SpeedyRead vs Strobe

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.

Strobe is an RSVP reader for PDFs, EPUBs, and text. It displays one word at a time at a fixed point, with adjustable reading speeds from 100 to 1,000 words per minute. Smart Timing changes word intervals according to word length, punctuation, sentence endings, and complexity. The app imports PDF, EPUB, TXT, and Markdown files and accepts pasted text. Readers can search passages, browse chapters, and resume at the exact word where they stopped. Documents, progress, and settings remain on the device, with no account, analytics, document uploads, or cloud synchronization. Imported text works offline. Accessibility support includes VoiceOver, larger text, Reduced Motion, Dynamic Type, and keyboard controls on compatible devices. Strobe runs on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. It has a free plan with no subscription, advertisements, or in-app purchases. DRM-protected EPUBs and password-protected PDFs are unsupported, and PDFs need a text layer because the app does not run OCR.