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7 Best Free and Open Source Screen-Readers

A screen-reader is a computer application designed to provide spoken feedback to a blind or visually impaired person. This type of software has been available since the mid 1980s.

The software transmits what text is displayed on the screen into a form that a visually impaired user can understand. This can be auditory, tactile, or both. A lot of research and development was undertaken to provide speech-access to the Graphical User Interface.

Screen-readers read the contents of a visual display. They can use a speech synthesizer to read text aloud letting users listen to the contents appearing in different parts of the display. Other software communicates data via a braille display.

Screen-readers help make the world of computers accessible to visually impaired users.

Here’s our verdict summarized in a legendary LinuxLinks-style chart. The software featured here is free and open source software. Note, Emacspeak takes a different approach. While it’s not technically a screen-reader, it warrants inclusion.

Ratings chart

Let’s explore each application in more detail. For each program we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources.

Screen-readers
Orca Screen ReaderScreen-reader which provides access to applications and toolkits
LiblouisBraille translator, back-translator and formatter
SpeakupKernel-based speech synthesizer driver suite
BRLTTYProvides access to the console using a refreshable braille display
EmacspeakEmacs extension that provides spoken output
OdiliaRust-based screen reader
SBWText editor with support for braille input

This article has been revamped in line with our recent announcement.

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