ElevenLabs Review (2024): Features, Pricing, Use-cases, Pros and Cons & More

It is no wonder why 2024 is being called an AI era. We have seen many AI apps, like ChatGPT, Otter AI, and Google Copilot, ruling the world with their capabilities to deliver convenience in people's lives. Literally, there’s an app for everything, be it writing, voice generator, image creation, video editing, or more. But today, we will review one such AI app that has leveled up the game in speech synthesis. Yes, we are talking about ElevenLabs. This AI voice generator is leading the way when it comes to speech synthesis, voice dubbing, and voice cloning. 

But the question remains: Is ElevenLabs the best AI voice generator? Does it generate realistic voices? Well, having these types of questions before using such tools is obvious. We, too, had many questions until we gave it a try. After using it for over four months, we put all of our experience in this detailed ElevenLabs review. 

To help our readers and potential users of ElevenLabs get a feel of the platform, we will discuss the pros and cons of this AI voice generator, exploring its origins, purpose, and target audience. We will also examine the features that set ElevenLabs apart, including its text-to-speech capability. To provide a well-rounded perspective, we will compare ElevenLabs with three prominent AI voice generators, evaluating the quality of their voices and features. By the end of this review, you will have a clear understanding of whether ElevenLabs is worth the hype. 

But before that, let’s have a look at 

Key Statistics on the AI Voice Generator Market

• The Global AI Voice Generator Market was valued at $1,210 Million in 2022 and is projected to grow to $4,889 Million by 2032 at a CAGR of 15.4%. (Source: Market.US)
• 97% of smartphone users worldwide use AI voice assistants. (Source: Notta.ai)
• 50% of healthcare institutions reported challenges in integrating voice technology into their existing systems. (Source: Augnito.AI)
• 70% of healthcare institutions have found AI voice technology to improve patient care and workflows. (Source: Augnito.AI)

What is ElevenLabs?

ElevenLabs is an AI voice generator tool developed by Piotr Dabkowski and Mati Staniszewski in 2022 to eliminate the language barrier in content. The app’s beta version was rolled out in January 2023. 

Today, ElevenLabs has evolved into a fully-feature-free AI voice generator that uses advanced AI and voice cloning technology to create highly realistic and expressive voices. The quality of these voices is so high that they sound almost indistinguishable from real human voices. This makes ElevenLabs an excellent choice for recording voiceovers for audiobooks, videos, podcasts, and more, saving both time and money.

ElevenLabs AI offers a range of services, including text-to-speech, speech-to-speech, translation, AI dubbing, and voice cloning. It also provides an easy-to-use API for app development and has a growing library of voices to suit any project.

How Does ElevenLabs Work?

ElevenLabs uses a deep-learning model to create synthetic speech. Initially, the AI is trained with a vast amount of human speech data. This training helps the AI learn the subtleties of human language, such as tone, rhythm, pitch, intonation, and emotion.

After being trained with this extensive data, the AI can mimic human speech accurately and naturally. This process allows ElevenLabs to produce voices that sound incredibly realistic.

Features of ElevenLabs That Make it Standout

We have reviewed a lot of AI voice generators, but ElevenLabs has something different in itself, probably because of its one-of-a-kind features that include 

1). AI Models

ElevenLabs offers various AI voice models to suit different needs:

• Eleven Turbo V2: This is the fastest model, generating high-quality, natural-sounding English speech in about 400 milliseconds.
• Eleven English V1: The first model from ElevenLabs, it creates speech in different voices, moods, and styles, but only in English.
• Eleven Multilingual V1: This model supports 9 languages for creating lifelike voices.
• Eleven Multilingual V2: It can produce realistic voiceovers in 29 major languages.

If you need content in multiple languages, go for Eleven Multilingual V2. For English voices, Eleven English V1 is a good choice. For fast English speech generation, Eleven Turbo V2 is the best. ElevenLabs also recommends the most suitable model when you choose an AI voice.

2). Voice Library

ElevenLabs has over 40 pre-made voices in various English accents, such as American, British, Indian, Australian, and African. They offer a vast library of over 10,000 AI voices from their community if you want to explore different languages and styles.

