Used Balabolka for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.
Editors’ Review
Balabolka is a free text-to-speech program that converts written text into spoken words. It supports a wide range of file formats, including TXT, DOCX, PDF, and HTML, making it flexible for users who need different types of content read aloud. It is designed for Windows and is lightweight in performance.
The program also allows customization of voices, pitch, and speed, depending on the speech engines installed on the computer. Balabolka can save spoken text as audio files, such as MP3 or WAV, for offline listening. It offers additional tools, such as clipboard monitoring and batch file conversion, which improve usability and convenience.
Versatile features for everyday use
Balabolka provides a wide range of features for those needing accessible text-to-speech options. It supports multiple speech synthesis engines, including Microsoft Speech API (SAPI) versions 4 and 5, offering users flexibility in voice selection. The program can also read aloud text from documents directly or from copied text in the clipboard. However, its Windows-only availability limits accessibility, leaving users on macOS or Linux without a direct way to use it.
A key advantage is its ability to save speech output into audio files for later use. Users can adjust settings such as pitch, volume, and reading speed, creating a more personalized experience. It also supports subtitles and phoneme replacement, which can help improve pronunciation accuracy. Still, the outdated user interface feels clunky compared to modern software, and the program often requires external voices to achieve higher-quality results.
For alternatives, programs such as NaturalReader, eSpeak, and NVDA also provide text-to-speech functionality. However, this program stands out for its free availability and support for a large number of file formats, which makes it highly versatile. While its interface is plain and functional rather than modern, it still provides reliable performance without unnecessary complexity, appealing to users who value practicality over aesthetics in everyday use.
Pros
- Lightweight software
- Supports many text and document formats
- Customizable voice settings and export options
- Can save speech as audio files
Cons
- Windows-only availability
- Outdated user interface
- Requires external voices for better quality
Bottom Line
Reliable tool for accessibility
Balabolka is a practical and reliable text-to-speech tool for Windows users who need a free solution. Its wide compatibility with document formats, customizable settings, and ability to export speech into audio files make it highly useful for accessibility and productivity. Although the interface feels dated, the program continues to deliver dependable functionality, ensuring it remains a valuable option for everyday use.
What’s new in version 2.15.0.905
- Added the use of Glosbe Translator
- Added accelerator keys to the window "Find/Replace"
- Fixed text highlighting when reading aloud
- Resources for Bulgarian, Croatian, Korean, Polish, Turkish and Vietnamese languages were updated
Used Balabolka for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.
