Tolka vs iRead

Read Tolka is a focused speed-reading app for Mac that helps you read faster without sacrificing comprehension. Built on decades of research we use RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) to present your documents one word at a time, eliminating the eye movement and the fatigue that slows traditional reading down. Focus Tolka's full-screen reading mode hides every distraction, resulting in a calm, immersive environment where the only thing in your field of view is the word. Reading sessions are bookmarked automatically, so you can pick up exactly where you left off across any document, any time, any device. Formats Import virtually any document you read: PDF, EPUB, DOCX, TXT, RTF, HTML, and Markdown. Drag and drop files onto the app, use the standard file picker, or send content directly from Safari and other apps via the Share Extension, no copying and pasting required. Tolka also includes a built-in Project Gutenberg browser, giving you instant access to thousands of classic books. Download and start reading in seconds. Timing Not all words take the same time to process. Tolka's adaptive timing engine automatically extends display duration for longer words and adds natural pauses at punctuation — so reading flows like speech, not a metronome. Speed is fully adjustable from 50 to 600 words per minute, and you can change it mid-session without breaking your flow. Configure break points at word count, paragraph, or chapter intervals to pace long reading sessions. An estimated time remaining display keeps you oriented without pulling your attention away. Useable Whether you're a professional working through contracts and reports, a student managing heavy reading loads, or someone with ADHD or dyslexia who finds traditional reading exhausting — Tolka works with the way your attention actually functions. RSVP forces a single point of focus, eliminating the wandering and re-reading that drains time and energy. Users regularly report finishing more in a sitting than they would in hours of conventional reading. Profiles Create multiple reading profiles — one for deep work, one for lighter material, one tuned for news articles. Each profile stores your preferred speed, timing behaviour, appearance, and break settings. Switch between them in an instant with a keyboard shortcut. Tolka is a one-time purchase — no subscriptions, no upsells, no accounts required. 7-day trial included so you can try it for yourself before commiting. Read more.

iRead reads the books you already own out loud — natural voices, fully offline, no subscription. LISTEN TO YOUR OWN BOOKS • Natural neural voices read EPUB, TXT and MOBI aloud • Keeps playing in the background, with the screen locked • Lock screen and headphone controls, like a podcast • Voices in nine languages: English, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and Korean — each chapter is read in its own language automatically • Runs entirely on your phone — your text is never uploaded READ THEM TOO • Import from Files, the share sheet, or your computer over Wi-Fi • Light and dark themes, adjustable size and spacing • Shelf with covers, categories and reading progress • One backup file carries your library, progress and settings between devices GOOD TO KNOW • PDF opens for reading but cannot be read aloud — convert it to EPUB first (free converter at iread.gaiya.cc) • DRM-protected books, including Kindle and Apple Books purchases, cannot be opened • There is no store inside iRead. It never sells or ships books; it opens the ones you already have FREE AND PRO • Free: the whole reader, plus your device's built-in system voice • Pro: unlocks the natural neural voices. One-time purchase, yours forever • No subscription, no account, no ads, no tracking