Screen readers and text-to-speech (TTS) applications are essential assistive technologies that convert digital text and interface elements into spoken audio or tactile output. While screen readers enable non-visual users to navigate operating systems and digital documents via keyboard, text-to-speech utilities support readers with dyslexia, ADHD, visual impairments, or auditory preferences. Ensuring digital content is compatible with these tools guarantees equitable access for all users across academic and workplace environments. 

What is the Difference?

Screen Readers: Software that reads aloud content including navigational features such as text, buttons, and menus or converts it into braille.

Text to Speech (TTS) Applications: Literacy and reading support tools that read selected body text aloud while highlighting words visually on screen, aiding focus, reading speed, and comprehension. 

Screen Readers

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

Use Case: Free, open-source screen reader offering full non-visual desktop and web access for Windows operating systems. 

Access: Compatible for Windows, download NVDA and install. After installation, press the Windows Key, type NVDA and select the application or use the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + N. 

Features: Supports modern web standards and includes multiple speech engines. 

Apple VoiceOver

Use Case: Built-in screen reader providing complete non-visual navigation across Apple hardware (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS).

Access: On Mac, go to System Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver (or press Cmd + F5). On iOS, enable under Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver. Apple support includes a Voiceover User Guide for specific guidance by operating system.

Features: Native OS integration, touch-based trackpad and screen gestures, dynamic spatial audio cues, and instant pairing with wireless Braille devices.

Text to Speech (TTS) Applications

Microsoft Read Aloud

Use Case: Reads web pages, PDFs, and documents in Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Office applications. 

Access:

Microsoft Edge Browser: Right-click anywhere on a webpage and select Read Aloud, or press Ctrl + Shift + U on Windows / Cmd + Shift + U on Mac.

Microsoft Word: Go to the Review tab on the ribbon and select Read Aloud (or press Alt + Ctrl + Space).

Select Text: Highlight specific text on a page or document, right-click, and select Read aloud selection

Features: Includes real-time word highlighting and automatic page scrolling, integrates with Edge's built-in PDF viewer, and offers granular speed and voice adjustments. 

Read Aloud (Browser Extension)

Use Case: Open source, text-to speech extension that converts text to audio across Chrome, Firefox and Edge. 

Download & Installation: 

Read Aloud is available as an browser extension for the following: 

Google Chrome: Visit the Chrome Web Store and select Add to Chrome.

FireFox: Visit Firefox Add-ons and select Add to Firefox.

Microsoft Edge: Visit Edge-Add-ons and select Get.

Access: 

Toolbar Icon: Click the Read Aloud icon (orange megaphone) on your browser extension bar on any active web page.

Keyboard Shortcut: Press Alt + P on Windows / Option + P on Mac to toggle playback on or off.

Right-Click Menu: Highlight specific text, right-click, and select Read aloud selected text.

Features: One-click reading, support for native system and cloud voices.