Best Free Screen Readers

The use of screen readers (a type of assistive technology) among users with disabilities is growing — fast. According to the 2024 WebAIM survey, 86% of respondents with disabilities use a screen reader to access and navigate the web. Individuals with visual impairments, for example, rely heavily on screen readers to access digital content.

Today, several screen readers are available, including NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, ChromeVox, and more. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the top three best free screen readers and how they increase digital accessibility for disabled users.

But first, a quick review of what screen readers are.

What are Screen Readers?

A screen reader is a type of assistive technology that allows people who are blind or have visual impairments to read and interact with digital content. More specifically, it’s software that reads aloud the information on the screen or converts it to a braille display—a system of raised dots on a tactile pad. Screen readers can also translate pictures and tables to help the user make sense of every element on the page.

Best Free Screen Readers

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA)

NVDA is a full-functioning advanced screen reader with text-to-speech and braille display capabilities. It’s free and one of the best options for Windows users. In fact, a recent WebAIM survey on screen readers found that 72% of respondents selected NVDA as their most commonly used desktop/laptop screen reader. 

This open-source screen reader is compatible with popular browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. It’s also compatible with Microsoft applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

NVDA is quick and easy to install and includes a built-in speech synthesizer supporting over 50 languages. As technology evolves, the tool is also frequently updated with new features and capabilities. 

Apple VoiceOver

Apple VoiceOver provides auditory descriptions of onscreen elements to help users easily navigate their screens with a Bluetooth keyboard or gestures on touch screen or trackpad. 

Users can use Siri to turn VoiceOver on and off or add the feature to the Control Center for quick access. VoiceOver supports over 30 languages and is available across all iOS devices, including phones, desktops, laptops, and tablets.

One of the benefits of VoiceOver is that it’s already built into Apple devices, saving users from having to download or purchase additional software. VoiceOver also features defined keyboard commands to further simplify web navigation.

ChromeVox

ChromeVox is a built-in screen reader for Chromebook users. The device works well with Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides and has customizable settings that allow users to magnify selected text and get voice feedback. Additional features include keyboard shortcuts, changing the voice or language, and increasing or decreasing volume.

Google also offers a free Chrome browser extension— Screen Reader —for Windows and Mac iOS users. To access more features, Google recommends using the extension in conjunction with other screen readers, such as ChromeVox on Chrome OS, VoiceOver on Mac, and NVDA on Windows.

Create Accessible, Screen Reader-Friendly Websites with AudioEye

Creating digital content that’s screen reader-friendly not only helps you meet accessibility laws but also shows your commitment to inclusivity and user satisfaction. And with AudioEye, you can take proactive steps toward achieving accessibility. 

From screen reader testing to in-depth accessibility audits conducted by our team of experts, AudioEye is committed to helping you enhance accessibility.

Learn how AudioEye can help you create accessible digital content for screen reader users. Get started with a free accessibility scan, or contact us to schedule a demo of our Automated Accessibility Platform.

Sources

The Evolution of Screen Reader Technology

WebAim Screen Reader User Survey