LightSpeedRead vs Readlax

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.

Readlax combines habit tracking, brain training, speed reading, touch typing, smart notes, a reader view, and a focus timer. Its brain games cover memory, focus and concentration, mental math, and speed reading. Reading practice combines games with mini books and news, plus tests for reading speed and comprehension. Smart Notes supports Markdown, linked-note graphs, attachments, folders, tags, and change tracking. The Chrome and Edge Reader View extension removes distractions, highlights phrases, and reads articles aloud using text to speech. The focus timer sets 25-minute work periods followed by five-minute breaks. Habit tracking includes a to-do list and daily records for mood, sleep hours, and water intake. Readlax says its brain-training product is available on the web, iPhone, and Android, with progress syncing across devices; the platform also lists browser-extension access. Monthly, yearly, and lifetime subscriptions are described; monthly and yearly subscriptions renew automatically until canceled.