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By Christine López

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Want to create professional podcasts without spending a fortune on voice actors or hours recording? AI voice tools are making it easier than ever, and while ElevenLabs is popular, there are plenty of other great choices out there.

Looking for something cheaper, different voice options, or special podcast features? I'll walk you through the best alternatives to ElevenLabs for making your podcast. Let's find the right AI voice tool that works for you.

Understanding ElevenLabs and Why Podcasters Seek Alternatives

ElevenLabs has earned its reputation as a powerhouse in the AI voice generator space. Founded in 2022, this innovative AI voice technology company quickly grew to prominence, offering remarkably natural sounding AI voices with emotional depth that many consider industry-leading.

ElevenLabs offers over 1,200 voices across 29 languages, with capabilities for voice cloning, multilingual support, and emotional expression that make it a go-to choice for podcasters seeking high-quality audio production without traditional voice actors.

Why Podcasters Look for ElevenLabs Alternatives

Despite its impressive capabilities, many podcast creators search for alternatives due to:

• Budget constraints: Starting at $5/month but scaling significantly for higher usage

• Character limits: Restrictions that can be problematic for long podcast scripts

• Learning curve: Some users find the platform less intuitive than alternatives

• Specific feature needs: Requirements for certain workflow integrations or voice customizations

• Latency issues: Slower real-time processing that can affect production workflow

Top 5 ElevenLabs Alternatives for Podcast Production in 2025

Let's explore the five best alternatives that can transform your podcast production process while addressing these common pain points.

1. Speechify: Best for User-Friendly Podcast Production

Speechify has emerged as one of the most accessible yet powerful AI voice generators for podcasts, with a particularly strong mobile presence and intuitive interface that makes podcast creation approachable for creators at any technical level.

Key Features:

• 200+ natural-sounding voices across 60+ languages

• Voice cloning capabilities with minimal audio samples

• Drag-and-drop interface with intuitive timeline editing

• Royalty-free background music options

• Word-level control for precise pronunciation

• 13+ emotional voice styles (angry, cheerful, professional narration, etc.)

What Makes Speechify Stand Out for Podcasters:

Speechify's straightforward podcast creation process sets it apart. You simply upload your script, select voices, add background music if desired, and arrange everything on a visual timeline. This simplicity is a major advantage for podcasters who want to focus on content rather than technical details.

"With Speechify AI Generator, users can convert text to speech and create lifelike voice overs in various languages and accents... Additionally, Speechify AI Generator provides advanced features and allows granular editing, empowering users to fine-tune pronunciation, tone, inflection, and pitch to perfection."

Real users have praised Speechify's intuitive design and voice quality:

"This is incredible! The quality of the voices you offer is unmatched compared to the other services I've been experimenting with." - Speechify user testimonial

Pricing:

• Free plan: Available for testing with basic features

• Premium: Starts at $29/month with access to advanced voice customization

Ideal Podcast Applications:

• Solo podcasts with minimal editing needs

• Interview-style shows with multiple character voices

• Podcasts requiring multilingual episodes

• Educational podcasts where clarity is essential

2. Play.ht: Best for Multilingual Podcast Reach

Play.ht offers an impressive array of voice options that make it particularly valuable for podcasters aiming to reach global audiences with natural sounding AI voices in multiple languages.

Key Features:

• 800+ AI voices across 142 languages and dialects

• Advanced voice manipulation capabilities

• Custom phonetics and acronym pronunciation

• Conversational voiceovers with different voices

• Fine-tuning for pitch, pauses, and voice rate

• Text-to-voice editor with collaborative options

What Makes Play.ht Stand Out for Podcasters:

Play.ht's exceptional language support and voice customization make it ideal for podcasters looking to expand internationally. The platform excels at handling specialized terminology and acronyms—crucial for technical or industry-specific podcast content.

Pricing:

• Free plan: Limited but allows testing with up to 2,500 words

• Creator plan: $39/month with access to more advanced features

• No plans under $30 with advanced features (a noted drawback)

Ideal Podcast Applications:

• International podcasts targeting multiple language markets

• Technical podcasts with specialized terminology

• Documentary-style podcasts requiring diverse accents

• News and current affairs podcasts requiring precise pronunciation

3. Murf AI: Best for Voice Customization and Quality

Murf AI stands out for its exceptionally realistic podcast voices and extensive customization capabilities that allow podcasters to create truly distinct vocal styles.

Key Features:

• 120+ ultra-realistic AI voices across 20+ languages

• Extensive customization for pitch, tone, emphasis, and emotion

• Built-in video generator for multimedia podcast content

• Voice changer capabilities with real-time modulation

• Google Slides TTS extension integration

• Background music and audio library

What Makes Murf AI Stand Out for Podcasters:

Murf AI offers exceptional voice quality with nuanced control over delivery—perfect for narrative podcasts where emotional expression matters. Its ability to sync voice with video also makes it valuable for podcasters who publish on YouTube or other video platforms.

