Comparison

Speed Reader vs SwiftReader

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

SwiftReader

Features
Read full description

Most people read at 200–250 words per minute. SwiftRead: Speed Trainer is built to change that. Using proven techniques, SwiftRead trains your eyes and brain to process text faster — so you can get through more of what matters without losing a word. TRAIN YOUR SPEED • RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) flashes words one at a time at your target pace, breaking the subvocalization habit that holds most readers back. • The guided scrolling pacer moves text at a steady speed, helping you stay focused and stop re-reading lines. • Adjust speed at any time and build up gradually at your own pace. READ ANYTHING • Paste any text directly into the app and start training immediately. • Import ebooks and read them with RSVP or the pacer — your choice. No account needed. Core features are free forever. Upgrade to Pro for AI quizzes and analytics. Speed reading is a trainable skill. SwiftRead gives you the tools to build it. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Speed Reader4 screens
SwiftReader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SwiftReader at none against Speed Reader's 1. SwiftReader also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (18.2 vs 26.2). On price, 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. SwiftReader asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Speed Reader ships an update every 3 months, SwiftReader monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Speed Reader versus SwiftReader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpeed ReaderSwiftReader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.218.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB29 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMatt HumphreysJean-Pierre Rouhana

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Speed Reader

One-time1
  • Speed Reader Pro$4.99
None

SwiftReader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Speed Reader free?
Speed Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SwiftReader free?
SwiftReader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Speed Reader or SwiftReader have ads?
Neither Speed Reader nor SwiftReader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Speed Reader or SwiftReader?
Speed Reader ships an update every 3 months, and SwiftReader monthly. Most recently, Speed Reader was updated on October 14, 2026 and SwiftReader on October 4, 2026.

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