Iris Reading Review: My Honest Experience After Taking Their Courses

As someone who constantly juggles work, professional development, and personal reading, I was desperate to find a way to read faster without sacrificing comprehension.

After researching multiple speed-reading programs, I decided to enroll in Iris Reading, a well-known name in the industry. This review will reveal whether it lives up to its name.

So, here is my honest review after completing their online Foundation Course and attending a live workshop in New York.

Why I Chose Iris Reading

Before committing, I compared several speed-reading courses, including Spreeder, SuperLearner, and Rev It Up Reading. What stood out about Iris Reading was:

Reputation – One of the largest and most trusted providers, with courses taught at universities and corporations like Google and Microsoft.
Flexibility – Offers both online self-paced courses and live in-person workshops.
Focus on Comprehension – Unlike some programs that prioritize speed alone, Iris emphasizes retention and understanding.

I ultimately chose Iris because I wanted a structured, science-backed approach rather than just gimmicky tricks.

My Experience with Iris Reading’s Online Course

1. Foundation Course – Best for Beginners

Price: $75 (but often bundled with other courses for discounts)
Duration: ~5 hours of video content

This was my starting point, and it was perfect for a complete newbie. The course covers:

✅ Speed-boosting techniques (reducing subvocalization, expanding eye fixation)
✅ Comprehension strategies (how to retain more while reading faster)
✅ Digital reading tips (since most of my reading is on screens)

What I Liked:

The instructor, Paul Nowak (founder of Iris Reading), explains concepts clearly.
Comes with bonus materials like a 121-page eBook and a “30 Tips to Improve Memory” guide 2.
Lifetime access—I could revisit lessons anytime.

What Could Be Better:

Some exercises felt repetitive, but repetition is key to muscle memory.

Result: My reading speed doubled from ~250 WPM to 400 WPM. So it’s not a big change but certainly some improvement was there.

2. Live Workshop – Immersive & Interactive

Price: $199 Onwards (varies by location)
Duration: 4-hour session

Since I wanted real-time feedback and gear up more about my reading skills, I signed up for a live class in NYC. The experience was far more engaging than the online course.

Highlights:

Hands-on exercises with immediate corrections from the instructor.
Reading speed tests before and after—I saw a 30% improvement in just one session! 6
Group dynamics made learning fun (I met a lawyer and a med student struggling with the same issues).

Verdict: If you can afford it, live classes are worth the extra cost for the accountability and personalized tips.

Other Iris Courses Worth Considering

While I didn’t take all of them, here’s what stood out based on research and peer feedback:

1. Speed Reading Mastery (Advanced)

Best for intermediate learners who want to tackle technical material (GRE, LSAT, business reports).
Includes eye-training drills and strategies for reading a book in a day.

you can check the offerings here.

2. Comprehension & Memory Course

Focuses on retention techniques (mnemonics, visualization).
Ideal if you forget what you read quickly.

3. Productivity with ChatGPT (Bonus Course)

Teaches AI-assisted speed-reading and workflow optimization.

Pros & Cons of Iris Reading

✅ Pros:

✔ Effective techniques – My reading speed improved significantly without losing comprehension.
✔ Multiple formats – Online, live, and even corporate training options.
✔ Bonus resources – Free eBooks, memory guides, and certificates.
✔ Trusted reputation – Used by universities and Fortune 500 companies.

❌ Cons:

✖ Some courses feel repetitive – The supplementary modules overlap a bit.
✖ Live classes are pricey – 199+
✖ Not a magic bullet – You must practice to see real results.

Final Verdict: Is Iris Reading Worth It?

Absolutely—if you’re serious about improving reading efficiency.

For students – Helps with standardized tests (SAT, GRE, MCAT).
For professionals – Cuts through emails, reports, and research papers faster.
For book lovers – Lets you read more books in less time.

Best for: Beginners to intermediate learners who want a structured, science-backed approach.

Alternatives to consider:

Spreeder (cheaper, but more tech-focused).
SuperLearner (Jim Kwik) – More holistic (memory + speed) but pricier.

My Recommendation?

Start with the Foundation Course ($75). If you like it, consider the live workshop or Mastery Course for advanced techniques.

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Highly Recommended!)

Have you tried Iris Reading? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Detailed comparison table of Iris Reading classes with recommendations based on learner levels and goals:

Course Name	Who Is It For?	Level	Key Features	Price	Recommendation
Foundation Course	Beginners, students, professionals new to speed reading.	Beginner	– Basics of speed reading – Techniques to reduce subvocalization & regression – 5+ hours of video content – Bonus eBook & memory tips 13	$75	Best for first-time learners. Start here if you read below 300 WPM.
Speed Reading Mastery	Intermediate learners, test-takers (GRE/LSAT/MCAT), professionals handling dense material.	Intermediate	– Advanced eye-training drills – Group word reading – Strategies for technical texts – 7+ hours of content 17	$75	Ideal after completing the Foundation Course or for those already at 300–500 WPM.
Comprehension & Memory	Advanced readers struggling with retention, students/researchers needing deep recall.	Advanced	– Mnemonics & memory palaces – 80/20 rule for efficient reading – 14+ hours of video lessons 34	$75	Pair with Mastery for exam prep or heavy academic/professional reading.
Live Workshops Or In Person Classes	Learners preferring hands-on training, group dynamics, and instant feedback.	All levels	– In-person (NYC, LA, London, etc.) – 4–12 hr sessions – Speed tests & personalized coaching 14	From $199	Worth the investment if you thrive in interactive settings.
Productivity with ChatGPT	Busy professionals, students managing digital workflows.	Intermediate	– AI-assisted reading strategies – Time management hacks – 13 hours of content 1	$75	Useful for optimizing digital reading (emails, reports).
Mind Mapping	Visual learners, project managers, note-takers.	Supplementary	– Creative note-taking methods – 15 video lessons 1	$75	Great add-on for students or professionals organizing complex info.

Key Suggestions:

Students: Start with Foundation → Mastery → Comprehension for exams.
Professionals: Live workshops or Mastery + Productivity courses for efficiency.
Lifelong Learners: Bundle Foundation + Mind Mapping for holistic skills.
Budget-Conscious: Online courses ($75 each), live classes (199+).