Comparison

Focal reading vs Read Fast

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

Head to head
About

Focal reading

Features
Read full description

Read faster. Read more. Focal uses RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) technology to help you read 2-3x faster than traditional reading — without losing comprehension. ■ SPEED READING MODE Double-tap to activate speed reading. Words appear one at a time with the optimal focal point highlighted, eliminating eye movement and dramatically increasing your reading speed. Adjust from 200 to 1000+ words per minute. ■ BEAUTIFUL EPUB READER Import your EPUB books and enjoy a distraction-free reading experience. Choose from 6 elegant themes including Dark, Light, Sepia, and more. Customize font size to your preference. ■ TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Daily reading goals to build consistency • Streak tracking to stay motivated • Weekly activity charts • Year-at-a-glance heat map • Total reading time and session stats ■ ACHIEVEMENTS Unlock achievements as you build your reading habit. From your first book to 30-day streaks, celebrate every milestone. ■ SLEEP TIMER Set a timer and let Focal pause automatically — perfect for reading before bed. ■ PRIVACY FIRST All your data stays on your device. No accounts, no tracking, no ads. Whether you're a student tackling textbooks, a professional keeping up with industry reading, or a book lover who wants to read more — Focal helps you make the most of your reading time. Start reading smarter today.

About

Read Fast

This app helps you read faster by displaying words sequentially in the center of the screen, reducing subvocalization and improving focus. It supports various file formats and tracks your reading progress to build a consistent habit.

Highlights
  • Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) engine
  • Breaks subvocalization bottleneck
  • Import EPUB, PDF, TXT, and pasted text
  • Track daily streaks and WPM
  • Reduces eye fatigue
  • Local device processing for privacy
Features
Read full description

STOP READING. START ABSORBING. Most people read at about the same speed they speak. The reason is subvocalization: the small inner voice that sounds out every word. Absorb is built to break that bottleneck and change how you move through text. Absorb uses an advanced Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) engine. Instead of making your eyes scan back and forth across a page, it shows words one after another in the same spot and highlights each word's Optimal Recognition Point. Your gaze stays centered, your focus stays locked, and text moves straight into visual processing. WHY READERS USE ABSORB STEADY FOCUS: The rapid display leaves less room for wandering attention and helps you enter a steady reading flow. BUILD THE HABIT: Track daily streaks, average WPM, reading time, and progress so speed becomes something you can actually train. BRING YOUR OWN BOOKS: Import EPUB, PDF, TXT, and pasted text from your device. LESS EYE FATIGUE: Stop losing your place. Sit back, watch the center, and let the book come to you. PRIVATE BY DESIGN: Processing happens locally on your device. Your files and reading data do not leave your phone. Absorb offers monthly access and a one-time Lifetime unlock. Full access requires a subscription or Lifetime unlock. Download Absorb, import your first book, and finish it tonight. Terms: https://absorb-app-ncmw.onrender.com/terms.html

Screenshots

Focal reading4 screens
Read Fast4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Read Fast at Free against Focal reading's $0.99. Focal reading's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

Read Fast is free to download; Focal reading costs $0.99 up front. Read Fast sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Focal reading asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Focal reading ships an update every 3 days, Read Fast every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Focal reading versus Read Fast: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocal readingRead Fast
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 daysEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB164 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperCarlos Domingo morillasMaksym Horoszczak

In-app purchases

None

Focal reading

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Read Fast

Subscriptions2
  • Absorb$4.991 Month
  • Absorb Pro Annual7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Absorb Pro Lifetime$69.99

Questions

Is Focal reading free?
Focal reading costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Read Fast free?
Read Fast is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Focal reading or Read Fast have ads?
Neither Focal reading nor Read Fast shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Focal reading or Read Fast?
Focal reading ships an update every 3 days, and Read Fast every 2 days. Most recently, Focal reading was updated on September 13, 2026 and Read Fast on September 16, 2026.

Other comparisons