You don’t need a dedicated device like the Kindle or Nook to read ebooks. The Google Play Store offers lots of great apps that’ll let you enjoy reading right on any Android device.
- Text To Speech Epub Reader
- Text To Speech For Ebooks
- Calibre For Mac
- Speech To Text Software Mac
- Free Ebook Reader For Mac
Using an Android ereader app offers a few benefits. The main advantage is the apps’ flexibility; they are typically more format-agnostic than their dedicated counterparts. It’s also one less device to carry around all day.
Text-to-Speech SDK for Mac OS Aimed at helping software developers add text -to- speech Mac: Text To Speech This is a T2S or 'Text To Speech' application that will TextSpeech Pro for Mac OS Unleash the power of spoken text with TextSpeech Pro, the. NaturalReader, self-proclaimed as the most powerful text-to-speech reader, can turn PDFs, web pages, e-books, and even printed material into spoken word. Available for both Mac and PCs, this software can convert and save any text-filled document into an audio file.
So what are the best ebook readers for Android? Keep reading to find out.
1. Moon+ Reader
If you have a diverse ebook library with books from many sources other than major retailers, you should give Moon+ Reader serious consideration.
The app excels thanks to the 12 file formats it supports. As you may be aware, the world of ebook file formats is a confusing place. Thus, the ability to read EPUB, PDF, MOBI, CHM, CBR, CBZ, UMD, FB2, TXT, HTML, RAR, and ZIP files is a massive benefit. It means you won’t need to use Calibre to convert your ebooks into a different format.
The downside is a lack of support for Amazon’s proprietary AZW format.
The Mantano E-book Reader is an e-reader app available for mobile devices that run Android software. As an e-reader, it supports e-books in the EPUB format as well as Adobe PDFs. When you tap a speaker icon, the reader speaks the text. Blio is available for Windows, Mac, and Android and features: take notes within your books, full color content, watch videos, and listen to books via speech to text. Similar to Moon + Reader Pro, Mantano shows a good performance to cope with PDF files. The TTS function is just placed on the bottom menu bar and easy to access. Refer to this post to listen to eBooks with Mantano. The speech generated by Text-to-Speech engine is dull and robotic. Freda can read EPUB, FB2 and TXT format ebooks (but it does not do MOBI/AZW, PDF, DOC, RTF or CHM). It does support text-to-speech, and after the latest update it can continue reading aloud even when the screen is locked.
Moon+ Reader also offers links to download free (and legal) ebooks7 Free Ebook Download Sites7 Free Ebook Download SitesWant free ebook downloads? This article lists seven of the best sites for downloading free ebooks.Read More from third-party sources, several visual options, annotation, cross-device syncing (using Dropbox), and a night mode.
The pro version removes ads and includes some extra features such as shareable annotations and password protection.
Download:Moon+ Reader (Free) | Moon+ Reader Pro ($5)
2. Bookari
Bookari (formerly Mantano Reader) only supports two ebook formats: EPUB and PDF. As such, it’s an excellent option for people who predominantly download free ebooks online or buy them from major retailers other than Amazon.
It can also read books protected with Sony’s or Adobe’s DRM. They are the two most common DRM systems in the ebook world. However, if you own ebooks that have been protected with a different DRM system, don’t worry. You can use Calibre to remove the DRM from any ebook you ownHow to Remove the DRM on Every Ebook You OwnHow to Remove the DRM on Every Ebook You OwnNo one likes DRM. We all understand why it exists, but that doesn't mean we're ready to embrace it. Therefore, this article explains how to remove the DRM from every eBook you own.Read More.
But it’s Bookari’s library management options that make the app shine. You can create your own collections, add tags, sort your books in several different ways, and use extensive filters to find your content in a flash. (For an even more powerful way to manage your ebooks, use some of Calibre’s hidden features.)
The premium version adds an option to listen to your books using text-to-speech, and unlocks screen display options and the advanced search feature.
Download:Bookari (Free) | Bookari Premium ($5.49)
3. EBookDroid
EBookDroid is another app that supports multiple file formats. It can read DJVU, PDF, XPS, FB2, CBR, CBZ, EPUB, RTF, MOBI, and most notably, AZW.
Indeed, it is the first app here that can read Amazon’s proprietary AZW ebook format. It means you can read any books you buy from the Kindle store on the app without needing to first convert them into a different format in Calibre.
The app also supports the Open Publication Distribution System (OPDS) protocol. It means you can use EBookDroid to access online ebook catalogs and download any titles you want straight onto your device.
Other features include external dictionary support, text highlighting, and support for annotations and notes.
Download:EBookDroid (Free)
4. Wattpad
Wattpad is one of the sector’s most established names. It’s part ebook reader, part social network, and part publishing platform.