User testimonials highlight the platform's voice quality:

"The quality is pretty good. Once you get the hang of adding pauses and watching out for patterns of words that sound robotic." - Adrian Ward, Murf AI user

Pricing:

• Free plan: Basic features for testing

• Creator plan: $29/month with advanced voice customization

Ideal Podcast Applications:

• Narrative storytelling podcasts requiring emotional depth

• Character-driven fiction podcasts

• Educational podcasts needing diverse voice styles

• YouTube podcasts requiring synchronized video

4. LOVO AI: Best for Emotional Range and Character Voicing

LOVO AI (with its Genny product) excels at creating emotionally expressive voices perfect for dynamic podcast formats requiring distinct character voices or varied emotional tones.

Key Features:

• 500+ diverse voice options across 100+ languages

• 25+ emotional expressions (including hesitation, drunk, shouting, crying)

• Advanced pronunciation editor

• Ability to add sound effects

• Timeline-based editing for complex podcast segments

• Script generation capabilities

What Makes LOVO AI Stand Out for Podcasters:

LOVO AI's exceptional emotional range sets it apart for podcasters creating narrative or character-driven content. The platform allows for subtle emotional nuances that can truly bring podcast stories to life.

The platform has been used for professional productions:

"When we pitched and slowed down the wav files, we got exactly what we needed. Clear, neutral, and weird! Thanks LOVO!" - John Laing, Managing Partner & Supervising Sound Editor 'Urban Post'

Pricing:

• Free plan: Basic features available

• Creator plan: $29/month for full feature access

Ideal Podcast Applications:

• Fiction podcasts with multiple characters

• Comedy podcasts requiring varied voice styles

• Dramatic podcasts with emotional narration

• Podcasts featuring international characters

5. Wondercraft: Best All-in-One AI Podcast Production Solution

While Wondercraft didn't appear in our search results, it represents an emerging category of end-to-end podcast production solutions worth highlighting as an alternative to ElevenLabs' more targeted voice generation capabilities.

Key Features:

• AI script generation capabilities

• Hyper-realistic AI voices for podcast hosting

• Integrated sound effects library and SFX generator

• Timeline editor for complete podcast production

• Collaborative tools for podcast teams

• Distribution tools for podcast publishing

What Makes Wondercraft Stand Out for Podcasters:

Wondercraft's end-to-end approach addresses the entire podcast production workflow—from script to publishing—making it particularly valuable for podcasters who want a single platform solution.

Pricing:

• Free trial: Limited episode creation

• Subscription plans: Starting around $29/month for regular podcast production

Ideal Podcast Applications:

• Complete podcast production from concept to publishing

• Team-based podcast creation

• Weekly podcast shows requiring efficient production

• Podcasts with consistent format and structure

Comparison Table: ElevenLabs vs. Top 5 Alternatives for Podcast Production

How to Choose the Right ElevenLabs Alternative for Your Podcast

Selecting the ideal AI voice generator for podcasts depends on your specific podcast format, production workflow, and audience goals. Here's a framework to help you decide:

1. Assess Your Podcast Format and Voice Requirements

• Interview-style podcasts: Look for platforms with natural conversational voices

• Narrative podcasts: Prioritize emotional range and storytelling capabilities

• Educational podcasts: Focus on clarity and pronunciation accuracy

• Multi-host shows: Choose platforms with distinct voice options and multiple character support

2. Consider Your Technical Needs and Workflow

• Production frequency: Higher volume podcasts benefit from streamlined interfaces

• Editing requirements: Timeline-based editors help with complex productions

• Integration needs: Check compatibility with your existing tools (DAWs, hosting platforms)

• Team collaboration: Some platforms offer better multi-user capabilities

3. Evaluate Budget and Scaling Requirements

• Starting out: Begin with free plans to test capabilities

• Growth planning: Consider how costs scale with podcast length and frequency

• Commercial usage: Verify licensing terms for monetized podcasts

• Character or word limits: Calculate typical episode requirements

4. Test Voice Quality and Customization

Before committing to a platform, test voice quality for:

• Natural cadence: How human-like do the voices sound?

• Emotional range: Can the voices express appropriate emotions?

• Pronunciation accuracy: How well do they handle specialized terms?

• Accent authenticity: Do international voices sound realistic?

