ElevenLabs vs Speechify
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool
ElevenLabs
AudioSpeechify
Audio- Best-in-class voice quality - virtually indistinguishable from human
- Exceptional emotional range and natural inflection
- Voice cloning works from just 30 seconds of audio
- Supports 30+ languages with authentic accents
- Generous free tier for testing (10,000 characters/month)
- Active development with frequent model improvements
- Strong API for custom integrations
- High-quality, realistic voice options
- Easy to use with a straightforward interface
- Offers a free tier with essential features
- Great for multitasking and enhancing comprehension
- Complex credit-based pricing can be unpredictable
- Conversational AI adds separate LLM costs (10-30% extra)
- Professional cloning requires enterprise plan
- Credits don't roll over between months
- Different models consume credits at different rates
- Can be expensive for high-volume production
- Premium pricing may be high for some users
- Limited features in the free tier
- Occasional glitches in document processing
Detailed Comparison
ElevenLabs Overview
ElevenLabs has rapidly become the gold standard for AI voice generation. Their voices don't just sound good - they sound genuinely human, with natural breathing, emotional inflection, and conversational cadence that competitors haven't matched. **The Voice Quality Difference** Where other TTS tools produce obviously synthetic output, ElevenLabs voices pass the "close your eyes" test. The technology captures subtle vocal nuances - hesitations, emphasis, emotional warmth - that make listeners forget they're hearing AI. This matters enormously for audiobooks, podcasts, and customer-facing content. **Voice Cloning Magic** The Instant Voice Clone feature is remarkable. Upload just 30 seconds of clean audio, and ElevenLabs creates a usable replica of that voice. For Professional Voice Cloning (enterprise tier), the accuracy approaches uncanny. Content creators use this to scale their own voice across projects without recording every word. **The Credit System Challenge** Here's where ElevenLabs gets complicated. Everything runs on credits, but different services consume them at different rates. Standard TTS uses 1 credit per character, Turbo models use 0.5, and Conversational AI bills by the minute plus LLM costs. Your monthly bill can swing significantly based on which features you use. **Pricing Breakdown** Free tier offers 10,000 characters/month - enough to test thoroughly. Starter ($5/month) unlocks commercial use. Creator ($22/month) adds Professional Voice Cloning. For serious production, Pro ($99/month) provides 500,000 characters. Enterprise tiers scale further for high-volume needs. **Ideal Use Cases** ElevenLabs excels for: audiobook production, podcast intros/ads, video voiceovers, e-learning narration, and building voice-enabled applications. The API is well-documented for developers building custom solutions. **Verdict** For voice quality alone, ElevenLabs is unmatched. The credit-based pricing requires careful monitoring, but the output quality justifies the investment for professional content. If your project demands voices that sound authentically human, ElevenLabs is the clear choice.
Read full ElevenLabs review →Speechify Overview
Speechify stands out in the crowded field of audio tools, primarily due to its emphasis on delivering a high-quality text-to-speech experience. Its core functionality revolves around converting text from various sources into audio, which is particularly beneficial for students who need to absorb large volumes of information or professionals juggling multiple tasks. The platform supports a range of document types, including PDFs and Word files, as well as web content, making it versatile for various use cases. One of the standout features of Speechify is the natural-sounding voices, which create a more engaging listening experience compared to many competitors. Users can also adjust reading speeds, allowing for a tailored experience based on personal preference or comprehension levels. The mobile and desktop applications make it convenient for users to listen on-the-go or while working on other tasks, further enhancing productivity. In terms of pricing, Speechify offers a free tier that provides basic functionalities, which is a great starting point for users who want to explore its capabilities without commitment. However, for those looking for a more robust experience, the premium subscription at $139 per year may seem a bit steep, especially when compared to other solutions in the market. While the premium features are valuable, potential users should weigh their needs against the cost. When comparing Speechify to alternatives like NaturalReader or Google's text-to-speech, users may find that Speechify's voices are superior in quality. However, some alternatives offer more generous free tiers or additional customization options that might appeal to specific user needs. In conclusion, Speechify is an excellent tool for anyone looking to convert text into audio seamlessly. Its strengths lie in its user-friendly interface, high-quality voice options, and versatility across different content types. While the pricing may be a hurdle for some, the value it provides—especially for students and busy professionals—makes it worth considering. Overall, if you are in the market for a reliable text-to-speech tool, Speechify is certainly a contender worth exploring.
Read full Speechify review →Our Verdict
Both ElevenLabs (Free tier - Pro $5/mo) and Speechify (Free tier - $139/year) compete in the Audio category, but they serve different needs.
Choose ElevenLabs if: You value best-in-class voice quality - virtually indistinguishable from human and exceptional emotional range and natural inflection. Plus, you can start for free.
Choose Speechify if: You prioritize high-quality, realistic voice options and easy to use with a straightforward interface. It also offers a free tier.