Comparison

FlowSpeedReader vs Reader Alive

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

Head to head
About

FlowSpeedReader

Enhance your reading speed and comprehension with this app that uses Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP). Import text from various sources, customize themes and fonts, and utilize text-to-speech. Features eye tracking and a focus timer for an optimized reading experience.

Highlights
  • Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP)
  • Import text from URLs, files, and camera OCR
  • Text-to-Speech (TTS) with multi-language support
  • Eye tracking for automatic pausing
  • Pomodoro-style focus timer
  • Detailed reading statistics
  • Customizable themes and fonts
Features
Read full description

FlowSpeedReader is a powerful speed reading app that uses Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) to help you consume text faster than ever before. Whether you're a student, professional, or avid reader, FlowSpeedReader trains your brain to process words at incredible speeds — all while maintaining comprehension. HOW IT WORKS RSVP displays one word (or a group of words) at a time in a fixed position, eliminating the eye movements (saccades) that waste up to 30% of traditional reading time. Your brain focuses purely on processing meaning. Research shows comprehension remains high even above 500 WPM. IMPORT ANYTHING • Paste or type text directly • Import from Safari using the Share Sheet extension • Fetch and extract articles from any URL • Import files: PDF, DOCX, TXT, RTF, Pages, CSV • Scan physical documents with Camera OCR • Load from clipboard (text or URLs) BEAUTIFUL THEMES & FONTS Choose from multiple gorgeous themes — including dark mode variants — and select from 8 premium fonts. FlowSpeedReader looks stunning and feels great to use. TEXT-TO-SPEECH (TTS) Listen while you read. FlowSpeedReader features a full TTS engine with: • Multi-language support (Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi, Urdu, and more) • Automatic language detection • Multiple voice options per language (Standard, Enhanced, Premium) • Synchronized word highlighting during audio playback EYE TRACKING (iPhone X and later) FlowSpeedReader uses the TrueDepth camera to detect when you look away and automatically pauses your reading session. Configurable sensitivity, pause delay, and auto-resume keep you in the zone. FOCUS TIMER (POMODORO) Stay productive with built-in Pomodoro-style focus sessions. Set custom focus and break durations, and let the app manage your reading schedule. READING STATISTICS Track your progress with detailed stats: words read, sessions completed, reading streaks, and more. Visualize your improvement over time. MORE FEATURES • Adjustable reading speed: 100 – 1000+ WPM • Read 1, 2, or 3 words at a time • Interactive progress bar with scrubbing • Context scroll view — see surrounding text and tap to jump • Haptic feedback at sentence boundaries • Live Activities on Lock Screen • Full-text editor built in • Reading history — resume past sessions • Landscape and iPad adaptive layouts • Volume button controls for speed or navigation • Right-to-left language support • Safari Share Extension for one-tap import FlowSpeedReader is the ultimate reading companion. Download now and unlock your full reading potential.

About

Reader Alive

Features
Read full description

Reader Alive is an AI-powered ebook reader for iPhone and iPad. Import EPUB, PDF, AZW3, and MOBI books from Files, Finder, AirDrop, Wi-Fi transfer, or iCloud Drive. Read in paged or continuous scrolling modes, tune fonts and themes, adjust size and spacing, and keep your library and reading position in sync with iCloud. Reader Alive helps books feel alive: • Translate selected text or full chapters • Listen with natural text-to-speech • Chat with a book and ask questions grounded in its content • Generate chapter summaries • Explore key ideas, characters, timelines, arguments, and action lists • Sync your library and reading progress across devices with iCloud Full translation, listening, and AI chat features require a subscription. Reader Alive is built for deep reading, foreign-language reading, study, research, and faster understanding of long books. Privacy Policy: https://readeralive.pages.dev/privacy/ Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

FlowSpeedReader4 screens
Reader Alive4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FlowSpeedReader at none against Reader Alive's 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. Reader Alive sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. FlowSpeedReader asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FlowSpeedReader ships an update every 6 days, Reader Alive every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
FlowSpeedReader versus Reader Alive: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFlowSpeedReaderReader Alive
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (13 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings13 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 daysEvery 5 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB289 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBesufekad MekuriaNocoly.com

In-app purchases

None

FlowSpeedReader

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Reader Alive

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Monthly$7.991 Month
  • Premium Yearly$59.991 Year

Questions

Is FlowSpeedReader free?
FlowSpeedReader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Reader Alive free?
Reader Alive is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do FlowSpeedReader or Reader Alive have ads?
Both FlowSpeedReader and Reader Alive show ads.
Which is updated more often, FlowSpeedReader or Reader Alive?
FlowSpeedReader ships an update every 6 days, and Reader Alive every 5 days. Most recently, FlowSpeedReader was updated on October 31, 2026 and Reader Alive on October 12, 2026.

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