Smart Audio Reader
Smart Audio Reader converts webpage content into speech using the browser’s SpeechSynthesis API for audio playback.
Use with caution
Smart Audio Reader works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. Was last updated 5 months ago, and scores 42/100 on our health check.
- Small user base (<10 active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.9 (latest is 7.1)
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & support
Daily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where Smart Audio Reader stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| accessibility | >100 |
| audio reader | #33 |
| multilingual | >100 |
| shortcode | >100 |
| text to speech | >100 |
About Smart Audio Reader
From the official readme · v1.1.1Description
Smart Audio Reader is a lightweight WordPress plugin that converts webpage content into speech using the browser’s built-in SpeechSynthesis API.
The plugin enables users to listen to posts, pages, and other text-based content directly in their browser without requiring external services or additional downloads.
It is designed to improve accessibility and usability by providing an alternative way to consume content, especially for users who prefer audio playback or have difficulty reading on screen.
Features
Floating Reader Button:
Displays a floating audio control button on the frontend with configurable position settings.
Custom Button Label and Icon:
Allows administrators to set a custom reader name and choose an icon from the settings panel.
Paragraph Highlighting:
Highlights the currently spoken paragraph during audio playback for better readability.
Highlight Style Customization:
Provides options to adjust highlight background and border colors.
Lightweight Implementation:
Uses minimal frontend assets to maintain fast page loading performance.
Accessibility Support:
Adds text-to-speech functionality to help users consume content in audio format.
Multilingual Compatibility:
Works with different languages supported by the browser’s SpeechSynthesis API.
Installation
- Go to the Plugins screen in your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Click Add New and search for Smart Audio Reader.
- Click Install Now and then Activate the plugin.
- Navigate to Smart Audio Reader in the admin menu.
- Configure the reader settings such as name, icon, position, and highlight styles.
- Use the
[smart_audio_reader]shortcode in posts or pages if you want inline placement. - Visit your website to experience the Smart Audio Reader in action.
Frequently asked questions
How do I show the reader in page content?
Use the shortcode [smart_audio_reader] in your post, page, or block editor.
Can I use both shortcode and floating mode together?
Yes. You can use the shortcode and keep dynamic floating output enabled at the same time.
Why is speech not working in some browsers/devices?
The plugin uses the browser SpeechSynthesis API, so voice quality and support depend on browser and operating system availability.
Changelog
1.1.0
- Plugin release and submit to wordPress.org
1.1.1
- Update plugin readme.txt
Screenshots
For developers
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Best Smart Audio Reader alternatives
All accessibility plugins →
FAQ
Smart Audio Reader: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 5, 2026
Is Smart Audio Reader free?
Yes. Smart Audio Reader is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is Smart Audio Reader safe to use in 2026?
Smart Audio Reader works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. Was last updated 5 months ago, and scores 42/100 on our health check.
How many websites use Smart Audio Reader?
Smart Audio Reader is active on <10 WordPress websites and has been downloaded 290 times since it launched in May 2026. It was downloaded 52 times in the last 30 days.
Does Smart Audio Reader work with WordPress 7.1?
Smart Audio Reader is officially tested up to WordPress 6.9.9, while the latest release is 7.1.2. It may still work, but try it on a staging site first.
What PHP version does Smart Audio Reader need?
Smart Audio Reader requires PHP 7.4 or higher. Most hosts run PHP 8.x today, so it works on any modern WordPress hosting.
When was Smart Audio Reader last updated?
The latest version, 1.1.1, was released on May 13, 2026 (5 months ago).
Who makes Smart Audio Reader?
Smart Audio Reader is developed and maintained by iflairwebtechnologies.
What are the best alternatives to Smart Audio Reader?
The most popular alternatives to Smart Audio Reader are Web Accessibility (formally… (500K+ installs), Auto Image Attributes From… (100K+ installs) and Accessibility by UserWay (80K+ installs).
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