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Head-to-head · Screen Magnifier Software

Apple Zoom vs GNOME Shell Magnifier

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Apple Zoom #1 in Screen Magnifier Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Apple
GNOME Shell Magnifier #4 in Screen Magnifier Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit GNOME

Apple Zoom leads on 0 checks, GNOME Shell Magnifier on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreApple Zoom · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth

Apple Zoom scores higher on our rubric for screen magnifier software: 9.2 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

Apple Zoom is the better fit for mac and iOS users wanting built-in magnification. GNOME Shell Magnifier is the better fit for linux users seeking free desktop magnification.

  • Apple Zoom fits best

    Mac and iOS users wanting built-in magnification

  • GNOME Shell Magnifier fits best

    Linux users seeking free desktop magnification

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Apple Zoom 9.2/10 Visit ↗ GNOME Shell Magnifier 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.6
Ranking #1 in Screen Magnifier Software #4 in Screen Magnifier Software
Best for Mac and iOS users wanting built-in magnification Linux users seeking free desktop magnification
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Self-hosted
Platforms macOS, iOS Linux
Built for Solo Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Apple Zoom 2/3 · GNOME Shell Magnifier 2/3
Speech support — —
Screen reader compatibility ✓ ✓
Color adjustments ✓ ✓
Specs
Magnification modes Not checked yet Not checked yet
Maximum magnification Not checked yet 20 ×
Supported platforms macOS, iOS, iPadOS Linux
Our review
Pros
  • Offers full-screen, split-screen, and picture-in-picture zoom on Mac
  • Supports keyboard, trackpad, and scroll-gesture controls
  • Works with VoiceOver and provides zoom filters and Follow Focus
  • Offers full-screen, lens-like, and docked magnification views.
  • Tracks the pointer, focus, and caret, with adjustable view position.
  • Includes crosshairs, inverted colors, and adjustable visual controls.
Cons
  • Availability depends on Apple devices and operating systems
  • The documented Mac modes and controls may not apply across every platform
  • Zoom is an operating-system feature, not a separately priced product
  • Designed for Linux rather than cross-platform use.
  • Magnification is stated up to 20× in an archived GNOME wiki page.
  • Speech is not magnifier output; Orca is a separate screen reader.
Our verdict

Apple Zoom enlarges screen content as an accessibility feature for people who need a closer view. It is aimed at Mac and iOS users who want magnification integrated with Apple devices rather than a separate paid application. On Mac, it…

Read the review →

GNOME Shell Magnifier is a built-in accessibility feature for enlarging parts of the GNOME desktop. It is intended for people with low vision and others who benefit from a magnified or visually adjusted desktop. The feature is free and…

Read the review →
  1. Apple ZoomScreen Magnifier Software 9.2Free plan
  2. GNOME Shell MagnifierScreen Magnifier Software 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Apple Zoom — where it wins

    • Offers full-screen, split-screen, and picture-in-picture zoom on Mac
    • Supports keyboard, trackpad, and scroll-gesture controls
    • Works with VoiceOver and provides zoom filters and Follow Focus

    Where it doesn't

    • Availability depends on Apple devices and operating systems
    • The documented Mac modes and controls may not apply across every platform
    • Zoom is an operating-system feature, not a separately priced product

  • GNOME Shell Magnifier — where it wins

    • Offers full-screen, lens-like, and docked magnification views.
    • Tracks the pointer, focus, and caret, with adjustable view position.
    • Includes crosshairs, inverted colors, and adjustable visual controls.

    Where it doesn't

    • Designed for Linux rather than cross-platform use.
    • Magnification is stated up to 20× in an archived GNOME wiki page.
    • Speech is not magnifier output; Orca is a separate screen reader.
  • Apple Zoom9.2/10 · Free plan

    A free Apple accessibility feature with flexible Mac zoom modes and VoiceOver compatibility.

    Visit AppleFull verdict →
  • GNOME Shell Magnifier8.6/10 · Free plan

    A free GNOME desktop magnifier with adjustable zoom, tracking, and color controls.

    Visit GNOMEFull verdict →

More comparisons

All screen magnifier software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update