According to multiple websites, most adults’ average reading speed is around 200 to 250 words per minute. Several digital tools promise to help you boost this to process information faster. Try it out for yourself with these best speed reading apps for iPhone and iPad.
Do speed reading apps work?
This is debatable and subjective according to a person’s learning style and individual strengths. While you might learn to read faster, you may not fully comprehend what you’re reading. According to Live Science, reading is a complex activity that involves coordination between multiple mental systems. So, scientists are skeptical about the effectiveness of speed reading. Nonetheless, it is fun to challenge your brain and see how fast you can go, making speed reading apps worth a try. I tested out several from the App Store, and I’ve picked out five, which I found to be the most helpful and engaging. So go ahead and work out your brain.
What are best speed reading apps for iPhone?
1. Outread: Speed Reading Trainer
This app helps you focus on reading small chunks of text at a time, gradually increasing the speed. It quickly became my favorite way to improve my reading skills. You can choose between two modes, namely Flashing and Highlighting. In the flashing mode, individual words flash on the screen, and you can adjust the speed to test your reading skills. In the highlighting mode, you have to follow the highlighted sections of text, and again, you can adjust the speed according to your needs. I like how you can customize many aspects such as the font style, font size, highlighter contrast, etc. Further, you get even more options when you upgrade to the paid Outread+.subscription. You can add almost anything to your reading list, such as ebooks, copied text, online articles, etc. With Outread+, you can even sync with external services such as Pocket and Instapaper. Lastly, you can build a reading routine by setting reminders from within the app. This system’s holistic approach makes it my top choice for that ideal blend of functionality, simplicity, and effectiveness. What I loved: The variety of options presented in a clean and easy interface. What could be better: The ability to sync across multiple devices would be helpful. Price: Free ($4.99 for Monthly Subscription) Download
2. Readlax
This one’s much more than a speed-reading app – it offers complex brain and memory training. It uses a reading and comprehension test to measure your workout’s progress, which provides helpful insight. Reading is a complex cognitive function that actively uses working memory, focus, peripheral vision, and encoding and decoding. As these skills develop and get sharper, reading speed increases. The more developed these cognitive skills are, the greater the speed of reading and comprehension. When you open the app, you can choose to go for memory training, speed reading, or complex brain training. I found the visual puzzles both fun and challenging. It made me look forward to opening the app every day to get my mental workout. Further, the app is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese. You can change the language from the Settings menu. It also includes a calendar to keep track of your brain workouts and map your progress. What I loved: Multiple brain-training options with a progress tracker. What could be better: Could focus more on speed reading. Price: Free ( $5.99 for Monthly Subscription) Download
3. Speed Reading IQ
This app offers more than 20 exercises to develop your speed reading skills and retention. Some of the options support books in ePub and books. So, you can read whatever you like while training yourself to comprehend faster. Further, the application has been translated into 36 languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Indonesian, Turkish, and German. When you open the app, you will see all the different challenge options, from speed reading to word search, number search, symbol recognition, etc. Each challenge has levels that you can complete to earn five stars. Further, there are audio instructions to make things easier, and some of the exercises can be used with your own books too. It’s an excellent app to do something constructive in your spare time. What I loved: Interesting and unique exercises that workout the brain. What could be better: The user interface could be improved. It’s a bit difficult to read, and the opening screen has distracting animations. Price: Free ($1.99 to unlock all exercises) Download
Q. What is the trick to speed reading?
The trick lies in running how to scan and pick up the main words and phrases instead of focussing on every individual word. Once you get used to grasp the main concepts in a text, you will naturally begin to read faster. Of course, this takes some time and can differ from person to person.
Q. What is the average reading speed?
It’s about 200-400 wpm. Speed reading is usually done at a rate of around 400-700 wpm. Anything above 500-600 wpm means sacrificing comprehension, although this varies from person to person.
Q. How long does it take to learn to speed read?
On average, between 2-6 weeks depending on individual capabilities and how much time you spend practicing daily.
Q. Is speed reading effective for studying?
Yes, it can be useful as long as you strike a balance between your speed and comprehension. It also depends on the subject matter. Anything above 500-600 wpm will probably not be helpful when it comes to retaining information.
Read faster with the best speed reading apps!
I guess speed reading is one of those things that works like a charm for some people but just doesn’t appeal to others. Which group are you in? Try out some of these speed reading apps and let me know your experience in the comments below. You might also like to check out our roundup of the best education apps to boost your learning process. Read more:
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