Best Apps for Students With Dyslexia – 2026 Update

by | Resources | 12 comments

Updated for 2026: This post reflects current apps, accessibility features, and tools that work well for students with dyslexia — and many that also support ADHD and executive functioning.

If your child struggles with reading, writing, organization, or focus, the right apps can make learning more accessible, less exhausting, and far more confidence‑building. These tools are not about shortcuts — they are assistive supports that allow students with dyslexia to show what they know and continue making progress.

Below you’ll find the best current apps, organized by learning need, along with notes on platforms and strengths.

assistive technology in the form of apps are super helpful for students with dyslexia

Reading Support (Text‑to‑Speech & OCR)

Text-to-Speech (TTS) converts written text into spoken audio, allowing students with dyslexia to listen to content instead of decoding every word themselves.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) turns scanned pages or photos of text (like worksheets or book pages) into readable, selectable text that can then be read aloud or edited.

These apps help students access text — a cornerstone support for dyslexia.

Voice Dream Reader: Text-to-Speech Reader

Best for: Listening to books, PDFs, and web articles

  • High‑quality voices
  • Customizable font, spacing, and highlighting
  • Works with Bookshare and Learning Ally
    Platforms: iOS, iPadOS

NaturalReader: Text-to-Speech

Best for: Web‑based and cross‑platform text‑to‑speech

  • Reads PDFs, Google Docs, and webpages
  • Useful for older students and parents
    Platforms: Web, iOS, Android

Speechify

Best for:

  • Reads text aloud from almost any source
  • Supports OCR (optical character recognition): Take a photo or screenshot of printed text and it reads it aloud.
  • Customizable playback: You can change the reading speed (up to ~4.5× normal speed) and pick from many natural-sounding voices.
  • Platforms: Works on iOS, Android, desktop apps, and as a browser extension.

Speech Central: Text-to-Speech

Best for: Long‑form reading and articles

  • Strong voice quality
  • Good for students who fatigue easily when reading
    Platforms: iOS, macOS, Windows

Speak4Me

Best for: Converting documents and web text to audio

  • Simple interface
  • Good option for middle & high school students
    Platforms: Web, mobile

Microsoft Immersive Reader (Free, Built‑In Tool)

Best for: Customizable reading support

  • Adjusts font, spacing, line focus, and background color
  • Reads text aloud with highlighting
    Platforms: Microsoft Word, OneNote, Edge, Teams

Writing, Spelling & Grammar Support

These tools help students get ideas out without being blocked by spelling or mechanics.

Ghotit Real Writer

Best for: Dyslexia‑specific spelling and grammar help

  • Context‑aware corrections
  • Designed specifically for dyslexic writers
    Platforms: Web, Windows

ClaroSpeak

Best for: Text-to-speech, word prediction

  • Reads back student writing
  • Helps catch errors through listening
    Platforms: iOS, Android

Co:Writer

Best for: Word prediction and sentence support, including sppecj-to-text

  • Reduces writing frustration
  • Common accommodation in schools
    Platforms: Web, Chrome, iOS

Study Skills, Notes & Organization

AudioNote

Best for: Note‑taking with audio support

  • Syncs written notes with recorded audio
  • Helpful for lectures and videos
    Platforms: iOS, Android

Prizmo

Best for: Scanning text and listening

  • OCR for worksheets and books
  • Converts photos to readable text
    Platforms: iOS

Executive Function & ADHD Support

Many dyslexic students also struggle with planning, time management, and task initiation.

Tiimo (New)

Best for: Visual schedules and time awareness

  • Designed for neurodivergent users
  • Excellent for teens and adults
    Platforms: iOS, Android, Web

Brili (New)

Best for: Routines and task sequencing

  • Breaks tasks into manageable steps
  • Especially helpful for younger students
    Platforms: Web, iOS

Inflow (New)

Best for: ADHD coaching and strategy support

  • Teaches skills, not just tools
  • Popular with teens and parents
    Platforms: iOS, Android

Focus – ADHD Organizer & Timer (New)

Best for: Focus sessions and habit tracking

  • Combines timers with motivation
    Platforms: iOS, Android

Flashcards & Memory Tools

Flashcards Deluxe

Best for: Custom study decks

  • Audio‑supported flashcards
  • Good for vocabulary and facts
    Platforms: iOS, Android

Quizlet

  • Interactive flashcards
  • Includes practice tests
  • Study activities

How to Choose the Right Apps

Start with an area of most need. Most students with dyslexia start with audio versions of books. See my list of best audiobook resources here.

Next, many kids with dyslexia get a lot of support and freedom with a text-to-speech program that allows them to speak their amazing ideas into a document with out being hindered by poor spelling skills (a very common thing right through high school for many students with dyslexia).

No student needs every app. A few well‑chosen tools used consistently is far more effective than an overloaded tech setup.

For more help in getting started with assistive technology, see this post.

A Final Encouragement

Assistive technology does not replace teaching — it removes barriers. When students with dyslexia are supported appropriately, they can read, write, learn, and think at high levels.

If you’re unsure which tools are right for your child or how to implement them effectively in your homeschool, that’s exactly the kind of support I provide through my classes and consultations.

