Comparison

Speed Reader vs FocusWord

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

Head to head
About

Speed Reader

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
Read full description

Speed Reader transforms the way you read using RSVP, Rapid Serial Visual Presentation, one of the most effective reading techniques ever developed. Instead of scanning lines of text, words appear one at a time in a fixed focal point, eliminating subvocalization and unnecessary eye movement so your brain can absorb information faster than you ever thought possible. Whether you're a student drowning in reading assignments, a professional trying to stay on top of industry news, or a book lover who wants to read more titles in less time — Speed Reader is built for you. WHAT IS RSVP? Most people read at 200-250 words per minute. RSVP readers routinely reach 400, 600, even 800+ WPM with practice. The technique is simple: one word at a time, displayed at the center of your screen. Your eyes stay still. Your brain does the rest. KEY FEATURES - Import PDFs, ePubs, HTTPS web pages, HTML files, plain text - .txt files, md (markdown files) - Adjustable reading speed — start slow and build up at your own pace - Reading streaks / stats - Chapter navigation - Detailed reading stats and progress tracking - Clean, distraction-free reading interface - collapsable navigation - Customizable display settings HOW IT WORKS Import any document or paste any text, set your words-per-minute speed, and press play. Speed Reader does the rest. Start your free 7-day trial with full access to every feature, then unlock the full app for a single one-time payment — no subscription, no recurring fees, ever. PERFECT FOR - Students tackling textbooks and research papers - Professionals keeping up with reports, articles, and emails - Book lovers who want to read their entire reading list - Anyone curious about speed reading who doesn't know where to start Download Speed Reader today and discover what reading at full speed feels like.

About

FocusWord

Features
Read full description

Your phone was designed to scatter your attention. FocusWord reverses the equation. FocusWord presents your books one word at a time on a full dark screen. Each word is positioned at its Optimal Recognition Point. Smart Slowing pauses naturally at sentence boundaries. Your phone becomes a place of focus instead of distraction. No willpower required. No fighting notifications. Just you and the words. IMPORT YOUR BOOKS Import any EPUB from your device. Navigate chapters. Track your reading progress. This is a real reading app for people who actually read books. READ AT YOUR PACE Adjust speed from 100 to 1000 WPM — whatever pace lets you focus completely. Start slow, build up naturally. Smart Slowing adapts to punctuation so the rhythm feels like reading, not a metronome. DESIGNED FOR FOCUS One word. Full screen. Zero distractions. Auto-hiding controls disappear within milliseconds. Gesture-only interaction while reading. The app becomes invisible so the book can take over. BUILT FOR BRAINS THAT WORK DIFFERENTLY ADHD-friendly design. VoiceOver support. Right-to-left reading. Reduce Motion compatibility. Focus isn't a character trait you lack — it was just never properly supported. BUY ONCE. READ FOREVER. No subscriptions. No ads. No dark patterns. No account required. One purchase, unlimited books, every feature. Your books stay on your device. Your data stays yours. FocusWord features: • One-word-at-a-time focused reading • Smart Slowing at sentences and clauses • 100–1000 WPM speed control • Full EPUB import and parsing • Chapter navigation with progress tracking • Reading position auto-save • Dark interface (WCAG AA contrast) • Accessibility: VoiceOver, RTL, Reduce Motion • Gesture controls: tap, swipe, long-press • iPhone and iPad

Screenshots

Speed Reader4 screens
FocusWord4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: FocusWord at 5.0 against Speed Reader's 4.0. FocusWord also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). On price, ratings volume, 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

Both are free to download. Speed Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. FocusWord asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

FocusWord holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Speed Reader ships an update every 3 months, FocusWord weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Speed Reader versus FocusWord: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpeed ReaderFocusWord
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings11
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.217.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMatt HumphreysMarcelo Alves

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Speed Reader

One-time1
  • Speed Reader Pro$4.99
None

FocusWord

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Speed Reader free?
Speed Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is FocusWord free?
FocusWord is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Speed Reader or FocusWord?
FocusWord is rated higher. Speed Reader averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while FocusWord averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Speed Reader or FocusWord have ads?
Neither Speed Reader nor FocusWord shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Speed Reader or FocusWord?
Speed Reader ships an update every 3 months, and FocusWord weekly. Most recently, Speed Reader was updated on October 14, 2026 and FocusWord on October 24, 2026.

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