Text to Speech Tools
Platform: Windows, Mac, Web
Cost: Free version available; premium versions with higher-quality voices
Why it’s useful: Simple interface with natural-sounding voices. Reads aloud documents, PDFs, and websites. Great for learners who need clear, distraction-free support.
Platform: Handheld device (not an app)
Cost: Around £200–£300 (can often be funded through EHCPs or DSA)
Why it’s useful: A portable scanning pen that reads printed text aloud, helping learners with dyslexia access worksheets, textbooks, and exams independently. Boosts confidence and reduces reliance on adult support. Commonly approved for use in exams.
Platform: Chrome, Windows, Mac, iPad
Cost: Free trial; discounted for students and schools
Why it’s useful: One of the most popular tools in education. Reads text aloud, highlights as it reads, offers vocabulary support, picture dictionaries, and more. Designed for dyslexic learners.
Tip: Chrome extension works well with Google Docs.
Platform: Windows, Mac, iOS, Chrome
Cost: Paid (varies by version)
Why it’s useful: Designed for learners with dyslexia. Offers text-to-speech, word prediction, scanning tools, and visual overlays. Highly customisable.
Platform: iOS, Android
Cost: Paid
Why it’s useful: Reads books, documents, and web pages using high-quality voices. Offers lots of customisation (voice speed, highlighting, fonts—including dyslexia-friendly fonts). Ideal for older children and teens.
Built-In TTS Options
Platform: Built into Word, OneNote, Edge, and other Microsoft tools
Cost: Free with Microsoft 365
Why it’s useful: Excellent support tool. Reads text aloud with adjustable voice and speed, highlights words as it reads, breaks words into syllables, and adjusts spacing and background colour.
Apple Speak Screen / Spoken Content
Platform: iOS, iPadOS, macOS
Cost: Free (built-in)
Why it’s useful: Speak Screen reads anything on the iPhone or iPad screen. You can swipe down with two fingers to activate it. Great for ebooks, emails, or web pages.
Platform: Chrome OS
Cost: Free (built-in)
Why it’s useful: Lets learners select text on screen to be read aloud. Easy to enable via Chromebook accessibility settings.
Browser Extensions / Online Tools
Platform: Chrome, iOS, Android, Web
Cost: Free basic version; premium with better voices
Why it’s useful: Reads aloud websites, PDFs, and documents. Modern interface and natural voices. Helpful for older students.
Platform: Windows
Cost: Free
Why it’s useful: Reads text from a wide range of file formats (PDF, DOCX, HTML, etc.). Highly customisable. Older interface but very functional.
Platform: Windows, Mac, Web
Cost: Paid (used in schools and exam settings)
Why it’s useful: A full literacy suite with robust TTS, highlighting, dictionary, study tools, and writing support. Often funded for learners with EHCPs.