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Best Apps for Blind Users

Best Apps for Blind Users - Ablr Blog Post

There’s a growing list of accessible tools designed to support your independence, confidence, and happiness. Navigation, entertainment, and home management have all become simpler, safer, and more enjoyable with the right apps. If you’re adjusting to sight loss, we want you to know that technology is constantly changing what’s possible for people in our community.

Apps That Make Everyday Tasks Easier

Smartphones have become powerful accessibility tools, especially when paired with apps designed for low vision and blindness. Below is a list, in no particular order, of some of our favorite apps that support the blind and low vision community with everyday tasks.

  1. Seeing AI (iOS): This app was developed by Microsoft and uses your phone’s camera to describe the world around you. It reads printed text, identifies objects and colors, recognizes people’s faces, and even detects light levels.

Seeing AI Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2017
  • 4.7 average star rating
  • Free
  1. Be My Eyes (iOS/Android): This app connects you with sighted volunteers or company representatives who provide real-time video assistance. Whether you’re checking an expiration date, identifying a product, or reading a label, it offers quick access to visual information through human support or built-in AI tools.

Be My Eyes Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2015
  • 4.8 average star rating
  • Free
  1. Aira (iOS/Android): Aira offers on-demand, professional agents trained to assist blind and low vision users. They can guide you through airports, help fill out forms, or describe surroundings, all through your phone’s camera. This app is best for professionals assistance for complex tasks.

Aira Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2015
  • 4.6 average star rating
  • Paid subscription
  1. Cash Reader (iOS/Android): When handling cash, Cash Reader identifies banknotes by sound or vibration. It supports dozens of currencies and works offline, which is especially helpful when traveling.

Cash Reader Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2014
  • 4.5 average star rating
  • Paid (one-time purchase)
  1. Envision AI (iOS/Android): Like Seeing AI, Envision AI reads text, scans barcodes, and describes scenes. It also integrates with smart glasses, allowing for hands-free use during tasks like shopping or organizing paperwork.

Envision Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2018
  • 4.6 average star rating
  • Free with optional paid upgrades

Navigation Apps

Navigating the world independently is one of the biggest challenges after sight loss. However, these navigation apps can help you move confidently, both indoors and outdoors.

  1. Voice Vista (iOS/Android): An audio-based navigation app that provides turn-by-turn directions using clear verbal cues. It’s especially useful for walking routes, helping you stay aligned and aware of nearby points of interest.

Voice Vista Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2019
  • 4.3 average star rating
  • Free
  1. GoodMaps Explore (iOS/Android): Designed for indoor navigation, GoodMaps Explore provides detailed descriptions of nearby landmarks, stores, and facilities. It’s particularly helpful in places like airports, malls, and university campuses.

GoodMaps Explore Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2020
  •  4.4 average star rating
  •  Free
  1. Moovit and Transit (iOS/Android): Both of these apps offer accessible public transit information, including live bus and train updates. They’re compatible with screen readers and include haptic feedback options for additional guidance.

Moovit Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2011
  • 4.5 average star rating
  • Free

Transit Quick details:

  • Launched in 2013
  • 4.6 average star rating
  • Free with optional paid features
  1. RideOnTime (iOS): Ideal for public transportation, RideOnTime reads LED signboards at bus stops and train stations aloud. Simply point your phone’s camera toward the display, and it will announce the arrival times and routes clearly. This app works best in areas where transit agencies officially support it, such as the NYC subway system and Long Island Rail Road.

RideOnTime Quick details:

  • Launched in 2018
  • 4.2 average star rating
  • Free
  1. OKO (iOS):An accessibility app that uses your phone’s camera and audio feedback to identify pedestrian traffic lights and crosswalk signals. It announces walk signals, direction, and remaining time, which can be helpful at busy or unfamiliar intersections.

OKO Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2021
  • 4.0 average star rating
  • Free with optional paid features

Reading, Writing, and Learning Tools

From books to note-taking, these apps make information more accessible and help keep you organized.

  1. BARD Mobile (iOS/Android): Through the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, BARD Mobile gives you free access to thousands of audiobooks, magazines, and music scores.

BARD Mobile Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2014
  • 4.7 average star rating
  • Free for eligible users
  1. Bookshare (via Dolphin EasyReader or Voice Dream Reader): Bookshare provides an extensive library of accessible eBooks. Paired with apps like Voice Dream Reader, you can customize reading speed, voices, and text formatting. This app is best for students and professionals who need accessible books.

