The top 5 reader pens for dyslexia – the ultimate guide

I’m always surprised that more families and schools don’t use reader pens for dyslexia. They are a great piece of assistive technology and will change the way any child with dyslexia learns – they are a total gamechanger!

What is a reader pen?

A reader pen (also known as a dyslexia pen reader) is a portable and compact device designed to encourage and enable independent reading for anyone who struggles with dyslexia and other literacy based learning difficulties. They are designed to feel like a large pen and feature OCR technology (Optical Character Recognition) which enables the user to scan and highlight any text (both typed and handwritten). It will then read it aloud to the user in real time. They can be used with editing software and dictionary programs to assist with reading comprehension and even help the user learn a foreign language.

What are the benefits of reader pens for dyslexia?

Dyslexia pen readers have a number of distinct and extremely useful functions that other assistive tools (scanning pens, note-taking app, speech programs, text readers etc.) can’t do. These include:

• They work in real time
• They can also be used as dictionaries to help with learning a foreign language
• They (usually) require no wifi
• They have internal storage – to save text and audio recordings.
• They are really quick and simple to use

My top 5 reader pens for dyslexia (click on the link to find out more):

The Scanmarker Air (#ad) is one of the best e-readers on the market and our personal favourite. It offers several useful features, including:

Scanmarker Air Pen Scanner & Translation Pen | Reading Pen for Dyslexia, Students & Professionals - Compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS & Android

• SAVE TIME & BOOST PRODUCTIVITY: Create summaries faster than ever! Simply open the web app, connect your pen scanner, and slide it across a line of printed text — watch it appear instantly on your screen! This versatile scanner pen is perfect for busy students and professionals. Note: Connection to a computer or mobile device is required to operate the scanner.
• POWERFUL LANGUAGE TRANSLATOR DEVICE: Enjoy accurate and rapid multilingual OCR scanning. This translation pen supports over 140 languages, seamlessly integrating into our web app or applications like Microsoft Word. Whether you need a pen translator for travel or academic use, the Scanmarker Air is your go-to tool.
• TEXT TO SPEECH FOR ENHANCED LEARNING: The Scanmarker app reads the text aloud in real-time while scanning! Perfect for memorization and reading comprehension, this reader pen also serves as an effective assistive tool for those with dyslexia or reading difficulties. Ideal as a reading pen for dyslexia or any learning challenge.
• ULTRA PORTABLE & CONVENIENT: Scan and edit on the go! The Scanmarker Air is a lightweight, wireless translator pen, designed for ultimate portability. Easily connect to computers, smartphones, or tablets via Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, making it ideal for scanning, translating, and editing anywhere.
• FREE SUPPORT & 1-YEAR WARRANTY: Questions or concerns? We offer free software updates and 24/7 technical support for the lifetime of your product. With no hidden fees, we also provide a full one-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind with every purchase.

$149.00

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• Wireless Connectivity
• Multiple Language Recognition: The device recognizes and scans text in over 40 languages, making it a versatile tool for international users.
• Quick and Accurate Scanning: The Scanmarker Air scans text quickly and accurately, reducing the time and effort required to manually copy text.
• Multiple Font Recognition: It can recognize and scan text in a variety of fonts and styles, including cursive and italicized text.
• Text-to-Speech Conversion: Perfect for kids with dyslexia
• Compact and Portable: The device is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around and use on-the-go.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: The Scanmarker Air is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

****SALE**** Get your Scanmarker Reader for just $149! Reduced from $249

The C-Pen Reader 2 (#ad) is one of the more expensive options on the market but, comes with some excellent features including:

C Pen Text to Speech Reader Pen 2 - OCR Scanning Device for Reading, Literacy & Learning | Assistive Tool for Dyslexia & Learning Differences | Tests, Meetings, Study | Windows & Mac

• 🔊 TEXT TO SPEECH: Scan full sentences or single words of printed text and listen to it being read out automatically via AI-based text recognition in different accents! No wifi required.
• 📃 BUILT-IN DICTIONARY: The electronic smart digital scanner can define & read aloud the meaning of any word you get stuck on, with an audio boost setting for better hearing making it perfect for all ages. For those with dyslexia, sight impairment, learning difficulties or language learners.
• 🤓 FASTER LEARNING: Multi-sensory learning is more efficient than reading alone. Listen to the text being read aloud in fast mode or louder and clearer while reading along to make stressful testing & studying a breeze!
• 🌎 MULTI-LANGUAGE & DIALECT: Our e reader pen recognizes & speaks in English, French & Spanish. Perfect for travelling with, working at home or school when you need a quick portable translator.
• 💫 LIBRARY STORAGE: Our Reader 2 can also store your scanned text, & it can be uploaded to your device via USB transfer. Perfect for adding text to your essays or work documents. With 5GB of storage, you’ll have up to 600k pages with up to 3 days of continuous voice memos.

$305.00

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• Text-to-speech: The C-Pen Reader 2 has a natural-sounding voice, making it easier for users to comprehend and retain information.
• Translation: The device can translate text in multiple languages, making it useful for people who need to read materials in different languages.
• Dictionary: The C-Pen Reader 2 has a built-in dictionary that can define words and provide context for better understanding.
• Voice recorder: Users can record their own voice and save it as a voice memo for future reference or study.
• Scan and store: The C-Pen Reader 2 can scan and store up to 10,000 pages of text, allowing users to access and review information later.
• Easy to use: The device is designed to be simple and intuitive, with a lightweight and ergonomic design that makes it easy to hold and use for extended periods of time.
• Rechargeable battery: The C-Pen Reader 2 has a long-lasting rechargeable battery that can provide up to 6 hours of continuous use.

