Top 13 iOS and Android Apps for the Blind in 2024

In our most recent survey, we have gathered information from volunteers with firsthand experience in assisting visually impaired persons, with the intention of determining the apps that are truly of value. These applications include mobile apps for blind and the visually impaired with home navigation to social interactions, making their lives easier. We are happy to present you with these helpful tools today.

In the past, mobile apps were meant for convenience; now, they are crucial when it comes to performing routine activities if one is visually impaired. In this guide, we will take you through the best apps that solve such frustrations and improve the lives of the blind. So, whether you’re looking for a mobile app for blind users or Android apps for vision impaired, you’ll find great options here. 

Navigating the Indoors: Apps to Guide You Around Home

Navigating one’s own home can be a challenge for those with visual impairments. Fortunately, apps are turning smartphones into powerful visual guides. Here are some of the best apps for visually impaired people. 

Be My Eyes 

Price: Free to download

Be My Eyes is a breakthrough program that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and corporations via live video help. Available for iOS and Android, the app enables users to receive help with everyday tasks, such as reading labels or navigating new spaces, by connecting with a volunteer. 

Features: 

• Connects blind users with sighted volunteers via live video.
• Supports real-time assistance for everyday tasks, like reading labels and navigating.
• Now available on Ray-Ban Meta Glasses for hands-free use.

Benefits: 

• Empowers users to complete tasks independently.
• Expands accessibility through partnerships (e.g., Microsoft, Hilton).
• Provides social connection and confidence in navigating new spaces.

Aira 

Price: Free to download

Aira is a visual interpreting app that empowers blind and low-vision (BLV) individuals with on-demand, real-time assistance. Available for both iOS and Android, the app partners with organizations to provide free access to employees, students, and customers, fostering inclusivity and accessibility. 

Features:

• Visual interpreting service connecting users with trained agents for real-time support.
• Useful for navigation, shopping, and reading text.
• Partnerships with institutions offer free access to employees, students, and clients.

Benefits: 

• Helps BLV (blind and low-vision) users gain independence.
• Provides a more inclusive experience at work and school.
• Enhances daily mobility and task completion.

Seeing AI  

Price: Free to download

Seeing AI is a free app for the blind and low-vision community, using AI to narrate and interpret the world. It assists with everyday tasks like reading text, describing photos, identifying products, and recognizing people. The app is available for both Apple and Android users.

Features:  

• Uses AI to read text, identify objects, recognize people, and describe images.
• Continuously updated for the latest accessibility advancements.

Benefits: 

• Offers independence in navigating surroundings.
• Simplifies daily tasks, like reading and identifying products. 

Lookout by Google 

Price: Free to download

Using AI, Lookout reads documents, identifies currency, and provides auditory cues to assist users in navigating their homes. It’s an all-in-one app for users needing a bit of extra help around the house.  

Features:

• Utilizes AI to assist with reading documents, identifying currency, and providing audio cues.
• Customizable for various tasks within the home.
• Available for Android users.

Benefits: 

• Supports easy navigation of home spaces.
• Offers hands-free, voice-activated assistance.
• Facilitates reading and document handling.

Navigation Apps for Outdoor Mobility to Move Confidently 

Getting around outside can be daunting for the visually impaired, but these apps make travel safer and easier.  

BlindSquare 

Price: $39.99

BlindSquare combines GPS with audio cues to help users navigate urban areas. It describes the surroundings, giving users the confidence to explore parks, streets, and stores. 

Features:

• Integrates GPS with audio descriptions for outdoor navigation.
• Highlights landmarks, streets, and stores in the area.

Benefits: 

• Builds confidence in outdoor navigation.
• Offers audio cues for better spatial awareness.

Lazarillo

Price: Free to download

This GPS app provides directions and location descriptions specifically designed for visually impaired users. It’s a great choice for both everyday use and exploring new areas.

Features:

• GPS-guided app for both Android and iOS users with audio directions tailored for visually impaired users.
• Describes locations, streets, and landmarks.
• Ideal for exploring both familiar and new places.

Benefits: 

• Encourages independent travel and exploration.
• Reduces navigation stress in unknown areas.
• Enhances overall confidence in mobility.

Moovit

Price: Free to download, offers in-app purchases

Moovit guides users through public transportation, offering real-time updates and audio cues to help navigate bus, train, and metro systems. It’s a handy app for city dwellers looking to travel more independently.

Features: 

• Real-time updates on public transportation, including bus, train, and metro.
• Audio directions for seamless navigation through transit systems.
• Accessible on both iOS and Android.

Benefits: 

• Simplifies transit use for visually impaired city dwellers.
• Promotes ease of travel within urban settings.
• Enhances confidence and independence on public transit.

Listening Made Easy With Audio Content Apps for Entertainment and Learning 

Audio-based apps are an ideal source of entertainment and education for visually impaired users. Here are the best options to turn every day into a learning experience. 

Audible

Price: Free to download, offers in-app purchases

Audible’s extensive library of audiobooks makes it easy to dive into novels, biographies, and more. With narration by professional voice actors, it’s perfect for immersive reading.

Features: 

• Extensive library of audiobooks across genres.
• Professional narration for immersive listening.
• Available as a subscription service on iOS and Android.

