Independently checked · Updated 19 September 2026
Dyslexly vs Helperbird
Choose Dyslexly for a focused, no-account reading toolkit in Chromium browsers. Choose Helperbird for a broader accessibility suite across more browsers and mobile platforms.
Free dyslexia Chrome extension with OpenDyslexic, colour overlays, spacing, read aloud, line focus and PDF tools. No account or card.. Both products have useful free reading controls; the right choice depends on your platforms, writing needs and preference for a focused or all-in-one interface.
| Feature | Dyslexly | Helperbird |
|---|---|---|
| Price and trial checked 19 Sep 2026 | Free reading toolkit; Pro £4.99/month or £24.99/year after a 7-day no-card trial | Free plan; Pro $35/year after a 3-day free trial |
| Core reading controls | Fonts, spacing, overlays, line focus, ruler and syllables — free | Fonts, spacing, overlays, rulers, line focus and Reading mode — free |
| Read aloud | Selected-text speech with word highlighting — free | Text-to-speech with word highlighting — free; natural voices — Pro |
| Writing tools | Simplification, prediction, dictation, grammar, vocabulary and export — Pro | A broader writing and study suite, with advanced tools in Pro |
| PDF tools | PDF viewer and highlights — free | PDF reader and text boxes — free; drawing and highlighting — Pro |
| Platforms | Chrome, Edge, Brave and other Chromium browsers | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, iOS and Android |
| Chrome Store privacy disclosure | Approximate location for a country-level install ping; no sale or unrelated use | Listing states that it does not collect or use data |
| Best fit | A focused, no-account dyslexia reading toolkit | A broad accessibility suite across more platforms |
Plans and features were checked against official pricing pages and Chrome Web Store listings on 19 September 2026. Prices can change.
When to choose Dyslexly
- You want a smaller toolkit centred on dyslexia reading.
- You use Chrome, Edge, Brave or another Chromium browser.
- You want the core reading controls without an account or card.
- You prefer optional Pro reading and writing tools instead of paying for basic display controls.
When Helperbird may suit better
- You want one broad accessibility, reading and writing suite.
- You need Firefox, Safari, iOS or Android support.
- You want to explore a larger set of study and productivity features.
- You are comfortable with a more extensive interface.
How to compare them fairly
- Choose one difficult webpage, one ordinary article and one PDF you already use.
- Test one product at a time so its settings and shortcuts do not conflict.
- Adjust size and spacing first, then try font, colour and focus tools separately.
- Check menus, forms, links and embedded content after changing the page.
- Try read aloud, including pause, speed and highlighting controls.
- Review the current permissions and privacy disclosure before keeping either extension.
Test Dyslexly's free reading toolkit
Try the fonts, spacing, overlays, line focus, read aloud and PDF viewer without an account or credit card.
Add Dyslexly to ChromeFAQ
- Is Dyslexly better than Helperbird?
- Neither is better for everyone. Dyslexly is the more focused option when you want free reading controls in a Chromium browser without creating an account. Helperbird may be the better fit when you need a broader accessibility suite or support for Firefox, Safari and mobile platforms.
- Which has the better free plan?
- Both offer substantial free reading tools. Dyslexly includes its core fonts, spacing, overlays, line focus, ruler, selected-text speech and PDF viewer free. Helperbird lists a broader free toolkit. Test both on your actual websites and PDFs because the best free plan is the one that solves your repeated task.
- How much do Dyslexly Pro and Helperbird Pro cost?
- When this page was reviewed on 19 September 2026, Dyslexly Pro cost £4.99 per month or £24.99 per year after a 7-day no-card extension trial. Helperbird Pro was listed at $35/year after a 3-day free trial. Prices and currencies can change, so check each official pricing page before buying.
- Do Dyslexly and Helperbird work on every website?
- No extension can restyle every browser page or format. Browser security pages, some embedded content, complex web apps and scanned PDFs can limit what an extension changes. Test the pages and files you use before choosing.
- Does Dyslexly Pro include more fonts?
- No. Dyslexly’s current reading fonts and core display controls are in the free toolkit. Pro adds advanced reading and writing tools, including clear voices, Make easier, hover-to-hear, prediction, dictation, grammar, vocabulary and export.
Sources and disclosure
Dyslexly is our product, so this is not a neutral publisher comparison. We have stated that conflict, included Dyslexly's limitations and identified cases where Helperbird may be the better choice. Competitor information was reviewed from its published official sources rather than independently benchmarked.
Helperbird is a trademark of its respective owner. It did not pay for or approve this comparison. Check each official product page for current prices, features, compatibility and privacy terms before choosing.