The NEWYES Scan Reader Pen 4 (#ad) is excellent value and you can choose between American or British accents. Other features include:

Reading Pen for Dyslexia,NEWYES Scan Reader Pen 4 Text to Speech Device Translator Pen, Photo Translation OCR 16GB Bluetooth Pen Scanner for Students Adults (Scan Reader Pen 4 Pro)

• 【Dyslexia Reading Mode】Can adjust speed and pause time of each word. British accent and American accent optional. Help Dyslexia group overcome reading difficulties.
• 【Text to Speech & Phonetic Translation】Scan and read it aloud. The speed and pause time can be adjusted. Also support phonetic recognition and translation. Ideal for travel, restaurant ordering, asking the way and etc..
• 【Photo Translation】The device has a built-in 500-megapixel camera, allowing users to take a photo and accurately translate text from an image quickly.
• 【Real-time Text Extraction】Slide your Scan Reader Pen and instantly make the transcribed text appear on the screen! Surprisingly, no additional software is required, you can have the scanned text simultaneously on your phone, tablet, or computer! Moreover, you can translate your scanned content into 112 languages with one click and export them to txt/doc/pdf format!
• 【EN-EN Dictionary & 5 Lauguage Dictionary】Built in Collins EN-EN dictionary, NEWYES Scanner Reader Pen help you search definitions when reading. Kids can use this function to learn close reading. Also built in EN-ES、EN-FR、EN-CN、EN-IT、EN-DE dictionary, this pen scanner can explain the meaning of the words in detail in 5 lauguage.

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• Adjustable speed and pause time of each word
• Scan and read function
• Phonetic recognition
• Photo translation – (translate text from an image) with a built in camera
• Real-time Extraction – see the scanned text appear simultaneously on your phone, tablet or computer
• ability to export into .txt, .doc. and pdf formats
• Translation into 112 languages available
• Built in Collins dictionary

The Rocket Reader Pen (#ad) is popular with kids with dyslexia. It offers a number of features including:

Rocket Pen Reading Tutor is More Than Just a Text to Speech Reader Pen. Make Reading Your New Super Power Using Its Six Methods to Master Reading. Scans Both Print and Onscreen. No PC Needed.

• READING TUTOR: The only reading pen with six learn-to-read functions: spelling, syllabication (how the word is "built"), lookup of phrasal verbs, lookup of idiomatic expressions, colors for different dictionary fields, and it highlights words as it reads from scanned text
• READER PEN: You scan, it reads aloud individual words and even multiple lines of text in natural voice. Earbuds automatically mute the built-in speaker to avoid classroom stigma. Select different voices for playback, lefthand or righthand use, left or right scan direction
• SCANS ANY SURFACE. Scans phone, tablet, PC, other screens - not just paper. Comes ready to use, no setup needed, easily customized. 1.9 inch color touch screen; Physical buttons for screenless scan and read; Select English or Spanish user interface
• MULTIPLE BUILT-IN DICTIONARIES: New Oxford American Dictionary with Oxford Thesaurus of English (Americanized), Oxford American Children’s Dictionary with Oxford American Children’s Thesaurus, and English to Spanish dictionary
• COMES COMPLETE. Self-contained, no computer or Wi-Fi required. Kit includes Rocket Pen reading tutor, USB charging cable, Quick Start Guide, and earphones. Meets FCC, ROHS and CE standards

$399.00

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• A playback text to speech feature – no amount of text will be too hard to understand or difficult to read
• Translation available
• Text scanning option
• Helps with spelling
• No wifi required

The PenPower WorldPenScan Reader Pen is one of the more affordable options. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s in any way inferior. Some of the most useful features include:

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PenPower WorldPenScan Go | Text to Speech Reader Pen | Scan to Chromebook, PC, MacBook, Desktops | Assistive Software for Dyslexia, ESL, and Literacy

• TEXT TO SPEECH - Scan words, phrases, or full sentences with our digital scanning pen to turn them into audio. Our proprietary AI-based text recognition and text-to-speech technology can read, understand, and speak 57 languages aloud to support reading comprehension and pronunciation without needing a tutor or mobile phone.
• BUILT-IN DICTIONARY & THESAURUS: Scan words and terms to (1) define and provide example sentences for on-the-go learning, as well as (2) learn to pronounce them out loud. Perfect for individuals with dyslexia, learning difficulties, and sight impairment, as well as for language learners, students of all ages, working professionals, or those just looking to expand their vocabulary.
• SEND TEXT & RECORDINGS TO PC / LAPTOP - Easy Wi-Fi-enabled software integration with our online interface ScanNote. Scan and record to automatically send text and audio to classroom Chromebooks, PCs, laptops, or any device you open ScanNote on.
• SCAN, SAVE, REPLAY, AND REVISIT ON PC - Scan words and phrases once and repeatedly listen on your PC by connecting to ScanNote, an immersive reader, enhancing the learning and reading experience with layout change, font change, highlight, and dictionary.
• MULTI-LANGUAGE SUPPORT- Our proprietary language recognition and context comprehension technology can recognize, define, and speak in 57 languages with a Wi-Fi connection. Our digital scanning pen is perfect as an on-the-go tool for travel, exams, schoolwork, and more.

$126.65

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• Text to speech function
• Speech to text
• Scan to translate function with 55 languages supported
• Standalone and wireless

I recommend all five of these reader pens for all kids with dyslexia. They will help them to overcome any block they may have with reading and ensure that they develop a love of all things literature. Unlock their imagination with the chance to sit and read on their own. They deserve the chance to learn in an inclusive environment.

Dyslexia does not need to hold your child back. Yes, they may have to work slightly harder, yes they will require additional support, however they have just as much chance to fly as any other child in their class.

Click here for my top tools for dyslexia.

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However, this has in no way influenced my choice of what I have listed in this post.