WithAudio

WithAudio is a desktop text-to-speech application that reads your documents aloud without needing an internet connection or a subscription. It runs entirely on your computer, so your files never get uploaded to the cloud. You import EPUBs, PDFs, Markdown files, or plain text, and the app converts them into spoken audio using studio-quality voices. It also includes a companion Chrome extension that syncs with the desktop app, letting you listen to web pages as well.

The app handles document organization well: it preserves chapter structure from EPUBs and PDFs, and you can queue up long documents for batch export as MP3 or M4B audiobook files. The player includes auto-scroll and sentence-level highlighting, so you can follow along visually. Reading modes include a dual-pane layout with notes and a focus mode for distraction-free listening. Since everything runs locally, there is no tracking, no account required, and no recurring fees.

WithAudio is best for people who want to turn books, articles, and long-form content into audio without paying a monthly fee or trusting a cloud service with their documents. Students can listen to textbooks during commutes, professionals can review PDF reports hands-free, and anyone who reads extensively can build a private audiobook library. The one-time purchase model covers lifetime access, with a 7-day money-back guarantee.