Head-to-head · Screen Magnifier Software
GNOME Shell Magnifier vs SuperNova Magnifier
GNOME Shell Magnifier leads on 1 check, SuperNova Magnifier on 1, 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
- Free trialonly SuperNova Magnifier
- Most featuresGNOME Shell Magnifier · 2 of 3
GNOME Shell Magnifier scores higher on our rubric for screen magnifier software: 8.6 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.
GNOME Shell Magnifier offers free plan; SuperNova Magnifier doesn't. SuperNova Magnifier leads on maximum magnification: 64 × versus 20 ×.
GNOME Shell Magnifier is the better fit for linux users seeking free desktop magnification. SuperNova Magnifier is the better fit for windows users needing high magnification across monitors.
- GNOME Shell Magnifier fits best
Linux users seeking free desktop magnification
- SuperNova Magnifier fits best
Windows users needing high magnification across monitors
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Side by side
| Feature | GNOME Shell Magnifier 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | SuperNova Magnifier 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #4 in Screen Magnifier Software | #6 in Screen Magnifier Software |
| Best for | Linux users seeking free desktop magnification | Windows users needing high magnification across monitors |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | Pricing on request · 30-day trial |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux | Windows |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features GNOME Shell Magnifier 2/3 · SuperNova Magnifier 1/3 | ||
| Speech support | — | — |
| Screen reader compatibility | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Color adjustments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Magnification modes | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Maximum magnification | 20 × | 64 × (best) |
| Supported platforms | Linux | Windows |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
SuperNova Magnifier is Windows desktop software that enlarges on-screen text and images for people with low vision. Its range of magnification, display layouts and visual controls suit people who need to adapt how content appears,… Read the review → |
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.
SuperNova Magnifier — where it wins
- Magnifies from 1.2× to 64× with four view options
- Tracks mouse, typing and focus, with adjustable color controls
- Supports touch gestures, multiple monitors and camera input
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only desktop software
- Pricing is available through dealers rather than a public price
- No speech support
- GNOME Shell Magnifier8.6/10 · Free plan
A free GNOME desktop magnifier with adjustable zoom, tracking, and color controls.
Visit GNOMEFull verdict → - SuperNova Magnifier7.9/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial
A configurable Windows magnifier with multi-monitor support and camera input.
Visit DolphinFull verdict →
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All screen magnifier software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update