FastReadi vs Strobe
FastReadi
fastreadi.comStrobe
strobefast.appSide by side
| Figure | FastReadi | Strobe |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.33/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Spec score · Speed Reading Apps | 8.9 (#2) | 7.2 (#24) |
| Offline use | The App Store description says the library works fully offline after login. | Imported text can be read offline, and Strobe does not offer cloud sync between devices. |
| What it does | FastReadi combines speed reading, lecture recording and AI study tools in one app. | Strobe is an RSVP reader that presents words one at a time at a fixed point for reading PDFs, EPUBs, and text. |
Plans
FastReadi
- FreeFree
- Pro$3.33 a month
- Monthly subscription$7.99 a month
- Annual subscription$39.99 a year
- Pro$39.99 a year
In their own words
FastReadi
FastReadi is an iOS app that brings speed reading, lecture capture and AI study tools together. Focus mode shows one word at a time, while Bionic Reading emphasizes the beginnings of words; reading speed can be adjusted from 100 to 800 WPM. The library supports EPUB, MOBI, PDF and TXT. The app records and transcribes lectures, keeps them alongside books, and supports voice notes on books. Its book chat answers from uploaded pages and cites the passages behind replies. Study tools include AI flashcards, spaced repetition, chapter summaries, quizzes, exam planning, a Study Hub and mastery tracking. The Free plan includes reading, recording and capture, plus a weekly allowance for AI summaries, quizzes, study guides and book chat; reading features remain free without a paywall. Pro costs $39.99 a year and includes unlimited AI summaries, quizzes, study guides, flashcards, book chat and lecture transcription, along with smart notes and cloud sync. The app supports offline use after login and lists English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Apple's listing says identifiers and usage data may be used to track users across other companies' apps and websites; Apple notes this disclosure is unverified.
Strobe
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.