1. Choose a voice on our site
On any page that reads aloud (lessons, conversations, listening tests, slang words), look for the 🔊 Voice box above the audio. Pick a voice from the list and press Test. We remember your choice on this device.
We automatically choose the most natural English voice we can find on your device.
In the Listening Room and stories, press 🎙 Voices on the player. You can choose a different voice for each host (Mel and Josh) or for the story narrator. We pick a female voice for Mel and a male voice for Josh when your device has them. If your device has only one English voice, Josh is played a little deeper so you can still tell them apart. Adding a voice (see below) gives you more choice.
2. The easiest way to get a natural voice: Microsoft Edge
Open englishcoaching.co in Microsoft Edge (free on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android). On computers, Edge includes natural "online" voices. Choose one marked (natural) in the 🔊 Voice box, for example an English (United States), English (United Kingdom) or English (Australia) voice.
3. Add a natural English voice to your device
Menu names can differ slightly between versions, but the steps are similar.
Windows 10 and 11 1. Open Settings → Time & language → Speech. 2. Under Manage voices, choose Add voices. 3. Add an English voice (for example English (United Kingdom), (United States) or (Australia)), then restart your browser.
iPhone and iPad 1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Spoken Content → Voices → English. 2. Choose an English voice you like and download the enhanced version if offered. 3. Reopen Safari.
Mac 1. Open System Settings → Accessibility → Spoken Content. 2. Next to System voice, choose Manage voices, then tick an English voice you like, for example English (United Kingdom) or (United States). 3. Reopen your browser.
Android 1. Open Settings, search for Text-to-speech. 2. Choose the Speech Services by Google engine, then Install voice data. 3. Download an English voice (for example English (United Kingdom), (United States) or (Australia)), then reopen Chrome.
4. Make listening more comfortable
- Use headphones, especially for listening tests.
- Slow it down: our voices speak a little slower than normal. Replay any line with its 🔊 button.
- Practise both: once you're comfortable, try a different accent too. In real life (and in IELTS and PTE), you'll hear Australian, British, American and many other accents.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the voice sound British or American?
The site uses your device's built-in voices so that nothing is uploaded and everything is free. If your device has no Australian English voice, it uses the closest one available.
Which browser has the best voices?
Microsoft Edge includes natural-sounding online voices, including Australian ones such as Natasha and William, on Windows and Mac. Safari on iPhone and Mac uses Apple's voices, including Australian English voices.
Does changing the voice cost anything?
No. All the voices on this page are free and built into your device or browser.