It gained popularity thanks to its unique feature that allows amateur writers to upload and submit their books for free. It benefits both the writer (significant exposure) and the reader (free ebooks). For more on this, check out how to write an ebookHow to Write an Ebook: Everything You'll NeedHow to Write an Ebook: Everything You'll NeedHere's everything you need to know on how to write an ebook, from the steps you should take to the tools you should use.Read More.
But Wattpad isn’t only about amateur books. You can find free books from the pros as well, including titles from Anna Todd, Scott Westerfeld, Tyler Oakley, Margaret Atwood, Paulo Coelho, RL Stine, Dan Brown, and more. In total, the app offers more than 75 million titles to choose from.
It supports most common ebook formats, including EPUB, MOBI, and PDF.
Download:Wattpad (Free, subscription available)
5. FBReader
FBReader is one of the most popular independent ereaders in the Google Play Store. It boasts more than 10 million downloads and 150,000 five-star reviews.
It’s the second app on this list that supports Amazon’s AZW format. It can also read ebooks in the EPUB, FB2, RTF, DOC, HTML, and TXT formats.
The free version’s biggest weakness is the lack of native PDF support. However, if most of your books have come from Amazon or another online retailer, this shouldn’t prove much of a problem. In the worst case, you can try to use the company’s dedicated PDF plugin—but unfortunately, user reviews in the store are not very favorable.
Another one of the app’s unique features is the FBReader Book Network. It uses Google authentication to allow you to access all your books from any of your devices.
The pro version adds native PDF support, native comic book support, an integrated translator, and an ad-free experience.
Download:FBReader (Free) | FBReader Premium ($5)
6. FReader
FReader has one unique feature that differentiates it from every other app here: it can play audiobooks thanks to its support for MP3 files. The audiobook function includes bookmark support and background playback. Download some free audiobooks10 Ways You Can Download Audiobooks for Free Right Now10 Ways You Can Download Audiobooks for Free Right NowAudiobooks can be a great way of 'reading' while doing other things. The only problem is that free audiobooks are rather hard to come by. This list of online resources should help.Read More to see the feature in action.
From an ebook standpoint, the app can read all the standard formats, including EPUB, MOBI, PDF, CBR, CBZ, DJVU, ODT, and a few more.
FReader is also one of the most customizable apps we’ve covered. It offers 12 fonts, four themes, three page-flipping animations, personalized background images, and a night mode.
Other features include support for bookmarks and notes, a built-in translator, text-to-speech, and a breakdown of your reading stats.
The premium version removes the ads.
Download:FReader (Free, premium version available)
7. Media365 Reader
We’ll leave you with Media365 Reader. It comfortably wins the award for the most supported filetypes. There were more than 50 at the last count, with more added all the time.
The app is also a powerful ebook conversion tool. It lets you convert all 50 of those formats into either EPUB or PDF, depending on which is the most suitable.
The conversion feature makes it a useful app to keep on your phone even if you prefer to do your actual reading in one of the other apps. You’ll never be stuck unable to open a book that you want to browse.
Other features include a powerful import tool, extensive search filters, a way to download free ebooks, and even an ebook publishing tool similar to Wattpad.
The premium version removes ads and adds text-to-speech.
Download:Media365 Reader (Free, premium version available)
What About Kindle, Nook, and Kobo Apps?
We focused on vendor-independent ereaders, but the Kindle, Nook, and Kobo apps all deserve a shoutout.
Feature-wise, all three can compete with the apps we’ve discussed. However, they have more restrictions on the books you can read within them—both in file format and file source.
Of course, if you do all your ebook shopping in one of the apps’ associated stores, you should consider using the dedicated app instead of the ones we’ve looked at. Alternatively, download the ebooks to your PC, convert them, and send them to your preferred reader. And if you’re prioritizing annotation features, check out these 6 Android ebook readers with great annotation features.
Looking for book recommendationsThe 15 Best Books for Geeks to Read in 2019The 15 Best Books for Geeks to Read in 2019This is shaping up to be a strong year for literature. Here are the best books for geeks you should read in 2019.Read More? These books will make great additions to your reading list:
Explore more about: Android Apps, Ebooks, Reading.
Oh my Gawwwd! EBOOX not here? You kidding? It should be on Top 1!
Aldiko seems to be missing from the list.
WARNING: Media 365 does not remove Ads in the premium version!!.Aldiko and Moon+ Reader are both applications I've paid to own, but I'm shocked that Google Play Books wasn't mentioned. Play Books supports a shocking array of formats, including oddballs like .CBR and also offers its users the option of storing Ebook files from other sources in its cloud so progress in books can be shared across many devices. Google allows for up to 500 books to be stored with a maximum file size of 100MB. I've run across a few PDF textbooks that won't fit but otherwise I'd say that's a feature set that makes it worthy of consideration.
