SmartRead for Windows

Used SmartRead for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffJuly 30, 2026

Not so much smart as competent, SmartRead reads back text using standard Microsoft speech engines. It supports English and Chinese and lets you save text in audio files to play back when driving or jogging. Unfortunately, it only supports WAV files, so you may need a third-party conversion utility to save clips in compressed formats. The unattractive and inconvenient interface requires you to copy and paste text into the program window to have it read. Given its interface issues and modest functionality, we don't see SmartRead trumping its freeware competition.

What’s new in version 0.80

Version 0.80 adds MP3, and SWF(flash) file conversion.

SmartRead for Windows

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: March 31, 2008

Latest update: July 30, 2026

Version: 0.80

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 98
Windows Vista
Windows ME
Windows XP
Windows 2000
Windows 10
Windows NT

Additional Requirements: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 85,151

Downloads Last Week: 2

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Program available in other languages

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.4/5

12 User Votes

Best of the free voice programs
issachar5April 29, 2013
Pros
able to fill a screen with VERY large letters (for seniors) Able to hear Microsoft Annie, a good, free voice, plus others Able to paste in just about any PDF, WORD, etc. text Works with Dragon Naturally Speaking installed (unlike HAL) Hi-lites sentences for easy follow on a screen Works with Vista and Windows 7 easily VERY easy to use
Cons
It doesn't appear that you can add any of the tru-voice, or AT&T natural voices.
Summary
I compared it with many voice programs; except for the lack of tru-voice adding ability, it pretty much beat the free, and the costly.
It's very useful.
monpatchaJanuary 18, 2009
Pros
It's very good program and very easy to use and install.
Cons
some english word is not clear. it did not work after installed in some computer. The new version of WINWORD cannot read.
Summary
Do no't work No voice
dpraisharmaNovember 22, 2008
Pros
Tried several times but voice not found
Cons
Not any star to this program
Summary
No thaks not required
vinayakvinodJuly 2, 2008
Pros
its good it really works for what it said
Cons
please try to add more human sounding voices if its possible.
Summary
Smart read
sukumar14April 30, 2008
Pros
Surprising that its s/w compatibility is good except for one reason that at time of installation it will ask for permission several times and a location to extract files twice !! Its so simple and contains all; that is required to a user. Plus, its free !!! It has an option to download additional voices which may not work on new o/s.
Cons
Its development is in initial stage. After installation, sam, mike and mary like voices may not work on new o/s.
Summary
tried it twice, no dice
maidensoloFebruary 20, 2008
Pros
Nothing; never worked;
Cons
Upon troubleshooting and attempted repair, details devulged that voices and voice engines were dumped upon instillation. I am running XP on my PC.
Summary
It is easy to use with simple instructions to guide users.
khoomingyewDecember 9, 2007
Pros
It can read text in English and Chinese.
Cons
It can only read in American English. It would be better if it can also read in British English. Reading Chinese text can only be read by a male voice. It woud be nice if it can read articles directly without the need to transfer passages to the space provided.
Summary
A wonderful product .
kevincykNovember 30, 2007
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Summary
I think its kind of good and free
Rune guyOctober 11, 2007
Pros
Its free and great! It helps my read news paper, story, novel and techers speech at all its good.
Cons
Kind of slow...
Summary
This product is wonderful!Very very thanks to its creators!!
pragathishSeptember 20, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary

Developer’s Description

By SmartySoft Studio

Have your text read out loud with this text-to-speech software.

SmartRead can translate text to speech (TTS technology ) to read out clearly. It is very easy to use, needn't have any speech knowledge, check the article for you, read long text, have very obvious advantages. Repair function, can repair when engine has some problem, especially to XP users. Supports Windows Vista. Version 0.80 adds MP3, and SWF(flash) file conversion.