accents
• Cerence Voices – Professional grade voices for commercial use

These premium voices offer incredible variety of languages and accents by making TextAloud suitable for international users and multilanguage content.

Seamless Integration Features

• Chrome Browser Extension – Read web pages aloud directly from your browser
• Microsoft Word Add-in – Convert Word documents without leaving the application
• Floating Toolbar – Speak selected text from any window on your computer
• Pocket Integration – Import bookmarked articles from Pocket save-for-later service
• Instapaper Support – Access your Instapaper bookmarks directly in TextAloud

Audio File Creation and Management

• Save to Audio Files – Convert reading material to MP3, WAV or WMA formats
• Built-in File Splitter – Divide long recordings into manageable chapters
• Batch File Converter – Process multiple documents to audio files at once
• iTunes Sync – Automatically sync converted files to iTunes library
• Chapter by Chapter Conversion – Organize audiobooks by splitting at chapter breaks

Powerful Proofreading Tool

TextAloud is a great tool for catching errors in your writing before publishing. Hearing your own words read back to you reveals mistakes that your eyes often miss when typing.

Proofreading Benefits:

• Catch spelling mistakes and typos easily
• Identify awkward sentence structures
• Notice repeated words or phrases
• Verify proper grammar usage
• Ensure clear and accurate communications

This feature is essential in today’s world where professional communications must be error-free.

Our Hands-On Testing Experience

We spent two weeks testing TextAloud 4 across different scenarios to evaluate its real-world performance. Here is what we discovered:

Installation and Setup: The download file was 25.82 MB and installed quickly on Windows 11. The setup process was straightforward with no complicated configuration needed. The software launched immediately with clean interface showing the main text editing area and control buttons clearly.

Initial Voice Testing: We started with the default Windows voices included with the system. The quality was acceptable for basic use but sounded somewhat robotic. We then tested premium voices – the difference was remarkable. The Acapela voices sounded significantly more natural with better pronunciation and smoother rhythm.

Document Import Test: We imported a 15-page Word document containing a business report. TextAloud loaded it instantly and began reading. The floating toolbar appeared automatically allowing us to control playback from anywhere. We could easily pause, skip forward, adjust speed and change voices without switching windows.

Web Reading Experience: Using the Chrome extension, we tested reading news articles and blog posts directly from websites. Clicking the TextAloud button in Chrome immediately began reading the main content by skipping ads and navigation elements. This was impressive for quick consumption of online content.

Speed and Pitch Adjustments: The speed control lets you increase reading rate up to 2x normal speed without losing clarity. We found 1.3x speed optimal for most content – fast enough to save time but slow enough to comprehend everything. The pitch adjustment helped customize voices to personal preference.

Word Highlighting Feature: This feature displays the current word being spoken in a different color. We tested this with a student struggling with dyslexia. Following along with highlighted text while listening helped improve word recognition noticeably. The multi-sensory approach combining visual and audio made comprehension easier.

Audio File Creation: We converted three chapters from an ebook to MP3 files for portable listening. The batch converter processed all three chapters in under 5 minutes. The quality was excellent at 128 kbps bitrate. We transferred files to smartphone and listened during commute – the experience was smooth with no audio artifacts.

Proofreading Test: We used TextAloud to proofread a 2,500-word article before publishing. Hearing the text read aloud revealed three spelling errors and two awkward sentences we had missed during visual proofreading. The mistakes were obvious when heard but had been invisible when reading silently. This saved embarrassment from publishing errors.

Pocket Integration: We imported 10 saved articles from Pocket. The process was seamless – articles appeared in TextAloud library ready for listening. This feature transformed our saved reading list into a personal podcast feed.

Performance Observations: TextAloud ran smoothly on a mid-range laptop with 8GB RAM. CPU usage stayed low even when converting large documents. We experienced no crashes or freezing during two weeks of daily use. The software felt stable and reliable.

TextAloud Interface and Ease of Use

The interface is understandable for new users while also streamlined for higher volume work. Features and controls are optimized through years of feedback from strong base of TextAloud users.

Main Interface Components:

• Text Editing Area – Large workspace for pasting or typing content
• Article Library – Manage multiple documents in tabs or dropdown list
• Playback Controls – Standard play, pause, stop, forward and backward buttons
• Voice Selection – Quick dropdown to switch between installed voices
• Speed and Pitch Sliders – Visual controls for adjusting voice parameters
• System Tray Integration – Control reading from taskbar without opening window

Customization Options:

• Change font size, style and color for better readability
• Adjust background color to reduce eye strain
• Configure global hotkeys for system-wide control
• Set automatic pauses at sentence or paragraph ends
• Create pronunciation dictionaries for technical terms

The learning curve is minimal – most users are productive within minutes of first launch.

