Articles on: Playback Mode

Are there better Playback voices available?

Apple's standard system voices (the ones that ship with iOS and macOS) get the job done, but they can sound robotic and wear on you over long stretches. For a more natural-sounding readback, you can download Apple's free Enhanced and Premium voices — same cost (free), dramatically better quality.

📝 NOTE: These voices work offline in any version of Scriptation — in Playback Mode in 6.0 and later, and in Read, Rehearse, or Record Mode in 5.1.16 and earlier.

✅ TIP: If you'd prefer the most natural-sounding voices and don't mind a subscription, see How do I use premium AI Voices for Playback? for Scriptation's AI Voices add-on.

iPad / iPhone

Go to Settings → Accessibility → Voiceover → Speech → Additional Voices → your language;
You'll see a list of voices; the ones available for download have a download icon;
Preview an Enhanced or Premium voice by tapping the play arrow to the left of the name;
To download, tap the download icon;
Tap the left-pointing caret at the upper left until you're back at the main Settings window;
Return to Scriptation. The voice(s) you downloaded will be available in Scriptation's Voices panel.

Mac

Quit Scriptation, if it's open;
Go to Settings → Accessibility → Spoken Content → System Voice → Manage Voices...;
From the left-hand panel, choose your language;
You'll see a list of voices; the ones available for download have a download icon;
Preview an Enhanced or Premium voice by clicking the play arrow to the left of the name;
To download, click the download icon;
Click OK to exit this section of the Settings window;
Open Scriptation. The voice(s) you downloaded will be available in Scriptation's Voices panel.

English Voices With Enhanced and Premium Options

English (US)

Allison (Enhanced)
Ava (Enhanced)
Ava (Premium)
Evan (Enhanced)
Joelle (Enhanced)
Nathan (Enhanced)
Noelle (Enhanced)
Samantha (Enhanced)
Susan (Enhanced)
Tom (Enhanced)
Zoe (Enhanced)

English (Australia)

Karen (Enhanced)
Karen (Premium)
Lee (Enhanced)
Matilda (Enhanced)
Matilda (Premium)

English (India)

Isha (Enhanced)
Isha (Premium)
Rishi (Enhanced)
Sangeeta (Enhanced)
Veena (Enhanced)

English (Ireland)

Moira (Enhanced)

English (Scotland)

Fiona (Enhanced)

English (South Africa)

Tessa (Enhanced)

English (UK)

Daniel (Enhanced)
Jamie (Enhanced)
Jamie (Premium)
Kate (Enhanced)
Oliver (Enhanced)
Serena (Enhanced)
Serena (Premium)
Stephanie (Enhanced)

💡 TIP: Apple updates these lists occasionally and adds new voices in new iOS and macOS releases. If a voice isn't listed here, check Apple's current offerings using the steps above.

What's Next

How do I use basic voices for Playback?

How do I use premium AI Voices for Playback?

What is Playback Mode?

How do I set up a rehearsal?

Updated on: 28/05/2026

Was this article helpful?

Thank you!