Welcome to our comprehensive guide on browser plugins designed to support students with reading difficulties. We understand that accessing and comprehending online course content can sometimes pose challenges, and we’re here to help you find the right tools to make your learning journey smoother and more accessible. Whether you’re using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Enhancing the Learning Experience: Browser Plugins for Students with Reading Difficulties
Many students face reading challenges, whether due to dyslexia, visual stress, or processing difficulties. Fortunately, a range of browser extensions can make online learning more accessible, especially when navigating content-rich platforms like this one.
Here are some free (and optional premium) plugins designed to support students with reading difficulties across all major browsers:
Google Chrome
- Read Aloud (Free)
Reads text aloud using various voices, adjustable for speed and pitch. - Grammarly (Free & Premium)
Aids spelling and grammar while helping users rephrase complex sentences. - OpenDyslexic Font (Free)
Applies a dyslexia-friendly font to all websites, improving letter differentiation. - BeeLine Reader (Free & Premium)
Adds gradient colour overlays to help guide the eye and improve reading flow. - SpeakIt! (Free)
Converts selected text to speech, useful for specific passages. - Snap&Read Universal (Premium)
Provides read-aloud, translation, and simplified text versions.
Mozilla Firefox
- Read Aloud (Free)
Converts web text into spoken word using several voice options. - OpenDyslexic (Free)
Enables the OpenDyslexic font for easier reading. - Mercury Reader (via Chrome Extensions)
With a Chrome Extension compatibility add-on, you can use Mercury Reader to strip pages down to core content. - Spreeder (Free)
Helps boost reading fluency by training eye movement and word chunking. - NoSquint Plus (Free)
Allows zoom and colour settings to be saved on a per-site basis.
Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Learning Tools (Built-in)
Integrated into Edge via “Immersive Reader,” offering read-aloud, line focus, and grammar options. - EdgeText Reader (Free)
Adds OCR-based text-to-speech for images and scanned PDFs. - BeeLine Reader (Free & Premium)
- Cognixion Reader (Free)
Accessible reader that supports voice and visual aids.
Safari (macOS)
- Read&Write for Google Chrome (Free version available)
Compatible with Safari through TextHelp’s web interface, offering text-to-speech, dictionaries, and prediction tools. - SpeakIt! via Safari Extensions (Free)
- Mercury Reader (via Reader View)
Use Safari’s built-in Reader View to simplify content. - NoCoffee Vision Simulator (Free)
Chrome-only tool that can simulate visual impairments, useful for testing accessibility.
Opera
- Just Read (Free)
Simplifies pages to text-only mode, removing distractions. - Read Aloud (SpeakIt) (Free)
- Text-to-Speech (TTS) (Free)
- Moon+ Reader (for Android Opera browser) (Free)
Available as an Android reading tool, compatible with Opera Mobile.
Final Thoughts
These plugins aren’t magic wands—but they are powerful tools. Whether you’re completing RULEG exercises or navigating dense reading material, small adjustments to your browser can make a meaningful difference. Don’t be afraid to experiment, customise, and find the setup that works best for you.