NVDA VS Orca Screen Reader

Compare NVDA VS Orca Screen Reader and see what are their differences

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Orca Screen Reader

Orca is a free, open source, flexible, and extensible screen reader that provides access to the...

Landing page //
2023-03-15

Landing page //
2019-04-21

NVDA features and specs

Free and Open Source
NVDA is completely free to use and open source, allowing users to access screen reading technology without cost barriers and enabling developers to contribute to its improvement.
Wide Platform Compatibility
NVDA works on numerous Windows versions, making it accessible to a broad range of users and ensuring compatibility with various systems and applications.
Regular Updates
The NVDA community and developers provide frequent updates that improve stability, add features, and ensure compatibility with the latest software and technologies.
User-Friendly
Designed to be intuitive and easy to use, NVDA offers an accessible interface and various support resources, making it suitable for individuals new to screen readers.
Multi-Language Support
NVDA supports multiple languages, broadening its usability globally and catering to a diverse user base.

Possible disadvantages of NVDA

Limited to Windows
NVDA is specifically designed for Windows, limiting its use for those on other operating systems like macOS or Linux.
Microsoft Environment Dependence
Its optimal use is often within the Microsoft ecosystem, which may not be as advantageous for users who frequently interact with non-Microsoft applications or systems.
TTS Engine Quality
The default Text-to-Speech (TTS) engine may not offer the highest quality voice synthesis available, which might affect the user experience for some individuals.
Learning Curve
Despite being user-friendly, there is still a learning curve associated with fully utilizing screen reader features, particularly for users with no prior experience.
Performance with Complex Documents
NVDA may struggle with complex documents or websites where dynamic content and intricate navigation are involved, potentially impacting accessibility.

Orca Screen Reader features and specs

Free and Open Source
Orca is a free and open-source screen reader, which means it doesn't require users to purchase a license, and its source code is accessible for customization and improvement by the community.
Customization Options
Orca provides various options for customization, allowing users to tailor the screen reader to meet their specific requirements and preferences, such as configuring speech, braille, and magnification settings.
Integration with GNOME
Orca seamlessly integrates with the GNOME desktop environment, providing a more cohesive user experience for those using Linux distributions that utilize GNOME.
Support for Multiple Accessibility Features
Orca supports a wide range of accessibility features, including speech synthesis, braille output, and keyboard shortcuts, which enhances accessibility for users with different needs.
Regular Updates
Being a part of the GNOME project, Orca benefits from regular updates and improvements, ensuring that it keeps evolving and addressing user feedback and technological advancements.

Possible disadvantages of Orca Screen Reader

Limited to Linux
Orca is primarily designed for the Linux operating system, which may limit its accessibility for users who are on different platforms such as Windows or macOS.
Complex Setup for New Users
For users unfamiliar with Linux, especially those new to the GNOME desktop environment, setting up and configuring Orca can be complex and may require additional guidance.
Dependent on GNOME
While its integration with GNOME is a pro, this also means users who prefer or are required to use other desktop environments may not experience the same level of integration and might face compatibility issues.
Performance Variability
The performance of Orca can vary based on the specific Linux distribution and the configuration of the underlying system, leading to inconsistent user experiences.
Limited Awareness and Support
Compared to more widely known screen readers like JAWS or NVDA, Orca may have limited user awareness and community support, which can make finding help or resources more challenging.

NVDA videos

+ Add

Screen Reader Basics: NVDA -- A11ycasts #09

Orca Screen Reader videos

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How to set up linux environment with screen reader using Ubuntu and GNOME Orca screen reader

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to NVDA and Orca Screen Reader)

Orca Screen Reader

Text To Speech

60 60%

Text To Speech

40% 40

59 59%

41% 41

Grammar Checker

59 59%

Grammar Checker

41% 41

Affiliate Marketing

58 58%

Affiliate Marketing

42% 42

User comments

Share your experience with using NVDA and Orca Screen Reader. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, NVDA seems to be a lot more popular than Orca Screen Reader. While we know about 11 links to NVDA, we've tracked only 1 mention of Orca Screen Reader. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

NVDA mentions (11)

a really weird dream I had, any thoughts?
I feel I should mention that I'm blind, so my dreams can get pretty weird from what I've heard. I don't see in them, sadly, if you wanted to know, and I'm using what simplifies to the classic computer voice to type this. Specifically, [nvda](https://nvaccess.org). Source: over 1 year ago
made an actually good sounding song yesterday
Last thing; since it gets asked a lot, I type and go on my computer with [nvda](https://nvaccess.org). Just thought I would add it here because I don't feel like answering this one again hahaha. Source: over 1 year ago
Any way to contact the developers without signing up to their forum?
I found a bug though with screen reader support and the numbering of items in playlists with foobar2000 on Windows. I'm blind, and using NVDA on my PC to access foobar2000. You can read more about NVDA here. https://nvaccess.org. Source: about 2 years ago
Totally blind software engineer, searching for a motherboard for a CPU heavy workstation
Window Eyes... Now that's a blast from the past! I use (and contribute code to) NVDA. The Pi KVM looks interesting! Source: about 2 years ago
Totally blind Microsoft employee in downtown Bellevue, contemplating moving at the end of my lease
Yes, I use a screen reader and also make code contributions to it! Source: about 2 years ago

Orca Screen Reader mentions (1)

Patient wants what he wants so I just need to shut up and give it to him. Ok
GNOME is a desktop environment, a way of enabling the user to interact with and use the computer. If you install Ubuntu Linux, it's what you get. I believe it also includes the Orca screenreader. I'm fairly certain that it also includes a night mode by default. Here's a link to some accessibility information too. Source: almost 4 years ago