In general, you get what you pay for with screen readers. However, whether a home user needs the extensibility of a high end screen reader such as JAWS should be questioned when free alternatives exist.
Software listed:
- Microsoft Windows operating system narrator – free
- Apple operating system VoiceOver – free
- NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Application) – free
- Thunder – free
- System access to go (web-based) – free
- Windows Eyes - £595
- Supernova reader - £595
- JAWS – from £659 ex VAT
Microsoft Windows operating system Narrator - free
This is already available as part of Microsoft WindowsPros:
- Comes free as part of Windows
- Possible to read under mouse curser
Cons:
- Very basic
- May not be able to read some internet pages or web based email
Apple operating system VoiceOver - free
This is already available as part of Apple operating systemsPros:
- Comes free as part of Apple computer operating system
- Can be controlled with same gestures as Apple mobile devices using the trackpad
Cons:
- Basic
NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Application) – free
Download full program from web site: http://www.nvda-project.orgPros:
- NVDA Fully featured free software
- Open source - frequent updates and new features
- Braille output
- Support for over 20 languages
- Ability to read text under the mouse pointer as it moves
- Can be run on any Windows computer from USB drive with no installation
- Optional audible indication of the mouse position
- Online community for support and feedback
Cons:
- eSpeak speech synthesizer sounds “inhuman” but his can be changed to a native Windows voice, or in addition, alternative voices can be purchased
Thunder – free
Web site: http://www.screenreader.net/Pros:
- Free
- Made by not-for-profit Community Interest Company
- · 5 language options
- Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Menu Levels
- Can be run on any Windows computer from USB drive with no installation
- Online community for support and feedback
Cons:
- Occasional freezes and crashes reported
- No PDF support
- May not be able to read some internet pages or web based email
System Access To Go – free (web-based)
Run the program from the website:http://www.satogo.com/en/Pros:
- Free over the internet
- Possible to use on any computer with an internet connection without admin rights
- Braille output
Cons:
- Needs internet access
- Intended for use as temporary support
- eSpeak speech synthesizer sounds “inhuman” but his can be changed to a native Windows voice, or in addition, alternative voices can be purchased
Windows Eyes – from £595 plus VAT
Web site: www.forcetenco.co.ukDownload trial version: http://www.gwmicro.com/Window-Eyes/Demo/
Pros:
- Supports all standard Windows applications
- Easily accessible configuration control panel
- · Braille output
- Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Menu Levels
- Ability to read text under the mouse pointer
- Supports PDF Flash, and more
Cons:
- Limited support in the UK
Supernova Reader – £595 plus VAT
Web site: http://www.yourdolphin.com/productdetail.asp?id=5&z=0Download trial version: http://www.yourdolphin.com/tryit.asp?id=5
Pros:
- Supports all standard Windows applications
- User selectable range of hotkey shortcuts provide ease of use and requires minimal training
- Customisable speed and volume of the voice and control of the level of detail and punctuation that is spoken
- Multilingual
- Braille output
- EasyReader DAISY Player included
- Discounted price for those registered sight impaired or dyslexic
Cons:
- Price
- Has some limitations with more complex tasks
- Takes up a lot of memory which can slow down the computer
JAWS – from approx. £659 plus VAT
Web site including free trial version: http://www.freedomscientific.com/products/fs/jaws-product-page.aspPros:
- Supports all standard Windows applications
- Can be fully adapted with built-in customization tools
- Talking installation
- Performs well with complex Windows tasks
- Choice of natural sounding voices
- Multiple languages
- Standard, Premium, Professional and multi-user versions
- Braille output
- Braille display support
- USB memory stick version available for mobile use
Cons:
- Price
- Complex if using more advanced features
Other Assistive Technology information on VWS
The prices shown are approximate, November 2011. Links to trial software that can be downloaded from the internet mean you can test the different products before you buy, to see if they suit your needs.
This information is intended as an introduction to the subject for blind and partially sighted people and their supporters. It is not intended as a complete list of all products and services available, nor should it be inferred that products and services mentioned in this information is recommended or endorsed by Vision Web Sight.
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