Best Free Screen Readers

The use of screen readers — a type of assistive technology that allows users to access and use the web — is growing fast. According to WebAIM(opens in a new tab), 90% of respondents with a disability use a screen reader to interact with digital content. 

Today, several free screen readers are available, including NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, ChromeVox, and more. These tools are a core part of how many users with disabilities access and navigate digital content.

Below, we’ll focus on the three best free screen readers to help you understand how they work and how they support digital accessibility in everyday web use.

What is a Screen Reader?

A screen reader is a type of assistive technology that allows people who are blind, have visual impairments, or have cognitive impairments to read and interact with digital content. More specifically, it’s software that reads aloud the information on the screen or converts it into a braille display. Screen reader software can also translate pictures and tables to help users make sense of images, graphs, or interactive elements on a page.

Why Screen Readers Matter for Digital Accessibility

Screen readers play a critical role in making online content usable for people who can’t rely on visual information alone. For users who are blind, have low vision, or have certain cognitive or motor disabilities, a screen reader for accessibility isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s how they read, shop, work, learn, and communicate online.

A screen reader does more than read text aloud. It provides structure and context by announcing headings, identifying links and buttons, and helping users understand where they are on a page and what actions are available.

For example, a screen reader user shopping online may navigate a retail site using a keyboard, with the screen reader announcing section headings, product details, form fields, and checkout buttons as they move through the page. When content is clearly structured, users can complete tasks independently. When it’s not, even simple actions can become difficult or impossible.

The Three Best Free Screen Readers

The free screen readers below are widely used options that support different accessibility needs and browsing preferences. Each screen reader has its strengths and specific use cases depending on the device, operating system, and how someone navigates online content. 

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA)

NVDA(opens in a new tab) is a full-functioning advanced screen reader with text-to-speech and braille display capabilities. It’s free and one of the most widely used options for Windows users, particularly those looking for a powerful, no-cost screen reader for accessibility. In fact, a recent WebAIM survey on screen readers(opens in a new tab) found that 72% of respondents selected NVDA as their most commonly used desktop or laptop screen reader.

An open-source tool, NVDA is compatible with popular browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, as well as Microsoft applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It’s quick and easy to install and includes a built-in speech synthesizer that supports more than 50 languages. 

One of NVDA’s key strengths is its active development community. The screen reader is frequently updated with new features and improvements, helping it stay aligned with evolving technologies and accessibility needs. However, NVDA is currently limited to Windows, so it isn’t an option for users on macOS or mobile devices.

Apple VoiceOver

Apple VoiceOver(opens in a new tab) provides auditory descriptions of onscreen elements to help users navigate their devices using a Bluetooth keyboard, gestures on a touchscreen, or a trackpad. It’s best suited for users within the Apple ecosystem who want a built-in screen reader for accessibility that works consistently across devices. 

VoiceOver supports more than 30 languages and is available across Apple platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Mac desktops, and laptops. Users can turn VoiceOver on or off using Siri or add it to the Control Center for quick access, making it easy to enable when needed. 

One of VoiceOver’s key strengths is that it comes preinstalled on Apple devices, eliminating the need to download or purchase additional software. It also includes defined keyboard commands that simplify web navigation. However, VoiceOver is limited to Apple operating systems, which can make it less flexible for users who rely on non-Apple devices or mixed technology environments.

ChromeVox

ChromeVox(opens in a new tab) is a built-in screen reader designed for Chromebook users and is best used by individuals who primarily work within the Chrome OS and Google ecosystem. It provides voice feedback and keyboard navigation to help users access digital content on their devices. 

ChromeVox works seamlessly with Google tools such as Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and includes customizable settings that allow users to magnify selected text, adjust voice and language preferences, and control volume. Keyboard shortcuts further support efficient navigation across web pages and applications.

A key strength of ChromeVox is its tight integration with Chrome OS and Google’s productivity tools. However, its functionality is limited outside of Chromebooks. While Google offers a free Chrome Screen Reader extension for Windows and macOS, it provides fewer features. It should be used alongside other screen readers, such as NVDA on Windows or VoiceOver on macOS, rather than as a standalone solution.

How Screen Readers Are Used in Accessibility Testing

Screen readers are often used as part of accessibility audits to better understand what the digital experience is like for people who rely on assistive technology. Rather than serving as testing tools on their own, screen reader tools help surface how content is announced, navigated, and interpreted from a user’s perspective. 

By listening to how headings, links, buttons, form fields, and other elements are presented, testers can identify whether information is clear, logical, and usable when accessed non-visually. This approach helps highlight common experience issues, including complex navigation, missing context, or content that is technically present but difficult to understand when read aloud. 

An important note: Screen readers don’t replace formal accessibility testing or automated tools. Instead, they offer valuable insight into real-world use, helping teams better understand how design and content choices affect the usability of digital information for people who depend on screen readers to access it.

Limitations of Free Screen Readers

While screen readers are essential tools for many users, it’s important to understand their role in the broader accessibility picture. Put simply, they don’t automatically make a website accessible. They can help users access content and help testers understand how their content sounds on the software, but they can’t replace the broader work needed to create an inclusive digital experience. Below are some of the limitations of free screen readers:

• Screen readers can’t fix accessibility issues because they don’t change the underlying structure or content.

• They can’t guarantee a consistent experience, since screen readers interpret content differently based on the browser, device, and user settings. 

• They can be limited by poor content design, like unclear headings, unlabeled buttons, or images without descriptive text. 

• They can’t address non-screen reader accessibility needs, such as captions for videos, keyboard-only navigation, or color contrast for low-vision users. 

• They may have usability limitations, including higher learning curves, voice clarity issues, or inconsistent support for specific websites or apps.

• They don’t replace broader accessibility work, like inclusive design, accessible content writing, and testing across multiple assistive technologies.

Create Accessible, Screen Reader-Friendly Websites

Creating screen reader-friendly content isn’t just about meeting legal requirements — it’s about making the web more inclusive. As you learn more about how screen readers work, the next step is applying that understanding to your content creation processes so accessibility becomes an ongoing priority, not a one-time fix.

AudioEye can help you take proactive steps to support screen reader users and improve accessibility over time. From screen reader testing to in-depth audits by our team of experts, AudioEye helps you identify issues and build more inclusive digital experiences.