• ElevenLabs Voice Dubbing: The tool supports 29 languages, including French, German, Hindi, Korean, Italian, Arabic, and more. You can filter these voices by category, gender, age, accent, or use case, such as Conversational, Social Media, Advertisement, Narrative, and story.

3). Voice Settings

The Voice Settings feature allows you to customize your generated voice. It includes options to adjust voice stability, clarity, similarity enhancement, style exaggeration, and speaker boost.

• Voice Stability: Lower values make speech more expressive, while higher values make it more stable and monotonous.
• Clarity + Similarity Enhancement: Used with the Voice Changer tool, lower values reduce distortions, and higher values improve clarity but may cause distortions if too high.
• Style Exaggeration: The Voice Changer tool's default is 0.0 for better speed. Increasing values exaggerate speech but can cause instability.
• Speaker Boost: Enhances similarity to the original voice but may slightly reduce speed.

4). Audio Export and Sharing

AI voice files can be exported in MP3 format or shared via public links. Receivers can listen for free without registering but lack advanced sharing options like password protection.

5). AI Sound Effect Generation

ElevenLabs has a new tool to generate sound effects from text prompts. You can create sounds, music, character voices, and dialogues. The tool is still new, so outputs may not be very accurate yet.

6). Voice Changing

Ever wanted to change your voice to sound different? Maybe a deeper male voice or a higher female voice? ElevenLabs AI can help with its Voice Changer tool.

• ElevenLabs Voice Changing: To change your voice, go to the Speech-to-Speech tool and upload your voice. Then, pick a new voice from their library and watch the transformation!

7). Instant Voice Cloning

Imagine if AI could record your podcasts or videos in your voice. Think of the time it would save! This is now possible with AI Voice Cloning. It only needs a sample of your voice to start generating new sounds and narrations.

• ElevenLabs Voice Cloning: I tested this tool by uploading some voice recordings in English and Hindi. Then, I used the cloned voice to read a script with similar content. I was amazed at how quickly it created the voice clone.

8). Voice Dubbing

With ElevenLabs, you can even dub your voice into another language. Just select your source and target languages and upload your video or audio file. It supports platforms like YouTube, X, Vimeo, TikTok, and more.

9). Speech Synthesis

If you create long-form content like audiobooks, you will love the ElevanLabs Speech Synthesis tool. You can import your script via URL, document, or paste it as text.

• ElevenLabs Long-Form Speech Synthesis: This feature allows users to format and add more content as chapters. You can assign different narrators to paragraphs and add up to 200 chapters per project! Once done, convert it into an audiobook and download it as an MP3 file.

10). AI Speech Classifier

This tool helps you identify if an audio piece was generated using ElevenLabs. Upload your audio, and it will analyze the first minute to detect if it was created with ElevenLabs.

Is ElevenLabs AI Safe?

Yes, ElevenLabs AI is safe to use. The company behind it takes security seriously. They ensure that your data is protected and use encryption to keep it safe. This means that your data is turned into a code that only you and the company can read.

The tool is also easy to use. You don't need to be a tech expert to get started. The interface is user-friendly, and there are guides to help you along the way.

However, like any tool, it is essential to use it responsibly. Make sure you have permission to use any voices you create. Also, be aware of the ethical implications. Don't use the tool to create harmful or misleading content, as it may attract penalties or even serious consequences. 

Is ElevenLabs Accurate?

After using ElevenLabs for over four months, we find it quite accurate. It can read text aloud in a natural-sounding voice, which makes it useful for many purposes.

One of the best things about ElevenLabs is its ability to understand context. It can change its tone based on the text, sounding happy, sad, or serious. This makes the speech sound more human-like.

Another good feature is its pronunciation. It can pronounce most words correctly. This is important for clear communication. It also supports multiple languages, which is a big plus.

However, like any tool, it is not perfect. Sometimes, it may mispronounce uncommon words or names. But overall, it does a good job.

Who is ElevenLabs For?

During our research, we found ElevenLabs to be a multi-purpose voice generator tool for creating high-quality audio content. 

