→How to Migrate from ElevenLabs to Play.ht (Step-by-Step)
Last updated: March 2026
Migrating from ElevenLabs to Play.ht can be driven by several factors: Play.ht's extensive voice library with global accents, potentially more competitive pricing for high-volume usage, or specific integration needs with content platforms. This guide covers the complete migration process, from evaluating your current ElevenLabs setup and exporting data to setting up Play.ht, mapping features, and transferring your workflows. We'll address key considerations like voice equivalency, API transition for developers, and how to ensure a smooth switch without disrupting ongoing projects.
Estimated Timeline
solo user
4-8 hours (spread over 2-3 days for voice cloning processing)
small team
2-5 days (includes coordination, testing, and minor integration updates)
enterprise
2-4 weeks (due to complex API integrations, multiple voice clones, extensive testing, and team training)
Migration Steps
Audit Your ElevenLabs Usage
easyExport Audio Files and Voice Data
mediumSet Up and Configure Your Play.ht Account
easyRecreate Custom Voice Clones
mediumRecreate Key Projects and Test Output
mediumUpdate Integrations and API Calls
hardRun a Parallel Workflow Period
mediumFinalize Migration and Cancel ElevenLabs
easyFeature Mapping
| ElevenLabs | Play.ht Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Text-to-Speech (Standard Voices) | AI Voice Library | Both offer high-quality voices, but the specific voice characters and names differ. Play.ht may have a larger library with more accent variety. |
| Voice Cloning (Instant & Professional) | Voice Cloning (Instant & Professional) | Core functionality is similar. However, the output voice character from the same source samples will differ due to distinct underlying AI models. |
| Voice Library Sampling & Preview | Voice Preview | Both allow previewing voices with custom text. Play.ht's interface for browsing and filtering voices by language/accent/gender may be more extensive. |
| Speech Synthesis API | Text-to-Speech API | Both provide RESTful APIs for developers. The request/response formats, parameters (e.g., for emotion/speed), and pricing per character will differ significantly. |
| Projects & History | Projects & History | Both platforms allow saving and organizing audio generations. Project metadata and history do not transfer; you must recreate projects manually in Play.ht. |
| SSML Support | SSML & Pronunciation Editor | Both support SSML for fine control. Play.ht offers an additional visual Pronunciation Editor for customizing how specific words are spoken, which can be more user-friendly. |
| Multilingual Voice Support | Multilingual & Accent Support | ElevenLabs has strong multilingual support. Play.ht often emphasizes a wider range of regional accents within languages (e.g., various English, Spanish accents). |
Data Transfer Guide
Direct data transfer between ElevenLabs and Play.ht is not automated. Export from ElevenLabs by manually downloading all audio files from your 'History' page or project workspaces. Save these locally, organized by project. Crucially, retain the original audio samples used for any custom voice clones. For import into Play.ht, you will upload these original samples to recreate clones via their 'Instant Voice Cloning' or 'Professional Voice Cloning' feature. Regenerated audio files and project structures must be recreated manually within Play.ht's interface or via API. Treat this as a recreation process rather than a direct import.