By Alex Carter – Productivity Coach & Speed Reading Enthusiast
As someone who devours books, research papers, and long-form articles daily, I’ve tried nearly every speed-reading tool out there—from browser extensions to dedicated apps. But when I stumbled upon Spreeder VIP, it felt like unlocking a cheat code for reading efficiency.
After six months of rigorous testing (and reading over 50 books at 3x my usual speed), here’s my in-depth review of Spreeder—covering its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it’s worth your time and money.
What Is Spreeder?
Spreeder is a speed-reading app that combines RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) technology with structured training to help users read faster while retaining comprehension. It’s available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and browsers, making it a versatile tool for professionals, students, and lifelong learners.
The app was originally developed by eReflect, the same company behind 7-Speed Reading, and has since evolved into a comprehensive speed-reading platform with expert-led courses, a 20,000+ eBook library, and multi-device syncing.
My Experience Using Spreeder
1. The Learning Curve – Does It Actually Work?
When I first started, my reading speed was around 250 WPM (words per minute)—fairly average. Spreeder’s guided training modules immediately helped me identify bad habits like subvocalization (mentally “hearing” words) and regression (re-reading sentences).
The structured exercises (like fixation training and peripheral vision drills) felt like a workout for my eyes and brain. Within two weeks, I was comfortably reading at 500 WPM, and after three months, I hit 900 WPM—without sacrificing comprehension.
Key Takeaway: If you commit to the training, Spreeder does deliver on its promise of 3x faster reading.
2. The RSVP Reader – A Game-Changer for Digital Content
Spreeder’s RSVP mode flashes words (or chunks of words) in a fixed position, eliminating unnecessary eye movement. You can customize:
- Words per flash (1-6 words at a time)
- Speed (50 to 2,000 WPM)
- Reading modes (Serial, Flow, Highlight, Scroll)
I found Highlight mode the most effective for retention, as it mimics traditional reading while still speeding up the process.
Pro Tip: Start slow (~300 WPM) and gradually increase speed. Your brain adapts surprisingly quickly!
3. The eBook Library – A Mixed Bag
Spreeder includes 20,000+ free eBooks, but most are royalty-free classics (think Shakespeare, Dickens). If you want modern bestsellers, you’ll need to upload your own files (supports 46+ formats, including PDF, ePub, and DOCX).
Downside: Kindle DRM-protected books won’t work unless you strip the DRM (which isn’t always legal or easy).
4. Expert Training – The Secret Sauce
Unlike other speed-reading apps, Spreeder includes video courses from world-class speed-reading experts like Abby Marks Beale and Sean M. Kelly (a World Memory Championship competitor). These lessons break down techniques like:
- Chunking (reading groups of words at once)
- Eliminating subvocalization
- Expanding peripheral vision
This was the biggest differentiator for me—most apps just throw an RSVP reader at you without teaching the underlying skills.
5. Cross-Device Sync & Offline Reading
I loved being able to start reading on my iPad, switch to my desktop, and pick up right where I left off. The cloud sync works flawlessly, and offline mode is perfect for flights or commutes 13.
One Annoyance: The mobile app lacks keyboard shortcuts, which slows down navigation compared to the desktop version.
Pros & Cons – Is Spreeder Worth It?
✅ Pros
✔ Triples reading speed with structured training (not just an RSVP tool)
✔ Expert-led video courses make learning efficient
✔ Huge file compatibility (PDFs, web articles, eBooks)
✔ Syncs across all devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
✔ Lifetime license for $37 (no subscription needed) 18
❌ Cons
✘ eBook library is outdated (mostly classics)
✘ No one-click bookmarking for web articles (manual URL entry)
✘ Occasional lag in cloud sync 1
✘ Mobile app lacks keyboard shortcuts 1
Final Verdict – Who Should Use Spreeder?
👍 Best For:
- Students drowning in textbooks
- Professionals who need to digest reports quickly
- Bookworms who want to read more in less time
- Anyone looking for a structured speed-reading course
👎 Not Ideal For:
- People who only read physical books (Spreeder is digital-focused)
- Those expecting a massive modern eBook library
- Users unwilling to invest time in training (this isn’t a magic pill)
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Spreeder is one of the best speed-reading tools available today—especially if you want both an RSVP reader and expert training. The lifetime pricing makes it a steal compared to subscription-based alternatives.
Try It If: You’re serious about reading faster and retaining more. Skip it if you just want a quick web article reader without training.
Where to Get Spreeder?
You can grab the VIP edition (lifetime access) for $37 directly from their website:
👉 Spreeder Official Site
Spreeder Alternative
| App Name | Platform | Price | Key Features | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spreeder VIP | iOS, Desktop, Web | $37 (lifetime) | RSVP reader, expert video courses, 20,000+ eBooks, multi-device sync, comprehension drills | Professionals, students, book lovers | ★★★★★ |
| ReadQuick | iOS | $9.99 (one-time) | Pocket/Instapaper integration, article-focused RSVP, simple UI | Quick article/news reading | ★★★★☆ |
| Outread | iOS | $2.99 (one-time) | Word file support, customizable highlighter, bookmarking | Work documents, visual learners | ★★★★☆ |
| AceReader | Web, Windows, Mac | $39.99/year (Personal) | Scientific eye-training, progress tracking, US Air Force-approved | Students, educators | ★★★★☆ |
| QuickReader | iOS | $4.99 (one-time) | 9,500+ eBook library, mind maps, built-in dictionary | Book lovers, visual learners | ★★★★☆ |
| Reedy | Android | Free (in-app purchases) | EPUB/HTML support, RSVP + text-to-speech, claims up to 3,000 WPM | Android users, non-fiction readers | ★★★★☆ |
| ReadMe! | iOS, Android | Free/Paid plans | Spritz technology, red-word focus, low eye strain | Casual readers, multitaskers | ★★★★ |
| eyeQ Advantage | Web | 12/monthor12/monthor99/year | 17 patented eye exercises, peripheral vision training | Visual training enthusiasts | ★★★☆ |
| Zap Reader | Web | Free | Paste-and-read RSVP, no frills | Quick web text parsing | ★★★☆ |
| Iris Reading | Web, Mobile | $50+/course | Live workshops, memory/comprehension focus, tailored for professionals | Advanced learners | N/A |
Key Takeaways
- Best All-Rounder: Spreeder (lifetime access, cross-platform, expert training).
- Best Free Options: Reedy (Android), Zap Reader (Web).
- Best for iOS: ReadQuick (articles) or Outread (documents).
- Best for Structured Learning: Iris Reading.