ElevenLabs: lifelike AI voices from a script, in minutes
Short version: ElevenLabs turns text into natural speech, and it also clones voices, transcribes audio and makes sound effects. First, a free plan gives you about 10,000 credits a month, which is roughly 10 minutes of speech. Paid plans start at about $6/month, but commercial use and voice cloning depend on the plan you pick.
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Paste a script and estimate its credit cost
This is a rough estimate of about one credit per character, so it is not an official ElevenLabs calculator.
Type a script, and get a voice that sounds like a person
The same platform covers speaking, listening and sound design, so one account handles most audio jobs.
Text to speech with natural pacing
You paste a script and pick a voice, while models handle tone and rhythm. As a result, narration no longer needs a studio booking.
Instant and professional voice cloning
Instant cloning is reported from the Starter plan, while professional cloning is reported from Creator. Use only voices you have the right to clone.
Speech to text
You can turn recordings into transcripts, so interviews and calls become searchable text.
Sound effects and music
You describe a sound or a track, and the tool generates it, so small projects skip the stock-audio hunt.
Voice changer and voice isolator
You can swap a performance into another voice and strip background noise from a recording.
Voice agents and an API
Developers can add speech to apps and phone flows. In addition, conversational agents are offered for support and sales calls.
Credits, not minutes: what each plan turns into audio
Standard text to speech uses about one credit per character, so roughly 1,000 credits make a minute of speech. All prices are in USD per month and reported as of late 2026. However, prices have changed this year, so confirm the current amount on the official pricing page.
Free
You get about 10 minutes of speech, but there is no commercial license, so keep it for testing.
Start freeStarter
It adds commercial use and instant voice cloning, so occasional narration can go public.
Try StarterCreator
It offers about two hours of speech, professional cloning and extra credits when you need them.
Try CreatorPro
It offers about ten hours of speech, so studios and busy channels get far more room.
Try Pro| Per month | Free | Starter | Creator | Pro | Scale | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 | $6 | $22 | $99 | $299 | $990 |
| Credits | 10,000 | 30,000 | 121,000 | 600,000 | 1.8 million | 6 million |
| Rough speech time | 10 min | 30 min | 2 hours | 10 hours | 30 hours | 100 hours |
| Commercial license | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice cloning | No | Instant | Instant and professional | Instant and professional | Instant and professional | Instant and professional |
Enterprise pricing is custom. Also note that annual billing is reported to include two months free, so a yearly plan costs about 17% less. Occasional first-month offers have been reported too, but they change often, so check the pricing page for what is live today.
Three jobs where a synthetic voice pays for itself
A voice tool earns its place when the same script would otherwise need a recording session.
Video and podcast narration
Creators can redo a line by editing the text. As a result, a late script change no longer means a new recording.
Audiobooks and long reads
Long texts use many credits, so a higher plan fits better. However, the cost can still be far below a studio session.
Voices inside apps and phone lines
Developers can generate speech on demand through the API, while agents handle conversations in real time.
Where it shines
- Fixing one sentence is quick, so revisions stay cheap.
- Cloning also keeps a consistent brand voice across videos.
- One account covers speech, transcripts and effects, so fewer tools are needed.
- The free plan lets you hear results before paying.
Worth checking first
- Credits run out faster with long scripts, so estimate your volume.
- The free plan has no commercial license, however.
- Clone only voices you have permission to use, because consent matters.
- Always listen to the output, because names and numbers may need a retake.
What to know before you generate your first voice
Short answers to what people ask most.
Getting started
What is ElevenLabs?
ElevenLabs is an AI audio platform. It turns text into natural-sounding speech, and it also offers voice cloning, speech to text, sound effects, music and voice agents. In addition, an API lets developers add these features to their own products.
Is there a free plan?
Yes, the free plan includes about 10,000 credits per month, which is roughly 10 minutes of speech. However, it does not include a commercial license. Therefore, upgrade before you publish audio for business use.
Can I use the audio commercially?
Commercial use is reported to start on the Starter plan and above. However, licensing terms can change, so read the current terms before you publish. In addition, check any rules for the specific voice you pick.
Can I clone my own voice?
Yes, instant voice cloning is reported from Starter, while professional cloning is reported from Creator. However, you should only clone a voice you have the right to use. Therefore, get clear consent before you clone anyone else’s voice.
Plans and credits
How do ElevenLabs credits work?
Standard text to speech uses about one credit per character, while faster models can cost less. Other tools use their own rates, for example speech to text and music are billed per minute. As a result, long scripts use more credits than short ones.
How much does ElevenLabs cost?
Reported monthly prices are $0 for Free, $6 for Starter, $22 for Creator, $99 for Pro, $299 for Scale and $990 for Business, with Enterprise on request. Prices have changed during 2026, so confirm the amount on the official pricing page.
Which plan should I pick?
Starter suits occasional narration, while Creator suits regular videos and podcasts. Pro, on the other hand, fits studios and busy channels with high output. Therefore, estimate your monthly characters first.
What happens when I run out of credits?
Starter is reported to stop at its limit, while Creator and above can pay for extra credits. However, overage rates can change, so check the pricing page before you rely on them.
Is annual billing cheaper?
Yes, annual billing is reported to include two months free. For example, Creator works out to about $18.33 per month instead of $22. However, it is a yearly commitment, so a monthly plan suits a short project.
Everyday use
How natural do the voices sound?
Quality depends on the voice, the model and the script. For example, clear punctuation and short sentences often improve pacing. Therefore, listen to a sample before you generate a full script.
Can developers use ElevenLabs through an API?
Yes, an API is available for adding speech to apps and services. However, limits and pricing for products can differ from the creator plans. Therefore, check the developer documentation before you build.
Can I build a voice agent?
Yes, conversational voice agents are offered, and the free plan is reported to include a small allowance of agent minutes. However, higher volumes need paid plans, so check the current limits.
Hear your own script read aloud
First, start on the free plan. Then paste a short script, compare a few voices, and decide whether a paid tier makes sense.
Try ElevenLabs free