Compare the top TTS Chrome extensions purpose-built for K-12 classrooms, with side-by-side features, privacy compliance, and UDL alignment.
Last Update: 02/25/26
A text-to-speech Chrome extension reads digital content aloud directly in the browser, giving students with dyslexia, visual processing differences, and English language learning needs an independent way to access classroom material. This guide compares the most relevant options for K-12 and evaluates each across features, audience fit, free tier availability, and alignment with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
Neural voice synthesis across 60+ languages sounds natural enough that students stay focused on content rather than fighting robotic pronunciation.
Activates with a single click inside Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, and Forms. Students stay in their assignment without switching apps.
FERPA, COPPA, and GDPR compliant with signed Student Data Privacy Agreements available for districts. Revenue comes from subscriptions, never from student data.
Read Aloud in over 60 languages plus built-in translation helps the 5.3 million English Language Learners in U.S. schools access grade-level content independently.
Goes beyond read-aloud with a text highlighter, screen mask, dictionary, text prediction, voice recording, and vocabulary tools -- all from a single sidebar.
Core Read Aloud and accessibility features are free for all educators and students. Premium features available through school and district plans.
Open the Chrome Web Store, search for "Mote", and click "Add to Chrome". For school-wide deployment, IT administrators can force-install via Google Admin Console.
Open the moteSidebar and select your preferred voice from dozens of natural AI options across 60+ languages. Adjust playback speed to match your students' reading level.
Highlight text in any Google Doc, Classroom assignment, or webpage and click the Read Aloud button. Students can pause, rewind, and adjust speed as they listen.
Enable the text highlighter and screen mask from the moteSidebar for multi-sensory reading support. The highlighter follows spoken text while the screen mask reduces visual clutter.
Track which accessibility features students are using through the Mote admin dashboard. Usage data helps inform IEP reviews and demonstrate compliance with accommodations.
We evaluated four of the most widely used TTS extensions for K-12 classrooms across core features, audience fit, free tier availability, and UDL alignment -- tested inside Google Classroom and Google Docs on managed Chromebooks under real school deployment conditions.
For K-12 classrooms on Google Workspace, Mote is the strongest choice -- the only extension combining text-to-speech with translation, highlighter, screen mask, dictionary, text prediction, and voice tools in a single sidebar, covering all three UDL principles with verified FERPA, COPPA, and GDPR compliance. If your primary need is premium voice quality for personal use, Speechify has the largest library, and for basic free TTS Read Aloud is a lightweight option -- but for educators who need privacy compliance, 60+ languages, and tools addressing reading, writing, and expression together, try Mote free today.
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