A practical comparison of Murmur and Speechify for content creators who need text-to-speech on Mac.
Two Different Tools for Two Different Jobs
Murmur and Speechify both convert text to speech, but they solve different problems. Comparing them directly is a bit like comparing a camera to a projector: both involve images, but the workflows point in opposite directions. Understanding this distinction will save you from buying the wrong tool.
Speechify is primarily a reading and listening tool. It reads web pages, PDFs, emails, and documents aloud so you can consume content by ear instead of by eye. It is built for people who want to listen to existing content while commuting, exercising, or multitasking. The output is real-time audio playback, not exported files.
Murmur is a production tool. It takes text and generates audio files that you save, edit, and publish. It is built for creators who need to produce voiceovers, narrations, and audio content that other people will listen to. The output is WAV files you import into video editors, audiobook platforms, and podcast feeds.
Where Speechify Wins
Speechify is excellent at what it does. The browser extension lets you highlight any web page and hear it read aloud instantly. The Chrome integration is smooth. The mobile app works on iOS and Android, meaning you can listen to articles on your phone during a commute. Speed reading features let you consume content at 2x, 3x, or even 4x normal pace.
If your primary need is consuming content by ear (reading articles, reviewing documents, studying), Speechify is the better choice. Murmur is not designed for that use case. It does not have a browser extension, does not work on mobile, and is not optimized for real-time playback of web content.
Where Murmur Wins
For content creation, the comparison tilts heavily toward Murmur. Speechify's audio export options are limited and locked behind its highest tier. Murmur is built entirely around generating and exporting audio. You get multiple AI models (Kokoro, Qwen3, Fish Audio, Chatterbox), 860+ voices, voice cloning from a 10-second sample, speed control, and batch processing for long documents.
Privacy is another differentiator. Murmur runs entirely on your Mac. Your text never leaves your machine. Speechify processes everything through its cloud servers. For creators working with unpublished manuscripts, client content, or sensitive material, local processing matters.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Murmur | Speechify |
|---|
The Pricing Difference
Speechify charges $139 per year for its Premium plan. That is $11.58 per month. Over two years, you will have paid $278. Over three years, $417. The free tier is severely limited, capping you at a few minutes of standard-quality voice playback per day.
Murmur is $49 once. No renewal, no tiers, no usage caps. After roughly four months of Speechify Premium, you have already spent more than Murmur's lifetime price. If your need is audio production rather than content consumption, the value proposition is straightforward.
Who Should Choose What
- Primarily want to listen to web articles, PDFs, and documents
- Need a mobile app for on-the-go listening
- Value browser integration for instant read-aloud
- Use speed reading features to consume content faster
Work across multiple platforms (Windows, iOS, Android)
Need to produce and export audio files (voiceovers, narrations, audiobooks)
Want multiple AI voice models to choose from
Need voice cloning for a personal or brand voice
Handle sensitive or unpublished content that should not go to the cloud
Want to pay once instead of subscribing
Work primarily on a Mac with Apple Silicon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Speechify export audio files like Murmur?
Speechify has limited audio export on its highest-tier plan. It is not designed as a production tool. If you need to regularly export audio files for videos, podcasts, or audiobooks, Murmur is the better fit.
Can Murmur read web pages aloud like Speechify?
No. Murmur does not have a browser extension or real-time web reading feature. You paste or import text into the app, generate audio, and export. It is a production workflow, not a reading assistant.
Do I need both tools?
Some creators use both. Speechify for consuming research material by ear, Murmur for producing the final audio content. They serve different parts of the content workflow and do not overlap much.
Is Speechify's voice quality better than Murmur's?
Speechify's voices are optimized for real-time playback at high speeds. Murmur's models are optimized for natural-sounding generated audio. For production quality, Murmur has the edge with multiple specialized models. For quick read-aloud, Speechify is smooth and responsive.
Does Murmur work on iPad or iPhone?
No. Murmur is a native macOS app that requires Apple Silicon (M1 or later). It relies on MLX for local model inference, which is not available on iOS. Speechify is the better option if you need mobile access.
Try Murmur - $49 one-time. No subscriptions, no cloud, no per-character fees.
Originally published at murmurtts.com
