Baidu Text-to-Speech vs IBM Watson Text to Speech
Baidu Text-to-Speech
cloud.baidu.com
IBM Watson Text to Speech
ibm.comSide by side
| Figure | Baidu Text-to-Speech | IBM Watson Text to Speech |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 14 | 7 |
| Spec score · Text-to-Speech Software | 9.3 (#3) | 8.4 (#63) |
| Spec score · Text-to-speech tools | 9.3 (#5) | 8.6 (#43) |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Export formats | mp3,pcm,wav | A-law,Basic audio,FLAC,Linear 16-bit PCM,MP3,Mu-law,Ogg,WebM,WAV |
| Founded | 2000 | 1911 |
| Languages | 2 | 9 |
| Maximum input | 60 | 5000 |
| Platforms | web,api,ios,android,linux | api,self_hosted |
| Purpose | Converts text into natural-sounding speech for applications and devices. | IBM Text to Speech is an API cloud service that converts written text into natural-sounding audio in multiple languages and voices for applications or watsonx Assistant. |
| Use cases | Listed use cases include audiobook reading, news announcements, order announcements, and smart hardware. | IBM lists customer self-service, call analytics, and agent assist as use cases. |
| Voice cloning | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Baidu Text-to-Speech
- Short-text Basic Voice LibraryPrice not published
- Short-text Premium Voice LibraryPrice not published
- Short-text Large-model and Premium Voice LibraryPrice not published
- Long-text Basic Voice LibraryPrice not published
- Long-text Premium Voice LibraryPrice not published
- Long-text Large-model and Premium Voice LibraryPrice not published
- Streaming Basic Voice LibraryPrice not published
- Streaming Premium Voice LibraryPrice not published
- Streaming Large-model and Premium Voice LibraryPrice not published
- 离线语音合成试用版Free
IBM Watson Text to Speech
- LitePriced on request
- StandardPriced on request
- PremiumPriced on request
- LiteFree
- StandardPriced on request
- Deploy AnywherePriced on request
- PremiumPriced on request
In their own words
Baidu Text-to-Speech
Baidu Text-to-Speech converts text into speech for applications and devices, with Chinese, English, mixed Chinese-English, and more than 70 voice styles available through its online service. Users can change speech rate, pitch, volume, and supported emotional effects; Chinese polyphonic characters can be annotated with pronunciation. Streaming synthesis can play audio nearly as text is entered, and long-text synthesis handles up to 100,000 Chinese characters in one request. Baidu provides HTTP and WebSocket APIs, online and offline SDKs, and Android and iOS SDKs for phones and smart devices. Offline synthesis is intended for settings with weak or no network access, including mobile apps, readers, robots, and smart hardware. Listed uses include audiobook reading, news and order announcements, and smart hardware. Short-text API requests must stay under 1,024 GBK bytes, with 120 bytes or less recommended. Export formats are MP3, PCM, and WAV. The service offers a free trial; offline trial and license plans are listed, while prices for other listed plans are not provided.
IBM Watson Text to Speech
IBM Watson Text to Speech is an API cloud service that converts written text into audio in multiple languages and voices, for applications or watsonx Assistant. Deep neural networks trained on human speech produce its neural voices. SSML controls can change pronunciation, volume, pitch, speed, and other attributes; unusual pronunciations can be specified with IPA or IBM SPR. Listed speaking styles include GoodNews, Apology, and Uncertainty, and voice transformation can adjust strength, pitch, breathiness, rate, and timbre. The service supports nine languages and accepts up to 5,000 input units. Export formats include A-law, Basic audio, FLAC, Linear 16-bit PCM, MP3, Mu-law, Ogg, WebM, and WAV. Deployment options include public, private, hybrid, multicloud, and on-premises infrastructure. Deploy Anywhere is billed by contacting IBM. Premium can include a custom branded neural voice modeled on a chosen speaker using as little as one hour of recordings.