# Speed Reader vs Read Fast

The clearest difference is rating: Read Fast at 5.0 against Speed Reader's 4.0. Read Fast also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (16.4 vs 26.2). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Speed Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Read Fast sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Read Fast holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Speed Reader ships an update every 3 months, Read Fast every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Speed Reader | Read Fast |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speed-reader-rsvp-reading/id6759429930/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-fast-absorb/id6759666710/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 6 MB | 164 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.2 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Matt Humphreys](https://appshunter.io/developer/1866299611) | [Maksym Horoszczak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1857044674) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Read Fast

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-fast-absorb/id6759666710)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Absorb | $4.99 | per month |
| Absorb Pro Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Absorb Pro Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Speed Reader free?

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

### Is Read Fast free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Speed Reader or Read Fast?

Read Fast is rated higher. Speed Reader averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Read Fast averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Speed Reader or Read Fast have ads?

Neither Speed Reader nor Read Fast shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Speed Reader or Read Fast?

Speed Reader ships an update every 3 months, and Read Fast every 2 days. Most recently, Speed Reader was updated on September 29, 2026 and Read Fast on October 20, 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.*