Outread vs SpeedyRead

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.

SpeedyRead is an iPhone speed-reading app that presents text one word at a time using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation. It imports PDFs, Word documents, ePubs, Markdown, HTML, and other content, and can open files from the Files app. Readers can also paste a web address for article extraction or scan printed pages with live OCR and torch support. The reading pace can be adjusted from 300 to 725 WPM with a speed wheel and haptic feedback. An audio mode speaks each word in sync with the display, with adjustable audio speed from 50 to 450 WPM and multiple voices.

The app includes comprehension exercises, guided training, dark and light modes, five accent colors, automatic session saving, and reading-position resumption. Its library and progress are stored locally; personal files are not synced to servers unless a future cloud backup is enabled. The privacy policy says anonymous usage statistics are collected, with device model and OS version potentially collected for diagnostics. Support requests may involve an email address. SpeedyRead requires iOS 18.0 or later. It has a free download, and Monthly Premium costs $1.99 a month with a 14-day free trial.