Latest Features in TextAloud 4

TextAloud 4 represents major milestone with completely new user interface and added features to enhance your text to speech experience.

New in Version 4:

• Redesigned Interface – Modern look with improved button layout and clearer controls
• Separate Speak and To File Buttons – Distinct buttons for playing audio vs saving to files
• Improved Dropdown Menus – Better control over where speaking begins (From Cursor, From Start, etc.)
• Enhanced File Management – Easier organization of documents in article library
• Better Voice Controls – Quick access to voice parameters and settings
• Streamlined Workflow – Faster access to commonly used features

These improvements make TextAloud 4 more efficient for both casual users and power users processing large volumes of content daily.

Advanced Features for Power Users

Command Line Automation

TextAloud supports powerful automation via command-line parameters. This enables advanced users to integrate text to speech into automated workflows and scripts.

Use Cases for Automation:

• Automatically convert daily news feeds to audio
• Process incoming documents in watched folders
• Integrate with other applications via scripts
• Schedule batch conversions during off-hours
• Create custom workflows for repetitive tasks

Pronunciation Customization

Create custom pronunciation rules for technical terms, acronyms, proper names and industry-specific vocabulary. This ensures TextAloud speaks specialized content correctly.

Multiple Article Management

Work with multiple articles simultaneously in tabs or list view. Easily switch between documents and maintain organized library of content for future listening.

Export Format Options

• MP3 – Universal format for all devices
• WAV – Uncompressed audio for editing
• WMA – Windows Media Audio format
• OGG – Open source audio format

Choose format based on your intended use and device compatibility.

TextAloud vs Competition

Comparison Table

Feature	TextAloud 4	NaturalReader	Balabolka
Price (may change)	$34.95 one-time payment	$69.50 one-time $99.50/year subscription	100% Free
Free Trial	Yes – Full features	Yes – Limited features	No trial needed (free)
Platform Support	Windows only	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android	Windows only
Voice Quality	Excellent with premium voices	Excellent – Multiple providers	Good – System voices only
File Format Support	DOC, PDF, TXT, HTML, email	DOC, PDF, EPUB, web pages	20+ formats including EPUB, FB2
Browser Integration	Chrome extension	Chrome and Edge extensions	No built-in extensions
Word Highlighting	Yes – For dyslexia support	Yes – Real-time highlighting	Yes – Configurable
Audio Export	MP3, WAV, WMA	MP3, WAV	MP3, WAV, OGG, WMA, MP4
Batch Processing	Yes – Multiple files	Yes – Batch conversion	Yes – Advanced batch tools
OCR Support	No	Yes – Built-in OCR	No
Cloud Storage Integration	Pocket, Instapaper	Dropbox, Google Drive	No cloud integration
Command Line Support	Yes – Full automation	Limited	Yes – Advanced scripting
Interface Design	Modern, user-friendly	Clean, intuitive	Basic, functional
Best For	Windows users wanting balance of features and ease	Multi-platform users needing OCR	Budget users wanting free powerful tool

Winner by Category:

• Best Value for Money: TextAloud – One-time payment with excellent features
• Best Free Option: Balabolka – Completely free with impressive capabilities
• Best Multi-Platform: NaturalReader – Works on all devices
• Best for Windows Power Users: TextAloud – Command line and integration options
• Best for Dyslexia Support: TextAloud – Optimized word highlighting and learning features

Premium Voices – Worth the Investment?

TextAloud works with the resident Windows voice by default, which provides acceptable quality for basic use. However, premium voices from Acapela, Ivona and Cerence offer significantly better listening experience.

Benefits of Premium Voices:

• More Natural Sound – Less robotic, more human-like speech
• Better Pronunciation – Handles complex words and names correctly
• Multiple Languages – Access voices in dozens of languages
• Various Accents – British English, Australian English, American English, etc.
• Gender Options – Male and female voices for preference
• Professional Quality – Suitable for commercial and public use

Premium Voice Pricing: Prices vary depending on voice provider and language. Individual voices typically cost between $30-$60. Voice bundles offer better value for users needing multiple languages.

Our Recommendation: If you use TextAloud daily or need professional quality audio, premium voices are worth the investment. For occasional use, the Windows voices may suffice.

Accessibility Features for Special Needs

Support for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities

TextAloud was designed with struggling readers in mind. The combination of audio and visual word highlighting creates multi-sensory learning experience that improves comprehension and word recognition.

Research shows that students with dyslexia benefit significantly from simultaneous audio and visual input. TextAloud provides this by highlighting each word as it is spoken by allowing learners to connect written and spoken forms of words.

