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. I am disclosing here whether it lived up to my expectations or is just a gimmick tool.
So, 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.
The developer is also known for serving tens of thousands of customers in over 188 countries and is trusted by businesses, schools, and universities.
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 700 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.
Other User Experiences
Above is my experience of using Spreeder. I have analysed feedback from the community forums, and here is what most people are opinionated about.
Positive Feedback
- Increased Reading Speed: Many users report reading at 500 wpm or higher, significantly faster than the average 200-300 wpm. For example, a tax professional used Spreeder to quickly read dense tax library sections, improving both speed and concentration.
- Improved Focus: Users with ADHD and dyslexia found Spreeder transformative. A dyslexic user described reading at 500 wpm with full comprehension as “life-changing” due to reduced eye movement.
- Efficiency for Study and Work: Medical students and graduate students praised Spreeder for handling large reading loads. One user read assigned texts in one-third the time, while another covered 100 pages of law school readings in 30 minutes.
- Quick Overviews: Medical students noted its utility for initial quick reads before deeper study, helping them manage information overload.
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)
❌ Cons
(What I Observed!)
✘ eBook library is outdated (mostly classics)
✘ No one-click bookmarking for web articles (manual URL entry)
✘ Occasional lag in cloud sync
✘ Mobile app lacks keyboard shortcuts
Some More Negative Feedback From the Community
- Eye Strain: Several users reported discomfort, such as seeing a “black rectangle” or experiencing intense blinking issues after prolonged use.
- Comprehension Challenges: At speeds above 350 wpm, comprehension often drops. Users noted that 450 wpm felt like “very poor” understanding, and 800 wpm was akin to “guessing.”
- Loss of Reading Flow: The word-by-word presentation can feel robotic, making it less enjoyable for literary works. One user compared it to “chugging wine” instead of savoring it, highlighting the loss of sentence structure and tone.
- Technical Term Difficulties: Medical students found it challenging to process large or specialized words, such as drug names, when presented in isolation.
Comparison to Alternatives
Spreeder is often compared to tools like Spritz and SwiftRead. Users note that Spritz offers better punctuation pauses and text alignment, addressing some of Spreeder’s shortcomings.
SwiftRead, described as a free alternative, also uses RSVP and is praised for its simplicity (Spreeder Alternatives).
However, Spreeder’s extensive course offerings and vocabulary tools set it apart from many competitors.
Recommendations for Use–Spreeder
To maximize Spreeder’s benefits, consider the following:
- Start Slowly: Begin with lower speeds (e.g., 200-300 wpm) and gradually increase as comfort and comprehension improve.
- Use for Quick Reads: Ideal for initial overviews of academic or professional texts, followed by traditional reading for deeper understanding.
- Take Breaks: To avoid eye strain, limit sessions to 20-30 minutes and use the dark theme.
- Choose Appropriate Content: Best for factual or informational texts rather than literary works or highly technical material.
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.