6 Best Reading Pens 2025 in the United States

The OrCam Read is an advanced AI-powered reading pen designed to help individuals who need assistance with reading large amounts of text, whether at work, school, or for leisure. One of its standout features is the smart reading functionality, which allows users to command the device to read specific sections of text, such as headlines or amounts, making it highly convenient for targeted reading. This feature is especially beneficial for students and professionals who deal with extensive reading material daily.

The device's text-to-speech functionality is robust, ensuring that users can listen to the text being read out loud, which is helpful for those with reading difficulties like dyslexia or reading fatigue. Additionally, it supports various text formats, including both printed and digital text, and can be used without an internet connection, enhancing its versatility in different environments, including low-light settings. The OrCam Read also offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless use with compatible headphones or speakers.

However, there are some limitations to consider. The device is primarily designed for English language users, and while other languages are supported, they require direct contact with OrCam for availability. Moreover, it is not suitable for individuals with moderate to severe visual impairments, as it requires users to have the ability to control their hand movements and hear the device clearly. Weighing 1.12 pounds, the device is relatively portable. The OrCam Read is ideal for those who need assistance with reading large volumes of text but may not be the best choice for those with significant visual impairments.

The PenPower WorldPenScan Go is a versatile reading pen designed to aid individuals with dyslexia, learning difficulties, and those learning new languages. Its text-to-speech functionality allows users to scan words and sentences and hear them read aloud, which is beneficial for learning pronunciation and comprehension. The built-in dictionary and thesaurus provide definitions and example sentences, enhancing vocabulary acquisition on the go.

With support for 57 languages, this pen is ideal for travelers, students, and professionals needing multi-language assistance. The device can scan, save, replay, and send text and audio to PCs or laptops via Wi-Fi, making it easy to revisit and learn content later. Its standalone capabilities, featuring an LCD touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity, ensure it can be used without needing a mobile phone.

One notable strength is its ability to function offline, making it a reliable tool in various settings. The product's compact size and lightweight design (5.77 x 1.24 x 0.56 inches, 2.72 ounces) make it highly portable. The inclusion of a 1-year warranty adds a layer of assurance for buyers. The WorldPenScan Go stands out due to its comprehensive language support and ease of integration with other devices, catering well to students, travelers, and professionals seeking a reliable e-reading and translating tool.

The Rocket Pen Reading Tutor stands out in the reading pens category with its versatile functionality, particularly beneficial for individuals with dyslexia or those learning to read. Its text-to-speech feature is robust, reading aloud both individual words and multiple lines of text with a natural voice. This is enhanced by the option to use earbuds, which mutes the built-in speaker, allowing for discreet use in public settings.

The pen supports English and Spanish interfaces and scans English and French texts, although it does not scan other languages, which might limit its use for non-English and non-French speakers. A notable feature is its ability to scan any surface, including paper and digital screens, making it adaptable to various reading environments without needing a PC or Wi-Fi connection. This makes it convenient for on-the-go use. The inclusion of multiple built-in dictionaries, including Oxford American and Thesaurus options, is beneficial for detailed word lookup and understanding.

While the pen has good battery life, lasting up to five years, it requires three hours to charge fully, which could be a drawback for users needing quick top-ups. The storage capacity and connectivity options are somewhat limited, with only one USB port and no Wi-Fi support, which may hamper extensive data storage and transfer. However, its lightweight design and touch screen enhance usability. The Rocket Pen Reading Tutor is best suited for individuals needing assistance with reading and phonics, including special needs students, making it a valuable tool in educational settings.