Navigating written content can be challenging for individuals with dyslexia, but text-to-speech (TTS) technology offers a powerful tool to make reading more accessible and enjoyable. Today’s TTS options go beyond simple playback, with advanced features like natural-sounding voices, customizable speech settings, and tools specifically designed to support dyslexic users. In this guide, we’ll explore the best TTS solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of people with dyslexia, helping them read more comfortably, comprehend content with ease, and engage fully with digital text.

Quick Glance

Best Text-to-Speech for Dyslexics

Waves

Weighted Scores:

• Accessibility: 10/10
• Customization: 10/10
• Ease of Use: 10/10
• Affordability: 9/10

Overall Score: 9.5/10

Lexie

Lexie provides a unique experience for dyslexic readers by combining TTS with tools like OmoType font and karaoke-style reading. Lexie enables users to follow along with highlighted words and sentences, improving reading fluency. Users can customize text to enhance readability, break it into syllables, and organize materials into libraries. The font system and syllable division are tailored to dyslexic readers, reducing visual confusion and supporting reading development.

Weighted Scores:

• Accessibility: 9/10
• Customization: 10/10
• Ease of Use: 8/10
• Affordability: 7/10

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Natural Reader

Natural Reader offers a high-quality TTS solution with natural-sounding voices and a user-friendly interface. It’s compatible with various file types, including PDFs and Word documents, making it versatile for dyslexic users. The service also provides options to adjust playback speed, voice pitch, and more, allowing users to personalize the reading experience. Additionally, the web and app versions make it accessible across devices, although some advanced features require a subscription.

Weighted Scores:

• Accessibility: 8/10
• Customization: 9/10
• Ease of Use: 9/10
• Affordability: 6/10

Overall Score: 8/10

ReadSpeaker

ReadSpeaker is a robust tool focused on accessibility in educational and corporate environments. It offers a range of TTS voices and the ability to integrate with e-learning platforms. While it’s more geared toward organizations, individual users can benefit from its clear, human-like voices and support for multiple languages. ReadSpeaker is ideal for institutions aiming to make content accessible for students or employees with dyslexia, but its complexity may be overkill for casual users.

Weighted Scores:

• Accessibility: 10/10
• Customization: 7/10
• Ease of Use: 6/10
• Affordability: 5/10

Overall Score: 7/10

Speechactors

Speechactors provides realistic, AI-generated voices and emphasizes user-friendly features. It's a flexible TTS option that works well across various file types and provides tools for voice customization. While Speechactors doesn’t offer dyslexia-specific features, its voices are clear and smooth, and it allows for easy adjustments in voice speed and pitch, making it a good general-purpose TTS tool. It’s affordable compared to other TTS services, but its simplicity might limit advanced users.

Weighted Scores:

• Accessibility: 7/10
• Customization: 8/10
• Ease of Use: 9/10
• Affordability: 8/10

Overall Score: 8/10

Speechify

Speechify is well-regarded for its high-quality voices and intuitive interface, with features such as text highlighting that make it ideal for dyslexic readers. It also offers seamless integration with popular document formats and apps, making it a practical choice for everyday reading needs. Speechify supports reading customization options, such as adjusting speed, voice tone, and background colors, which are essential for accessibility. However, the subscription cost is relatively high, which may be a drawback for some users.

Weighted Scores:

• Accessibility: 9/10
• Customization: 9/10
• Ease of Use: 9/10
• Affordability: 6/10

Overall Score: 8.25/10

Final Rankings

1. Waves - Overall Score: 9.5/10
2. Lexie - Overall Score: 8.5/10
3. Speechify - Overall Score: 8.25/10
4. Natural Reader - Overall Score: 8/10
5. Speechactors - Overall Score: 8/10
6. ReadSpeaker - Overall Score: 7/10

Each of these TTS solutions provides valuable support for dyslexic readers, making reading less daunting and more enjoyable. Whether for personal use or educational support, investing in a quality TTS tool can be a transformative step toward greater accessibility and independence in reading.

Conclusion

Choosing the right text-to-speech (TTS) tool can significantly enhance the reading experience for dyslexic users, empowering them to engage more comfortably with written content. Lexie stands out for its dedicated dyslexia-focused features, such as the OmoType font and syllable-breaking functionality, making it an excellent choice for young readers and students. Speechify also offers strong support for dyslexic users, with a range of customization options and high-quality voices that make reading more accessible and enjoyable. For those seeking a versatile, affordable solution, Speechactors and Natural Reader provide reliable, easy-to-use options. Meanwhile, ReadSpeaker is ideal for institutions prioritizing accessibility and educational support.