In the world of TTS, where there are so many services that practically do the same, Microsoft Azure text to speech has come a long way. Azure-supported AI TTS is now one of the most easily integrated services with your apps, tools, or systems.
Azure Speech to Text is another part of this service API that can convert voices to text in real-time while translating into your desired language. Let's discuss more in the article about TTS services and how, in this particular scenario, Microsoft Azure text to speech is for you.
Part 1: Review of Microsoft Azure Text to Speech
Azure text to speech
Azure text to speech is definitely one of the most potent TTS tools out there, giving freedom to its users with several features for both freemium and premium versions. It uses AI to convert text to speech and back from speech to text with high accuracy in more than a few languages.
Key Features:
Other than regular TTS, Azure provides its user with intelligent TTS that coders can use to make their apps.
You can also use Azure speech to text software for converting speeches and voices into texts.
You can fully customize generated voices.
- Microsoft Azure text to speech has excellent flexibility that you can use on-prem, cloud, and in some cases in Edge containers.
Pros:
Azure text to speech enables a user to synthesize voices to reflect emotions.
Allow many different controls to set up your TTS voices.
Multiple options in languages available for both TTS and STT.
Users can adjust the speech rate and pitch with ease.
Intelligent AI TTS function is perfect for developers making apps.
Azure text to speech is SOC, HITECH, HIPAA, ISO, and more certified.
Cons:
Speech to text in some languages isn’t that clear and precise.
Price:
Azure speech to text prices vary on the technology used and based on per-hour billing such as:
TTS Neural $16 for real-time and $100 for long audio per 1M characters
Custom Neural starts at $4.04 per hour up to $100 per 1M characters
Platform & OS:
Windows and Mac OS X
User Comment:
Jhon P. says, "Azure Neural voices are amazing."
Anil M. writes, "Perfect API with minimal or no errors."
Afzal H. elaborates on the "Best cloud service for Text to speech."
Part 2: 3 Best Alternatives to Azure Text to Speech
1. VoxBox – Powerful Alternative to Azure Text to Speech
Regarding Microsoft Azure text to speech services, Azure TTS is the best, but for other light purposes, such as without APIs, iMyFone VoxBox is incredible.
VoxBox has a wide range of languages and voices that can read your text with AI that works instantly for all your texts. Following are its key features and some Pros and Cons.
Try it FreeKey Features:
Simple to use, just like Azure text to speech.
Generate voiceovers from a text in 22 major languages.
Over 3,200 voices and growing to perfect your content.
- Extensive editing options are available.
- Save all your audio files generated from text.
Pros:
Up to 9 global languages like Japanese and French, also supported.
Perfectly safe to use, plus it doesn't share your data like others.
Voiceovers available with VoxBox are of top quality and realistic.
You can write text in the supported language, and the voice generated will be in that language.
Cons:
There are no android or iOS apps though an android one is in the making.
Freemium doesn’t have all the great features.
Watch this video to learn more about the Best Azure Text to Speech Alternative:
2. Google Cloud Text-to-Speech
You are in for a treat, asGoogle Cloud allows you to convert text to speech using their AI-powered API. Google uses its in-house Cloud TTS AI technology and gets $300 to spend when they sign up for the first time.
Key Features:
Google Cloud TTS enhances your interaction with foreign customers with lifelike responses.
You can engage more with your customers using voice generated across devices and apps.
All the communications will be high fidelity based on DeepMind’s speech synthesis expertise.
- You can make a unique virtual voice for your brand.
- Now you don’t need to use generic voices.
- Tremendous language support with 40+ languages, including multiple variants.
Pros:
Voice synthesizer can now use over 100 voices.
Train your custom-created and tweaked voices.
DeepMind groundbreaking research takes advantage of WaveNet voices that speak like a typical human being.
Cons:
Relatively new player in the already filled-up scene.
3. IBM Watson Text-to-Speech
You can also use another great alternative to Microsoft Azure text to speech in different apps and scenarios. IBM is promoting Watson TTS as a CSR tool where AI can communicate with customers and resolve their everyday issues. Let's see what other benefits and features Watson have
Key Features:
AI communicates with the customer using IBM's Watson AI-powered APO.
The AI will talk with customers across any channel.
The tool provides analytics of emerging call patterns which can help your AI to learn and be more responsive.
- Improves user experience and helps users comprehend what they want.
Pros:
In-built Watson Discovery is a library that has solutions to all your problems.
Transform TTS with powerful machine-learning technology.
AI Watson Assistant solves major issues across any device, channel, or application.
Use the tool directly in your app or via the Watson Assistant.
Cons:
More geared toward power users and companies.
4. Amazon Polly
Like the Azure speech to text, Amazon Polly uses deep learning technology to convert and generate ultra-real TTS voices. Amazon allows Enterprise solutions for companies to incorporate Amazon Polly in their apps and software. The primary purpose of integrating Amazon Polly is to work as an AI customer support rep.
Key Features:
Easily customize the TTS voice outputs that are enhanced to use Lexicon SSML tags for better communication.
Users can store audio files in MP3 for analysis and easily share them across platforms.
Ultra-fast speed in generating TTS AI voices in real-time.
- You can generate speech in dozens of languages.
- Amazon Polly can interact with customers in natural voices exactly as Microsoft Azure text to speech does.
Pros:
AWS Free Tier allows up to 5 M characters per month for 12 months.
Your digital CSR has high-fidelity, lifelike voices.
Supports communication in dozens of languages.
The AI gets better with time with the help of machine learning.
Cons:
Doesn't support translation, so you have to write in a specific language to get the generated voices in that particular language.
5. Speechify
Speechify is a great free tool, can be a great alternative to Azure text to speech, and comes with several natural voices. Speechify uses AI to convert entire text documents to speech.
Key Features:
Speechify supports 15+ languages great for new language learners.
You can choose 30 different voices for the exact text.
The app allows OCR, which helps you to speak the text extracted from images and PDF files.
- Supported on most devices, and OS plus even has a fast chrome extension.
Pros:
Supports TTS for visually impaired individuals.
Also supports people with dyslexia, ADHA, etc.
Provides advanced reading tools.
Great thing that Speechify has mobile and PC applications.
Cons:
Has a difficult time reading books and PDFs.
Part 3: FAQs about Azure Text to Speech
1. What is Azure Cognitive Speech Services?
Azure text to speech cognitive speech service is a service that provides both TTS and STT services. Furthermore, it can recognize and translate speech and text in real time.
2. Is Microsoft text-to-speech free?
Azure text to speech isn’t free but offers you solutions to pay as you go, meaning depending on your need, you can either pay by the hour or the number of characters to generate voices.
3. Is there a text-to-speech API on Azure?
Yes, a highly advanced Microsoft Azure text to speech API is available that converts text to speech and speech to text in real-time. You can integrate this API into your apps to enhance their TTS capabilities.
Conclusion
Microsoft Azure text to speech and is one of the best tools in the market, from which Microsoft provides solutions to enterprises and other apps and tools.
Azure TTS is not for you if your primary concern is only TTS, which you can use to make digital content or communicate in other languages. iMyFone VoxBox is the best solution for such case scenarios due to 22+ languages and 3k+ voices support.