Benefits:

• Provides entertainment and educational resources.
• Offers a high-quality audio reading experience.
• Great for convenient, hands-free enjoyment of literature.

EasyReader 

Price: Free to download, offers in-app purchases

EasyReader supports a variety of accessible reading materials and provides options to adjust text size and narration speed, making it a go-to choice for eBook lovers.

Features: 

• Supports customizable text size and narration speed.
• Offers a variety of accessible reading materials, including eBooks.
• Compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Benefits: 

• Adjusts to user preferences for optimal readability.
• Ideal for visually impaired eBook lovers.
• Enhances reading accessibility with adjustable settings.    

LibriVox

Price: Free to download, offers in-app purchases

Offering a vast library of public domain audiobooks for free, LibriVox is a fantastic resource for visually impaired users who enjoy classic literature.  

Features: 

• Free access to a vast library of public domain audiobooks.
• Community-driven with volunteer narration.
• Compatible with both iOS and Android.

Benefits: 

• Great resource for enjoying classic literature.
• Provides a free, easy-to-use platform.
• Perfect for users interested in classic audio content.

Staying Connected With Communication Apps for Social Interaction 

Staying in touch with friends and family is crucial, and these apps make it easy for visually impaired users to stay socially connected.

Siri 

Siri is Apple’s innovative assistant tool, and people can use it to speak and perform activities such as texting, calling, or browsing. Siri can reply to questions, set reminders, and order smart devices – basically, all that one can think of can be done through voice commands, making the iPhone far more easily accessible and usable for people with disabilities.

Features: 

• Voice-activated virtual assistant for calling, messaging, and web searches.
• Integrates with Apple’s ecosystem for smart device control.
• Available on all Apple devices.

Benefits: 

• Enables hands-free, voice-controlled device use.
• Simplifies communication and information retrieval.
• Improves accessibility and productivity for iPhone users.

Google Assistant 

Google Assistant is both an Android and iOS-based AI that allows users to interact by voice and voice commands; for instance, sending messages, setting reminders, or even searching the web. It also connects across Google services and can manage other smart devices, so that life becomes a little easier with voice commands.

Features: 

• Voice-powered assistant available on Android and iOS.
• Assist with texting, reminders, and online searches.
• Controls smart devices via Google’s ecosystem.

Benefits: 

• Enhances daily tasks with voice commands.
• Facilitates easy, hands-free communication.
• Supports accessibility with simple voice prompts.

Enhanced Accessibility and Built-in Features for Daily Ease of Use

Phones now come with built-in accessibility features, and Getmobi’s Phone Finder is one of the best additions for visually impaired users.

Getmobi 

Price: Free to download

Getmobi is a sound-recognition mobile app available on Android designed to help users, especially the visually impaired and seniors, locate misplaced phones. 

The main features include “Clap to Find” and “Whistle to Find” modes, which activate alarms to locate the phone. It also has anti-theft modes, offering privacy protection and ease for daily use.

Features: 

• Clap or whistle-activated phone location feature.
• Anti-theft protection and privacy safeguards.
• This app is specifically designed for Android devices and is free of charge.

Benefits: 

• Ideal for locating misplaced phones without visual aid.
• Offers convenience and security for visually impaired users.
• Simplifies phone retrieval with sound recognition.

Pro Tips: How to Maximize App Accessibility

To get the best experience from accessibility apps, there are a few adjustments you can make to your device settings and general approach to using the apps. Small changes can significantly impact usability and ensure you’re fully benefiting from each app’s capabilities. Here are a few key tips to enhance accessibility:

1. Adjusting Settings

For optimal accessibility, adjust phone settings like text size, contrast, and screen brightness. Enabling voice-over features can make using apps easier by reading out text and icons, helping visually impaired users navigate with minimal effort. Both iOS and Android have these options in the “Accessibility” settings menu.

2. Providing Feedback to Developers

Developers value user input and often adapt their apps based on feedback. Sharing your experiences and suggesting improvements can lead to more accessible app updates. Reporting bugs or requesting new features helps create a more inclusive experience, benefiting both you and other visually impaired users.

3. Using Screen Magnifier

Many devices offer screen magnification tools that let users zoom in on specific areas of the screen. This feature can be turned on in accessibility settings, and users can control it with gestures like tapping or pinching. Screen magnifiers make it easier to read small text or view detailed content within apps.

4. Enabling Text-to-Speech

Text-to-speech settings convert on-screen text into audio, making it easier for visually impaired users to consume content without straining their eyes. This feature, available in both iOS and Android, works seamlessly with accessibility apps by reading out messages, notifications, or web content, improving the app experience.

These tips help maximize accessibility, ensuring apps are more convenient and tailored to your needs.

Conclusion: Empowering Lives with Accessibility

The role of mobile apps for the blind in supporting blind and visually impaired individuals is undeniable. From assisting with daily navigation to enabling seamless communication, these tools provide independence and improved quality of life.

Whether you’re interested in mobile apps for the blind or exploring the best Android apps for the visually impaired, the options available today are remarkable. If you have any suggestions or experiences to share, feel free to add them!

At Getmobi, we’re dedicated to making accessibility a priority. Our Phone Finder App is designed to bring convenience and independence to visually impaired users everywhere. Visit our website to learn more and experience the difference today.