Comparison

Speed Reader vs PulseRead

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

PulseRead

Features
Read full description

PulseRead is a speed reading app for PDF, EPUB, ODT, and text documents that helps you read faster, stay focused, and get through more with less friction. Import your documents and read in a focused word-by-word interface built for speed, attention, and clarity. Whether you're studying for an exam, reviewing reports, reading articles, working through textbooks, or building a daily reading habit, PulseRead gives you a cleaner and more intentional way to read. Built for students, professionals, and lifelong learners who want better focus, faster reading, and stronger reading consistency. With PulseRead, you can: • Import PDF, EPUB, ODT, and text documents • Adjust reading speed to match your goals • Continue exactly where you left off • Track reading progress and daily reading habits • Read with a focused word-by-word system built for speed and attention Free features: • Focus mode at 200 WPM • Turbo mode at 300 WPM • Sprint mode at 500 WPM • Up to 3 document imports • Core reading stats and progress tracking PulseRead Pro unlocks: • Custom speed control • Adjustable reading speed from 180 to 900 WPM • Unlimited document imports • Focus Session timer for structured reading sessions Read faster. Stay focused. Build consistency. Subscription Information: PulseRead Pro is available as an auto-renewable yearly subscription. Pricing may vary by region and will be shown before purchase. Payment will be charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription renews automatically unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your App Store account settings. Privacy Policy: https://serhatbilenn.github.io/pulseread-privacy/ Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Speed Reader4 screens
PulseRead4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: PulseRead at every 5 weeks against Speed Reader's every 3 months. PulseRead also leads on iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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 and PulseRead sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Speed Reader ships an update every 3 months, PulseRead every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 10, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Speed Reader versus PulseRead: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpeed ReaderPulseRead
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.217.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMatt HumphreysOnur Sendur

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Speed Reader

One-time1
  • Speed Reader Pro$4.99
1 purchases

PulseRead

Subscriptions1
  • PulseRead Pro$9.991 Year

Questions

Is Speed Reader free?
Speed Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PulseRead free?
PulseRead is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Speed Reader or PulseRead have ads?
Neither Speed Reader nor PulseRead shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Speed Reader or PulseRead?
Speed Reader ships an update every 3 months, and PulseRead every 5 weeks. Most recently, Speed Reader was updated on August 10, 2026 and PulseRead on September 20, 2026.

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