Table of Contents
As a visually impaired individual, screen-reading software is a necessity. The market for these types of programs has drastically increased in recent years, giving users a variety of options to choose from. One of the most well-known screen-reading software is JAWS, which offers a wealth of features to make computer use more accessible. However, there are alternatives to JAWS that are worth exploring. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the top alternatives to JAWS for screen reading, compare their pros and cons, and provide our thoughts on each one.
Video Tutorial:
What is JAWS?
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a popular screen-reading software developed by Freedom Scientific. This program provides access to Windows-based devices for visually impaired users through text-to-speech output and Braille displays. JAWS supports a variety of applications including Microsoft Office, web browsers, and email clients. It offers customizable speech and Braille options, as well as a variety of navigation features.
Despite its popularity and feature-rich offering, JAWS comes at a premium price, which may not be feasible for all users. In addition, some users may prefer a different interface or find JAWS difficult to use. Fortunately, there are alternatives that offer comparable features and might better suit different users’ needs.
Top Alternatives to JAWS for Screen Reading
1. NVDA
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free, open-source screen reader developed by NV Access. It is a Windows-based program that provides access to a variety of Windows applications. NVDA offers a range of features such as keyboard navigation, speech customization, and Braille display support. It also includes a feature called "Review Mode," which allows users to read continuously without having to navigate through each element on a page.
Pros
- Free to use
- Regularly updated
- Customizable speech and Braille options
- Compatible with many Windows applications
Cons
- May not support as many applications as JAWS
- May require more setup and configuration
- Speech can be less natural than JAWS
2. VoiceOver
VoiceOver is a screen-reading program developed by Apple for its macOS and iOS operating systems. It provides access to Apple’s built-in applications as well as third-party applications. VoiceOver offers a range of features such as customizable speech, Braille display support, and multi-language support.
Pros
- Free to use on Apple devices
- Integrates seamlessly with macOS and iOS
- High-quality speech output
- Supports multiple languages
Cons
- Only available for Apple devices
- May take time to learn for users who are used to Windows-based systems
- May not support all third-party applications
3. Narrator
Narrator is a built-in screen-reader in Windows 10. It provides basic screen-reading functionality and is primarily intended for users who are blind or have low vision. Narrator offers features such as text-to-speech output, automated scanning, and Braille display support.
Pros
- Free to use
- Integrated with Windows 10
- Offers basic screen-reading functionality
- Supports Braille display
Cons
- May lack some features of other screen-readers
- Speech quality may not be as good as other programs
- May require more configuration for optimal use
4. System Access To Go
System Access To Go is a screen-reader developed by Serotek Corporation. It is a Windows-based program that provides access to a variety of Windows applications. System Access To Go offers a range of features such as keyboard navigation, speech customization, and Braille display support. It also includes a feature called "Virtual Mouse" which allows users to navigate through applications as if they were using a physical mouse.
Pros
- Offers a free trial
- Provides access to many Windows applications
- Includes a "Virtual Mouse" feature
- Supports Braille display
Cons
- Premium version can be expensive
- May not support all applications
- Can be difficult to use in some instances
5. ChromeVox
ChromeVox is a screen-reader developed by Google for the Chrome browser. It provides access to web-based content and is intended for users who are blind or have low vision. ChromeVox offers features such as customizable speech output, keyboard navigation, and Braille display support.
Pros
- Free to use
- Integrated with Chrome browser
- Offers speech customization options
- Access to online content
Cons
- Only supports web-based content
- May require additional setup for optimal use
- Quality of speech output may vary
6. Orca
Orca is a free, open-source screen-reader developed for the Linux operating system. It provides access to a variety of Linux applications as well as web-based content. Orca offers features such as speech output, Braille display support, and customizable navigation.
Pros
- Free to use
- Open-source
- Provides access to Linux applications
- Offers Braille display support
Cons
- May require additional setup for optimal use
- Quality of speech output may vary
- May require more technical knowledge to use
7. Supernova
Supernova is a paid screen reader developed by Dolphin Computer Access. It provides access to a variety of Windows applications as well as web-based content. Supernova offers features such as customizable speech output, Braille display support, and remote access capabilities.
Pros
- Offers a free trial
- Provides access to many Windows applications
- Offers speech and Braille customization options
- Can be accessed remotely
Cons
- Can be expensive
- May require more setup and configuration than other programs
- Speech quality may not be as good as other programs
8. Window-Eyes
Window-Eyes is a screen-reader developed by GW Micro. It provides access to a variety of Windows applications as well as web-based content. Window-Eyes offers features such as customizable speech output, Braille display support, and remote access capabilities.
Pros
- Offers a free trial
- Provides access to many Windows applications
- Offers speech and Braille customization options
- Can be accessed remotely
Cons
- Can be expensive
- May require more setup and configuration than other programs
- Speech quality may not be as good as other programs
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve created a comparison table that includes the most important aspects of each software.
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAWS | No | Starting at $1,075 | Medium | High |
| NVDA | N/A | Free | High | Very High |
| VoiceOver | N/A | Free with Apple devices | Medium | Very High (if you already own an Apple device) |
| Narrator | N/A | Free with Windows 10 | Low | High (if using it strictly for basic functions) |
| System Access To Go | Yes, Free Trial | Starting at $399 | High | Medium |
| ChromeVox | N/A | Free | Medium | High (if using Chrome browser regularly) |
| Orca | N/A | Free | Low | High (if using Linux regularly) |
| Supernova | Yes, Free Trial | Starting at $970 | Medium | Medium |
| Window-Eyes | Yes, Free Trial | Starting at $895 | Medium | Medium |
Our Thoughts on JAWS Alternatives
Overall, each of these screen-reading programs offers unique features and options to make computer use more accessible for visually impaired users. While JAWS is a well-known and feature-rich program, it may not be the best fit for all users due to its price or interface.
NVDA is a fantastic free option that offers many of the same features as JAWS. VoiceOver is an excellent option for Apple users as it integrates seamlessly with macOS and iOS. Narrator is a basic option for Windows 10 users who may not require all the features of other screen-readers. System Access To Go and ChromeVox offer users added levels of customization and access to various resources. Orca is a great option for Linux users. Finally, Supernova and Window-Eyes offer advanced features for more experienced users.
Ultimately, the best option for each user will depend on a variety of factors such as budget, personal preference, and the specific requirements needed for their individual use.
FAQs About JAWS Alternatives
Q: Can I use more than one screen-reader on my device?
A: Yes. It is possible to use more than one screen-reader on your device, though it may require additional setup and configuration.
Q: Can I use a screen-reader without a Braille display?
A: Absolutely. While some screen-readers offer Braille display support, it is not necessary to use a Braille display to use these programs.
Q: Which screen-reader is the most affordable?
A: NVDA is the most affordable option as it is completely free to use.
Q: Which screen-reader is the easiest to use?
A: Narrator is the easiest to use as it is built-in and requires no additional installation.
Q: Are the sound characteristics of all screen-readers similar to JAWS?
A: No. While some screen-readers may have similar sound characteristics to JAWS, each program has its sound characteristics, and users may prefer different interfaces based on their personal preferences.
In Conclusion
JAWS is a well-known and expansive screen-reading software, but it may not be the right fit for every user. Alternative options such as NVDA, VoiceOver, Narrator, System Access To Go, ChromeVox, Orca, Supernova, and Window-Eyes offer comparable features and may better suit different users’ needs. Based on your operating system, application preferences, and budget, the best fit for your use may vary. We hope this comprehensive comparison of JAWS alternatives has been helpful in your search to find the best screen-reading program for your needs.