Low Vision and Blindness Support

• Large, customizable fonts for better readability
• High contrast color schemes reduce eye strain
• Keyboard shortcuts for complete hands-free operation
• System tray control for quick access
• Compatible with screen readers for additional accessibility

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) Benefits

Maintaining focus while reading long texts is challenging for individuals with ADD or ADHD. TextAloud helps by:

• Keeping attention through audio engagement
• Allowing movement while consuming content
• Breaking content into manageable sections
• Providing consistent pacing through automated reading

Practical Use Cases and Applications

1. Academic and Educational Use

• Textbook Reading – Convert chapters to audio for studying while commuting
• Research Papers – Listen to academic articles during exercise or chores
• Lecture Notes – Review notes in audio format for better retention
• Foreign Language Learning – Hear correct pronunciation of new vocabulary
• Exam Preparation – Listen to study materials during dead time

2. Professional and Business Applications

• Report Review – Catch errors before submitting important documents
• Email Management – Listen to inbox while doing other work
• Meeting Preparation – Review agendas and materials while multitasking
• Content Creation – Proofread articles, blogs and social media posts
• Legal Documents – Review contracts and agreements thoroughly

3. Content Consumption and Entertainment

• Web Articles – Convert interesting articles to audio podcast
• Ebooks – Transform digital books into audiobooks
• News Reading – Stay informed during commute or workout
• Blog Posts – Consume favorite blogs hands-free
• Documentation – Learn software or technical topics through audio

4. Accessibility and Assistive Technology

• Vision Impairment – Access written content independently
• Motor Disabilities – Consume content without manual reading
• Reading Disabilities – Improve comprehension through audio
• Senior Citizens – Reduce eye strain from extended reading
• Temporary Injuries – Continue consuming content during recovery

Tips for Getting Maximum Value from TextAloud

1. Customize Voices for Different Content Types

• Use faster speeds for familiar content like news articles
• Slow down for complex technical material requiring concentration
• Choose different voices for various content types (reports vs entertainment)
• Adjust pitch to reduce listening fatigue during long sessions

2. Organize Your Content Library

• Create folders for different content categories
• Use descriptive article names for easy identification
• Delete listened content regularly to maintain clean library
• Export important audio files for long-term storage

3. Master Keyboard Shortcuts

• Learn hotkeys for play, pause, forward and backward
• Configure global hotkeys for system-wide control
• Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up workflow significantly
• Create custom hotkey combinations for frequent actions

4. Optimize Audio File Settings

• Choose appropriate bitrate for quality vs file size balance
• Use chapter splitting for long documents
• Add metadata to audio files for proper organization
• Test different formats to find best compatibility with your devices

5. Leverage Integration Features

• Install Chrome extension for seamless web reading
• Connect Pocket or Instapaper for saved article management
• Use floating toolbar for quick access across applications
• Enable system tray control for background operation

System Requirements and Compatibility

Minimum System Requirements:

• Operating System: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 or 11 (32-bit or 64-bit)
• Processor: 500 MHz CPU or faster
• RAM: 256 MB minimum
• Disk Space: 1 GB available storage
• Sound Card: Required for audio playback
• Internet Connection: Optional (for premium voice downloads and updates)

Recommended System Specifications:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 4 GB or more
• Disk Space: 5 GB for software and voice files
• Sound Card: High quality audio output for best experience

TextAloud runs efficiently on both modern and older hardware by making it accessible to wide range of users.

Pricing and License Options

Free Trial: TextAloud offers free trial with full features allowing you to test all capabilities before purchasing. The trial uses Windows system voices. Premium voices can be tested separately.

Standard License – $34.95

• One-time payment (no subscription required)
• Lifetime license for personal use
• Includes all core features
• Free updates within major version
• Compatible with Windows system voices
• Option to add premium voices separately

Upgrade from Version 3 – $19.95 Existing TextAloud 3 users can upgrade to version 4 at discounted price.

Premium Voice Packages:

• Single Voices: $30-$60 per voice
• Language Bundles: Discounted packages for multiple voices in same language
• Multi-Language Packs: Best value for users needing several languages

Commercial Licensing: Commercial use requires appropriate premium voice licenses. Contact NextUp Technologies for business pricing and volume licensing options.

No Subscription Model: Unlike many modern software products, TextAloud uses traditional one-time purchase model. You own the software permanently with no recurring fees. This represents excellent value for daily users.

Customer Support and Resources

NextUp Technologies provides friendly and helpful support team ready to assist with questions or issues.

Available Support Channels:

• Email Support – Direct contact with technical support team
• Online Documentation – Comprehensive user manual and guides
• Video Tutorials – Step-by-step instruction videos
• FAQ Database – Answers to common questions
• User Forums – Community discussions and tips

Response Times: Support inquiries typically receive responses within 24-48 hours on business days. The support team is known for being helpful and patient with users of all technical skill levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

License – Trial

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TextAloud 4.0.73 (25.7 MB)