Best screen readers to help you read the screen of your computer or phone

There are lots of options on the market when it comes to screen reader software that help users read the screen of their computer or phone much easier. Screen readers are available for all of the most popular operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux as well as web browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. There are even screen readers for smart devices like Apple Watches. Some screen readers are already included among the accessibility features of a device found within its settings app, while others can be downloaded separately.

Here, we’re breaking down the benefits of screen readers and some of the best ones available.

Benefits to screen readers

A good screen reading software will enable those with visual impairments the ability to do everything that a person with vision is able to do, especially when it comes to reading difficult fonts or reading alt text for image descriptions. Some who are blind or visually impaired are able to read the computer screen using an internal magnification that is built into the computer but others require a screen reader. With this software program you will have unlimited access to apps and documents and have the ability to navigate social media, shop, read blog posts and articles, scan and read documents and so much more. Screen readers can even be used to create documents, write emails, and communicate with others through instant messaging.

It’s important to note that screen readers like text to speech tools are different than dictation or speech to text tools, which turn speech into text on screen.

Read the screen of your phone or computer easier with these top-rated screen readers

If you have a Chromebook, there is already a screen reader called chromevox which is already built in. Speechify, JAWS, NVDA for Windows and Mac, and Apple Voiceover are the most commonly recommended screen readers.

Webanywhere is a free web-based screenreader that doesn’t require any special software to operate. Dolphin screen reader is another option which gives the user full access to Windows applications and Microsoft Office. There is also Mac OS X Voiceover and System Access.

Below, we’re giving you an even closer look at the on-screen readers by NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) and Speechify.

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA)

NonVisual Desktop Access is an assistive technology for Windows operating systems that reads the text on the screen in a computerized voice. By using the arrow keys or the mouse the user can move the cursor to control what text is read. Touch commands can also be used if you are running NVDA on a touchscreen device. NVDA can also translate the text into braille as long as the user has a braille display. NonVisual Desktop Access is a completely free and open source screen reader but it is also very limited. There is support for add-ons, the Windows logon screen, User Account Control Screens, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer or Google Chrome and there is very limited support for Microsoft Excel.

NVDA and braille display

NVDA supports many of the refreshable braille displays as well as input from braille keyboards with special keyboard shortcuts. In many cases, it even supports an automatic detection feature via Bluetooth or the USB port.

Speechify

Speechify is a text to speech reader that is available as an app for Apple iOS (iPhone, iPad) or Android phone app and a Chrome extension for computers and operating systems like MacOS and Windows 10. Speechify is the most popular screen reader and the #1 rated app in its category.

As a TTS reader, Speechify specializes in turning on-screen text into spoken content. All you have to do is highlight the selected text and let the app work its magic. Speechify works for English text, as well as text in many other different languages, helping you read the screen of whatever you are reading with ease. The text to speak selection options include adjusting the voice accent, playback speed, and more. People with reading difficulties, learning disabilities, and visual impairments can all use text to speech software like Speechify to help them read the screen better.

The Speechify speech synthesizer is natural sounding and include 20+ languages. You can choose from Speechify Limited for free or Speechify Premium for $139 per year. The Premium version includes upgrades such as over 30 high-quality, natural reading voices, scan and listen to any printed text, listen at 5x faster speeds, advanced skipping and importing, powerful highlighting and note-taking tools.

FAQ

Which is the best screen reader?

There are many text to speech apps available for Android, iOS, Chrome, and Safari. Speechify is rated #1 in this category. Speechify is a powerful tool for those with visual impairments and other reading difficulties as well as those who are looking to use a text-to-speech app to boost productivity, increase understanding and get through content more quickly. Speechify is a simple screen reader which reads the text on web pages, PDFs, emails, or docs.

How much do screen readers cost?

Screen readers come in a variety of price ranges. You can find many options that are free all the way up to $1200.

Can screen readers be used by people with different abilities?

Yes, screen readers can be used for a variety of reasons. Originally screen reader users were primarily blind people and those who have other disabilities, but they are becoming more popular for those with full sight for a variety of different reasons.

Is there a website that reads text to you?

A text to speech app or browser extension like Speechify can read basic text to you in the form of .WAV files, MP3 files, and other types of audio files.

What is the best free text to speech online tool?

The best text to speech online app for free is Speechify’s trial version. Even though Balabolka is completely free, the program lacks several important features that Speechify offers at no cost.

Which speech apps have the best human voices?

NaturalReader, Speechify, and Amazon Polly have the most lifelike human-sounding voices of all text to speech applications. Speechify is undoubtedly the best of them all.

What is the best text to speech software for recording podcast audio files?

Most popular text to speech programs can record podcast audio files that can be edited and uploaded to podcast listening platforms like iTunes and Spotify. Text to speech tools are a great way to get started with podcast recording if you are uncomfortable speaking aloud or if you do not have high-quality podcast recording equipment available to you.

What is the best text to speech reader for Android and iOS?

There are multiple options for text to speech readers on iOS and Android, but we recommend Speechify as the best.

Which natural-sounding speech synthesis tools use deep learning or e-learning for custom voice generation?

The most technologically advanced text to speech applications are arguably Amazon Polly and Speechify. Both use state-of-the-art deep learning and artificial intelligence to generate natural-sounding, human-like voices that can read aloud any document

Which is the most lifelike speech tool for personal use?

If you need a text to speech application for personal use with lifelike speech, NaturalReader and Speechify are both excellent options.

Which text to speech apps have the best celebrity speech voices?

Speechify has the most comprehensive list of popular celebrity voices available on any text to speech application. Popular celebrity voices users can choose from include A-list celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more.

Where can I find the best text to speech online tutorials?

There are many Internet tutorials available for the wide variety of text to speech tools available on the market. Some of the best text to speech online tutorials can be found on YouTube and other similar video platforms.