Accessibility starts with the users’ perspective. One of the most effective ways to test if your website is truly accessible is by using a screen reader. In this post, we’ll show you how to do it — with free tools for PC, Mac, and mobile devices. Plus: why a real check by actual people remains indispensable.

What is a screen reader — and why should you test your website with it?

A screen reader is software that reads aloud the content of a website or outputs it in Braille. For people with visual impairments, it is the most important interface to the digital world. However, many sites are hardly usable with these tools — for example, due to missing image descriptions, unclear navigation, or incorrect heading structure.

Testing your website with a screen reader gives you a realistic impression of how accessible your content truly is.

The best free screen readers – for testing on your own

For Windows (PC)

• NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
  Free, open-source, and widely used. Ideal for realistic testing on Windows.
  Website: nvaccess.org
• Windows Narrator
  Built into Windows and easy to activate quickly using the keyboard shortcut Windows + Strg + Enter.

For macOS (Apple)

• VoiceOver
  Included in macOS. Can be activated using Cmd + F5 or via the Accessibility settings in System Preferences.

For iOS & Android (Smartphones)

• VoiceOver (iOS)
  Can be enabled under “Accessibility” settings. Works seamlessly with websites in Safari or Chrome.
• TalkBack (Android)
  Comes pre-installed on many Android devices. Can be activated under Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack.

What should you test?

• Is the content read aloud logically and completely?
• Are alternative texts provided for images?
• Does navigation work properly with the keyboard?
• Are forms and buttons correctly labeled?
• Is the heading structure clear and easy to follow?
• Is the site fully usable without a mouse?

Just a few minutes with a screen reader will give you valuable insights—and reveal whether your site is truly designed for accessibility.

Our Offer: Human Assessment Instead of Automated Reports

Automated tools or AI checks are a good first step — but they can’t replace a real evaluation by experts who truly understand web accessibility. That’s why we offer you a free, manual initial assessment of your website.

We review your site’s structure, readability, keyboard and screen reader usability — and provide honest feedback you can immediately put into action. No generic judgments, no AI-generated reports — just concrete advice based on real experience.

Get in touch with us now!

Summary: Self-Testing Is Just the Start — Real Guidance Takes You Further

Screen reader tests are a great way to begin your journey toward digital accessibility. They show how your content is perceived — and where issues arise. But a thorough evaluation requires more than just technology.

If you want your website to be truly accessible, we’re here to help — free of charge, without obligation, and with genuine care.

Simply send us your URL — we’ll review it personally.