Here are some of its key users and how they can use it: 

• Video Creators & YouTubers: Youtubers and social media influencers can use ElevenLabs AI to quickly generate realistic voices for narrations, improving your video content. You can even create custom AI voices using your own voice or choose ASMR-specific voices for a unique touch.
• Businesses & Marketers: Companies and even digital marketers can save time and money by using ElevenLabs' voice cloning and dubbing features. Engaging voiceovers in multiple languages can improve advertisements, presentations, and training materials.
• Podcasters & Audiobook Producers: ElevenLabs provides a wide range of AI voices that can convey different tones and emotions. It can offer a soothing voice for bedtime stories or a dynamic voice for podcasts.
• Educators: Teachers and educational institutions can use ElevenLabs for AI dubbing and video translation, making learning materials accessible to non-native speakers. The realistic AI voices can also make lectures more engaging and memorable.
• Game Developers: Game developers can use ElevenLabs' AI voices to bring characters to life, making the gaming experience more immersive and enhancing storytelling.
• Mobile App Developers: ElevenLabs AI offers a powerful API that can be easily integrated into various mobile and web applications. Whether you're developing chatbots, virtual assistants, or language translation apps, the text-to-speech capabilities will enhance your creations with humanlike voices.
• Bloggers: Bloggers can enhance their video content with human-like voices, creating engaging podcast-style articles that attract readers. By turning written words into spoken narratives, bloggers can significantly enhance the accessibility of their content, thereby catering to a broader audience of listeners.

A Look Into ElevenLabs Pricing Plans

ElevenLabs AI provides four pricing plans: Starter, Creator, Pro, and Scale. Additionally, an enterprise plan is tailored for larger businesses with specific needs.

Here's a comparison of the key features of ElevenLabs' pricing plans:

For this review, we opted for the Creator plan, which costs $11 per month. This plan includes 100,000 characters per month, 30 custom voices, professional voice cloning, and the ability to create long-form content. 

The Creator plan also includes a commercial license, which allows you to use AI-generated voices for commercial projects.

There is a significant gap between the Creator and Independent Publisher plans. A mid-tier plan priced around $50 per month would be beneficial, as the jump from $11 per month to $99 per month might not be feasible for many users.

There is also a Free plan that offers 10,000 characters per month, 10 minutes of audio, speech generation in 32 languages, and API access.

How to Get Started with ElvenLabs?

Here’s how you can generate realistic AI voices with ElevenLabs:

Step 1: Create an Account

To begin using ElevenLabs, go to their homepage and click on "Get Started Free." The interface is very simple and user-friendly so you won't need a tutorial.

Step 2: Select Text to Speech

After signing up with your email, choose either Text-to-Speech or Speech-to-Speech in the Speech Synthesis tab. 

Step 3: Choose an AI Voice

Pick an AI voice from the many available options. You can also create your own AI voice by selecting "Add voice" in the VoiceLab.

Step 4: Select Your Model

Choose the model you want to use. For the best quality, keep it on the default setting (Eleven Multilingual v2). If you're using your AI voice in a project like an app, choose Eleven Turbo v2 for the lowest latency.

Step 5: Insert Your Text & Generate

Enter your text, up to 5,000 characters. Use Projects to generate high-quality audio with advanced features like multiple speakers for longer texts like audiobooks. Click the play button to preview the AI voiceover, then hit "Generate." Your audio sample will be ready in a few seconds.

Step 6: Refine Voice Settings

Adjust the voice settings to increase stability or enhance clarity and style.

Step 7: Download

Once you're satisfied with the result, download the MP3 version of the voiceover by clicking the download button at the bottom right.

ElevenLabs does an excellent job of producing authentic, high-quality voices. The default model, Eleven Multilingual v2, provides clear and natural-sounding speech.

Pros and Cons of ElevenLabs

Here’s what we liked about ElvenLabs and what could be improved: 

Pros

• Realistic Voices: Among the AI voice generators I’ve tested, ElevenLabs boasts the most humanlike voices.
• User-Friendly Interface: Getting started is straightforward, and no credit card is required.
• Affordability: ElevenLabs offers free plans and affordable options for individuals and teams.
• Responsive Support: Dedicated support and helpful resources enhance the user experience.

Cons

• Missing Features: Some text-to-speech features, such as controlling timing between words and pitch adjustments, are absent.
• Limited Selection: Compared to other alternatives, ElevenLabs has fewer voices and languages.

