Comparison

MotionRead vs Focal

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MotionRead

Features
Read full description

CAN’T FOCUS? READ FASTER. MotionRead is a speed reading app designed to help you improve focus, increase reading speed, and finish more books. In a world of short-form content and constant notifications, traditional reading feels slow. MotionRead trains your brain to process text faster using RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) technology. Words appear one at a time at the center of your screen, reducing eye movement and minimizing distractions. This helps increase words per minute (WPM) while maintaining comprehension. WHY MOTIONREAD WORKS • Improve reading speed with guided training • Reduce subvocalization • Strengthen focus and concentration • Boost comprehension and retention READ ANYTHING • Import PDFs and EPUBs • Save web articles to read offline • Clean, distraction-free reading mode • Automatically removes ads and clutter BUILT FOR STUDENTS, PROFESSIONALS & READERS • Study faster • Move through research and reports efficiently • Finish books in less time • Train from 300 WPM to advanced speeds Whether you want to read books faster, improve productivity, or build better reading habits, MotionRead helps you develop real speed reading skills. Stop scrolling. Start reading faster. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Focal

This reading app offers multiple modes to enhance focus and reduce eye strain. It supports PDF and EPUB files with adjustable speeds and customizable backgrounds for a distraction-free experience.

Highlights
  • Multiple reading modes (RSVP, Sentence, Page)
  • Adjustable reading speed (WPM)
  • Natural pacing with punctuation pauses
  • PDF and EPUB library support
  • Reading progress memory
  • Bookmarks
  • Customizable backgrounds and themes
Features
Read full description

Focal is a reading app designed to help you stay focused, reduce visual fatigue, and move through texts more comfortably. Switch instantly between three reading modes depending on how you want to read: • Focal Mode — display words one at a time in a guided RSVP reading format • Sentence Mode — swipe or play through sentences one at a time in a polished, easy to read format • Page Mode — read fully paginated text with clean typography • Original PDF Mode — view the source document exactly as published Built for both long reading sessions and everyday reading, Focal supports PDF and EPUB files with a smooth, distraction-free interface. Features include: • Adjustable reading speed (WPM control) • Natural pacing with pauses at punctuation • Auto-pause at paragraph and page boundaries • PDF and EPUB library support • Reading progress memory • Bookmarks • Custom reading backgrounds • Light and dark visual themes • Fast switching between reading modes • No ads or signup Whether you're reading textbooks, articles, novels, or long documents, Focal helps you stay immersed in the text. Designed for readers who want more control, less distraction, and a better reading experience. Terms of Use: https://jessemeissner1.github.io/focal.github.io/terms.html

Screenshots

MotionRead4 screens
Focal4 screens

Verdict

The call

MotionRead and Focal are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. MotionRead sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and Focal sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MotionRead ships an update weekly, Focal every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
MotionRead versus Focal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMotionReadFocal
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.017.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaksh KaushikJesse Meissner

In-app purchases

4 purchases

MotionRead

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Premium$1.997 Days
  • Monthly Premium$3.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$34.99
2 purchases

Focal

Subscriptions1
  • Focal Monthly$2.991 Month
One-time1
  • Focal Lifetime$9.99

Questions

Is MotionRead free?
MotionRead is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Focal free?
Focal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do MotionRead or Focal have ads?
Neither MotionRead nor Focal shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MotionRead or Focal?
MotionRead ships an update weekly, and Focal every 4 days. Most recently, MotionRead was updated on November 5, 2026 and Focal on October 31, 2026.

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