# Focal reading vs Speed Reader

The clearest difference is price: Speed Reader at Free against Focal reading's $0.99. Focal reading's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 months). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Speed Reader is free to download; Focal reading costs $0.99 up front. Speed Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Focal reading asks for nothing beyond the download.

Focal reading ships an update every 3 days, Speed Reader every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and August 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focal reading | Speed Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speed-reader-rsvp-reading/id6759429930/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 42 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 26.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Carlos Domingo morillas](https://appshunter.io/developer/923341713) | [Matt Humphreys](https://appshunter.io/developer/1866299611) |

## What reviewers say

### Focal reading

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focal-reading/id6758507658)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Speed Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speed-reader-rsvp-reading/id6759429930)

This app uses Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) to display words one at a time, helping you read faster by minimizing eye movement and subvocalization. It supports various file formats and offers customizable settings for an improved reading experience.

**Highlights:** RSVP reading technique, Import PDFs, ePubs, web pages, and text files, Adjustable reading speed, Reading streaks and statistics, Chapter navigation, Distraction-free interface, Customizable display settings

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Speed Reader Pro | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focal reading free?

Focal reading costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Speed Reader free?

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

### Do Focal reading or Speed Reader have ads?

Neither Focal reading nor Speed Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Focal reading or Speed Reader?

Focal reading ships an update every 3 days, and Speed Reader every 3 months. Most recently, Focal reading was updated on September 13, 2026 and Speed Reader on August 10, 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.*