You are not behind. Your child is not broken. And learning can get easier with the right supports in place.

As our dyslexic kids enter the middle school years I begin to add the use of assistive technology to their homeschool goals.  One way we do this is through apps. The best apps for students with dyslexia are listed here.

 

 

12 Comments

  1. Yvonna Graham

    What a great post! This is a wonderful list of assistive tech for dyslexics. I’ve been using Voice Dream Reader and Voice Dream Writer with students and it’s a huge learning tool, since the student can easily track along with the voice. I’m going to share this list with my students. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Joan M. Brennan

    Great list of apps here! Thank you for taking the time to compile this good list AND provide it for us.

    Some of your good readers might also be interested in knowing about the Reading Focus Cards desktop app (Patent 8,360,779) for Macs & Win PCs. It is helpful for persons of all ages w/ dyslexia & other reading issues—especially when experienced in combination with ADHD.

    For more information that includes the links above, please visit the “Teachers With Apps” website and read the blog article there about this innovative and customizable desktop app: http://www.teacherswithapps.com/research-based-literacy-tool-evolves-helpful-app-struggling-readers/.

    Thanks again for the wonderful list of dyslexia apps—AND for ALL you do to help parents and their families of children with reading and learning challenges!

    Happy Reading!
    Joan M. Brennan
    Reading Specialist
    http://www.FocusandRead.com

    Reply
    • Marianne

      Thank you Joan!

      Reply
  3. Cindy Tedeschi

    Love this site and it’s a great resource for parents, teachers and students, but I do get overwhelmed with all the technology out there. Wish I had someone who could say yes this one is definitely worthwhile and not a waste of money, or this app is for teenagers etc, …. Having a relunctant teenager is hell.

    Reply
  4. Romeo Zegna

    I had a lot of success using a different TTS program not listed here, called Neospeech. My students love them and sometimes cant tell that they are voice programs.

    Reply
  5. Kristin

    Dragon Anywhere is a free app, but you must subscribe to use it. I need something that helps with speech to text. Thank you for the resources.

    Reply
  6. Christine

    Do you have an update to this list? I noticed that Speechify and Snap and Read aren’t on here. We’ve been using those for a couple of years and they are super helpful but I’m looking for something better for dictation or speech to text.

    Reply
  7. susan mon pere

    Hi
    I was wondering if you were aware of TacScreen? TacScreen is a tactile learning screen that was created while my son with dyslexia, ADHD and auditory processing was going through Orton Gillingham tutoring. My son is now helping me to develop a new app as well. I’d love to show you the app and send you a sample of TacScreen. Thanks so much! Susan

    Reply
  8. Ursula

    Hi Marianne, would you be interested in evaluating another app – KOBI?

    KOBI allows you to take a picture of text (or import it) and then use a number of tools to make reading easier.

    “Daily reading practice and reading for pleasure are crucial for the development of reading skills. KOBI provides support so that reading can be enjoyable and motivating even for struggling readers. It eliminates problematic factors (inappropriate letter type and size, line-height, background color), provides support (focus frame, word-to-speech, colored letters) and nourishes the motivation by showing the child how much he or she is progressing.”

    We would love to hear what you think of it, and would be happy to pass on some free codes for your kids. Let us know 🙂

    Ursula & KOBI team
    https://kobiapp.io

    Reply
  9. Liz

    Hello, love these suggestions…wondering if you have an updated list for 2022?

    Reply
  10. Jo

    I clicked on the links for several apps that you have reviewed, but the apps seem to be no longer available. It would be super helpful if you would consider updating this list with current recommendations.

    Reply
    • Marianne

      Thanks Jo. I’m on it!

      Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Technology Integration For Students With Dyslexia | ck - […] Best Apps for Students With Dyslexia | Homeschooling with … – As our kids enter the middle school years…
  2. The Best Resources for Homeschooling a Child With Dyslexia - […] The Best Apps for Students with Dyslexia […]
  3. Learning Disabilities and Mental Health; What Parents Need to Know – Nichols Counseling LLC - […] to text software, audio books (http://learningally.org , https://www.bookshare.org/cms/) and the apps that have been created to make it just…
  4. Dislexia in Learners, the Technological Way Out – Gozio Digitech-Edge - […] Homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com – Best Apps for Students with Dyslexia (assistive technology software, not instructional software) […]
  5. 20 Essential Resources For Homeschooling With Dyslexia – - […] The Best Apps for Students with Dyslexia […]
  6. Maniere hoe tegnologie leerders met disleksie en ander leerprobleme kan bevoordeel | Onnies Online - […] Best Apps for Students With Dyslexia […]
  7. 10 Important Facts About Learning Disabilities and Online College - […] taking technology. Tools such as these can be a make-or-break for college students with ADHD and dyslexia, among other…
  8. WHAT IS DYSLEXIA – Minerva's Wings - […] WHAT IS DYSLEXIA Dyslexia is a learning disability in which a person finds it difficult to read and write.…
  9. Do Specialised Dyslexia Fonts Actually Work? - Mój Blog - […] in a broader toolkit for supporting dyslexic readers. Different methods, akin to utilizing assistive know-how (like text-to-speech software program),…

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *