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Screen Readers

Last updated: November 9, 2023

Things to Consider When Selecting a Screen Reader

  1. Platform Compatibility: Ensure the screen reader is compatible with your operating system. Windows offers the most options, while others are designed for macOS and Linux. Mobile screen readers are also available for iOS and Android.
  2. Screen Reader Features: Screen readers offer varying features and capabilities. Consider the most important features, such as braille support and customization options.
  3. Compatibility with Applications: Check whether the screen reader works well with the applications and software you frequently use. Compatibility issues can affect your productivity and experience.
  4. Customization Options: Consider the level of customization the screen reader offers. Personalization is essential for tailoring the experience to your specific preferences and needs.
  5. Performance: Evaluate the screen reader's performance in terms of speed and responsiveness. Some screen readers may be faster and more efficient than others, impacting your overall experience.
  6. Pricing: Screen readers vary in price, with some being free or open source while others are commercial products. Keep your budget in mind, but also consider the value and support paid options offer.
  7. Updates and Support: Regular updates and good customer support are vital. Operating systems and applications evolve, so your screen reader should keep pace with these changes.
  8. Community and User Base: A robust community of users can be a valuable resource for learning and troubleshooting. Screen readers with larger user bases often have more extensive online forums and resources.
  9. Documentation and Training Resources: Check for available documentation, tutorials, and training resources. A well-documented screen reader can help you learn and use it more effectively.

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Screen Reader Options

Screen Reader Creator Supported Platforms License Notes
NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) NonVisual Desktop Access project Windows Free and open source (GPL2) NVDA is distinct as an open-source, free screen reader with an active community and strong extensibility through add-ons. It provides regular updates, supports multiple languages, and offers customization options for user preferences.
JAWS Freedom Scientific Windows and DOS Commercial for Windows; freeware for DOS JAWS distinguishes itself from other screen readers with its extensive features, advanced scripting capabilities, and strong support for various applications, making it one of the most popular option on windows. Its reputation for stability and professional support services make it a preferred choice for organizations and users in secure or professional environments. While JAWS offers many advantages, its cost and learning curve may lead to consider more budget-friendly alternatives.
Microsoft Narrator Microsoft Windows Commercial, included in the operating system Narrator, as the built-in Windows screen reader, offers accessibility to a wide user base with its simplicity and cost-free availability. Its intuitive interface is particularly helpful for beginners and those with basic accessibility needs. However, users requiring advanced features, extensive customization, or broader third-party application support may find dedicated screen readers like JAWS or NVDA better suited to their requirements.
VoiceOver Apple Inc. MacOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iPods, and Apple TV Commercial, included in the operating system VoiceOver, as the built-in screen reader for macOS, iOS and all devices under the Apple's ecosystem, excels in providing a seamless and consistent accessibility experience. VoiceOver features unique gesture-based navigation on touch screens, and receives regular system updates. However, those who are new to Apple may find its advanced features initially challenging to grasp, and third-party app compatibility can vary.
TalkBack Google Android 1.6+ Open Source TalkBack, Google's native screen reader for Android, offers seamless accessibility integration across Android devices, featuring gesture-based navigation and customization options. Although its compatibility with third-party applications can vary, it remains a valuable accessibility tool for Android users seeking an inclusive mobile experience.
ChromeVox Google ChromeOS or, with a speech processor, Linux, Mac, Windows Free ChromeVox is a specialized screen reader extension that enhances web accessibility within the Google Chrome browser, providing spoken feedback and navigation support for web content. Its lightweight and user-friendly design make it accessible to casual users, especially on Chrome OS and Chromebooks. However, its focus on web content means it may not fully address the accessibility needs of desktop applications or users who prefer different browsers, and its feature set is more limited compared to dedicated screen readers.
Orca GNOME *nix Free and open source (LGPL 2.1) Orca is an open-source screen reader for Linux, providing comprehensive accessibility support across various Linux distributions and desktop environments. Its versatility shines through extensive customization options, accommodating users' unique preferences in speech settings, Braille display support, and keyboard shortcuts. However, some of the advance features and settings are more divelopor friendly, and compatibility with certain third-party applications could pose challenges.
BRLTTY The BRLTTY Team *nix, Windows console, DOS, Android Free and open source (GPL2) BRLTTY is a specialized open-source software package that facilitates Braille accessibility by supporting a wide range of Braille displays and providing text-to-Braille translation. Its cross-platform compatibility extends its usefulness to various operating systems. BRLTTY primarily focuses on users who rely on tactile Braille output, so it may not offer the comprehensive screen reading capabilities of full-fledged screen readers.
Emacspeak T. V. Raman Emacs (on *nix) Free and open source Emacspeak is a specialized screen reader tightly integrated with the Emacs text editor, tailored for text-centric computing environments. It offers deep customization and text-to-speech capabilities, but has a steep learning curve and limited support for graphical applications. Users proficient in Emacs and focused on text-based tasks may find Emacspeak a valuable tool.