Screen Reader Guide

Screen readers are essential assistive technology that converts on-screen content to speech or Braille, enabling blind and visually impaired users to navigate computers, websites, and mobile devices independently.

How Screen Readers Work

Screen readers access the accessibility tree - a structured representation of page content built from HTML and ARIA attributes. They:

  • Read content aloud using text-to-speech synthesis
  • Navigate by structure using headings, landmarks, and links
  • Announce roles and states of interactive elements (buttons, checkboxes, etc.)
  • Read alt text for images and descriptions for form fields
  • Output to Braille displays for those who prefer tactile reading
Why Structure Matters: Screen reader users don't see the visual layout. They rely on proper HTML structure, headings, and labels to understand and navigate content efficiently.

Popular Screen Readers

NVDA (Windows)

Cost: Free (open source)

Best for: Most users, testing

Key Features:
  • Free and actively maintained
  • Portable - runs from USB drive
  • Works with Chrome, Firefox, Edge
  • Supports Braille displays
  • Multiple voice options
Getting Started:
  • Download from nvaccess.org
  • Ctrl+Alt+N to start
  • Insert key is the NVDA modifier
JAWS (Windows)

Cost: $95/year - $1,500 perpetual

Best for: Enterprise, power users

Key Features:
  • Industry-leading feature set
  • Extensive scripting capabilities
  • Best Office application support
  • Professional training available
  • Strong enterprise support
Note:

Many enterprise users rely on JAWS. Test with JAWS if targeting corporate environments.

VoiceOver (Apple)

Cost: Free (built-in)

Best for: Mac, iPhone, iPad users

Key Features:
  • Built into all Apple devices
  • Excellent Safari integration
  • Gesture-based on iOS
  • Rotor navigation on mobile
  • Consistent experience across devices
Getting Started:
  • Mac: Cmd+F5 to start
  • iOS: Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver
  • Triple-click Home/Side button shortcut
TalkBack (Android)

Cost: Free (built-in)

Best for: Android mobile users

Key Features:
  • Built into Android devices
  • Gesture-based navigation
  • Works with Chrome
  • Reading controls for different content
  • Braille keyboard support
Getting Started:
  • Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack
  • Volume buttons shortcut can be enabled

Common Navigation Commands

Action NVDA/JAWS VoiceOver Mac
Next heading H VO+Cmd+H
Heading level 1 1 VO+Cmd+1
Next link K VO+Cmd+L
Next button B VO+Cmd+J
Next form field F VO+Cmd+J
List landmarks D (NVDA), R (JAWS) VO+U (Rotor)
Next table T VO+Cmd+T
Read all NVDA+Down, Insert+Down VO+A

Screen Reader Market Share

According to WebAIM's annual screen reader survey:

Desktop:
  • JAWS: ~40%
  • NVDA: ~40%
  • VoiceOver (Mac): ~10%
  • Others: ~10%
Mobile:
  • VoiceOver (iOS): ~70%
  • TalkBack (Android): ~25%
  • Others: ~5%
Testing Recommendation: Test with at least NVDA + Chrome/Firefox and VoiceOver + Safari to cover most users.

Choosing a Screen Reader

For People with Disabilities:
  • Budget-conscious Windows users: NVDA (free)
  • Apple device users: VoiceOver (built-in)
  • Enterprise/workplace: JAWS (often provided by employer)
  • Android users: TalkBack (built-in)
For Developers/Testers:
  • Primary testing: NVDA (free, widely used)
  • Mac development: VoiceOver (Safari testing essential)
  • Enterprise sites: Include JAWS testing
  • Mobile apps: VoiceOver + TalkBack

Learning Resources

NVDA Training

Free tutorials at nvaccess.org and Deque University

VoiceOver Help

Apple's accessibility support pages and built-in tutorials

Video Tutorials

YouTube channels from screen reader users and accessibility experts

Get Started

NVDA (Free): nvaccess.org

VoiceOver: Built into Mac/iOS

TalkBack: Built into Android

JAWS: freedomscientific.com

Related Resources
Report Barriers

Encountered an inaccessible website while using a screen reader?

File a Report