Reading Supports

Read&Write and Immersive Reader are the only options that can be used with desktop applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Acrobat Reader, etc.). Snap&Read and Natural Reader are browser-based options. Depending on your reading needs, it may make sense to have “several tools in the toolbox”.

Below, you will find a comparison chart to assist you with identifying how the core features of each application differs:

TTS Feature Comparison Chart

Features Read&Write Snap&Read Natural Reader Immersive Reader
Text-to-speech

 

X X X X
PDF Reader Tool

 

X X X
Screenshot Reader

 

X X
Simplify vocabulary (improves reading comprehension)

 

X* X
Mp3 creation (audio files)

 

X X
Pronunciation Editor

 

X X
Split words into syllables

 

X
Adjust styles (font size, styles, spacing, background color) X
Platform Availability Windows, Mac, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, iPadOS, Android Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge Google Chrome, iOS, Android Windows, Mac, Microsoft Edge, iOS, Android

 

X* – Available only in Read&Write for Chrome and Read&Write for Microsoft Edge

E-Readers

E-reader apps are basic TTS applications that are limited in functionality. In most instances, they only allow the ability to play/pause speech and change the speech synthesizer. Although they are not as feature-rich as applications like Read&Write or Natural Reader, they can still be useful for those who need basic text-to-speech support.

Audiobook Resources

Audiobook supports differ from text-speech tools in that the former is typically narrated with human voices. In many instances, it may be the author, a volunteer, or even a paid actor. See Audiobooks for more information.