Screen readers are useful tools for testing the accessibility of your website. These are essential tools to ensure anyone can get information from your website and engage with its content conveniently.

To help ensure your website provides a truly user-friendly experience to everyone, I’ve come up with this listing on the best five screen readers of 2024. 

The five best screen readers of 2024, in no chronological order, are Google TalkBack, NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, and Dolphin.

But before I discuss the features of each screen reader, let me first give an overview of its importance in web design and development.

Why use screen readers in web design and development?

Screen readers are important in web design and development for five main reasons:

1. Optimization of website content

A website’s content is not fully optimized until it is truly accessible to all visitors. Accessibility issues arise when visitors struggle to understand a website or encounter difficulty in using its features.

Web designers and developers often conduct automated accessibility testing of content. However, this is not 100% fool proof.

This is when screen readers come into the picture. It assesses anything left out from automated testing to come out with a fully optimized website that is inclusive to all visitors.

Web designers and developers will have to install a screen reader and actually get to feel how persons with disabilities experience their website to spot issues they need to rectify.

2. Ensure a great user experience

Of course, the result of a fully optimized website is a great user experience. Visitors will have ease in navigating the website and exploring its content. 

A fully optimized website also translates to visitors conveniently finding what they need, which encourages them to return repeatedly and even recommend the website to family and friends.

More than anything, an optimized website for people with accessibility issues, translates to an increase of potential customers and even conversions.

3. Compliance to industry standards and laws

Besides ensuring happy website visitors, screen readers also aid in the compliance of industry standards and laws.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is one of the industry standards web designers and developers need to adhere to. That’s beside local and international laws on accessibility. 

Screen readers are useful tools in checking if a website adheres to these guidelines and laws so as to divert a business from encountering penalties and legal charges.

4. Increase search engine ranking

According to Allyant, using screen readers to test the accessibility of a website can help increase its ranking in search engine results.

A fully optimized website that is frequented by visitors will increase site traffic and, in turn, naturally result in higher search ranking. 

Screen readers then aid in boosting a website’s visibility online and make it more accessible to more people.

5. Improve brand reputation

Visitors with a positive experience of a website tend to have a synonymous positive perception of the company or brand that owns a website. 

Personally, I really appreciate websites who took the effort to provide accessibility options to its visitors.

Such websites leave a good impression on visitors and convey the message of sensitivity and care to customer needs. Thus, it improves the reputation of the brand or company.

What are the best screen readers today?

Now that the importance or significance of using screen readers in web design and development is clear, let’s move on and discuss in detail the best screen readers of 2024.

1. Google TalkBack Screen Reader

Google TalkBack is a free, pre-installed application in most Android devices that aids users with visual impairments convert screen elements into braille or speech. 

This screen reader is easy to activate but does require some learning to get acquainted with its use.

1.1. What are the features of the Google TalkBack screen reader?

The primary feature of Google TalkBack screen reader is it enables users to have “eyes-free control” of their desktop, mobile phone, or tablet.

It’s other features include:

• Multi-finger gestures on Pixel 3 above, Samsung Galaxy, and other OEM devices starting March 2021. Multi-finger gestures allow visitors to do common functions such as controlling media, finding help, and selecting/editing text.
• Read and skim text by swiping with three fingers. 
• Use voice commands to do things faster such as finding a particular content in a page.
• Localize content by choosing a suitable or preferable language.
• Customize the features of TalkBack like removing items in the menu. 
• Usage is not limited within Chrome or a website but for the entire device 
• Comes with a Braille keyboard.
• Comes with a tutorial.
• Arranges items on the screen in a focus box and gives audio cues on it.

1.2. How much does Google TalkBack screen reader cost?

As mentioned earlier, TalkBack is free. So it does not cost a thing except the time and patience of familiarizing oneself in using it.

1.3. How is Google TalkBack screen reader activated?

Google TalkBack is pre-installed in an Android phone and only requires it to be activated. 

TalkBack can be activated in three ways. One by using Google Assistant. Two, by modifying the mobile phone’s settings. And, finally, by Accessibility shortcuts.

• Using Google Assistant
• Press the middle bottom portion of your Android phone to initiate Google Assistant.
• Say, “Turn Google TalkBack on!” to Google Assistant to enable it to do your command.
• Control the page using finger gestures after activating TalkBack.
• Using System Settings
• Go to the mobile phone Settings and choose Accessibility.
• In the Accessibility page, select TalkBack.
• Control the page using finger gestures after activating TalkBack.

• Using Accessibility shortcuts
• With Accessibility shortcuts on, tap TalkBack to turn it on.
• Set TalkBack shortcuts on for easier navigation.
• Control the page using finger gestures after activating TalkBack.

2. NVDA Screen Reader

The NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) is a free technology created 15 years ago to assist the blind and visually-challenged in interpreting visual information in websites into audio or verbal information. 

A study conducted by Web Accessibility In Mind (WebAIM) in 2021 underscore that 30.7% of the visually-impaired use NVDA as their screen reader.

An open-source screen reader, NVDA is a recommendable tool for web designers, web developers, and web marketers planning to undertake basic screen testing.

It provides a realistic representation of how the visually-challenged access and engage with online content. 

Thus, it provides valuable insights on the challenges encountered by the visually-challenged when browsing or exploring websites.

NVDA creator NV Access has assisted more than 200,000 people over the years and intends to continue aiding the current 285 million blind and visually-challenged individuals globally as of 2023.

2.1. What are the features of the NVDA Screen Reader?

NVDA has the following features as a screen reader:

• It is easy to install (talking installer), small in memory consumption, and stable (crash-free).
• It is intuitive, functional, and compatible with any computer.
• It has multiple languages (55) for localization and 3rd party voices.
• It is open-source and anyone with programming know-how can modify it’s features or participate in its community to gather new features.
• It provides support for various platforms from web browsers to chat software and music players.
• It is fully operational from a USB flash drive.
• It has a built-in speech synthesizer and automatic text-under-mouse announcer.
• It is equipped with Braille display support.

2.2. How much does NVDA Screen Reader cost?

As mentioned, NVDA is a 100% free screen reader solution “made by the blind for the blind”.

2.3. How is NVDA Screen Reader installed?

Installing NVDA is easy. Just follow these steps:

• Click the Dot.exe file after downloading to begin the installation process. This will automatically start the talking installer to guide users throughout the process.
• Select “I Agree” to continue with the installation.
• The talking installer will ask the options for installation such as creating an icon on the desktop, etc. Simply choose your preference before clicking “Continue”.
• Once completed, the talking installer will announce it and prompt users to click “Okay”. Simply do so and it’s done!

3. JAWS Screen Reader

Accordingly, Job Access With Speech (JAWS) screen reader is the most popular software of its kind due to having the most options configurations. 

Statistics actually show that 53.7% of the visually-impaired use JAWS as their screen reader. 

It is designed for desktops using Windows OS and easiest to use (no learning curve required).

Its biggest downside is it uses much of a computer’s RAM and can freeze its operation.

3.1. What are the features of the JAWS Screen Reader?

JAWS has the following features:

• It provides Braille and speech output for most desktop applications.
• It is equipped with a Skim Reader and Text analyzer.
• It can read and scan all documents regardless of format (e.g. PDF).
• It is enabled with web browsing strokes for easy surfing.
• It enables web forms to be filled with ease.
• It conveniently reads the content of websites, applications, documents, and email.
• It is easy to use and navigate using a mouse.
• It is equipped with Face In View for video calls and MathCAT for math content.
• It also has a new Split Braille feature, Translation Split, and numerous Scripts for customization. 

3.2. How much does JAWS Screen Reader cost?

JAWS, unlike Google TalkBack and NVDA, is available for a hefty price of $900 for one-time purchase or of $90 annual single license purchase.

3.3. How is JAWS Screen Reader installed?

JAWS can be installed if one has administrator access on a desktop computer and using internet access. Installation is easily done by following these steps:

• Download JAWS by saving the installer on the computer.
• Navigate to the location the installer is saved and click the executable file. This will initiate a voice-assisted installation process.
• Follow the instructions given by the voice assistant for installation.
• Restart the computer after the installation is completed.
• After restarting, activate JAWS by clicking the Start Activation from the Activation box.
• Select Internet and press Enter.
• Type the Activation Number (20 characters) in the input box before pressing Enter. A new window will open to register the installed software.
• Click Register Now and provide the necessary information. Choose Finish to complete the process.

4. VoiceOver Screen Reader

VoiceOver is an advanced technology created by Apple for Mac OS X environment users with visual impairments.

Compared to JAWS, VoiceOver requires some learning curve, such as in using the function controls. This is probably the reason why only 6.5% of the visually-impaired use VoiceOver.

VoiceOver is nonetheless user-friendly and customizable. Users can assign keyboard shortcuts and controls. A free software, it is pre-installed in all Apple products and only needs to be activated.

4.1. What are the features of the VoiceOver Screen Reader?

VoiceOver has several features that make it one of the popular screen readers today. 

• It is available in 30 languages.
• It uses two dimensional Braille refreshable displays and provides support for it.
• It comes with the option to automatically switch to VoiceOver while working with any app.
• The Siri voices are more expressive and natural even when speaking quickly.
• Many of its functions are familiar when working in an iOs or iPadOs environment.
• It enables users to change the VoiceOver voice.
• It allows users to connect to Braille devices with ease.
• It empowers users to set navigation options.

4.2. How much does a VoiceOver Screen Reader cost?

VoiceOver doesn’t cost anything since it is a pre-installed software in  Apple devices. Thus, it is 100% free!

4.3. How is VoiceOver Screen Reader installed?

As mentioned earlier, VoiceOver is already pre-installed in Apple devices. What Apple users only need to do is to activate this software.

There are three ways to activate VoiceOver. 

• One is by pressing Command F-5.
• Another is by instructing Siri to activate it. Just say something like, “Siri, turn VoiceOver on,” and you’re done.
• The third way is to use Touch ID, which is only applicable to devices with this feature. Simply press Touch ID thrice to activate VoiceOver.

5. Dolphin Screen Reader

Last but not the least is the Dolphin screen reader. This assistive technology for the visually-impaired was developed by Dolphin Computer Access for Windows users.

Dolphin screen reader is a speedy and reliable help backed with a responsive technical support team.

5.1. What are the features of the Dolphin Screen Reader?

Dolphin screen reader has the following features:

• It comes in 36 languages in natural-sounding voices.
• It is available in a fully operational USB Flash drive version.
• It connects to a scanner for ease of reading documents and any printed material.
• It has an Item Finder, Dolphin Cursor, and Responsive Braille features to boost productivity and performance.
• It has EasyReader access to let users read thousands of books and newsletters in Windows.
• It provides refreshable Braille displays.
• It is equipped with Speak Keys, Sound Splitting, Audio Ducking, Layered Hotkeys, and Privacy Screen.
• It empowers users to customize the way they read by easily shifting between Braille and speech any time.
• It is available with a free trial software.

5.2. How much does a Dolphin Screen Reader cost?

The Dolphin screen reader is a bit costly. The basic version costs $1,105.00 for a single license. While its USB version costs $1,207.00 for a single license.

5.3. How is the Dolphin Screen Reader installed?

The Dolphin screen reader can be installed by following these steps:

• After filling-up the Download form, you will be given a link from where you could download the installer. You will also be given the activation form. Click the link and download the Dolphin Screen Reader.
• Click the installer file and this will automatically run the wizard.
• Follow the instructions from the wizard and input the activation code to initiate product use.
• After installation, you could already begin the setup process and customize its features according to your needs.

Which screen reader should I use?

By now, you have an idea of which screen reader to use for your website’s accessibility audit. Most of the best screen readers I’ve mentioned have great features and functionality. 

Deciding on the best screen reader for your startup or business, at the end of the day, will boil down to your budget and level of willingness to learn how to use the software. 

Sources Used:

• Allyant
• Perkins
• Forbes
• Siteimprove
• RNIB
• Bureau of Internet Accessibility
• TPGi
• Google
• NV Access
• Freedom Scientific
• Apple
• Dolphin Computer Access

FAQs

1. What is a screen reader?

Literally speaking, a screen reader is a software or computer application that is used to read out or announce the contents of a website, email, or document. 

It is used to aid the blind and the visually-challenged in conveniently navigating or browsing a website via a text-to-speech methodology using an artificial voice. 

Screen readers run on desktops and mobile devices under popular operating systems. Some screen readers are equipped to modify the accessibility options of the screen–whether website, email, or document–by altering the contrast of colors, enlarging text, or magnifying content.

2.  What is the importance of screen readers?

Screen readers are important since it helps designers and developers optimize a website for the visually-impaired or -challenged and ensure a pleasant user experience. It is also a means to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and accessibility laws so as to avoid legal penalties and charges.

Screen readers also aid in increasing SEO rankings while boosting a company’s brand reputation.

3. What areas of a website’s design and content are screen readers used for?

Screen testing is done on several areas of the website. These are the non-text content, headings, structure or layout, form labels, navigation, and links. 

Non-text content is all visual content such as photographs, illustrations, charts, videos, and call-to-action buttons. Non-text content should have an appropriate alternative text assigned to it.

Each field of an online form must have an alternative text pertaining to its description. Links should also be appropriately-labeled.

4. How often should a website undergo screen testing?

A website needs to undergo screen testing several times. First, on its first launch. Second, every time a major update is done in its design. Third, whenever new content is added to the website.