# Flash Reader vs Speed Reader

The clearest difference is rating: Flash Reader at 4.2 against Speed Reader's 3.8. Flash Reader also leads on ratings volume (162 vs 6) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 16.0). Speed Reader's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 49%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Flash Reader sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Speed Reader sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Flash Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Flash Reader has 162 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 49% of Flash Reader's written reviews are positive against 75% of Speed Reader's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Flash Reader ships an update monthly, Speed Reader every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Flash Reader | Speed Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (162 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flash-reader/id402491178/reviews)** | [3.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speed-reader-read-faster/id6447472154/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **162** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 49.3% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 72 MB | 83 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Didstopia](https://appshunter.io/developer/379028611) | [Niklas Baudy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1543597939) |

## What reviewers say

### Flash Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flash-reader/id402491178)

This app helps you read faster by displaying words rapidly, bypassing subvocalization. It supports various document formats and offers customization options to improve reading speed and comprehension.

**Highlights:** Rapid word display (RSVP), Supports numerous document formats (PDF, EPUB, DOCX, etc.), Import from Pocket, Instapaper, Dropbox, and camera, Built-in web browser with article saving, Customizable reading speed and display, Bookmark and resume functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Flash Reader Pro | $0.99 | one-time |
| Flash Reader Pro | $1.99 | one-time |
| Flash Reader Pro | $2.99 | one-time |
| Flash Reader Pro | $3.99 | one-time |
| Flash Reader Pro | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Ahead of its time
- 👍 Simple to use
- 🚀 Helps read books efficiently
- 👍 Useful, easy to use
- 👍 Brilliant app, great time saver

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't allow to open modern websites
- 🐛 Restarts the book being read
- 🐛 Crashes when using camera
- 🐛 Bugs and stops working
- 🐛 Loses reading progress

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- Crashes when switching modes
- Loses reading progress
- Inaccurate resume times

**Requested features**

- Fancy text like newer video captions
- Bookmarks and navigation
- Support for Google Drive
- Quick rewind option
- Table of contents


### Speed Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speed-reader-read-faster/id6447472154)

Enhance your reading comprehension and speed with a tool that displays one word at a time. Gradually increase your reading pace from 300 to over 750 words per minute through consistent practice. Customize your experience with various themes and visual aids.

**Highlights:** One-word-at-a-time display, Adjustable words per minute, Spritz speed reading technique, Visual line support, Custom text input, Text sharing from other apps, Dark and light themes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Spritz option | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited colors | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Speed Read files | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited history | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Speed Read links | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| Premium - Unlock everything | $11.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Flash Reader free?

Flash Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Speed Reader free?

Speed Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Flash Reader or Speed Reader?

Flash Reader is rated higher. Flash Reader averages 4.2 out of 5 from 162 ratings, while Speed Reader averages 3.8 from 6 ratings.

### Do Flash Reader or Speed Reader have ads?

Neither Flash Reader nor Speed Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Flash Reader or Speed Reader?

Flash Reader ships an update monthly, and Speed Reader every 2 months. Most recently, Flash Reader was updated on October 18, 2026 and Speed Reader on October 17, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*