Audiobooks are more popular than ever. According to the Audio Publishers Association (2025 report), the audiobook industry has grown by 12% year-over-year, with millions of listeners worldwide. If you’re an author or publisher, turning your book into an audiobook is no longer optional — it’s a powerful way to reach a bigger audience.
But what if you don’t have the budget for a professional narrator? That’s where AI audiobook tools come in. Today’s AI voices are natural, expressive, and affordable — making it easier than ever to bring your story to life.
In this article, we’ll cover the best AI tools to turn your book into an audiobook, their features, pricing, and how to choose the right one for you.
Why Use AI to Turn Your Book into an Audiobook?
- Affordable – Hiring a voice actor can cost $1,000–$3,000 for a full-length book, while AI tools are much cheaper.
- Faster production – AI can generate a high-quality audiobook in hours, not weeks.
- Multiple voices – Choose from male, female, and even character-style voices.
- Scalable – Perfect for indie authors, publishers, and content creators.
Top AI Tools to Turn Your Book into an Audiobook
Here are the best AI audiobook tools in 2025:
1. Murf.AI
Best for: Professional-quality narration
Features:
- 120+ natural-sounding voices in multiple languages
- Voice customization (tone, pitch, speed)
- Integration with text-to-speech editors
Pricing: Starts at $29/month
2. Speechify
Best for: Beginners and indie authors
Features:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Human-like voices, including celebrity-style narrations
- Works across desktop and mobile
Pricing: Free plan available; Premium from $19/month
3. Descript (Overdub)
Best for: Podcasters and authors who want custom AI voices
Features:
- AI-generated voices + the ability to clone your own voice
- Full audiobook editing suite
- Team collaboration
Pricing: Free trial; Pro plan at $30/month
4. Resemble AI
Best for: Customized, ultra-realistic narration
Features:
- Create unique AI voices for your audiobook
- Emotional tone control
- API support for advanced projects
Pricing: Custom pricing; pay-per-minute model
5. Play.ht
Best for: Multi-language audiobooks
Features:
- 900+ AI voices in 100+ languages
- Ultra-realistic narration with SSML support
- Commercial usage rights included
Pricing: Starts at $39/month
6. Google Cloud Text-to-Speech
Best for: Developers & large-scale publishing
Features:
- High-quality voices powered by DeepMind’s WaveNet
- 220+ voices in 40+ languages
- Flexible integration for apps and platforms
Pricing: Pay-as-you-go (affordable at scale)
7. Amazon Polly
Best for: Cost-effective publishing
Features:
- Wide range of voices and languages
- Neural Text-to-Speech (NTTS) for natural sound
- Cloud-based scalability
Pricing: Pay-per-use model (very affordable for long books)
How to Choose the Right AI Audiobook Tool
When selecting an AI audiobook tool, consider:
- Voice quality: Does it sound human-like and engaging?
- Licensing rights: Are commercial usage rights included?
- Budget: Monthly subscription vs. pay-per-use
- Languages: Important if you want a global audience
- Customization: Ability to add emotion or clone your own voice
Final Thoughts
The best AI tool to turn your book into an audiobook depends on your needs.
- If you want easy setup, go with Speechify.
- For professional publishing, try Murf.AI or Play.ht.
- If you’re a tech-savvy creator, Descript and Resemble AI offer custom voices.
- For scalable projects, Amazon Polly and Google Cloud are great options.
By using these AI tools, authors can save money, speed up production, and reach new audiences in the booming audiobook market.
FAQs about Turning Your Book into an Audiobook with AI
What is the best AI tool to turn a book into an audiobook?
The best tool depends on your needs: Murf.AI and Play.ht are excellent for professional publishing,
Speechify is beginner-friendly, and Descript lets you clone your voice for a custom narrator.
Is AI good enough for creating audiobooks?
Yes — modern AI text-to-speech produces natural, expressive voices that are often indistinguishable from human narration.
For high-quality results, choose a platform with neural voices and fine-grained controls for pacing and emotion.
Can I sell an AI-generated audiobook?
Generally yes — provided the AI service grants commercial usage rights. Always check the tool’s licensing terms before
publishing or selling an AI-generated audiobook.
Which AI audiobook tools are the most affordable?
For pay-as-you-go at scale, Amazon Polly and Google Cloud Text-to-Speech are cost-effective.
If you prefer a subscription model with user-friendly UI, Speechify and Murf.AI offer competitive plans.
Can AI clone my voice for an audiobook?
Yes — tools like Descript (Overdub) and Resemble AI let you create a custom voice model from recordings,
so you can narrate in your own voice without recording every line manually. Check voice-cloning policies and consent requirements.