Top 3 ElevenLabs Alternatives in 2024

While it is hard to find any flaws in ElevenLabs (at least it worked fantastically for us), it is always better to have options in hand. So, here are some top alternatives to ElevenLabs you shouldn’t overlook: 

#1. Lovo.ai

Website: https://lovo.ai/ 

Lovo.ai is an advanced AI voice generator that can convert text to speech and clone voices. It offers over 500 voices in 100 languages, which is much more than ElevenLabs, which has over 70 voices in 29 languages. However, ElevenLabs is continuously adding more voices to its library.

Lovo.ai also has some unique features that ElevenLabs doesn't offer. It includes a video editor with access to thousands of royalty-free assets. Additionally, it has an AI Writer that can help you generate script ideas and make your content creation process smoother.

If you need a wide variety of voices and languages, along with a video editor and AI writer, Lovo.ai is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you're a game developer or someone who struggles with making decisions, ElevenLabs might be better for you because it offers high-quality voices at a more affordable price.

#2. Speechify

Website: https://speechify.com/ 

Speechify is a popular platform with over 25 million users who read text aloud, helping you save time on reading. It's especially useful for students studying for exams, professionals catching up on emails, people with dyslexia or ADHD, or anyone who prefers listening to content.

Speechify offers features like text-to-speech, an AI voice studio, and AI avatars. It works on various platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Chrome, Edge, and PDF Reader, which makes it a perfect ElevenLabs alternative. 

Both Speechify and ElevenLabs provide natural-sounding text-to-speech capabilities. If you want to read content faster, create videos with AI avatars, and focus on accessibility, Speechify is a great choice. On the other hand, if you need natural AI voices for video games, narrating videos, audiobooks, and AI chatbots in 29 languages, ElevenLabs is the better option.

#3. Murf

Website: https://murf.ai/ 

Murf AI is a flexible tool that can quickly convert text into speech. It's suitable for various users, including educators, marketers, authors, and podcasters.

Murf AI shares many features with ElevenLabs, such as text-to-speech, API, AI dubbing and translation, and voice cloning. However, Murf AI offers additional features that might be very useful, like voice-over video and integrations with Google Slides and Canva.

Murf AI is a great choice if you want to enhance your voiceovers with videos, have a wider selection of voices, or add voiceovers to your Google Slides and Canva projects. On the other hand, if you are looking for the most realistic AI voices and a few more language options, ElevenLabs might be the better option.

Conclusion

Among all the AI voice generators we have reviewed so far, ElevenLabs stands out for its incredibly realistic voices. The AI model excels at mimicking human intonation and inflections, adjusting its delivery based on the context, which is unmatched by other models.

Although ElevenLabs has some drawbacks, such as fewer voice and language options compared to other alternatives, the superior quality of its voice output makes up for these limitations. The model's ability to capture the subtleties of human speech sets it apart from its competitors.

ElevenLabs is a cost-effective and dependable option for realistic AI voices, suitable for various uses like video games, narration videos, audiobooks, and AI chatbots in 29 languages. With a free plan available, you can easily create an account and explore its features yourself.

FAQs

Is ElevenLabs Starter Worth It?

ElevenLabs Starter is worth it if you need high-quality, lifelike voice synthesis for your projects. It offers a range of features and customization options that can enhance your content, making it a valuable tool for creators and businesses.

Is ElevenLabs Free or Paid?

ElevenLabs offers both free and paid plans. The free plan provides basic features, while the paid plans unlock advanced capabilities and additional usage limits, catering to different needs and budgets.

Is ElevenLabs Expensive?

The cost of ElevenLabs depends on the plan you choose. While some may find the paid plans a bit pricey, the quality and features offered can justify the investment for those who require professional-grade voice synthesis.

How to Make Money with ElevenLabs?

You can make money with ElevenLabs by using its voice synthesis capabilities for various projects, such as creating voiceovers for videos, podcasts, audiobooks, and advertisements. Offering voiceover services to clients can also be a lucrative option.

Is ElevenLabs Copyright-free?

ElevenLabs provides tools for generating voice content, but the copyright status of the generated content depends on how it is used. It's essential to ensure that your use of the generated voices complies with copyright laws and the platform's terms of service.

Is 11 Labs API Free?

ElevenLabs offers an API that can be accessed through their paid plans. The API provides advanced features and integration options, making it a valuable resource for developers and businesses looking to incorporate voice synthesis into their applications.