There are plenty of text-to-speech apps out there, but many are expensive and most don't offer a human-like voice. But ChatGPT, the tool I already use to outline and summarize documents, now has a surprisingly great Read Aloud feature built right in.
Whether I’m reviewing an article draft, listening to a long email or even reading an entire book, ChatGPT has become my go-to voice assistant for reading text aloud. And it’s shockingly simple to use, sounds great and it's part of the free tier so ChatGPT Plus isn't needed.
How to get ChatGPT to read aloud to you
If you're using the ChatGPT mobile app on iPhone or Android, you already have access to this feature. Here's how to start using it:
- Tap and hold any message bubble in your conversation.
- Look for the “Read Aloud” icon in the popup menu. It looks like a little speaker.
- Tap it and ChatGPT will start reading the message aloud in a smooth, natural voice.
- Playback controls let you pause, rewind or speed things up.
This works with any converasation or upload. You can upload a file or paste text directly into the chat window, and ChatGPT can read the response or content back to you on demand. It will even ask you the type of voice you want to hear. I always choose the natural human-like voice, it's much better than Speechify.
Why I prefer it over Speechify or Audible
Apps like Speechify are powerful, especially for turning articles into audio or choosing custom voices. But they are also incredibly expensive and often unpleasant to listen to. I've used Audible for years and discovering ChatGPT's Read Aloud feature is why I cancelled my subscription.
ChatGPT’s Read Aloud, by comparison, is instant, free and context-aware. It’s already in the same thread where I brainstorm, edit or ask questions, so having it read a section aloud feels seamless.
Where it’s most useful
- Editing on the go: I often catch typos or awkward phrases by listening to my own writing.
- Multitasking: I’ll have ChatGPT read books aloud while I cook, clean or exercise.
- Accessibility: It’s a great low-effort tool for those with reading fatigue or visual strain.
It's not perfect
While this new feature is useful, it's not perfect. Unlike Speechify and Audible, you still have to manually upload the document or pages of the book into ChatGPT. It's also not incredibly smooth; occasionally ChatGPT will ask, "Do you want me to keep reading?"
But for the price and the immediate use, I personally have found that it's worth the minor inconveniences.
Bottom line
If you use ChatGPT for writing, research or productivity, the Read Aloud feature is worth exploring. It turns ChatGPT into a lightweight audiobook tool that understands context and keeps you in the flow.
Speechify may still have its place for longform listening and advanced controls, but for everyday use, ChatGPT might be all you need. Let me know if you've tried it before or are going to now that you know it's there in the comments below.
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