Bookshare Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2002
  • 4.6 average star rating (platform dependent)
  • Free or low-cost
  1. Just Press Record (iOS): Perfect for quick notes, meetings, or reminders, this app records and transcribes audio into searchable text.

Just Press Record Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2016
  • 4.9 average star rating
  • Paid (one-time purchase)
  1. Voice Dream Reader (iOS/Android): A popular tool for users needing highly customizable text-to-speech reading. It can read digital text out loud from documents, emails, and web pages. You can adjust voices and pacing to make listening more comfortable.

Voice Dream Reader Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2013
  • 4.8 average star rating
  • Paid
  1. ChatGPT (iOS/Android): Beyond answering questions, ChatGPT can help summarize long articles, explain complex topics, or draft emails, all through voice commands or typing. It’s become a versatile tool for work, learning, and daily organization.

ChatGPT Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2022
  • 4.7 average star rating
  • Free with paid plans

Smart Home and Daily Living Apps

Managing your home is easier when your devices work with voice or touch-free controls.

  1. LG ThinQ and SmartThings (iOS/Android): Both apps let you control compatible appliances like washers, dryers, and ovens directly from your phone. You can check status updates, start cycles, or receive alerts without needing to see a screen.

LG ThinQ Quick details:

  • Launched in 2016
  • 4.4 average star rating
  • Free

SmartThings Quick details:

  • Launched in 2014
  • 4.5 average star rating
  • Free
  1. Amazon Alexa and Google Home (iOS/Android): These virtual assistants help with everything from setting timers to adjusting lights. Their voice commands are accessible and easy to learn, making them useful for daily routines.

Amazon Alexa Quick details:

  • Launched in 2014
  • 4.5 average star rating
  • Free

Google Home Quick details:

  • Launched in 2016
  • 4.4 average star rating
  • Free
  1. Ecobee (iOS/Android): A smart thermostat that works well with voice assistants, letting you manage home temperature by voice or through an accessible app interface.

Ecobee Quick Details:

  • Launched in 2009
  • 4.6 average star rating
  • Free with device
  1. August and Schlage Home (iOS/Android): Both apps work with smart locks, allowing keyless entry through your phone or a voice assistant. They can also share temporary access with guests or family.

August Quick details:

  • Launched in 2014
  • 4.4 average star rating
  • Free with device

Schlage Quick details:

  • Launched in 2015
  • 4.3 average star rating
  • Free with device

Entertainment and Community

Staying connected and entertained is an important part of maintaining quality of life.

  1. Audible (iOS/Android): One of the most popular audiobook platforms, Audible offers a wide selection of fiction, non-fiction, and podcasts. Many users pair it with sleep timers or smart speakers for hands-free listening.

Audible Quick details:

  • Launched in 2008
  • 4.6 average star rating
  • Paid subscription
  1. Hoopla (iOS/Android): A digital library service that lets you borrow audiobooks, eBooks, movies, TV shows, and music using your library card. Hoopla’s audiobooks and spoken content make it a popular option for accessible entertainment without a subscription.

Hoopla Quick details:

  • Launched in 2013
  • 4.7 average star rating
  • Free with a participating library card
  1. Libby (iOS/Android): An app by OverDrive that allows you to borrow audiobooks and eBooks from your local library. Libby is known for its clean, accessible interface and works well with screen readers for long-form listening and reading.

Libby Quick details:

  • Launched in 2017
  • 4.8 average star rating
  • Free with a participating library card
  1. Accessible Games: Games like Land of Livia, Wordvoyance, Sonar Islands, and Audio Wizards are designed for blind players with voice navigation and sound-based gameplay.
  1. Mastodon Clients like Toot! or Mona: Accessible social media platforms that make it easier to connect with other blind users and communities worldwide.

Tips for Choosing and Using Accessibility Apps

It can be tempting to download every app at once, but start small so you don’t get overwhelmed. Begin with one or two tools that fit your most immediate needs and build from there. Take advantage of built-in accessibility features like VoiceOver on iPhone or TalkBack on Android to make using new apps easier. Online groups for blind and low vision users are also great places to exchange experiences and discover which tools work best in real life. Finally, keep your apps and devices updated. Developers are constantly improving accessibility features, and staying current ensures you get the best possible experience.

Technology That Supports Your Independence

The right technology can make life more accessible and fulfilling. Each of these apps listed throughout the article were created to help you live more independently, stay connected, and keep doing what you love. Adapting to sight loss takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right mix of apps, tools, and support, technology can be one of your strongest allies. Follow along on our blog for more helpful tips, advice, resources, and stories that educate, inspire, and empower.

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