Implementing AI Voices in Your Podcast Production Workflow

Once you've selected your preferred ElevenLabs alternative, follow these best practices to integrate AI voices effectively into your podcast:

Script Optimization for AI Voices

• Use shorter sentences for more natural delivery

• Spell out uncommon terms phonetically in your script

• Add pronunciation guidance for specialized terminology

• Include pause markers (...) for more natural pacing

• Test different emotional tags to find the right tone

Creating a Consistent Podcast Voice Identity

• Select a primary voice that matches your podcast brand

• Use the same voice settings across episodes for consistency

• Create a voice style guide documenting your settings

• Consider voice cloning to maintain continuity

Mixing AI and Human Voices Effectively

Many podcasters use a hybrid approach:

• Human host + AI segments: Use your own voice for intros/outros with AI for narration

• AI host + human interviews: Use AI for consistent hosting with real guest interviews

• Multiple AI voices: Create character-driven formats with different AI voices

Post-Processing for Professional Results

Even the best realistic podcast voices benefit from professional audio treatment:

• Apply light compression to even out volume

• Add subtle EQ to enhance voice characteristics

• Include background music at appropriate levels

• Apply gentle reverb for spatial character

• Use noise reduction if needed

The Future of AI Voice Technology for Podcast Production

The landscape of AI voice generators for podcasts continues to evolve rapidly. Here are key trends to watch:

Real-Time Voice Generation and Live Podcasting

The next frontier is real-time AI voice generation for live podcast formats. While current latency issues limit this application, advances in processing speed are making live AI-voiced podcasting increasingly viable.

Voice Preservation and Custom Voice Libraries

Many platforms are expanding voice cloning capabilities, allowing podcasters to create and preserve unique voices. This creates opportunities for developing proprietary voice assets as part of podcast branding.

Multimodal Audio-Visual Podcast Creation

As podcast consumption increasingly spans audio and video platforms, integrated solutions that synchronize AI voices with visual elements (like animated avatars or video content) are becoming more important.

Greater Emotional Intelligence in Voice Delivery

The emotional range and contextual awareness of AI voices continue to improve, allowing for more nuanced delivery that responds appropriately to content meaning rather than just following pronunciation rules.

FAQ

What is the best free alternative to ElevenLabs for podcasting?

Speechify offers the most comprehensive free plan for podcasters, with access to basic voices and essential editing features. Play.ht and Murf AI also provide limited free access to test their platforms.

Can AI-generated voices be monetized on podcast platforms?

Yes, most major AI voice generators offer commercial licensing options that permit monetization. However, licensing terms vary by platform, with some requiring higher-tier subscriptions for commercial usage rights.

How do I choose the right AI voice for my podcast audience?

Consider your target audience demographics (age, location, interests) and test voices with sample listeners before committing. Many podcasters find that slightly warmer, conversational voices perform better than overly perfect ones.

Are AI voices allowed on major podcast distribution platforms?

Yes, all major podcast distribution platforms (including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts) accept AI-voiced content. There are currently no specific disclosure requirements, though some podcasters choose to mention their use of AI voices.

How can I make AI voices sound more natural in my podcast?

For more natural-sounding AI voices:

• Use punctuation strategically to control pacing

• Add occasional "um" or "ah" for authentic feel

• Include breathing pauses at natural points

• Vary speaking pace throughout the script

• Use emphasis markers for important words

• Post-process with light compression and EQ

What equipment do I need to use AI voices for podcast production?

The beauty of AI voice technology is its minimal hardware requirements. You'll need:

• A computer with internet connection

• Basic audio editing software

• Headphones for quality assessment

• (Optional) Audio interface for better monitoring

Can I clone my own voice for podcast production?

Yes, all five alternatives offer voice cloning capabilities with varying requirements:

• Speechify: Requires minutes of sample audio

• Play.ht: Offers custom voice creation with samples

• Murf AI: Provides voice cloning with detailed customization

• LOVO AI: Allows voice cloning with emotional variation

• Wondercraft: Limited voice cloning capabilities

How much can I customize AI voices for my podcast brand?

Customization varies by platform:

• Basic: Adjust speed, pitch, and emphasis

• Intermediate: Modify emotional tone and accents

• Advanced: Fine-tune pronunciation, breathing patterns, and speech characteristics

• Professional: Create custom voice clones with brand-specific attributes

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Voice Solution Beyond ElevenLabs

While ElevenLabs has set a high standard for AI voice generators, the alternatives we've explored offer compelling options for podcasters with specific needs and budgets. Whether you prioritize emotional range, multilingual capabilities, ease of use, or comprehensive production tools, there's an AI voice solution that can elevate your podcast production.

The key is to align your choice with your podcast's unique character and production requirements. Take advantage of free trials and basic plans to experiment with different platforms before committing to a paid subscription.

Remember that the most engaging podcasts balance technological quality with compelling content. Even the most realistic podcast voices can't compensate for weak material, so focus on crafting excellent scripts that these powerful AI voice tools can bring to life.

What AI voice solution will you use for your next podcast episode? The perfect voice for your podcast brand is waiting to be discovered.

Looking to take your podcast production to the next level with AI voice technology? I'd love to hear about your experiences with these tools or answer any questions you might have about implementing them in your workflow. Drop a comment below or reach out for personalized recommendations!

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