Speechify – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Speechify

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2021

76%

WISE Score

4.7

App Store

Text-to-speech app that reads anything aloud—genuinely life-changing for kids with learning differences, useful for everyone else.

Speechify

app

Everyone, 2021

76%

WISE Score

4.7

App Store

Text-to-speech app that reads anything aloud—genuinely life-changing for kids with learning differences, useful for everyone else.

Jump to

Also rated on

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Speechify is one of those apps that actually does what it promises. If your kid has dyslexia, ADHD, or any reading challenge, this could legitimately change their academic life. The founder built it for himself and it shows—the features make sense and solve real problems.

For neurotypical kids, it's still useful but less transformative. Listening to required reading at 2x speed while doing chores? Smart. Having an AI quiz you on a chapter? Genuinely helpful. But it's a tool, not magic—garbage in, garbage out.

The freemium model is the main friction point. The free version is limited, and some users report pushy upselling. But if it works for your kid's learning needs, the premium subscription might be worth it. Just know what you're signing up for and monitor that first billing cycle.

Bottom line: This is assistive technology done right, wrapped in a productivity app. Not exciting, not entertaining, but genuinely enriching for the right user.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8+ who are doing independent schoolwork and reading. Younger kids could use it with parent help for read-alouds. The real sweet spot is middle school through adulthood—anyone juggling heavy reading loads or dealing with learning differences. Adults genuinely use and love this too.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Fundamentally a tool for accessibility and learning, designed by a founder with dyslexia and ADHD to remove barriers. The app promotes reading, learning, and productivity without chaotic or manipulative patterns. The AI assistant feature is conversational but focused on educational support (summarizing, quizzing, explaining). No toxic social dynamics or unhealthy content.

Imaginative

Not inherently creative—it's a utility app. However, the AI podcast creation feature (turning any document into a podcast with different styles) shows some imaginative application. The ability to interact conversationally with text ('quiz me,' 'what are the main takeaways') adds a layer of exploratory learning. It's more about enabling access to existing content than generating new creative work, but it does invite curiosity and different ways of engaging with information.

Safe

The app itself is functionally safe—it's a text-to-speech and AI assistant tool without social features, user-generated content, or exposure to strangers. However, freemium monetization with premium features creates some pressure to upgrade. The bigger safety consideration: kids can use it to access ANY content they photograph or upload, including potentially inappropriate websites or documents. The app doesn't filter what it reads aloud. Common Sense Media parent reviews are positive but note it's a tool that requires parent awareness of what content kids are feeding into it. No ads in the free version based on available info, but aggressive upselling is mentioned in some reviews.

Enriching

Exceptionally enriching for its target use cases. Genuinely empowering for students with learning differences (dyslexia, ADHD, vision challenges), enabling access to reading material that would otherwise be barriers. The speed-listening feature (up to 4.5x) and AI quiz/summary functions support active learning and retention. Helps with homework, professional work, and general literacy. The dictation feature supports writing skills. This is a legitimately useful educational tool that builds real skills and removes friction from learning. Parent reviews on Common Sense Media consistently praise its educational value.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Built by someone with dyslexia and ADHD specifically to remove reading barriers—this is the real deal for accessibility
AI assistant can quiz kids on readings, summarize long articles, and help with homework in genuinely useful ways
Speed listening up to 4.5x means plowing through required reading without the slog
Dictation feature helps kids who struggle with writing get their ideas down
Works across platforms and syncs—start homework on desktop, finish on phone

⚠

What to Watch For

The app will read literally anything you point it at—websites, screenshots, PDFs—so you'll want to monitor what content your kid is feeding it
Free version is limited; premium features require subscription and some users report aggressive upselling tactics
This is a tool, not content—kids still need good material to read/listen to
Some Reddit users report frustrating customer service and billing issues

Conversation Starters

"What are you using Speechify to listen to right now? Is it helping you get through stuff faster?"
"Have you tried the quiz feature? Does it actually help you remember what you read?"
"Does hearing things read aloud help you understand better than reading with your eyes?"
"What speed do you usually listen at? Can you actually follow along when it's super fast?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic