Speechify. A boost for students struggling with reading

Last updated on 7 May 2025

At school, each student learns a little in their own way. And sometimes a small, well-thought-out tool can really make a difference. This is precisely the case for the Speechify Platform, an application that reads the texts out loud. It may seem simple, but for some students – in particular for children with dyslexia or reading problems – it can change a lot. I'll explain why.

So what exactly is Speechify?

Basically, Speechify takes any written text (such as a PDF, web page or textbook) and the bed out loud. But not with a weird robotic voice – no, here we are talking about rather natural voices, which we can even choose according to our preferences. The app works on a phone, tablet or computer, allowing you to use it wherever you want, whenever you want.

How to use this reading service out loud

Speechify is easy to use on a daily basis thanks to its different versions: you caninstall as Chrome Extension directly in your web browser. So, with one click, you turn any web page or open document into audio text.

If you prefer to use the app directly on your device, Dedicated applications exist for iOS, Android, Mac and Windows. With these apps, you can easily import your files (PDF, Word or images), scan printed pages with your camera, and then listen to them immediately.

Once the text is started, you choose your favorite voice, set the playback speed, and let Speechify do the rest. It is simple, fast and accessible everywhere for transcribe any text into audio.

Why is it useful for dys students?

Dyslexic children often have trouble reading or to understand certain texts. Speechify gives them a hand with several options designed for them:

✦ Reading with highlighting : While the voice reads, the words are underlined on the screen. This mix of visual and audio helps a lot to follow better.

✦ Natural voices that make you want to listen : When the voice is pleasant and natural, it is easier to stay focused, especially for long readings.

✦ Reading paper pages : Thanks to text recognition (OCR), you can take a picture of a manual and turn it into audio. Practical.

✦ Adjustable speed : The student (or teacher) can slow down or speed up the voice as needed. Useful for understanding or rereading faster.

How is the application actually used in the classroom?

Speechify can be easily integrated into courses. Here are some examples:

→ Read a textbook out loud in class: We scan a page, and hop, everyone listens. Great for students with dys or visual impairments.

→ Review or do homework differently: Students can listen to their homework instead of reading it. It helps him to better understand the instructions, and to be a little more autonomous.

→ Learn a foreign language: The app offers lots of languages. This allows you to listen to texts in English, Spanish, etc. and practice pronouncing well.

→ Distribute audio cards: Teachers can turn their courses into audio files. Students listen to them at home, on the bus, or wherever they want.

What about teachers, then?

Speechify is not only for students, but also for teachers who can find their way into it. By reducing the time lost on complicated configurations, simply copy and paste the text so that everything is ready in an instant.

In addition, this tool promotes inclusion by offering all students, including those with reading difficulties, the opportunity to follow lessons at the same pace as their peers.

 

Speechify also incorporates a useful feature, Instant AI Summaries, that automatically generates a summary of each text by highlighting its essential points.

How much does Speechify cost?

The application offers several formulas. The free version of Speechify allows you to test the main features: reading aloud, synchronized highlighting and a few available voices. Ideal to discover the tool and see how it can help your students in class.

The Premium version (approximately €11/month with annual subscription) offers among other advantages: a wide choice of natural voices in several languages, unlimited use of text recognition (OCR) to scan documents, advanced settings to personalise listening, and offline access.

Speechify also offers special rates for schools, with bundled licenses allowing all your students to fully benefit from the tool.

In short, the tool for Speechify Reading Aloud can really become a nice ally for learning, especially for students who need a little help to read. You can also use it for yourself to read faster or listen to your texts in transport, for example.

You can start with the free version to get an idea. Take this article to start your essay and have you read it out loud 🙂