TTS Now is a free text-to-speech tool powered by Advanced Neural TTS Technology, providing over 322 natural voices in more than 75 languages including Arabic, English, Chinese, French, Spanish, and more. Convert text to MP3, WAV, or MP4 instantly.

How do I convert text to speech with TTS Now?

Simply: 1) Enter your text in the text field, 2) Choose your preferred language and voice, 3) Enter the captcha code, 4) Click Convert to Speech, 5) Listen to the result or download it as MP3, WAV, or MP4.

Is TTS Now really free?

Yes, TTS Now is 100% free with no signup required. You can convert up to 5000 characters per request with no daily limits.

Can I use TTS Now for commercial purposes?

Yes, you can use the generated audio for commercial purposes free of charge. No attribution required.

What technology powers TTS Now?

TTS Now uses Advanced Neural TTS Technology - a cutting-edge neural-network-based speech synthesis engine that provides high-quality, natural-sounding voices in 75+ languages.

How many languages and voices does TTS Now support?

TTS Now supports 322+ AI voices across 75+ languages, including 32 Arabic voices, 47 English voices, 14 Chinese voices, 45 Spanish voices, and many more.

Can I use TTS Now audio on YouTube and TikTok?

Yes, you can use the generated audio on YouTube, TikTok, and all other platforms. No attribution is required.

What audio formats does TTS Now support?

TTS Now supports three output formats: MP3, WAV, and MP4/M4A. All formats are downloaded instantly.

ExplainerJun 30, 2026·6 min read

Text to Speech vs Speech to Text: What's the Difference?

TTS (text to speech) and STT (speech to text) are mirror technologies: TTS converts written text into audio, while STT converts audio into written text. They sound similar but serve completely different purposes. This guide explains when to use each, the best free tools, and how to combine them for powerful workflows.

Quick comparison

Aspect	Text to Speech (TTS)	Speech to Text (STT)
Direction	Text → Audio	Audio → Text
Input	Written text	Voice recording
Output	MP3, WAV audio	Transcript (TXT, SRT)
Common name	Voice generator, AI voice	Transcription, dictation
Best free tool	TTS Now	TTS Now Transcribe

When to use Text to Speech (TTS)

YouTube/TikTok voiceovers — narrate videos without recording your voice
Audiobooks — convert books into audio format
Accessibility — screen readers for visually impaired users
E-learning — narrate course content
IVR systems — automated phone menus
Podcasts — produce AI-hosted shows
Language learning — hear correct pronunciation
Marketing — radio/TV ads, video game trailers

When to use Speech to Text (STT)

Transcription — convert interviews/podcasts into text
Subtitles/captions — generate SRT files for videos
Dictation — write emails/docs by voice
Meeting notes — auto-transcribe Zoom/Meet calls
Voice search — "Hey Siri" / "OK Google"
Accessibility — voice control for motor-impaired users
Journalism — transcribe press conferences
Research — qualitative interview coding

The powerful combo: TTS + STT

Together, TTS and STT enable workflows impossible with one alone:

Voice translation: STT to transcribe English → translate → TTS to speak in Arabic (real-time interpretation)
Voice cloning lite: STT your voice → edit text → TTS with a similar accent voice
Content repurposing: Transcribe your podcast → edit into blog posts → TTS for audiobook version
Subtitles + dubbing: STT to subtitle original → translate → TTS to dub in another language

Best free TTS and STT tools

For Text to Speech: Use TTS Now — 322+ voices, 75+ languages, free commercial use, no signup.

For Speech to Text: Use TTS Now Transcribe — free browser-based transcription in 90+ languages, no upload required (audio stays on your device).

History of TTS and STT

TTS dates back to 1939 when Bell Labs created the Voder (showcased at the World's Fair). STT research began in the 1950s with Audrey (Bell Labs, 1952) which could recognize digits. Both technologies remained primitive until 2014, when deep learning transformed them. Modern neural TTS (Tacotron, WaveNet, FastSpeech) produces human-like voices, while modern STT (Whisper, Wav2Vec) reaches 95%+ accuracy across 100+ languages.

Try both — free

Convert text to speech or transcribe audio — both 100% free.

Text to Speech →Speech to Text →