Comparison

Speed Reader vs Anchor

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

Anchor

Features
Read full description

Read faster, stay focused, and get more out of every page. Anchor turns any text into a guided speed-reading session. Paste or import your own text, set your pace (WPM), and read one word at a time with a visual anchor that keeps your eyes locked in — no more rereading lines or losing focus. WHY ANCHOR • Read faster without losing comprehension • Stay focused with one-word-at-a-time RSVP • A visual anchor letter keeps your eyes centered • Beat distraction and reread less FEATURES • Adjustable WPM speed control • Visual anchor for laser focus • Import or paste any text • Clean, distraction-free reader • Reading progress and session stats • Works with books, articles, notes and study material Whether you're studying, powering through articles, or building a daily reading habit, Anchor helps you move through text with a steady, focused rhythm. Read faster. Stay focused. Train your reading flow.

Screenshots

Speed Reader4 screens
Anchor4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Anchor at monthly against Speed Reader's every 3 months. Anchor also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 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 Anchor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Speed Reader ships an update every 3 months, Anchor monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Speed Reader versus Anchor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpeed ReaderAnchor
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS26.213.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB46 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMatt HumphreysMyAppDesk

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Speed Reader

One-time1
  • Speed Reader Pro$4.99
1 purchases

Anchor

One-time1
  • Lifetime$4.99

Questions

Is Speed Reader free?
Speed Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Anchor free?
Anchor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Speed Reader or Anchor have ads?
Neither Speed Reader nor Anchor shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Speed Reader or Anchor?
Speed Reader ships an update every 3 months, and Anchor monthly. Most recently, Speed Reader was updated on October 14, 2026 and Anchor on October 5, 2026.

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