LightSpeedRead vs Outread

LightSpeedRead is a speed-reading reader that presents words or short groups of words one at a time at a fixed point on screen using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP). The web reader accepts pasted text, links, PDFs and EPUBs. Readers can adjust speed, pauses for long words and punctuation, gradual ramp-up, themes, fonts, emphasis and word size. A red letter marks each word’s optimal recognition point, aligned to a fixed center line. Submitting an article URL sends it to r.jina.ai to fetch and extract text; pages behind logins or paywalls may not extract cleanly. Pasted and uploaded text is processed locally in the browser, and the Chrome extension reads page text only when invoked. The free plan includes the website reader and extension reading up to 600 wpm. Pro is $2.99 per month or $19.00 per year, with speeds up to 1000 wpm and additional controls. The iOS app is marked “Coming soon.” The maker cautions that high RSVP speeds can reduce comprehension, especially for dense or important material.

Outread is a speed-reading app for websites, ebooks, and documents that displays text in small chunks. Guide mode highlights text, while Flash mode presents it using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation. Readers can adjust speed, chunk length, contrast, theme, and font, and use exercises for peripheral vision, eidetic memory, short-term memory, and chunking. Content can be imported from a URL, pasted, or shared from Safari and other apps; Outread also integrates with Pocket and Instapaper. An optional account syncs content, reading history, and preferences between devices, and the App Store listing says content is available offline. Supported file types are DRM-free ePub, PDF, DOC, RTF, and TXT; DRM-protected ebooks such as Kindle books are not supported. Outread is available on iOS, macOS, and as an extension. Its free plan provides basic features. Outread+ unlocks all features, including speeds up to 1,500 words per minute, unlimited bookmarks and notes, and additional themes. AI summaries, key points, quizzes, and tag suggestions require Apple Intelligence-capable devices running the newest operating system.