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Head-to-head · Screen Magnifier Software

MAGic vs GNOME Shell Magnifier

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score MAGic #3 in Screen Magnifier Software 8.8/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit MAGic
GNOME Shell Magnifier #4 in Screen Magnifier Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit GNOME

MAGic leads on 2 checks, GNOME Shell Magnifier on 0, 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 scoreMAGic · 8.8/10
  • Free planonly GNOME Shell Magnifier
  • Most featuresMAGic · 3 of 3

MAGic scores higher on our rubric for screen magnifier software: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.

MAGic offers speech support; GNOME Shell Magnifier doesn't. MAGic leads on maximum magnification: 60 × versus 20 ×.

MAGic is the better fit for windows users wanting magnification with speech. GNOME Shell Magnifier is the better fit for linux users seeking free desktop magnification.

  • MAGic fits best

    Windows users wanting magnification with speech

  • 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 MAGic 8.8/10 Visit ↗ GNOME Shell Magnifier 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.6
Ranking #3 in Screen Magnifier Software #4 in Screen Magnifier Software
Best for Windows users wanting magnification with speech Linux users seeking free desktop magnification
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price Pricing on request Free plan
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Self-hosted
Platforms Windows Linux
Integrations 1 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features MAGic 3/3 · GNOME Shell Magnifier 2/3
Speech support ✓ (best) —
Screen reader compatibility ✓ ✓
Color adjustments ✓ ✓
Specs
Magnification modes Not checked yet Not checked yet
Maximum magnification 60 × (best) 20 ×
Supported platforms Windows Linux
Our review
Pros
  • Offers 75 magnification levels from 1× to 60×.
  • Includes speech, text-reading, and Speech On Demand tools.
  • Supports color adjustments, cursor enhancements, and dual monitors.
  • 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
  • Windows is the only listed platform.
  • Pricing options require contacting sales and providing a serial number.
  • Current compatibility with newer Windows versions is not verified.
  • 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

MAGic combines screen magnification and screen-reading features for people with low vision who work on Windows. Its 75 magnification levels span 1× to 60×, with several levels between 1× and 4× intended to keep more screen content visible.…

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. MAGicScreen Magnifier Software 8.8Pricing on request
  2. GNOME Shell MagnifierScreen Magnifier Software 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • MAGic — where it wins

    • Offers 75 magnification levels from 1× to 60×.
    • Includes speech, text-reading, and Speech On Demand tools.
    • Supports color adjustments, cursor enhancements, and dual monitors.

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows is the only listed platform.
    • Pricing options require contacting sales and providing a serial number.
    • Current compatibility with newer Windows versions is not verified.

  • 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.
  • MAGic8.8/10 · Pricing on request

    MAGic pairs adjustable Windows magnification with speech and screen-reading tools.

    Visit MAGicFull 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