LightSpeedRead is a speed-reading tool that presents words, or small groups of words, in sequence at a fixed point on screen using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP). Its web reader accepts pasted text, links, PDFs, and EPUBs. Reading controls include adjustable speed, pauses for long words and punctuation, gradual ramp-up, themes, font choices, emphasis, and word size. A red letter marks each word’s optimal recognition point, aligned with a center line. Article links are sent to r.jina.ai for text extraction, though pages behind logins or paywalls may not extract cleanly. Pasted and uploaded material is processed locally in the browser; the Chrome extension reads page text on request and processes it on the device. The free plan includes the website reader and extension reading up to 600 wpm. Pro costs $2.99 per month or $19.00 per year and raises the advertised ceiling to 1000 wpm. The iOS app is marked “Coming soon.”
Who it is for
It suits readers who want to move through text with RSVP controls on the web or through a Chrome extension. Readers working with dense or important material should note the maker’s warning that high speeds can reduce comprehension.
What is good
- Accepts pasted text, links, PDFs, and EPUBs.
- Offers adjustable speed, pauses, themes, and font controls.
- Pasted and uploaded text is processed locally in the browser.
- Free extension reading supports up to 600 wpm.
What to know first
- Article extraction may be unreliable behind logins or paywalls.
- The iOS app is marked “Coming soon.”
- High RSVP speeds can reduce comprehension.
- Pro costs $2.99 per month or $19.00 per year.
Verdict
LightSpeedRead combines several input formats with adjustable RSVP controls and a free web reader. Consider its comprehension caveat and the iOS app’s “Coming soon” status when choosing it.
LightSpeedRead plans and pricing
All plansCompared on speed reading apps
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- $2.99/mo
- Pacing methods
- rsvp
- Comprehension exercises
- Yes
- Content import
- Yes
- Advertised speed ceiling
- 1,000 wpm
- Guided training
- No
- Supported platforms
- Web, chrome_extension, iOS
