Texthelp is a global technology company that creates AI-driven assistive software aimed at enhancing literacy, learning, and accessibility. Its products are designed to support people with dyslexia, learning difficulties, English language learners, and those in need of digital accessibility tools. Texthelp’s suite includes popular tools such as Read&Write, EquatIO, OrbitNote, and ReachDeck, which are used across education and workplace environments to improve reading, writing, math, and web accessibility.
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Northern Ireland, Texthelp has become a leader in educational technology, with its solutions used by over 200 million people worldwide. The company partners with schools, higher education institutions, businesses, and government organizations to support inclusive learning and communication.
Features
Texthelp offers a range of powerful features through its various products:
Read&Write
Text-to-speech for reading web pages and documents
Word prediction and dictionary support
Speech-to-text for writing assistance
Screen masking and highlighting tools
Language translation features
Available for Google Chrome, Windows, macOS, iPad, and Android
EquatIO
Math equation editor using AI and speech recognition
Handwriting recognition for math and STEM notation
Digital math space for collaboration
Integration with Google Docs, Forms, Slides, and Microsoft Word
OrbitNote
Annotate and interact with PDFs
Text-to-speech and speech-to-text capabilities
Highlighting and commenting tools
Supports collaborative learning through shared notes
ReachDeck
Accessibility checker for websites
Readability analysis to improve online content
Quality assurance reporting
Text-to-speech toolbar for website visitors
All tools are designed to be user-friendly and customizable to individual needs, promoting accessibility and inclusion in education and the workplace.
How It Works
Texthelp tools work through browser extensions, standalone apps, and integrations with major platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
Read&Write functions as a floating toolbar that overlays on top of digital content. When activated, it can read text aloud, help users compose writing with predictive text and dictation, and support comprehension through definitions, pictures, and translation.
EquatIO allows users to enter mathematical formulas by typing, drawing, or speaking. The AI behind EquatIO recognizes spoken math expressions and handwritten equations, converting them into digital math in real time.
OrbitNote enables users to open PDFs and interact with the content. They can highlight, annotate, and listen to the content via text-to-speech. The tool fosters active engagement with materials, especially for students with additional needs.
ReachDeck scans websites to identify accessibility issues and readability problems. It includes a toolbar that can be added to websites to assist users with reading difficulties by reading content aloud or simplifying it.
These tools integrate seamlessly into existing digital ecosystems, requiring minimal setup and offering flexible access across devices.
Use Cases
Education
Supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, or English as a second language
Enabling personalized learning experiences through AI
Helping students read and write independently
Enhancing digital math teaching with visual and voice input
Workplace
Assisting employees with reading or comprehension difficulties
Ensuring inclusive communication in corporate environments
Providing accessibility tools for compliance with legal standards
Enhancing website accessibility and content quality
Government and Public Sector
Making digital services accessible to all citizens
Promoting inclusive communication in public-facing content
Higher Education
Supporting independent study with reading and writing aids
Assisting students in STEM disciplines with math expression tools
Pricing
Texthelp offers separate pricing plans for individuals, education institutions, and organizations. Pricing may vary by region and user volume.
Read&Write
Free version with limited features
Premium plans for individuals: starts at $145/year
Custom institutional pricing available for schools and districts
EquatIO
Free version for teachers
Premium plans available for students and schools
OrbitNote
Free basic PDF reader
Premium with full annotation and accessibility tools available via custom pricing
ReachDeck
Pricing available upon request for businesses and organizations
Tailored packages depending on organization size and web accessibility needs
Discounts and bundles are available for schools and enterprises using multiple tools. Full pricing details are available on the Texthelp pricing page.
Strengths
Supports diverse learning needs, especially for students with learning difficulties
Wide integration with major educational platforms (Google, Microsoft)
AI-powered features like speech-to-text and text-to-speech improve accessibility
Easy to install and user-friendly interface
Tools available across multiple devices and platforms
Promotes inclusive education and communication
Drawbacks
Premium features can be costly for individuals
Some tools may require internet access for full functionality
Limited customization in free versions
EquatIO may have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with digital math tools
Comparison with Other Tools
Compared to other assistive learning tools like Grammarly, Microsoft Immersive Reader, or Kurzweil 3000, Texthelp stands out in a few ways:
Broader tool suite: While Grammarly focuses on grammar and writing, Texthelp offers tools for math (EquatIO), PDFs (OrbitNote), and accessibility (ReachDeck)
Educational focus: Unlike general-purpose AI tools, Texthelp is purpose-built for education and inclusivity
Accessibility compliance: ReachDeck provides specific features for web accessibility that many writing tools do not offer
Math input support: EquatIO provides more advanced digital math support than most other platforms
However, tools like Microsoft Immersive Reader are free and embedded in many Microsoft products, offering an economical alternative with basic accessibility features.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Texthelp is highly rated by educators, administrators, and accessibility experts worldwide.
On Product Hunt, users commend Read&Write for transforming the learning experience for students with special needs
Teachers often praise EquatIO for making math more accessible in digital classrooms
ReachDeck is valued by web teams for helping maintain accessibility compliance
Testimonials from school districts highlight improvements in student confidence and independence
Users consistently report that Texthelp tools reduce barriers to learning and make digital content more approachable.
Conclusion
Texthelp is a powerful, AI-enhanced suite of tools designed to make reading, writing, math, and web content more accessible and inclusive. With specialized products like Read&Write, EquatIO, OrbitNote, and ReachDeck, the company provides comprehensive support for both education and workplace environments.
Whether you’re a student with learning difficulties, a teacher aiming to support a diverse classroom, or an organization looking to ensure web accessibility, Texthelp offers practical and effective solutions.
