Focal vs FlowReader Pro
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Focal
This reading app offers multiple modes to enhance focus and reduce eye strain. It supports PDF and EPUB files with adjustable speeds and customizable backgrounds for a distraction-free experience.
- Multiple reading modes (RSVP, Sentence, Page)
- Adjustable reading speed (WPM)
- Natural pacing with punctuation pauses
- PDF and EPUB library support
- Reading progress memory
- Bookmarks
- Customizable backgrounds and themes
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Focal is a reading app designed to help you stay focused, reduce visual fatigue, and move through texts more comfortably. Switch instantly between three reading modes depending on how you want to read: • Focal Mode — display words one at a time in a guided RSVP reading format • Sentence Mode — swipe or play through sentences one at a time in a polished, easy to read format • Page Mode — read fully paginated text with clean typography • Original PDF Mode — view the source document exactly as published Built for both long reading sessions and everyday reading, Focal supports PDF and EPUB files with a smooth, distraction-free interface. Features include: • Adjustable reading speed (WPM control) • Natural pacing with pauses at punctuation • Auto-pause at paragraph and page boundaries • PDF and EPUB library support • Reading progress memory • Bookmarks • Custom reading backgrounds • Light and dark visual themes • Fast switching between reading modes • No ads or signup Whether you're reading textbooks, articles, novels, or long documents, Focal helps you stay immersed in the text. Designed for readers who want more control, less distraction, and a better reading experience. Terms of Use: https://jessemeissner1.github.io/focal.github.io/terms.html
FlowReader Pro
Enhance your reading speed and comprehension with a unique RSVP method that displays words one at a time. Import content from various sources, including EPUB files and web articles, and enjoy offline access. This app offers a one-time purchase for lifetime access to all features and future updates.
- RSVP speed-reading technology
- Adjustable reading speed (100-1000 WPM)
- EPUB file import
- Article URL import
- Offline functionality
- One-time purchase for lifetime access
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Read 3× faster — without detours. FlowReader Pro is your RSVP speed-reading companion. Words appear one at a time with ORP highlighting — no eye movement required, no distractions, only focus. Input text your way Open EPUB files Import article URLs directly Paste text or upload files Everything works offline RSVP technology Words appear one by one at the optimal recognition point (ORP) Reading time is drastically reduced Adjustable speed: 100–1000 words per minute EPUB unlock — pay once, read forever One purchase, yours for life No ads, no subscriptions, no surprises Included in your purchase: Unlimited EPUB access All future features No recurring costs Your book. Your pace. Your progress — always saved.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: Focal at free against FlowReader Pro's free with in-app purchases. Focal also leads on ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence 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
Both are free to download. Focal sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and FlowReader Pro sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Focal against 5.0 for FlowReader Pro. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Focal | FlowReader Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | Every 4 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 37 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jesse Meissner | ANDREAS STEINER |
Customer experience
Focal
FlowReader Pro
In-app purchases
Focal
- Focal Monthly$2.991 Month
- Focal Lifetime$9.99
FlowReader Pro
- Pro Freischaltung$2.99








