A NaturalReader alternative: the same voice, free or paid
NaturalReader is a text-to-speech app that runs on the web, iPhone and iPad, Android and Chrome (checked 2026-10-26). Read-Along is a website that reads your PDF, Word file or web link aloud while each word lights up. You get the same voice and reader on the free plan as on Premium, and the free document is read from start to finish. Everyone gets one free document a day, no card needed. Premium has no daily limit and puts your documents first. We made Read-Along, so test it on your own file before you decide.
Hear a sample
Under a minute, read to you.
Press play and follow the highlighted words — this is exactly what your documents become.
The Tortoise and the Hare, by Aesop.
A Hare one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the Tortoise, who replied, laughing: "Though you be swift as the wind, I will beat you in a race." The Hare, believing her assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the goal.
On the day appointed for the race the two started together. The Tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course. The Hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep.
At last waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the Tortoise had reached the goal, and was comfortably dozing after her fatigue.
Slow but steady wins the race.
From Aesop's Fables (public domain). Read by Heart, one of our AI voices.
What does NaturalReader cost?
Its help page lists personal plans at Lite $79 a year ($13.90 a month), Plus $119 a year and Pro $159 a year (checked 2026-10-26; look at its page for today's prices).
Is the free voice the same as the paid voice on Read-Along?
Yes. The free plan and Premium use the same voice and the same reader. A free document is read from start to finish (up to about 3 hours), and there is no minute counter.
Why might I stay with NaturalReader?
It has more voices and languages than we do, a phone app and a Chrome extension. Read-Along has four English voices today and needs an internet connection.
How do I try Read-Along?
Choose the file or paste a link, then sign in with your email or phone (a one-time code, no password) and we start it. A short document is ready in a few minutes; a long one takes about half as long as it takes to listen. We email you the link, or text it once if you signed in by phone and ticked the box.
What does Read-Along cost?
Everyone gets one free document a day, no card needed. Premium has no daily limit and puts your documents first. Premium is $14.50 a month, or $69 a year. It renews until you cancel.