Speechify vs Google Speech Services: the ultimate comparison

If you’re new to the TTS app world, you may be surprised to learn that there are several app formats and program options. We will compare Speechify to Google Speech Services to determine which option is best.

Using a text-to-speech (TTS) app can be a smart way to get the information that you need in less time, or to help you boost your learning and comprehension. Many people who are auditory learners find that using a TTS app helps them boost their productivity and confidence in retaining new knowledge.

If you’re new to the TTS app world, you may be surprised to learn that there are several app formats and program options (Speechify, Speech Services by Google, Amazon Polly, Voice Dream Reader, and more) that can help you translate your text information and web pages into easy-to-listen-to audio files. Here, we’ll take a look at the differences between the TTS app Speechify and Speech Services by Google, helping you to decide which option is the best text-to-speech app for your needs.

What are the differences between Speechify and Speech Services by Google?

Speechify is an app that is able to translate many types of files into audio files, including HTML files, web pages, Microsoft Word docs, PDFs, and more. Speech Services by Google doesn’t read uploaded documents, rather, it reads the information on the screen of a phone into a language selected by a user.

While Speech Services by Google can be a good fit for occasionally reading websites or audiobooks out loud, many users who utilize text-to-speech apps find that Speechify is a better fit for their needs, as it can translate a larger number of types of documents to read text aloud, and has the ability to sync files across multiple devices.

Comparing features and functionality of Speechify and Google speech services

Both Speechify and Google Speech Services have many features in common. However, there are some key differences between the two. Speechify provides a more personalized and customizable experience, allowing users to create custom commands and workflows. Google Speech Services, on the other hand, offers more language support and is integrated with Google's suite of products like Google Docs and Google Translate.

Another difference between Speechify and Google Speech Services is the level of accuracy in speech recognition. Speechify uses advanced algorithms to accurately transcribe speech, even in noisy environments. Google Speech Services, on the other hand, may struggle with accuracy in noisy environments and with accents or dialects that are not commonly used.

Additionally, Speechify offers a unique feature called "Read it Later," which allows users to save articles and documents to be read aloud at a later time. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty reading or who prefer to listen to content while on the go. Google Speech Services does not currently offer a similar feature.

Comparing the cost and accessibility of Speechify and Google speech services

Speechify offers a range of pricing plans, starting from a free version with limited functionality, all the way up to an enterprise plan. However, the higher-tiered plans can be expensive, costing up to $100 per month. Google Speech Services, on the other hand, are mostly free to use, with unlimited usage for personal users. However, to access the service, you need to have a Google account. So, in terms of cost and accessibility, Google Speech Services provide a more budget-friendly option for speech recognition services.

It is important to note, however, that while Google Speech Services may be more budget-friendly, Speechify offers additional features that may be worth the investment for certain users. For example, Speechify offers a wider range of languages and accents for speech recognition, as well as the ability to save and export transcriptions. Additionally, Speechify's higher-tiered plans offer more advanced features such as automatic summarization and integration with other apps. Therefore, it is important to consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing between these two speech recognition services.

Reviewing the performance of Speechify and Google speech services

When it comes to performance, both Speechify and Google Speech Services offer amazingly fast and accurate speech recognition. However, Speechify has a slight edge over Google Speech Services when it comes to accuracy. This is because Speechify allows users to train its algorithms to recognize their voices better. Users can train the service to recognize their voice better, which leads to a higher level of accuracy. Google Speech Services, on the other hand, rely on Google's Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities to deliver accurate speech recognition. Nonetheless, Google Speech Services come close in terms of accuracy and provide a more natural language processing experience.

Dissecting the versatility of Speechify and Google speech services

The versatility of Speechify and Google Speech Services comes from the wide range of devices and platforms they can run on. Speechify works well on iOS and macOS, while Google Speech Services are compatible with Android and Windows-powered devices. Additionally, Speechify offers integration with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, while Google Speech Services provide integration with the Google ecosystem of apps and services.

Another advantage of Speechify is its ability to support multiple languages. It can recognize and transcribe speech in over 30 languages, making it a valuable tool for individuals who speak multiple languages or work in multilingual environments. On the other hand, Google Speech Services offer real-time transcription and translation, which can be useful for international business meetings or conferences.

Furthermore, both Speechify and Google Speech Services have accessibility features that make them useful for individuals with disabilities. Speechify has a dyslexia font and color scheme that can help individuals with dyslexia read more easily, while Google Speech Services have a live captioning feature that can help individuals with hearing impairments follow along with spoken content.

