Natural Reader: a text-to-speech tool that converts written text into natural spoken audio
Published on 19 September 2025
by Feiran Xu, English Language Centre, Global Cultures and Languages Hub, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Introduction:
Natural Reader is an AI-powered text-to-speech (TTS) tool designed to convert written text into natural-sounding spoken audio with customizable reading speed and voice selection. The tool supports a variety of text formats including PDFs, Word documents, web pages, and eBooks, making it a flexible solution for both personal and educational purposes.
Key Features:
- Natural-Sounding Voices: Offers a wide selection of AI-generated voices in multiple languages and accents, including both free and premium voice options.
- Customizable Reading Speed & Voice Selection: Users can adjust reading pace and switch voices depending on the context or personal preference.
- File and Document Support: Supports text from PDFs, Word files, emails, web pages, and plain text for easy conversion.
- Pronunciation Editor: Allows users to adjust and fine-tune pronunciation of specific words to match personal or academic preferences.
- MP3 Conversion: Enables users to convert text into downloadable MP3 files for offline listening.
- Optical Character Recognition: Supports scanned images and documents, allowing the tool to read text from images.
- Browser Extensions & Mobile Apps: Available as Chrome extensions and mobile apps for on-the-go use.
Ease of Access:
It is designed for user-friendly access across multiple platforms. There is a web-based version requiring no installation, as well as desktop software for Windows and macOS, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The basic version is free to use, while premium subscriptions unlock additional features such as high-quality voices and commercial usage rights. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to start using immediately, with drag-and-drop functionality and one-click voice selection
Activity purpose
By converting written text into natural-sounding spoken audio with customizable reading speed, it is useful for proofreading, improving pronunciation, and enhancing listening comprehension.
Focus area
Listening and speaking
Set-ups/Technology required
It offers a web-based version requiring no installation, desktop software for Windows and macOS, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The tool is accessible in Mainland China.
Procedure
It offers a web-based version requiring no installation, desktop software for Windows and macOS, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The tool is accessible in Mainland China.
Step 1: Access Natural Reader (Image 1).
• Open your web browser.
• Go to: https://www.naturalreaders.com.
• Click “Get Started” and choose “Personal”.
Step 2:Input Your Text (Image 2).
• Option 1: Copy and paste the text into the white text box.
• Option 2: Upload a file by clicking the “Upload” button (supports PDF, DOCX, TXT).
Step 3: Choose a Voice and Language (Image 3).
• Click on the voice dropdown menu.
• Choose the language and select a preferred voice (e.g., “English – UK, Ada”).
• You can try different voices for different accents or genders.
Step 4: Adjust Playback Settings (Optional).
• Adjust the reading speed using the slider (Image 4).
• Click “•••” (Settings) to fine-tune pronunciation or highlight options if needed (Image 5).
Step 5: Listen to the Text (Image 6).
• Click the Play button (►).
• For onsite seminars, teachers can hide the screen and play the audio for students to take notes or answer questions.
Step 6: Download Audio (Premium Feature) (Image 7).
• If you have a premium account, click “Download MP3” to save the spoken text as an audio file.
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Caveats and Alternatives
The tool can also be used by students following Steps 1-5 to improve speaking by doing shadowing. As the text is read aloud by Natural Reader, students can shadow the voice by repeating the words immediately, trying to match the pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, and pace as closely as possible. They can replay and practice multiple times, focusing first on pronunciation, then on speech flow and pacing. To track progress, students can record their own voice while shadowing and compare it to the Natural Reader audio, helping them spot differences and refine their speaking. This process improves pronunciation, builds natural rhythm, enhances listening and speaking skills, and boosts confidence in using academic language (Image 8).
After shadowing, students can play the text again and listen to the audio to check if they can understand it. A further challenge could be to orally summarize the text after listening or retell the content based on students’ notes. This could improve students’ note-taking, critical thinking and speaking skills as well.
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Additional Information
The Premium version is needed for MP3 downloads, pronunciation editing and commercial usage rights.
Editor: Kun Li ; Sub-editors: Shuhan Li, Liu Cao (AI Collection); Copy editors: Helen Beech, Kathryn Paterson, Garth Elzerman; Graphic designer: Chenyan Zhang
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