Comparison

Read Fast vs PulseRead

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Read Fast

This app helps you read faster by displaying words sequentially in the center of the screen, reducing subvocalization and improving focus. It supports various file formats and tracks your reading progress to build a consistent habit.

Highlights
  • Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) engine
  • Breaks subvocalization bottleneck
  • Import EPUB, PDF, TXT, and pasted text
  • Track daily streaks and WPM
  • Reduces eye fatigue
  • Local device processing for privacy
Features
Read full description

STOP READING. START ABSORBING. Most people read at about the same speed they speak. The reason is subvocalization: the small inner voice that sounds out every word. Absorb is built to break that bottleneck and change how you move through text. Absorb uses an advanced Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) engine. Instead of making your eyes scan back and forth across a page, it shows words one after another in the same spot and highlights each word's Optimal Recognition Point. Your gaze stays centered, your focus stays locked, and text moves straight into visual processing. WHY READERS USE ABSORB STEADY FOCUS: The rapid display leaves less room for wandering attention and helps you enter a steady reading flow. BUILD THE HABIT: Track daily streaks, average WPM, reading time, and progress so speed becomes something you can actually train. BRING YOUR OWN BOOKS: Import EPUB, PDF, TXT, and pasted text from your device. LESS EYE FATIGUE: Stop losing your place. Sit back, watch the center, and let the book come to you. PRIVATE BY DESIGN: Processing happens locally on your device. Your files and reading data do not leave your phone. Absorb offers monthly access and a one-time Lifetime unlock. Full access requires a subscription or Lifetime unlock. Download Absorb, import your first book, and finish it tonight. Terms: https://absorb-app-ncmw.onrender.com/terms.html

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

Read Fast4 screens
PulseRead4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Read Fast at every 2 days against PulseRead's every 5 weeks. 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. Read Fast sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month 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

Read Fast ships an update every 2 days, PulseRead every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Read Fast versus PulseRead: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRead FastPulseRead
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 days — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.4 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size164 MB12 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperMaksym HoroszczakOnur Sendur

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Read Fast

Subscriptions2
  • Absorb$4.991 Month
  • Absorb Pro Annual7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Absorb Pro Lifetime$69.99
1 purchases

PulseRead

Subscriptions1
  • PulseRead Pro$9.991 Year

Questions

Is Read Fast free?
Read Fast is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PulseRead free?
PulseRead is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Read Fast or PulseRead have ads?
Neither Read Fast nor PulseRead shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Read Fast or PulseRead?
Read Fast ships an update every 2 days, and PulseRead every 5 weeks. Most recently, Read Fast was updated on September 16, 2026 and PulseRead on September 20, 2026.

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