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SPECIFICTION
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Strobe

strobefast.app

Free plan macOSiOS
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Spec score 7.2 #24 of 27 in Speed Reading Apps

What it is

Strobe is an RSVP reader for PDFs, EPUBs, and text. It displays one word at a time at a fixed point, with adjustable reading speeds from 100 to 1,000 words per minute. Smart Timing changes word intervals according to word length, punctuation, sentence endings, and complexity. The app imports PDF, EPUB, TXT, and Markdown files and accepts pasted text. Readers can search passages, browse chapters, and resume at the exact word where they stopped. Documents, progress, and settings remain on the device, with no account, analytics, document uploads, or cloud synchronization. Imported text works offline. Accessibility support includes VoiceOver, larger text, Reduced Motion, Dynamic Type, and keyboard controls on compatible devices. Strobe runs on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. It has a free plan with no subscription, advertisements, or in-app purchases. DRM-protected EPUBs and password-protected PDFs are unsupported, and PDFs need a text layer because the app does not run OCR.

Spec sheet

What it does
Strobe is an RSVP reader that presents words one at a time at a fixed point for reading PDFs, EPUBs, and text.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
Privacy
Documents, reading progress, and settings stay on the device, and the app has no account, analytics, or document uploads.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
Support
The maker lists [email protected] as its contact email.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
Accessibility
Strobe supports VoiceOver, larger text, Reduced Motion, Dynamic Type, and keyboard controls on compatible devices.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
Developer
The site says Strobe was developed by Jaafar Abdeen.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
File limits
DRM-protected EPUBs and password-protected PDFs cannot be imported; PDFs need a text layer because Strobe does not run OCR.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
Intended readers
The maker describes use for researchers reading papers, students reading course materials, and heavy readers handling long-form documents.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
Navigation
Readers can search passages, browse chapters, and resume from the exact word where they stopped.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
Offline use
Imported text can be read offline, and Strobe does not offer cloud sync between devices.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
Open source
Strobe’s source code is public on GitHub.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
Reading speed
Reading speed is adjustable from 100 to 1,000 words per minute.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
Supported input
It imports PDF, EPUB, TXT, and Markdown files and accepts pasted text.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app
Timing
Smart Timing adjusts intervals for word length, punctuation, sentence endings, and word complexity.Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app

Plans and prices

Free Free No ads · No subscription · No in-app purchases · iPhone, iPad, Mac Read 7 Oct 2026 · strobefast.app

Every Strobe plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Adjustable pacing from 100 to 1,000 words per minute
  • Imports PDF, EPUB, TXT, Markdown, and pasted text
  • Resumes at the exact word where reading stopped
  • Works offline with documents stored on the device
  • Supports VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, and keyboard controls

Limits

  • No cloud sync between devices
  • DRM-protected EPUBs cannot be imported
  • Password-protected PDFs cannot be imported
  • PDFs require a text layer; there is no OCR

Who it suits

Strobe suits researchers, students, and heavy readers working through long-form documents. It is also relevant to readers who want local, offline reading without accounts or document uploads.

Verdict

Strobe focuses on fixed-point, one-word-at-a-time reading with detailed pacing and navigation controls. Its free local-first design is clear, but file restrictions and the lack of cross-device sync may shape whether it fits your reading workflow.

Where Specifiction places it

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