'...and most notably, AWZ.
Indeed, it is the first app here that can read Amazon’s proprietary AWZ ebook format.'
Amazon's format is AZW, not AWZ.
What, no love for Aldko (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aldiko.android)?
Indeed, Aldiko is always my go-to for Ebooks, great format support and the free version is almost fully featured. Only Text to Speech is locked behind the premium version (plus a few other bits and bobs that don't really impact just wanting to read).
Aldiko was, I believe, the first app I bought specifically to support the developers. I've done that with a few apps since, but Aldiko was the first one that made me feel like it was worth buying even though I use none of the premium features, just to show my support for them.
Text to Speech (TTS) software allows you to have text read aloud to you. This is useful for struggling readers and for writers, when editing and revising their work. You can also convert eBooks to audiobooks so you can listen to them on long drives.
We’ve posted some websites here where you can find some good TTS software programs and online tools that are free or at least have free versions available.
NaturalReader
NaturalReader is a free TTS program that allows you to read aloud any text. The free version of the software converts Microsoft Word files, webpages, PDF files, and emails into spoken words. It includes Microsoft Voices and allows you to change voices and adjust the reading speed. Simply select any text and press one hotkey to have NaturalReader read the text to you. There are also paid versions that offer more features and more available voices.
Ultra Hal TTS Reader
Ultra Hal TTS Reader is a program that will read text out loud in one of its many high quality voices. The free version includes many high quality computerized voices and reads text files out loud, as well as instant messages, standard Windows dialogs, and text from the clipboard, which allows the program to read text from webpages and emails. You can also use Ultra HAL TTS Reader to convert a document into a WAV audio file, which can be burned to a CD or converted to an MP3 file.
Text To Speech Epub Reader
ReadClip
ReadClip is a TTS reader that also offers a rich text editor that can read and spell check any text document, and allows you to manage several text and picture clips on the clipboard, and generate MP3 files. The TTS reader part of the software is free and will never expire. However, the other features are “try before you buy” features and you must buy the software to continue using them. You can keep the TTS reader hidden or it can display the text it’s reading in the clipboard and highlight each word as it’s read aloud. Besides monitoring the clipboard, you can also copy and paste text into the program, or type the text into the program, or load the text from a file.
Read4Me TTS Clipboard Reader
The Read4Me TTS Clipboard Reader allows you to read the contents of the clipboard aloud using a pre-installed SAPI5 TTS voice when you press a hotkey. Multiple hotkeys can be set for different languages, voices, speech rates, and volumes. Read4Me can also convert text files to MP3 files.
Kyrathasoft Text To Speech
Kyrathasoft Text To Speech is a portable program that allows you to use the default installed Microsoft Voice and SAPI to convert text files to the spoken word, that it saves into a WAV audio file. It is completely free and fully functional. There is no evaluation period and no crippled features.
FeyRecorder
FeyRecorder is a TTS conversion tool with natural voices that allows you to listen to any text document spoken aloud. You can also use the software to convert other sound sources into audio files, such as CDs, tapes, DVDs, online radio, and video games. The formats FeyRecorder can generate include MP3, WMA, OGG, VOX, AU, and AIFF. The audio files can be transferred to any portable device that handles them for on-the-go listening.
yRead
yRead3 allows you to load a plain text (TXT) file in a resizable window to be read out loud using human speech. Use yRead to listen to eBooks, your own writing, or any other piece of text.
yRead3 is an updated version of the software that runs on XP, Vista, and Windows 7, and requires at least .NET Framework 3.0 to run. You can also download yRead2 and run both versions on the same computer.
Panopreter
The free version of Panopreter Basic will read a text file, an RTF file, an MS Word document, or an HTML webpage to you aloud. You can also input text into the program window to be read aloud. It supports a variety of languages and voices and allows you to create WAV audio files and MP3 audio files from the text.
Text2Speech
Text2Speech is a free program that converts text into audible speech. You can play the text at a custom rate and volume, have the text be highlighted as it’s read, and export the text into a WAV file or an MP3 file. The program required .NET Framework 2.0 to run.
DeskBot
DeskBot is a free program that includes a clipboard reader, text reader, and time announcer for Windows. Select text in any application and press Ctrl + C to have it read aloud. For available commands and options, right-click on the DeskBot icon in the system tray. DeskBot will also read the contents of the clipboard when it changes.
DeskBot adds a “Read with DeskBot” item to the Internet Explorer context menu, when you right-click on a webpage.
