We researched the top speed reading software systems and compared the learning platforms and exercises. We looked at the number of users each product allows under a single license, the number of learning exercises each program offers and how many eBooks each program includes. Our top pick, 7 Speed Reading, includes thousands of eBooks with its software and scored the highest in our usability testing. This software includes eye-training exercises and reading exercises that work for beginning readers all the way up to college-level readers.
Product |
Price |
Overall Rating
|
Exercises & Tests
|
Settings & Resources
|
Reporting & Security
|
Help & Support
|
Display Full Text
|
Flash Words
|
Automatic Speed Adjustment
|
Import Documents
|
Included eBooks
|
Highlighted Word Groups
|
Manual Speed Adjustment
|
Multi Language Text
|
Customize Text
|
Set Reading WPM Goals
|
Web Text
|
Elementary
|
Intermediate
|
College
|
Tutorials
|
Phone
|
Email
|
Free Upgrades
|
Windows 10
|
Windows Vista
|
Mac OS X
|
Windows 7
|
Windows 8
|
School/Organization Licensing
|
User Password Protection
|
Speed Tracking
|
Maximum Number of Users
|
Administrative Controls
|
Record Test Scores
|
Usability Score
|
Brain Games
|
Eye-Training Exercises
|
Speed & Comprehension Tests
|
Initial Speed Assessment
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
20,477
|
Unlimited
|
98%
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9.8 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
625
|
Unlimited
|
95%
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 |
300
|
3
|
93%
|
N/A
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9.1 | 10 | 7.8 | 9 | 9.8 |
N/A
|
200
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
1
|
91%
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8.9 | 9.3 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 9.8 |
17,000
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Unlimited
|
N/A
|
86%
|
N/A
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8.2 | 8.5 | 7.3 | 9 | 8 |
500
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
1
|
80%
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6.8 | 7.3 | 5.8 | 6 | 9.8 |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
90
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
1
|
N/A
|
73%
|
N/A
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
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This software was the easiest to use in our testing
-
Includes a huge collection of over 20,000 eBooks
-
This software works with an unlimited number of users
-
One of the most expensive programs we tested
-
Graphics in the training lessons feel old and dated
-
Access expires after 10 years
-
You can have an unlimited number of user accounts
-
The software automatically gives you speed and comprehension tests
-
The software includes 17,000 eBooks
-
The software looks outdated and the website is hard to navigate
-
The software doesn’t include comprehension exercises
-
This software only has a one-year license
-
You can customize content for readers by grade level
-
Includes over 800 comprehension tests
-
The software is web-based and can work on most devices
-
There is no live chat support feature
-
The software looks old and out-of-date
-
There are only a few hundred eBooks included with the software
Why Trust Us?
Top Ten Reviews has been reviewing tech products and software for over a decade. We’ve published reviews about speed reading software since 2006.
We focused our comparison on actual speed reading software programs, instead of web apps like Spritz that simply flash words from a text selection. Amazon Fire tablets also have a feature, called Word Runner, that flashes words from eBooks as a type of speed reading training. However, we focused on software that gives you exercises to increase your offline reading speed and comprehension.
We downloaded each of the seven software programs in our comparison and tested them by going through exercises and taking comprehension tests.
How We Tested
To compare speed reading software, we downloaded each program and compared the number and type of reading exercises as well as the settings and resources available in each program. The best software has initial speed tests to determine where you are and then occasional tests during your training to gauge your progress.
We counted the number of unique exercises and training games that each software offers, as well as the type of training. Many of the programs also offer memory, concentration and eye-training exercises. We also compared the number of eBooks that are included with each program.
We also compared price and license information. Programs that allow multiple users with a single license were ranked higher in our comparison than those that require a license for each user. We also judged the support options offered by each company and ranked companies that offer phone and email support higher than those that just offer email support.
How Speed Reading Software Works
Speed reading software uses a variety of eye exercises and tests to help you reduce bad reading habits while increasing your comprehension. Some bad reading habits include subvocalizing, or saying words while you read, regression, or going back over what you’ve already read and fixation, or only looking at one word at a time. The best software has exercises that train your eyes and your brain to scan multiple words at once and quickly move across the page without going back.
Most of the software we researched allows you to purchase yearly or multi-year subscriptions. However, EyeQ charges a monthly fee for access to its software.
How Do You Become a Speed Reader?
Because so many of us have bad reading habits, the best way to become a speed reader is to learn how to eliminate bad habits and replace them with good ones. The software we tested retrains your brain by having you go through exercises to increase how many words you’re comfortable reading at once, and by increasing the speed at which those words appear.
Most of the programs we tested come with a library of eBooks that you can use to practice the methods and ideas that you learn in the lessons. With a lot of practice, you can greatly increase how fast you read.
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