Dyslexia can create real challenges but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be a roadblock to learning. These five apps offer support for people with dyslexia, helping them build skills, gain confidence, and thrive in academic and everyday settings. Whether you’re looking for audiobooks, reading support, math help, or phonics training, here are the best five apps for dyslexia.
Speechify
Best for: Listening to any text read aloud in natural-sounding voices
Speechify is a standout app in the world of dyslexia tools because it turns written content into clear, natural audio. Designed for learners who process information better through listening, Speechify allows users to listen to any digital or physical text aloud, including books, PDFs, emails, web pages, and more. This is incredibly beneficial for students or professionals with dyslexia, who often struggle with long-form reading or processing dense texts visually.
Top 5 Features
- Likelike Voices: Speechify offers over 1,000 lifelike AI voices in 60+ languages and regional accents, helping users find a voice that feels natural and easy to follow.
- OCR Scanning: Speechify includes Optical Character Recognition, allowing users to scan and convert printed materials into digital text that can be read aloud.
- Speed Controls: The Speechify app allows users to adjust playback speed, which means they can slow down for better understanding or speed up to stay focused and save time.
- Text Highlighting: Speechify highlights each word as it's spoken, reinforcing word recognition and improving focus for visual learners.
- AI Summaries: Speechify can generate concise AI summaries of long texts, making it easier to grasp key points quickly—ideal for studying, research, or catching up on reading.
Modmath
Best for: Completing math assignments without handwriting difficulties
Modmath is a free iPad app created by parents of a child with dyslexia and dysgraphia, designed to make math easier for students who struggle with writing. It eliminates the frustration of putting pencil to paper by giving students a way to complete their math work on a digital grid. This is especially important for dyslexic learners who may also face challenges with fine motor skills or letter and number reversals.
Top 5 Features
- Virtual Graph Paper: Modmath uses a virtual graph paper interface, which allows students to organize their math problems neatly and clearly.
- Keypad: The Modmath app includes an on-screen keypad filled with numbers and math symbols, making it easy to input equations without needing to write.
- Math Support: Modmath supports a wide range of math problems, from basic arithmetic to more advanced algebra, allowing it to grow with the user’s skills.
- Sharing Options: Students can save their work, print it, or email it directly to teachers through the Modmath app, supporting classroom inclusion and accessibility.
- Cloud-based Platform: Modmath files are stored in the cloud, so students never lose their progress and can access assignments anytime.
Nessy
Best for: Early literacy and phonics development for children
Nessy is an award-winning educational app designed for children between the ages of 5 and 12 who are struggling to read and spell. Built around the principles of the Orton-Gillingham approach, Nessy combines structured literacy instruction with engaging, gamified learning. It’s ideal for young learners, especially those with dyslexia, who need consistent, systematic instruction presented in a way that feels like play. The app builds reading confidence and motivates children with fun characters, missions, and rewards that turn learning into an adventure.
Top 5 Features
- Phonics: Nessy delivers structured phonics instruction that teaches students how to decode words in a systematic, proven way.
- Games: Nessy includes hundreds of interactive games and animated lessons that reinforce literacy skills while keeping kids engaged.
- Personalized Learning: The Nessy app creates individualized learning paths based on each child’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring targeted support.
- Progress Reports: Nessy provides detailed progress tracking tools so parents and teachers can monitor improvement and adjust instruction accordingly.
- Rewards: Nessy boosts self-esteem by celebrating progress and rewarding consistent effort through fun in-game achievements.
Lexy
Best for: Real-time reading support with smart AI assistance
Lexy is a literacy app for iOS and Mac designed to ignite the imagination of dyslexic learners and empower them through a personalized, multisensory learning experience. By integrating voice, touch, and typing, Lexy transforms traditional reading instruction into an engaging and interactive journey tailored to each user. It complements proven methods like Orton-Gillingham with colorful, game-based lessons that make reading practice something kids, teens, and adults genuinely enjoy.
Top 5 Features
- Smart Dictionary: Lexy includes a 10,000+ word smart dictionary that provides age-appropriate definitions to help users build vocabulary and understand words in context.
- Voice Recognition: Lexy’s on-device voice recognition feature offers private, real-time feedback on pronunciation, allowing learners to practice speaking with confidence.
- Personalized Lessons: The Lexy app delivers daily personalized literacy lessons that adapt to each user’s skill level, ensuring consistent growth and targeted support.
- Games: Lexy features interactive phonics games that give instant feedback, making reading practice both effective and enjoyable.
- Analytics: Lexy’s comprehensive progress reports and analytics allow parents, teachers, and tutors to monitor development and adjust instruction as needed.
Learning Ally Audiobook App
Best for: Access to narrated textbooks and literature for students
The Learning Ally Audiobooks App is a vital tool for students with dyslexia, designed to remove the barriers that traditional reading can create. It provides access to a vast library of human-narrated audiobooks—including textbooks, literature, and educational content—so students can learn through listening, rather than struggling with decoding text. Trusted by over 450,000 students and schools nationwide, the app uses real voices instead of synthetic ones, helping students with dyslexia process information more naturally, build stronger comprehension, and stay engaged with the material.
Top 5 Features
- Huge Library: The Learning Ally Audiobooks app offers over 80,000 human-narrated audiobooks, including textbooks, novels, and reference materials.
- Text Highlighting: Learning Ally Audiobooks highlights text as it is spoken aloud, reinforcing the connection between spoken and written words.
- Color Contrast: Learning Ally Audiobooks app users can customize their reading experience by adjusting speed, font size, and color contrast to suit their learning needs.
- Educator Tools: Teachers and parents can assign books, create reading lists, and track progress using integrated educator tools with the Learning Ally Audiobooks app.
- Screen Reader Compatible: The Learning Ally Audiobooks app is compatible with screen readers and other accessibility tools, making it easy to integrate into existing IEP or 504 accommodations.
