Reading and audiobooks
There are more ways to read without print than ever: free talking books, e-readers with built-in screen readers, braille displays, and magnifiers. Start with the free options, then add devices where they help.
In this guide
- Start with free services
- Smart speaker for audiobooks
- Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets
- Refreshable braille display
- DAISY and talking book players
- Magnifiers for low vision
- Free apps that read print aloud
Start with free services
Before buying anything, check these free options available in the United States:
- National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS): a free Library of Congress program that lends talking books and braille, including a free talking book player, to eligible readers. Books can also be downloaded through its BARD service.
- Bookshare: an accessible ebook library that is free for qualifying U.S. students.
- Your public library: most libraries lend audiobooks and ebooks through apps that work with screen readers.
Smart speaker for audiobooks
A smart speaker is the simplest way to listen: just ask it to read your audiobook, and ask it to pause, skip back, or resume later.
What to check before buying
- Larger speakers sound clearer for long listening.
- Check that the speaker supports the audiobook services you use.
- A physical volume and play button you can find by touch.
Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets
Fire tablets include the VoiceView screen reader. Many Kindle e-readers also support VoiceView when paired with Bluetooth headphones or a speaker, which lets you read Kindle books by listening.
What to check before buying
- Confirm on the product page that the model supports VoiceView.
- Kindle e-readers need Bluetooth audio for VoiceView, so plan to use Bluetooth headphones or a speaker.
- Fire tablets also offer screen magnification and high-contrast text for low vision.
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Refreshable braille display
A refreshable braille display raises pins to show one line of braille at a time. Paired with a phone or computer, it lets you read any text in braille.
What to check before buying
- Number of cells: 20 to 40 cells is common. More cells show more text but cost more.
- Bluetooth and USB connections, and support for your phone or screen reader.
- Whether it has a braille keyboard for typing.
- Many states have programs that help pay for braille displays. Ask your state vocational rehabilitation agency before buying.
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DAISY and talking book players
DAISY players are designed for audiobooks, with tactile buttons to jump between chapters and bookmarks. If you qualify for NLS, you can borrow a player for free, so a purchase makes sense mainly if you want extra features or a spare.
What to check before buying
- Large, distinct buttons you can learn by touch.
- Support for the book formats and services you use.
- Battery life for a full day of listening.
Magnifiers for low vision
If you read with some usable vision, a magnifier can make print readable again. Handheld video magnifiers show enlarged text on a screen with high-contrast color modes.
What to check before buying
- Magnification range, and whether a video magnifier offers high-contrast modes (such as white on black).
- Built-in light, since good lighting often matters as much as magnification.
- Screen size for video magnifiers: a larger screen shows more words at once.
- A low vision specialist can recommend the right power for your eyes.
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Free apps that read print aloud
Smartphone apps such as Seeing AI and Be My Eyes can read mail, labels, and documents aloud using the phone camera. A phone stand or neck mount helps you hold the camera steady while you work.
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