Comparison

Speed Reader vs Word Runner

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

Word Runner

Features
Read full description

WordRunner – Speed Reader Read faster. Focus deeper. WordRunner brings speed reading to your iPhone using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) - the same technology used by professional speed readers. Words are displayed one at a time in a fixed focal point, eliminating the eye movement that slows most readers down. Features Read EPUB, PDF, and plain text files Adjustable speed from 100 to 900 words per minute Dynamic pacing - automatically slows at punctuation and long words Optimal Recognition Point (ORP) highlighting to anchor your focus Auto-saves your progress so you never lose your place Jump to any position in your book with full-text search Clean, distraction-free dark interface designed for long reading sessions How it works Open any book or article, set your speed, and tap play. WordRunner guides your eyes word by word — no scrolling, no distractions. Most readers see noticeable speed improvements within their first session. Perfect for Students, professionals, and curious readers who want to get through more books, articles, and documents in less time.

Screenshots

Speed Reader4 screens
Word Runner4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Word Runner at none against Speed Reader's 1. Word Runner also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.2). On price, update cadence, 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. Word Runner asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on August 10, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Speed Reader versus Word Runner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpeed ReaderWord Runner
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS26.215.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMatt Humphreyssimge nur cankaya

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Speed Reader

One-time1
  • Speed Reader Pro$4.99
None

Word Runner

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Speed Reader free?
Speed Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Word Runner free?
Word Runner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Speed Reader or Word Runner have ads?
Neither Speed Reader nor Word Runner shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Speed Reader or Word Runner?
Speed Reader ships an update every 3 months, and Word Runner every 3 months. Most recently, Speed Reader was updated on August 10, 2026 and Word Runner on September 23, 2026.

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