PowerTalk
PowerTalk is a free program that allows you to have your Microsoft PowerPoint presentations spoken out loud. When you open a PowerPoint presentation and let it run as usual, PowerTalk speaks the text on the slides as it appears, and also hidden text attached to images. The speech in PowerTalk is provided by synthesized computer voices that come with Windows 7, Vista, and XP.
Text To Speech For Ebooks
ClipSpeak
ClipSpeak is a small, portable, TTS tool that speaks text copied or cut to the clipboard. It’s compatible with all SAPI5 speech synthesizers. You can also use ClipSpeak to convert text to MP3 files for listening to on CDs, computers, smartphones, and portable media players. If you want other languages, look at eSpeak, which is a compact, open source speech synthesizer for English and other languages that works in Windows and Linux.
DSpeech
DSpeech is a free, portable TTS program that can read written text files in different formats aloud (such as TXT, RTF, DOC, DOCX, and HTML files) and also has Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) functionality. The ASR allows you to use DSpeech to convert your own voice to text.
DSpeech allows you to save the output as a WAV, MP3, AAC, WMA, or OGG file. You can select different voices, or combine them to create dialogs among different voices for books or scripts, and DSpeech is compatible with all the vocal engines (SAPI4 and SAPI5 compliant). You can also have the content of the clipboard read to you.
Balabolka
Balabolka is a TTS program that allows you to read clipboard content and text from several types of files, such as DOC, EPUB, HTML, MOBI, LIT, CHM, PRC, PDF, and RTF files. The program uses various versions of the Microsoft Speech API (SAPI). This allows you to change a voice’s parameters, including rate and pitch.
To use the Microsoft SAPI4 voices, download and install the Microsoft Speech API file. You can also download the MS Speech Control Panel for the Windows Control Panel that allows you to easily list the compatible TTS engines installed on your system and customize their settings.
Balabolka also allows you to create digital audio files from text, including MP3, WMA, OGG, WAV, AAC, and AMR (Adaptive Multi-Rate).
One interesting feature of Balabolka is that you can save subtitled text in the LRC format or in the metadata of the audio file. This allows you to follow along with the text as the audio plays.
ReadTheWords.com
ReadTheWords.com is an online TTS tool that can generate a clear sounding audio file from almost any written material. Simply copy text from your file into their text box, or upload a Microsoft Office document, PDF file, TXT file, or HTML document. You can also enter a web address, or RSS feed URL, and ReadTheWords.com will read the text from that webpage or RSS feed out loud.
ReadTheWords.com allows you to save what it’s reading. You can download it to your computer or portable music player or smartphone. You can even embed the file in your website.
Odiogo
Odiogo allows you to create TTS podcasts from RSS feeds that can be downloaded to a PC, iPods/MP3 players, and mobile phones. People wanting to listen to your content can subscribe to your podcasts through iTunes, iPodder, or other similar services. You can also promote your audio content on podcast directories.
If you run a blog, you can have your blog posts turned into high quality audio files. Odiogo is compatible with all blog engines that publish RSS feeds, such as WordPress, Typepad, and Blogger. They generate MP3 files that are stored on their servers, and they let you know when the audio version of your blog is ready.
You can also make money from embedded ads in the audio versions of your blog posts and RSS feeds.
NOTE: As of the writing of this article, Odiogo was upgrading their service and they were not accepting new signups.
TTSReader
TTSReader is a free, TTS program that allows you to read TXT files or RTF files aloud and save them to WAV or MP3 files. It highlights the text being currently read and allows you to skip sentences or paragraphs while reading. TTSReader supports rich text formatting and both SAPI4 and SAPI5 voices. It can automatically read what’s in the clipboard and you can convert multiple documents to audio at a time.
TTS Add-ons for Browsers
You can also read text using add-ons or extensions in web browsers.
- SpeakIt! – SpeakIt for Google Chrome reads selected text using TTS technology with language auto-detection. It can read text in more than 50 languages.
- FoxVox – FoxVox for Firefox allows you to turn your blogs and articles into podcasts. It speaks any text you highlight in a webpage, and it can create audiobooks from the text in MP3, OGG, and WAV formats.
- SpokenText – The SpokenText Firefox extension allows you to easily record any text on public webpages simply by clicking a Record Web Page button on the toolbar. This extension is also available for Chrome.
- SpeakingFox – The SpeakingFox add-on for Firefox for Mac OS X converts text to audible speech.
Calibre For Mac
Simultaneous Stanza Reader – For Mac
Speech To Text Software Mac
Simultaneous Stanza Reader for Mac OS X is a free, TTS reader that reads text files aloud and displays the text stanza-after-stanza. You can easily use this program to read books from Project Gutenberg aloud.
If you’ve found any other useful TTS readers, let us know.
READ NEXTFree Ebook Reader For Mac
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