Published · January 2026 · By VoiceOver Maker Team
Voice cloning and AI voice generator (text to speech) both produce natural-sounding, lifelike speech. The difference: voice cloning trains on a specific person’s voice so you can generate new speech in that voice; an AI voice generator uses a fixed library of realistic AI voices—no sample required. Tools like ElevenLabs offer both; Murf and others focus on text to speech libraries. With a voice over maker free trial you can test a free AI voice generator and see if a library of 200+ voices is enough, or if you need cloning. Here’s when to use which.
What is an AI voice generator?
An AI voice generator (often text to speech online) turns text into speech using a pre-built library of realistic AI voices. You pick a voice (e.g. “warm narrator,” “energetic young”), paste a script, and get computer generated voice over. No recording or sample of your own voice. Best for: quick narration, text to speech for video, podcasts, ads, e-learning—when you don’t need a specific person’s voice. VoiceOver Maker is an AI voiceover generator with 200+ voices, 45+ languages, and Director Studio for natural language direction.
What is voice cloning?
Voice cloning creates a custom voice model from samples of a real person (or character). You then generate new speech in that cloned voice. Best for: brand spokespersons, dubbing a specific talent, accessibility (e.g. restoring a person’s voice), or when you must match an existing voice. It usually requires clear recordings and often separate licensing/consent.
When to use an AI voice generator
- ✓ You need natural-sounding narration fast—no voice sample or setup
- ✓ Multilingual text to speech: one tool, many languages and voices
- ✓ Ads, promo videos, podcasts, e-learning, product demos—see AI voice over for ads and best AI voice for podcasts
- ✓ You want to try many realistic AI voices without recording anyone
When to use voice cloning
- ✓ You need to match a specific person’s voice (with their consent and rights)
- ✓ Brand voice tied to a known spokesperson or character
- ✓ Dubbing, accessibility, or restoring a voice—where identity of the voice matters
For most text to speech needs—text to speech online, text to speech for video, voice over maker workflows—a free AI voice generator with a large library is enough. Try VoiceOver Maker for free: pick a voice, paste a script, and export. For more, see our free AI voice generator guide, text to speech online quick start, and blog.