Kokoro-82M vs Piper
See how the two models differ in download size, language coverage, runtime needs, voice features, and output format. When both are available, use the same sentence to decide which voice works better for your project.
| Kokoro-82M | Piper | |
|---|---|---|
| Parameters | 82M | 20M |
| Download | 88 MB CPU / 310 MB WebGPU | 27-115 MB per voice |
| Speed | Runs around real time on a current CPU and becomes faster when WebGPU is available. | Designed for fast CPU generation without requiring a dedicated GPU. |
| Voices | 28 | 900 |
| Languages | 2 | 24 |
| Voice cloning | No | No |
| Streaming | Yes | No |
| Hardware | CPU ok, WebGPU faster | Any CPU (WASM) |
| License | Apache-2.0 | MIT (core) |
| Output | 24.0 kHz | 22.1 kHz |
Which should you choose?
- Kokoro-82M if its main focus matches your project: natural english speech with a practical browser download.
- Piper if its main focus matches your project: fast speech generation across a wide range of languages.
- Piper if a smaller download is important; its listed download is 27-115 MB per voice.
- Piper if you need languages beyond English (24 supported vs 2).
- Kokoro-82M if you want audio to start playing before generation finishes.
Frequently asked questions
Which sounds better, Kokoro-82M or Piper?
There is no universal winner. Listen for pronunciation, pacing, and tone on the script you actually plan to use, then weigh that result against download size and device requirements. Both models are available here, so you can generate the same sentence with each.
Where do the speed and size details come from?
Model sizes and runtime requirements come from the maintained model records and linked upstream sources. Use the benchmark page to measure generation speed on your own device.