Chrome TTS Extensions That Read From Cursor (Top 3 Picks)

8/11/2025

So, you're looking for a Chrome text-to-speech (TTS) extension that can pick up reading right from where your cursor is. Honestly, it's a super specific & useful feature, & it can be a little tricky to figure out which extensions actually do it well. I've done a bit of digging, & I've got some solid options for you.

Here's the thing, not all TTS extensions are created equal. Some just read the whole page, which is... not always what you want. You need something that gives you more control. Let's get into the ones that'll do the trick.

The Top Contenders for Reading From Your Cursor

After looking through a bunch of options, a few really stood out. The main one you'll want to check out is Read&Write for Google Chrome, but there are a couple of other great choices too.

1. Read&Write for Google Chrome: The All-in-One Solution

This one is probably the most comprehensive tool for what you're looking for. It's designed with a bunch of different reading methods, which is pretty cool. Here's how it helps:

Direct Reading from Cursor/Selection: You can just highlight the text you want to hear, & then hit the play button on the Read&Write toolbar. It'll start reading right from there. It also has a feature where you can simply place your cursor at the beginning of a paragraph & it will start reading. This is EXACTLY what you were asking for.
Hover Speech: This is a really neat feature. You can turn on "Hover Speech," & then just move your mouse over any text on a webpage, & it will start reading it aloud. This is great for when you don't want to click & highlight every single time.
Screenshot Reader: Ever been on a site where the text is part of an image & you can't select it? It's SO frustrating. Read&Write has a "Screenshot Reader" that lets you draw a box around any text on your screen, & it will read it for you. This is a lifesaver for things like infographics or websites with weird layouts.

The only thing to keep in mind with Read&Write is that some of its more advanced features might be part of their premium plan. But for the core functionality of reading from a selection or cursor, it's a top-notch choice.

2. Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader: Simple & Effective

If you're looking for something a little more straightforward, "Read Aloud" is a fantastic option. It's super popular, & for good reason.

Reads Selected Text: The key feature here is that if you select any text on a page, "Read Aloud" will ONLY read that selection. So, you just highlight what you want to hear, right-click, & choose "Read Aloud," or use the extension's icon. It's a really simple way to get the control you're looking for.
Works Everywhere: This extension works on a ton of different websites, including news sites, blogs, & even Google Docs & Kindle books (with another extension). So, it's pretty versatile.
Customization: You can also change the voice, reading speed, & pitch to your liking. It even has a text highlighting feature so you can follow along as it reads.

"Read Aloud" is a great, no-fuss option if you just want a reliable TTS reader that starts where you tell it to.

3. NaturalReader - AI Text to Speech: The Smart Reader

NaturalReader is another really solid choice, & it has some smart features that make it stand out.

Highlight to Read: While it doesn't explicitly say "read from cursor," it does have a "highlight word functionality," which works in a similar way. You can select the text you want to hear, & it will read it for you.
AI-Powered Smart Reader: This is where NaturalReader gets interesting. It uses AI to figure out what's important on a page & what's not. It can automatically skip things like headers, footers, & citations, so you get a much cleaner listening experience.
Cross-Platform: NaturalReader also has a mobile app, & you can sync your listening between your computer & your phone, which is pretty handy.

NaturalReader is a great option if you want a smarter TTS reader that can filter out the junk & give you a more natural-sounding voice.

How to Find & Install These Extensions

Finding & installing these is super easy. Just follow these steps:

Open the Chrome Web Store: Just Google "Chrome Web Store" & it'll be the first result.
Search for the Extension: In the search bar, type in the name of the extension you want to try (e.g., "Read&Write for Google Chrome").
Add to Chrome: Once you find the extension, click the "Add to Chrome" button.
Pin it for Easy Access: After it's installed, click the little puzzle piece icon in your Chrome toolbar & then click the pin icon next to the extension's name. This will keep it visible in your toolbar for quick access.

A Quick Word on How AI is Changing Web Engagement

It's pretty amazing how far text-to-speech technology has come. It's not just about accessibility anymore; it's about convenience & productivity. This kind of AI-powered interaction is becoming more common everywhere.

For businesses, this is a HUGE deal. Think about how you interact with websites now. You're not just passively reading; you're often looking for quick answers. That's where things like AI chatbots come in. For instance, a company could use a platform like Arsturn to build a custom AI chatbot for their website. This chatbot could be trained on all of the company's data, so it can provide instant, accurate answers to customer questions 24/7. It's a way more engaging experience than just searching through a FAQ page.

With Arsturn, businesses can build these no-code AI chatbots that not only answer questions but also help with lead generation & provide a personalized experience for every visitor. It's all about using AI to create more meaningful connections, which is pretty much what you're trying to do with a TTS reader—get information in a way that works best for you.

So, What's the Best Choice for You?

Honestly, any of these three extensions will probably do what you need.

If you want the most features & the most control, go with Read&Write for Google Chrome.
If you want something simple & reliable, Read Aloud is your best bet.
If you want a smarter reader that filters out distractions, give NaturalReader a try.

I'd recommend installing one & giving it a spin. They're all free to try, so you can see which one fits your workflow the best.

Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think.