What are screen readers and what options are available?

A screen reader is a software package that can help you to access and interact with digital content, like websites or applications, via audio or touch. The main users of screen readers are people who have severe sight loss.

How does a screen reader work?

The software application reads out loud what's on the screen and can be adapted to suit your needs or preferences. For example, you can decrease the speed of the speech or change the language. Screen readers allow you to navigate through websites and applications via the speech output. Some screen readers can also be used with a Braille display.

Are they easy to use?

When starting out with a screen reader, you need to learn some shortcut keys or touch gestures. While it is possible to master the basic interaction after learning just a few commands, becoming an advanced user able to interact confidently does require a bit of time and effort to get familiar with their advanced features. Training can help.

Screen reading software can be expensive to purchase and many professional users are able to get help with the cost through the government’s Access to Work scheme. Further information on the scheme can be found on GOV.uk.

What versions are available?

There are a number of different screen readers available, both free and pay-for applications.

Free Applications

NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access) (Windows)

Download available on NVDA's website
Converts into speech and braille
Controlled using a mouse and/or keyboard
Recognises and reads 43 different languages

Further information can be found on the NVDA website.

Windows Narrator (Pre-installed on Windows machines)

Is not a "full" screen reader, however it is being developed all the time to be compatible with the latest web browsers, email client and office applications
Controlled using a keyboard

To find out more about Windows accessibility please see Windows Computers Accessibility. Further information can also be found on the Microsoft website.

VoiceOver (Pre installed on Apple machines)

Compatible with various applications designed by Apple as well as those developed by third parties
Controlled using a keyboard or trackpad
Quick and easy to configure

To find out more about Apple and iOS accessibility please see Apple phones and tablets accessibility and Apple Mac computer and laptop accessibility.

TalkBack (Pre installed on Android devices)

Compatible with various applications as well as those developed by third parties
Controlled using a keyboard
Quick and easy to configure

To find out more about Android accessibility please see Android phones and tablets accessibility.

Paid for applications

JAWS (Windows)

Easy installation doesn't require sighted assistance
Choice of 2 different speech engines
Converts into speech and braille, and can output both at once
Scan and read content from images and PDFs

You can download and try a free, fully functional 40min demo from the freedomscientific website.

Dolphin Screen Reader (Windows)

Converts into speech and braille
Scan and read content from images and PDFs
Uses a high quality, human sounding text-to-speech synthesiser
Extensive voice settings

You can download and try a free, fully functional 30 day trial from the Your Dolphin website.

Dolphin GuideConnect (Windows)

Good for those with less computer knowledge
Navigated using numbers
Can be used with a touch screen