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Head-to-head · Screen Magnifier Software

GNOME Shell Magnifier vs iZoom

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score GNOME Shell Magnifier #4 in Screen Magnifier Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit GNOME
iZoom #7 in Screen Magnifier Software 7.8/10 Pricing on request ✓ 2 of 3 features Visit TrySight

GNOME Shell Magnifier leads on 0 checks, iZoom on 2, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGNOME Shell Magnifier · 8.6/10
  • Free planonly GNOME Shell Magnifier

GNOME Shell Magnifier scores higher on our rubric for screen magnifier software: 8.6 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

iZoom offers speech support; GNOME Shell Magnifier doesn't. iZoom leads on maximum magnification: 36 × versus 20 ×.

GNOME Shell Magnifier is the better fit for linux users seeking free desktop magnification. iZoom is the better fit for windows users wanting zoom and speech in a portable tool.

  • GNOME Shell Magnifier fits best

    Linux users seeking free desktop magnification

  • iZoom fits best

    Windows users wanting zoom and speech in a portable tool

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 GNOME Shell Magnifier 8.6/10 Visit ↗ iZoom 7.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.6 7.8
Ranking #4 in Screen Magnifier Software #7 in Screen Magnifier Software
Best for Linux users seeking free desktop magnification Windows users wanting zoom and speech in a portable tool
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan Pricing on request
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted Desktop
Platforms Linux Windows
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features GNOME Shell Magnifier 2/3 · iZoom 2/3
Speech support — ✓ (best)
Screen reader compatibility ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Color adjustments ✓ ✓
Specs
Magnification modes Not checked yet Not checked yet
Maximum magnification 20 × 36 × (best)
Supported platforms Linux Windows
Our review
Pros
  • 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.
  • Offers full-screen, lens, docked, and split-screen zoom up to 36×
  • Adds speech output with configurable voice, rate, and volume
  • Portable USB version runs without installation
Cons
  • 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.
  • Windows-only, with no support for other listed platforms
  • Licensing requires contacting TrySight for pricing
  • Desktop software focused on screen magnification and reading
Our verdict

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 →

iZoom is screen magnification and reading software for people with visual impairments who need enlarged screen content, speech output, or both on Windows. Its range of viewing modes makes it suitable for people who want to change how…

Read the review →
  1. GNOME Shell MagnifierScreen Magnifier Software 8.6Free plan
  2. iZoomScreen Magnifier Software 7.8Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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.

  • iZoom — where it wins

    • Offers full-screen, lens, docked, and split-screen zoom up to 36×
    • Adds speech output with configurable voice, rate, and volume
    • Portable USB version runs without installation

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only, with no support for other listed platforms
    • Licensing requires contacting TrySight for pricing
    • Desktop software focused on screen magnification and reading
  • GNOME Shell Magnifier8.6/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit GNOMEFull verdict →
  • iZoom7.8/10 · Pricing on request

    A Windows magnifier with flexible zoom, speech, and a portable USB option.

    Visit TrySightFull 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