6 Best Speed-Reading Apps That Will Make You More Productive (Updated for 2026)

There’s so much to read and so little time to get through it all. With how busy we all are nowadays, speed reading is a skill that can help you do more than just get through that to-read list on your nightstand. It helps you be more productive and extract key information quickly. A solid speed-reading app is a good tool to help you not only read faster, but also to absorb and process the info you’re speed-reading.

You could break out the stopwatch and start training yourself to learn how to read faster, but a speed-reading app gives you the extra boost you need to become an outstanding speed reader. Try one of these speed-reading apps and see how much you improve after steadily using it.

1. TurboRead

TurboRead focuses on training both speed and comprehension. It offers structured exercises and a progress tracker designed to improve focus and reading efficiency over time. 

Like other apps in this category, TurboRead offers features that present words quickly, but also includes pacing drills and comprehension checks. These features make it more of a training tool than just an ordinary reader. 

The app also supports different types of content, from articles to books and longer documents. Apple users can also import their own files via iCloud, which enables quick file syncing across Apple devices.

2. Spreeder

Spreeder offers software that helps you read at least three times as fast as normal. It works by helping you eliminate the inner voice we all have when we read, because that’s what limits our reading speed. It’ll help you find your base speed, and you can use the settings to adjust it as you get better at speed reading and comprehending.

Their cloud library lets you add anything you want to speed read so you can practice on your favorite books and articles or those documents you know you need to get through for work. The cloud supports 46 different e-book and document types, so you’re pretty much covered for anything you want to upload.

The iOS app is free and they have a free web app, but the purchased upgrades offer a lot more training and more advanced features, so it’s well worth the price. Spreeder offers a 12-month money-back guarantee as well, in case you aren’t happy with the service — but we bet you will be.

3. Outread

Outread highlights words as you go along, training your mind to keep moving forward instead of jumping back to re-read things you’ve already processed. It offers syncing ability with Instapaper, Pocket and Pinboard so you can transfer things from there to the app, add from Safari or upload documents and e-books. There are also free e-books already in the app in case you want to practice with some classics.

The app is customizable to fit your reading style and preference. There are day and night modes, multiple fonts and you can adjust the highlighter or dimmer so the chunks of text you read at one time are to your liking. You can also track your day-to-day reading stats and make note of your progress over time.

4. Reedy

Reedy is probably the best option out there for Android users. Similar to the look and feel of Outread, it has a simple interface and comes with night and day modes. You can upload files, add links from the web or read from other apps with app connectivity. It promises to help you read two to four times faster than normal, without any fancy training.

Instead of a highlighter or dimmer like Outread, it prominently displays the word you’re reading in the middle of the screen as you’re speed reading through, training your mind to focus on certain words or phrases instead of attempting to jump around throughout the text like our brains tend to. The app also lets you switch between speed-read mode and normal reading mode as you see fit.

5. SwiftRead

SwiftRead has a browser-based option that works especially well for people who read a lot online. Available as a Chrome extension, it lets you speed-read articles, PDFs and emails directly from your browser. It also has solid Android and Apple-based apps for mobile devices. 

It highlights word chunks and offers features like variable reading control, adjustable line spacing and real-time web page control for a comfortable and customizable speed reading experience. SwiftRead also syncs with platforms like Kindle Cloud and Libby, which is useful if you split your reading between devices or file types.

6. QuickReader

QuickReader is ideal for iOS users who want a more premium, all-in-one reading experience. Its claim to fame is its granular customizability, which includes control over features like speed, spacing, fonts, color schemes, margins and more, ensuring a comfortable reading experience for all users.

Another useful aspect is its built-in library of classic books, which you can use to practice without needing to upload your own material — although you can still read your own EPUB files outside of the app’s library. 

What Are the Benefits of Speed Reading?

When done right, speed reading offers various benefits, especially in how you manage time and absorb information. Here’s what you can expect.

Increased Reading Speed and Efficiency

Speed reading helps you process text faster than your normal pace, allowing you to reduce unnecessary pauses and rereading. This approach makes it easier to get through long articles or books in less time.

Improved Time Management

When you can read faster, you naturally free up more time for other tasks. Speed reading allows you to handle large amounts of information more efficiently, which leads to better productivity and less pressure when deadlines pile up.

Broader Knowledge Base

Because you cover more material in less time, speed reading makes it easier to explore a wider range of topics. You can absorb more ideas and stay informed without adding too many extra hours to your day. A 2023 study even found no noticeable differences in comprehension levels between speed readers and non-speed readers.

Start Reading Smarter

All these apps will train your brain to read faster, while also retaining all the important info you’re reading. Those long work documents you need to read through will be a breeze, and your daily productivity will increase if you can read and comprehend things quicker. Download one of these apps and start practicing!

Original Publish Date 1/17/2018 — Updated 4/27/2026