How to Use the Read Aloud Feature for Web Pages: A Complete Guide

How to use the “Read Aloud” feature for web pages is one of those small digital life hacks that can completely change how you consume information. Whether you are trying to get through a long research article while cooking dinner, or you simply find it easier to process information by hearing it, text-to-speech technology has come a long way.

In this guide, we will break down exactly how to use this feature across different browsers and devices, making sure you never have to strain your eyes on a long wall of text again.

Why You Should Start Using Read Aloud Today

We live in a world of “content overload.” Our bookmarks are full of articles we “intend” to read but never do because sitting down and staring at a screen for 20 minutes feels like a chore.

By using the Read Aloud feature, you turn the internet into your personal podcast library. It’s great for:

• Multitasking: Listen to news while exercising or doing chores.
• Accessibility: A lifesaver for people with visual impairments or dyslexia.
• Learning: Many people retain information better when they see and hear it simultaneously.

1. How to Use Read Aloud in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge currently has the most advanced built-in “Read Aloud” tool. They use “Neural Voices” that sound remarkably human, avoiding that robotic “Speak & Spell” vibe of the early 2000s.

How to trigger it:

1. Open any webpage or PDF in Edge.
2. Look for the “A” icon (with two small waves) in the address bar.
3. Alternatively, right-click anywhere on the page and select “Read aloud.”
4. A toolbar will appear at the top. You can pause, skip paragraphs, or click “Voice options” to change the speed and choose from dozens of different accents and languages.

2. Using Google Chrome’s Reading Mode

For a long time, Chrome users had to rely on third-party extensions. However, Google recently integrated a native “Reading Mode” that includes a high-quality speech engine.

How to trigger it:

1. Navigate to the article you want to read.
2. In the top right corner of the browser, click the Side Panel icon (it looks like a small square next to your profile picture).
3. From the dropdown menu in the side panel, select “Reading Mode.”
4. Once the simplified text appears in the side panel, click the Play button at the top.
5. You can adjust the speed, font, and voice directly from that panel.

3. Safari (iPhone, iPad, and Mac)

Apple users have it easy. Safari’s “Reader View” is famous for stripping away ads, and it integrates perfectly with Siri’s voice engine.

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Tap the “AA” icon in the address bar.
2. Select “Listen to Page.”
3. Siri will start reading immediately. You can control the playback from your lock screen, just like music!

On Mac:

1. Enter Reader Mode (the document icon in the address bar).
2. Go to the Edit menu at the top of your screen, select Speech, and then Start Speaking.

4. Using Mobile Apps (Android)

Android users can use the “Google Assistant” to read almost any webpage.

1. Open Chrome on your Android phone and go to a webpage.
2. Say, “Hey Google, read this page.”
3. The browser will transition into a custom player mode that highlights the text as it reads it aloud. You can even translate the text into different languages on the fly.

5. Best Browser Extensions for Advanced Users

If the built-in options aren’t enough for you, there are dedicated extensions that offer more control.

• Speechify: This is the heavyweight champion of text-to-speech. It offers celebrity voices (like Snoop Dogg or Gwyneth Paltrow) and can even scan physical books.
• NaturalReader: Great for students and professionals who need to read complex PDFs and Google Docs.
• Read Aloud (Open Source): A simple, lightweight extension for Chrome and Firefox that supports many languages.

Tips for a Better Listening Experience

To get the most out of the Read Aloud feature, keep these tips in mind:

• Adjust the Speed: Most people find that 1.2x or 1.5x speed is perfect. It’s faster than natural speech but still easy to understand.
• Use Reader View First: If you use a tool that isn’t built-in, try turning on “Reader View” (which hides ads) before starting the audio. This prevents the voice from reading out annoying photo captions, ads, or “Click here” buttons.
• Follow Along: If you’re studying, try looking at the text while it’s read. This “dual-coding” helps your brain store the information more effectively.

Summary Table: Quick Access

Final Thoughts

Learning how to use the “Read Aloud” feature for web pages is a game-changer for productivity. It turns your commute, your gym session, or your “doing the dishes” time into an opportunity to learn something new.