Comparison

Rapid Reader vs Speed Reader!

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

Head to head
About

Rapid Reader

Enhance your reading speed and focus with a unique RSVP method. Words are presented one at a time to minimize eye movement and improve concentration. Build a consistent reading habit with customizable settings and a distraction-free interface.

Highlights
  • RSVP word presentation
  • Adjustable reading speed (200-500+ WPM)
  • Fixed focus point with highlighted letter
  • Customizable fixation color and font size
  • Minimalist interface for deep focus
  • Dark mode support
Features
Read full description

Read faster with less distraction. Rapid Reader helps you train focus and reading speed using RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation), where words appear one at a time at a fixed point on screen. Instead of constant eye-scanning and losing your place, your gaze stays anchored so reading feels smoother, calmer, and more controlled. Why people use Rapid Reader • Train to read faster while staying focused • Reduce losing your place while reading • Build a daily reading habit in just a few minutes • Practice with books, articles, and study content What makes it different • Fixed focus point with highlighted fixation letter • Adjustable speed (200–500+ WPM) • Custom fixation color and font size • Clean, minimal interface designed for deep focus • Dark mode for comfortable sessions Rapid Reader doesn’t force you to rush. It removes friction so you can read with better rhythm, attention, and consistency. Terms of Use: https://www.rapidreaderapp.com/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://www.rapidreaderapp.com/privacy.html Copyright © 2026 VoiceBeam GmbH. All rights reserved.

About

Speed Reader!

Features
Read full description

Read faster with focus Built around RSVP reading, flexible imports, privacy-friendly AI, and a clean library for saved texts. - Paste text, import files, scan with the camera, or use the share extension to import text from other apps (like news apps). - Switch between Flash, Scroll, and Vertical Scroll depending on the material. - Use summarization and translation when Apple Intelligence is available. - Save reading history, organize favorites, and reopen recent texts quickly. Transform Your Reading Experience with Science-Backed Speed Reading Speed Reader revolutionizes how you consume text using RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) technology, a scientifically proven method that helps you read faster while maintaining comprehension. Why Speed Reader? Whether you're a student tackling dense textbooks, a professional keeping up with industry articles, or an avid reader devouring books, Speed Reader helps you read more in less time. Our app uses cutting-edge RSVP technology with Optimal Recognition Point (ORP) highlighting to guide your eyes naturally through text, eliminating the need for eye movement and reducing reading fatigue. Key Features: Three Reading Modes • Flash Mode: Word-by-word display with ORP highlighting for maximum focus • Scroll Mode: Continuous horizontal scrolling for traditional reading flow • Vertical Scroll Mode: Line-by-line display with word highlighting Science-Backed RSVP Technology • Optimal Recognition Point (ORP) highlighting guides your eyes to the perfect focus point in each word • Fixed focus position eliminates eye movement, reducing fatigue • Automatic font sizing ensures every word fits perfectly on screen Flexible Speed Control • Adjust reading speed from 100 to 1500 words per minute (WPM) • Smart pause system: longer pauses after periods and commas for natural reading rhythm • Customizable pause multipliers for periods and long words Multiple Text Sources • Paste text directly from clipboard • Import PDF, DOCX, and DOC files • Share Extension: share content from Safari, Notes, Mail, and any other app • Automatic text filtering for clean, readable content Beautiful, Distraction-Free Interface • Three elegant themes: Dark, Light, and Sepia • Minimalist UI that hides during reading for complete focus • Visual guide lines help maintain reading position • Custom fonts: System, Serif, Monospaced, and Rounded Intuitive Controls • Tap to start/pause reading • Swipe left/right to navigate through words • Hold screen to pause and review • Progress bar shows reading time and completion Fully Customizable • Choose your preferred display mode • Adjust theme and font to match your style • Fine-tune reading preferences for optimal experience • Multi-language support: English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Smart Features • Automatic font recalculation on orientation change • Reading progress tracking • Estimated reading time calculation • Interactive tutorial for first-time users Perfect For: • Students reading textbooks and research papers • Professionals staying current with industry news • Book lovers who want to read more books • Anyone looking to improve reading speed and efficiency How It Works: 1. Load your text: paste from clipboard, import a file, or share from another app 2. Choose your reading mode and adjust speed to your comfort level 3. Tap to start reading and watch as words appear one at a time with perfect focus 4. Swipe to navigate, tap to pause, and customize your experience Technical Excellence: Built with SwiftUI for iOS 17.0+, Speed Reader delivers a smooth, native experience. The app uses advanced text processing to handle various file formats and automatically optimizes display settings for your device and orientation. Privacy & Data: Speed Reader respects your privacy. All text processing happens locally on your device. We don't collect, store, or transmit your reading content. Your reading data stays private and secure.

Screenshots

Rapid Reader4 screens
Speed Reader!4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Rapid Reader at Free against Speed Reader!'s $2.99. Rapid Reader also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.2). Speed Reader!'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Rapid Reader is free to download; Speed Reader! costs $2.99 up front. Rapid Reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Speed Reader! asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Rapid Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, Speed Reader! every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on June 16, 2026 and August 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
Rapid Reader versus Speed Reader!: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRapid ReaderSpeed Reader!
PriceFree — better$2.99
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVoiceBeam GmbHArthur de Rijke

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Rapid Reader

Subscriptions2
  • Rapid Reader Pro Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Rapid Reader Pro Yearly$29.991 Year
None

Speed Reader!

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Rapid Reader free?
Rapid Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Speed Reader! free?
Speed Reader! costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Rapid Reader or Speed Reader! have ads?
Neither Rapid Reader nor Speed Reader! shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Rapid Reader or Speed Reader!?
Rapid Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, and Speed Reader! every 4 days. Most recently, Rapid Reader was updated on June 16, 2026 and Speed Reader! on August 3, 2026.

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