Flash-Read vs Kairo
Flash-Read
flash-read.comKairo
kairoreader.comSide by side
| Figure | Flash-Read | Kairo |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $4.49/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Speed Reading Apps | 8.0 (#8) | 7.7 (#16) |
| Privacy | The site says imported content is processed locally in the browser and uploaded files are not stored, read, or shared. | Kairo says it has no account system, ads or analytics SDKs and does not upload users’ libraries or reading activity to a Kairo server. |
Plans
In their own words
Flash-Read
Flash-Read is a web-based speed-reading app that displays words one at a time using RSVP technology. Readers can paste text or upload.txt and.epub files, or choose from a library of more than 500 original stories in 20 genres; guests get three free stories. Speed ramping starts at 200 WPM and can increase to 2,000 WPM. The reader highlights the Optimal Recognition Point in each word, adjusting its position according to word length. Progress features include session statistics and performance charts, while game elements include XP, achievements and streaks. Every plan includes the RSVP reader, speed ramping, ORP highlighting, keyboard shortcuts and dark mode. Flash-Read says imported content is processed locally in the browser and uploaded files are not stored, read or shared. It works on devices with a web browser and needs no app download. The Free plan is available at free; paid plans start with Starter at $4.49 a month. Reader costs $6.99 a month and Ultra costs $9.99 a month.
Kairo
Kairo is a free Android app for reading DRM-free ebooks and documents in standard, adaptive RSVP, and Bionic Reading modes. The reader offers scrollable chapters, inline images, a table of contents, bookmarks, progress tracking, and a movable focus word. Adaptive RSVP aligns words with ORP and changes timing based on punctuation, word length, syllables, clauses, and readability. Bionic Reading emphasizes word beginnings while showing more sentence context. Reading profiles control pacing, typography, brightness, and focus, with six themes available. Focus mode provides a full-screen view and can optionally enable Android Do Not Disturb. Kairo 1.1 supports EPUB, MOBI, PRC, AZW, FB2, FB2.ZIP, DOCX, text-based PDF, TXT, Markdown, HTML, and HTM. Files must be DRM-free; scanned PDFs and OCR are unsupported. Imported content and reading data remain in private device storage.