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There are two main types of screen reader. Traditionally, everyone thinks of the ones that blind users use, and these are the ones sometimes recommended as assistive technology for dyslexics. But they are totally inappropriate. It is like using a hammer to crack a walnut.
The difference between the two types is that screen readers for blind users are like their own operating system that sits on top of everything on the computer. Using them well requires expertise and specialist training.
Then there are lightweight, built in screen readers which are much simpler. These are interactive: it only reads what you want it to read, which you have to initiate, and it only reads text not pop-ups, buttons or other elements. The difference between the two types is analogous to the difference between a fully manual camera with lots of settings and a smartphone camera in basic mode.
When most people hear the phrase screen reader, they think of built-in tools like VoiceOver or TalkBack. Alternatively, they might think of standalone tools like NVDA (free, and really useful for accessibility testing) or JAWS (expensive, but may be available through Access to Work in the UK if you are eligible).
These are comprehensive tools designed for blind users to navigate everything on screen through high speed speech or Braille.
Ever wished someone would just read something to you? Like when your hay fever has kicked in, your hands are busy cooking, or you are halfway through a journey and your eyes need a rest. That is exactly what lightweight text to speech software does.
These screen readers are commonly used by dyslexic and neurodiverse users, but they are useful for everyone. They are lightweight and simple to use. You just copy text to the clipboard or select the text and click read.
Most devices already come with one built in. You may just never have needed to go looking for it before.
For me personally, my comprehension is better when I listen than when I read. Reading can be inaccurate and, if I am honest, sometimes exhausting and overwhelming. Hearing the words gives me reading confidence.
Lightweight screen readers benefit users by:
Every operating system, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, all have a screen reader built in. But these tend to be comprehensive and there are more lightweight versions you can access and start using straight away.
On Windows, clipboard readers are especially handy. Everything you copy can be read aloud, then paused or turned off when you want quiet. They are brilliant for long articles with images, code, or recipes, because you can copy only the bits you actually want to hear.
I use the built in screen reader on my Mac and have customised it to use a function key on my keyboard. I highlight text, press F6, and the screen reader reads it aloud to me.
On Android and iOS, there is a built in screen reader under the accessibility settings. You can use a small read aloud button, or highlight text and tap to hear it.
There are two language models I use most because they have screen readers integrated, which are Google Gemini and ChatGPT. All you have to do to hear the words is just navigate to the sub menu, which is normally shown with three dots, and click on ‘Listen’ or 'Read aloud'.
I find that Gemini is better for the ability to pause, but it is a male voice and this cannot be changed in the browser version. I find it can also be a bit buggy and it tends to work the second time you click it.
I prefer to use ChatGPT because you can choose a voice. I use Juniper, who is my favourite voice simply because she sounds more like me, but with an American accent. However, it cannot be paused which means if it is a long answer, you have to listen to the whole thing multiple times if you are disturbed.
There is also a sneaky other option. Many browsers have a read mode that strips back the clutter and makes pages easier to read. Firefox is a good example. On desktop, Reader View can also read the page aloud.
First, choose a voice you actually like. Male, female, or even androgynous if that suits you better. You are not stuck with the built in voices either. There are loads more you can buy or download for free. Personally, I always prefer a female voice. I often find the American ones sound smoother than the British ones.
Once you have found a voice you like, give yourself a few days to get used to it. Then start nudging up the speed so that it reflects a more realistic reading speed. Small increases work best. Before long, it starts to sound like your personal reading assistant.
If there is something you find invaluable that I have not listed here, I would love to hear about it. Get in touch and I am happy to add it to the list.
On Android, this is a little button you set up in the accessibility section. You can then put it where you like, and simply click on the button then drag and select any area of your screen to have it read aloud. This includes images.
Android `Select to Speak` guideThis is the screen reader I have had for the longest on my mobile. You select the text, and use the share menu to read it aloud. You can also send text to the app to save it as an audio file to read later.
Hyperionics websiteRead & Speak is built into iOS and can be set up in Accessibility settings. Select the text you want spoken, then tap Speak. Or tell Siri to "Speak screen".
iPhone `Speak the Screen` guideBuilt into your Mac. Highlight text and press a keyboard shortcut to have it read back to you. Takes a few minutes to set up but works instantly once configured.
Apple `Read & Speak` guide for MacThis is the one I have been using the longest and it has survived every Windows update. It is a clipboard reader that sits in the system tray. It is easy to toggle on and off, and when it is on it will continuously read anything you copy into your clipboard which is great for skipping parts of articles.
Ghost Clipboard Reader from CNETThis is the most comprehensive screen reader not for blind users on the market. It is especially built for neurodiverse users. Simplifies the appearance of written content through customisable text size, spacing, and background colour. Also reads aloud, breaks words into syllables, and highlights lines as it reads.
Microsoft Immersive Reader