Speechify summary

Speechify is an easy-to-use text to speech app that provides users with natural-sounding AI voices to help them get the information they need in a more convenient, simple way than having to spend hours reading or hunched over a computer.

Speechify offers natural-sounding voices, as it uses a deep database of voice units that allow the app to create voices similar to human speech. This natural reader can make it easy for users to focus on the information they’re working to learn, rather than focusing on a robotic voice or inflection and pronunciation changes that make it hard to stay on track.

Speech Services by Google summary

Speech Services by Google reads any web page to its user. Android phones typically come with the option to enable Speech Services already selected.

Speech Services works in many languages, from Arabic to Vietnamese. Many users enjoy using Speech Services to hear websites read aloud, as the voices provided by Speech Services are natural-sounding.

Speechify details

Speechify offers text to speech services for iOS devices (including Mac computers), Android devices, and can be installed on PCs and Google Chromebooks using a Chrome Extension. Users love that their Speechify library automatically syncs across their devices, making it easy for them to get the audio files they need whether they’re at home, at work, or on the go.

Speechify is popular with users for a number of reasons. Busy professionals love that they’re able to get more done in less time by listening to reports, emails, and documents while they’re working on other things (or stuck on a long commute). Students love that they’re able to scan photos of their textbooks and have it read aloud to them, or listen to research studies and websites online, so they can get the information they need in less time. Many people with learning disabilities (like dyslexia and ADHD) benefit from Speechify’s services, as it can help speed up the time that it takes to retain information typically only available through written text files.

People who are learning new languages also find Speechify helpful, as the app is able to create audio files in many different languages. Whether you want to upload text in English, Portuguese, German, French, Spanish, or another language, Speechify has you covered. When you upload a document or other text file in the language that you’re working to learn, Speechify will create an audio file in the written language. Many language learners find that listening to audio of their new language makes it easier to create an immersive learning experience, resulting in higher retention and faster learning.

Speech Services by Google details

Speech Services by Google is a simple aspect of Android devices, and many users find that it makes life easier. Instead of spending time reading information on apps or spending time reading an article on a website, users are able to simply enable Speech Services and have the information read aloud.

Speech Services by Google uses a WaveNet to generate speech. This software was created by DeepMind, a company in the UK. The company was acquired by Google in 2014. WaveNet uses a different type of text to speech technology than Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa. People tend to prefer the audio produced by WaveNet to audio produced by other technologies.

Speechify videos

If you’re new to Speechify, you’ll want to take a look at their YouTube channel to help you get all the tutorials you need to get the most out of the app. Whether you’re using Speechify to manage learning disabilities or to boost productivity, watching a few quick tutorials will make it simple for you to get the hang of the TTS app’s functionality.

Ready to get started with the Speechify app for the first time? Whether you’re doing the free version trial or you’re ready to go all in, your first step is downloading the app from Google Play on Android or the App Store on iOS systems. Learn how to get Speechify on your devices here.

Want to convert a PDF from your iCloud drive using Speechify? Uploading is easy. Check out this quick video for a how-to guide.

If you use Dropbox instead of iCloud, it’s still just as easy to add PDF files to your Speechify library, so the app can convert them into audio. Watch this video to learn how it’s done.

Getting an error message while using your Speechify TTS app? Don’t stress–there’s an easy fix that will have you up and running with your favorite text to speech reader in no time. Learn more about Speechify error messages here.

FAQ

Is there something better than Speechify?

When it comes to finding the right text to speech app to meet your accessibility needs, boost your reading speed, and let you listen to different audio files in different languages, there’s nothing on the market that’s better than Speechify. With the ability to sync your library across multiple devices, provide you with the natural-sounding voices you need to stay focused, and customizable options to create a unique text-to-speech software experience, Speechify is your go-to source for all of your voiceover, epub, and transcription needs.

How much does Speechify cost monthly?

Speechify offers a free text to audio trial. After the free trial, users pay $7.99 per month to continue accessing the high-quality service. Many users find that the boost in productivity they get from using the app to listen to their text files is well worth the trade off of paying $7.99 per month.

Should I use Speechify?

If you’re not already using Speechify, you’re missing out. Speechify allows you to take any text file and convert it to audio. Whether you’re working with Microsoft Word docs, PDF files, Google Drive docs, websites, emails, articles, or scanned images, Speechify allows you to get the information you need on the go, no matter what platform you’re using (the app and website work on Mac, iOS, Android, Microsoft, and Google Chrome devices). Many users also love that Speechify automatically syncs user libraries across multiple devices. This means that it’s simple for users to begin listening to a file at work and pick up right where they left off when they get home.