While many people associate assistive technology with specialized devices that are expensive or hard to find, many mainstream technology devices have started supporting accessibility features and built-in assistive technology that can make specialty tools more financially and publicly accessible for all. Smart speakers primarily uses audio input and output for providing information, making them a popular option for nonvisual access for blind and low vision users. Here are features to look for when buying a smart speaker for users with vision loss, part of the Mainstream Technology and Low Vision post series.
Choosing a voice assistant for smart speakers
What is the best voice assistant for low vision users? Is it Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant? Like the answers to most questions about accessibility, the answer is “it depends”— the best voice assistant is going to be whichever option meets the access needs for an individual with low vision. Visual impairment is a spectrum, not a binary, so this answer is going to be different from person to person.
Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri all offer similar built-in accessibility features that can help users with visual impairments access information without looking at a screen. Examples of built-in features for smart speakers and voice assistants include:
- Talking clock
- Checking the weather
- Setting reminders
- Basic web searches
- Music streaming/listening to podcasts
- Basic calculator
- Getting information about local businesses
- Setting timers/alarms
- Dictionary
- Play ambient noises (background sounds, white noise)
Differences between voice assistants include wake words (e.g. “hey Siri”), subscriptions and compatibility with smart home devices, and different “voices” in the form of synthesized speech. Some users may prefer to have all of their devices in one ecosystem (such as pairing Google and Android), though many smart speakers offer platform agnostic features that can be used with any smartphone or other devices, such as the option to connect to wireless speakers.
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Installing smart speaker applications
Smart speakers like require users to install a companion application for setting up the voice assistant, setting up routines, and adding smart home functionality. Users can also make requests for the smart speaker using the application or activate items remotely. For users with low vision that primarily access information visually, it may be easier to install smart speaker applications on a tablet because they tend to have a lot of icons and settings that may be challenging to read with large print or display scaling on a smartphone.
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Device size and external speakers
Miniature smart speakers are designed for small spaces like a desk or college dorm, while larger speakers may be preferred in high-traffic spaces like the living room or kitchen. While users can connect their computer, tablet, or smartphone to smart speakers to amplify sound, another option is to connect the smart speaker to a larger external speaker to boost the sound quality or volume. Many smart speakers have a 3.5mm audio jack to connect to external speakers, though they could also be used with headphones.
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Screen size— or no screen at all
There are a few smart speakers that feature displays, built-in cameras, and/or touchscreens for displaying visual information, making video calls, identifying objects with the built-in camera, or looking at photos/videos. While there are options to customize the font size to show a larger font on some devices, users with low vision will want to consider a device with a larger screen if they plan to look at visual information, or consider a device without a screen entirely.
Smart speakers without screens are perfect for nonvisual access as they can be entirely controlled with tactile buttons or with the voice, no vision required (some devices may require users to add Bump Dots or similar tactile buttons to make it easier to locate buttons). This can also be useful for users who have light sensitivity, as the device emits very little light compared to a larger screen.
Searching for third-party skills or creating custom skills
Smart speakers and voice assistants offer several built-in skills for auditory access, though users can also enable third-party skills developed by others to enhance the functionality of their smart speaker. Examples of third-party skills for smart speakers and low vision include:
- Audio games
- Music streaming services such as Spotify or specific skills for radio stations/audio playlists
- Sleep sounds or meditation tracks
- Quizzes or trivia
- Options for listening to audiobooks or eBooks read out loud
- Flashcards
- Journaling or reminder apps
- Checking calendars
Another helpful feature for smart speakers is the option to develop custom or personalized skills. These free tools require the use of a web browser for creating or editing skills, but can provide users with personalized information that can make it easier to perform different tasks— no coding required. Examples of personalized voice assistant skill creators include Alexa Skill Blueprints and Apple Shortcuts.
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Integration with other devices, e.g. smartphone
Smart speakers can be connected to other devices for sound amplification, though they can also be used to play, pause, and advance audio tracks, which can be helpful for listening to audiobooks or music. Smart speakers can also connect to smartphones, which can be useful for making phone calls, video calls, or sending text messages without looking at a screen. This can be useful for providing a hands-free option for connecting with contacts, and the Caller ID will display as the user’s phone number.
Another helpful functionality is the option to call the user’s phone, which can be useful when locating a missing phone.
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- How Amazon Alexa Can Help You Read
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Support for multiple languages
Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa both offer multilingual modes for using the voice assistant with multiple languages— when users ask the voice assistant a question in one language, they will respond with the same language. To use multiple languages, users will need to add the language(s) in the smart speaker app in the settings section.
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Alternatives to voice input for smart speakers
While smart speakers are known for their voice input options, many devices also offer alternatives to voice input such as text input (either in the corresponding smart speaker app or on the device screen) or support for using AAC/synthesized speech to make verbal requests.
- For Alexa devices, Tap to Alexa can be turned on by selecting Settings > Accessibility > Tap to Alexa to use Alexa without talking.
- Type to talk functionality is available for Siri by selecting Settings > Accessibility > Siri > Type to Siri.
- For Google Assistant, select the keyboard icon when activating Google Assistant on a smartphone or device with a screen.
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Smart home features and automation
Smart speakers often offer their own proprietary smart home and automation tools such as outlets, lightbulbs, nightlights, thermostats, smart TVs, and so much more. These can be controlled entirely by voice or using the smart speaker application, though users will need to ensure that the smart home tools they want to use are compatible with their smart speaker.
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Summary of features to consider when choosing a smart speaker with low vision
- The most common voice assistants for smart speakers are Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. All voice assistants offer similar functions such as talking clocks, options to perform basic web searches, check the weather, set timers and alarms, and more.
- Smart speakers often require a companion application for a tablet or smartphone. These apps tend to have a lot of icons, so users that use large print or magnification may prefer to use a tablet to enlarge information.
- Miniature smart speakers are designed for smaller spaces, but can be connected to external speakers for additional amplification.
- Smart speakers may have built-in displays for displaying text, images or videos, while others offer screen-free devices for accessing information nonvisually.
- Third-party skills can provide additional functionality for smart speakers. Users can also develop their own skills for free using tools like Alexa Skill Blueprints and Apple Shortcuts.
- Smart speakers can be connected to smartphones, which provide an option for making phone calls or sending text messages using only voice controls.
- Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa both support multiple languages, and will answer questions in the same language they are asked.
- Smart speakers can also be used without talking or using “mouth sounds”— these include options for typing and using AAC or synthesized speech for voice controls.
- Smart home and automation tools can be used as peripheral devices, but are only compatible with specific voice assistants.
Published October 20, 2020. Updated July 2025