# FocalRead vs ReadMaxx

FocalRead and ReadMaxx both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of ReadMaxx's written reviews are positive against 64% of FocalRead's. FocalRead's advantage is ratings volume (93 vs 7) and iOS requirement (16.1 vs 18.0). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FocalRead sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days and ReadMaxx sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for FocalRead against 4.6 for ReadMaxx. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FocalRead has 93 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of FocalRead's written reviews are positive against 100% of ReadMaxx's.

FocalRead ships an update every 6 days, ReadMaxx every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FocalRead | ReadMaxx |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (93 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focalread-speed-reading/id6757935291/reviews) | [4.6 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readmaxx/id6757965441/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **93** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 64.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 103 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ANDRES FELIPE SARRAZOLA VELEZ](https://appshunter.io/developer/1813243271) | [MAXX TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1374462335) |

## What reviewers say

### FocalRead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focalread-speed-reading/id6757935291)

Boost your reading speed with this app that uses RSVP to display words one at a time. Import various document types and web articles to finish content in a fraction of the time. Organize your library, track progress, and customize your reading experience.

**Highlights:** Speed reading with RSVP, Import PDF, EPUB, MOBI, TXT, DOCX, AZW3, Read web articles, Organize content in a library, Track reading progress, Customizable reading speed and font

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Version (Weekly) | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Annual Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Annual | $29.99 | per year |
| Pro Version (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Annual Plan | $39.99 | per year |


### ReadMaxx

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readmaxx/id6757965441)

This app helps you read faster and more effectively by displaying one word at a time at a controlled pace. It supports various input formats like PDFs, EPUBs, and web links, and includes optional haptic cues to improve focus and comprehension.

**Highlights:** Word-by-word reading display, Adjustable reading speed, Supports PDF, EPUB, web links, and pasted text, Optional haptic cues for structure, Reduces eye movement, Maintains attention and comprehension

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Monthly | $4.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FocalRead free?

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

### Is ReadMaxx free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FocalRead or ReadMaxx?

FocalRead and ReadMaxx are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 93 and 7 ratings respectively.

### Do FocalRead or ReadMaxx have ads?

Neither FocalRead nor ReadMaxx shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FocalRead or ReadMaxx?

FocalRead ships an update every 6 days, and ReadMaxx every 4 days. Most recently, FocalRead was updated on September 14, 2026 and ReadMaxx on September 19, 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.*