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Head-to-head · Screen Magnifier Software

Apple Zoom vs The 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
The Magnifier #8 in Screen Magnifier Software 7.7/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 3 features Visit The Magnifier

Apple Zoom leads on 1 check, The Magnifier on 0, and 3 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 planonly Apple Zoom
  • Most featuresApple Zoom · 2 of 3

Apple Zoom scores higher on our rubric for screen magnifier software: 9.2 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

Apple Zoom offers free plan; The Magnifier doesn't.

Apple Zoom is the better fit for mac and iOS users wanting built-in magnification. The Magnifier is the better fit for windows users who need multiple magnified areas.

  • Apple Zoom fits best

    Mac and iOS users wanting built-in magnification

  • The Magnifier fits best

    Windows users who need multiple magnified areas

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 ↗ The Magnifier 7.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 7.7
Ranking #1 in Screen Magnifier Software #8 in Screen Magnifier Software
Best for Mac and iOS users wanting built-in magnification Windows users who need multiple magnified areas
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan $49.95 one-time
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms macOS, iOS Windows
Built for Solo Solo, Small business
Features Apple Zoom 2/3 · The Magnifier 1/3
Speech support — Not checked yet
Screen reader compatibility ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Color adjustments ✓ ✓
Specs
Magnification modes Not checked yet Not checked yet
Maximum magnification Not checked yet 40 ×
Supported platforms macOS, iOS, iPadOS Windows
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
  • Magnifies full-screen or up to seven windowed areas at once
  • Zoom ranges from 1× to 40× in 0.1× increments
  • Tracks cursor, text caret, dialogs, and keyboard focus
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
  • Available for Windows desktop only
  • Personal license costs $49.95 as a one-time purchase
  • No free plan; the demo is time-limited
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 →

The Magnifier is a Windows desktop utility for people who need enlarged screen content, including users with visual assistance needs and those working with presentations, training, graphics, or different screen resolutions. It offers…

Read the review →
  1. Apple ZoomScreen Magnifier Software 9.2Free plan
  2. The MagnifierScreen Magnifier Software 7.7Paid

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

  • The Magnifier — where it wins

    • Magnifies full-screen or up to seven windowed areas at once
    • Zoom ranges from 1× to 40× in 0.1× increments
    • Tracks cursor, text caret, dialogs, and keyboard focus

    Where it doesn't

    • Available for Windows desktop only
    • Personal license costs $49.95 as a one-time purchase
    • No free plan; the demo is time-limited

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