Comparison

Word Runner vs Tempo

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

Head to head
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.

About

Tempo

This app presents text one word at a time, helping you maintain focus and progress through reading material. It offers adjustable pacing, rewind capabilities, and a distraction-free reading environment. Save your content locally and track your reading habits.

Highlights
  • RSVP reading mode
  • Adjustable reading pace (WPM)
  • Pause, rewind, and review text
  • Import text and supported files
  • Local reading library
  • Reading progress tracking
  • Customizable themes and typography
Features
Read full description

Tempo is a calm focus reader for people who want to keep moving through books, notes, articles, and study material without losing their place. The reader uses RSVP reading: it shows text one word at a time, with simple controls for pace, pause, rewind, and review. Instead of filling the screen with distractions, Tempo keeps the current word centered and gives you just enough context to continue confidently. Use Tempo to: * Paste text or import supported files * Read one word at a time in a focused RSVP view * Adjust your words-per-minute pace * Pause, rewind, and jump back into context * Save reading material in your local library * Track reading sessions, progress, stats, and streaks * Choose themes and typography that feel comfortable * Unlock unlimited local reading with a one-time purchase Tempo is built for focused reading, not fake productivity. It does not promise magic speed gains or replace careful reading. It gives you a calmer way to move through text, stay engaged, and finish more of what you start. Your reading material stays local by default in this release. Tempo is designed for content you own, created, or otherwise have the right to read.

Screenshots

Word Runner4 screens
Tempo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Word Runner at none against Tempo's 2. Tempo's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Tempo sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Word Runner asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Word Runner ships an update every 3 months, Tempo every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Word Runner versus Tempo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWord RunnerTempo
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB59 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developersimge nur cankayaJosh Hoffman

In-app purchases

None

Word Runner

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Tempo

One-time1
  • Unlimited Reading2 variants$7.99

Questions

Is Word Runner free?
Word Runner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Tempo free?
Tempo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Word Runner or Tempo have ads?
Neither Word Runner nor Tempo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Word Runner or Tempo?
Word Runner ships an update every 3 months, and Tempo every 6 days. Most recently, Word Runner was updated on October 25, 2026 and Tempo on October 24, 2026.

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