Accessibility tools

Screen readers

Part of
Accessibility tools and testing collection
Last reviewed
13 August 2026

A screen reader is software that reads aloud text and other information on a screen and helps people navigate and interact with digital content.

Screen readers can tell users about headings, links, buttons, form fields and other elements on a page, and help them move between them.

What you can test

This tool can help you identify potential accessibility barriers that may affect people with:

Types of screen reader

There are 3 main types of screen reader:

  • paid ones, such as JAWS (Job Access With Speech)
  • free ones, such as NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access)
  • built-in ones, such as Narrator (on Windows devices) and VoiceOver (on Apple devices)

Who should test with a screen reader

Everyone can test with a screen reader. It's useful to understand how people who use one might navigate a service you're creating, content you're writing, or a document you're drafting.

Interaction designers and developers, in particular, can benefit from understanding the basics of using a screen reader and carrying out checks on a service they're designing or developing.

How to start testing with a screen reader

Most screen readers are used in the same way, but they all have their own keyboard shortcuts and commands.

As easy way to start testing with one is to switch the screen reader on and use the tab key to navigate through your service. This will give a basic idea of how a screen reader works and the type of information that is relayed audibly to a user.

However, this will only give you information on interactive components, such as links and buttons in your service. There are many other types of web content that should be tested to ensure your website is accessible.

How to use each screen reader

VoiceOver

VoiceOver is available on Apple devices. It's a built-in screen reader that can be used on iPhones, iPads and Macs.

View guidance on how to use VoiceOver and a tutorial video (8 minutes, 45 seconds) for features and testing for common issues.

NVDA

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free screen reader for Microsoft Windows.

We're working on guidance and a tutorial video for this tool.

JAWS

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a paid version of a screen reader.

We're working on guidance and a tutorial video for this tool.