Kairo vs LumaRead
Kairo
kairoreader.comLumaRead
lumaread.appSide by side
| Figure | Kairo | LumaRead |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $3.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Speed Reading Apps | 7.7 (#16) | 7.9 (#11) |
| File formats | Kairo 1.1 supports EPUB, MOBI, PRC, AZW, FB2 and FB2.ZIP, DOCX, text-based PDF, TXT, Markdown, HTML and HTM files. | The site says LumaRead supports PDF and DOCX uploads. |
| Support | The site directs users with questions about files or features to [email protected] and links to a page to support Kairo. | The Yearly plan lists priority support. |
Plans
In their own words
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.
LumaRead
LumaRead is a web-based speed reading app that presents text one word at a time using rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP). It accepts PDF and DOCX uploads and includes a free reading speed test that measures words per minute. The reader removes headers, footers and page numbers, anchoring words at an optical center point; readers can adjust speed, with pacing that responds to punctuation. The free plan saves progress and allows 1,500 words per day, one book in the library and speeds up to 600 WPM. Monthly costs $3.99 a month and allows unlimited reading, 10 library books and speeds up to 900 WPM, with reading statistics. Yearly costs $39.99 a year and adds an unlimited library, custom speeds up to 1,500 WPM, statistics, streaks and priority support. Login, library sync and session statistics require an internet connection. A loaded book can continue in an active session if it remains open on the page. LumaRead can be installed as a PWA for quicker access on mobile or desktop, though the supported platform is web.