Ever wish you could finish a novel on your lunch break, or breeze through work reports before the coffee even cools? Same here! As someone who juggles a teetering stack of research papers (and the occasional space-opera paperback), I went hunting for the internet’s very best speed-reading courses. I combed user reviews, expert round-ups, and my own trial notes to bring you a grade-9-friendly, first-person rundown—sprinkled with a dash of humor so the learning sticks.
Below you’ll find my top ten picks, each explained in plain English (no tables, I promise). Whether you’re a total newbie or a reading rocket already, there’s a course here that can push your words-per-minute (WPM) into warp drive—without sacrificing comprehension.
Why Trust This List?
I built the list around four key criteria:
Evidence-based techniques – Courses had to teach methods backed by cognitive science, like reducing unnecessary eye movements or taming subvocalization.
User satisfaction – I leaned on recent reviews and ratings, favoring programs praised for clear instruction and measurable gains.
Instructor credibility – Many instructors are memory champions, accelerated-learning researchers, or long-time educators.
2025 freshness – All programs are still enrolling students and updating content this year.
Master Speed Reading and Memory
Unlock the secrets of speed reading and memory mastery. This practical guide helps you boost your reading speed, sharpen recall, and learn smarter—starting today.
The Top 10 Speed-Reading Courses Online
1. Iris Reading – Speed Reading Foundation Course
If you like live workshops (online or in person) mixed with self-paced drills, Iris Reading is the grand-daddy of structured speed-reading education. Students report big jumps in WPM and retention, thanks to instructor-guided practice and memory-boosting add-ons. speedreadingtechniques.org
Best for: Professionals and high-school/college students who want a classroom feel and clear skill tracking.
2. Kwik Reading by Jim Kwik
Brain-coach-to-the-stars Jim Kwik promises to “read one book a week” and backs it up with lively videos and community challenges. Redditors rave about tripling their speed, though the hype can feel a tad superhero-ish. Kwik Brain
Best for: Learners who thrive on charismatic motivation and short, punchy lessons.
3. Become a SuperLearner® 2 (Udemy)
Taught by accelerated-learning expert Jonathan Levi, this course blends speed reading with memory palaces and critical thinking. Expect seven to nine weeks of guided drills and printable worksheets. (Udemy)
Best for: DIY students who want a holistic learning upgrade—not just faster eyes, but a sharper brain.
4. Spreeder CX + VIP Course
Part e-reader, part interactive trainer, Spreeder uses RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) to pace your eyes and gradually dial up speed. The built-in “expert course” now merges content from the classic 7 Speed Reading software. Spreeder – Speed Reading App & Software
Best for: Tech fans who want software that tracks every stat and syncs across devices.
5. AceReader
AceReader started as eye-training software and evolved into a full suite of comprehension games, speed drills, and vocabulary builders. Its patented pacing tech has been polished for 20 years. (acereader.com)
Best for: Families or schools looking for a license that covers multiple learners (and turns practice into mini-games).
6. PhotoReading Whole Mind System
PhotoReading takes a more radical “whole-brain” tack—flipping through pages at super-high speed, then activating the info with strategic review. Fans swear by it; skeptics call it mystical. Either way, the program’s home-study kit and live webinars remain popular. (learningstrategies.com)
Best for: Adventurous readers open to alternative methods and subconscious processing.
7. EyeQ Advantage
EyeQ’s claim to fame is daily seven-minute drills that sharpen peripheral vision and eliminate regressions. Reviewers love the “plug-and-play” feel—log in, train, log out. (EyeQ Advantage)
Best for: Students who prefer micro-sessions over marathon study blocks.
8. Speed Reading Mastery – Double Your Speed (Skillshare)
Jordan Harry’s Skillshare class packs slick animations and bite-size challenges into under an hour of video, then nudges you to practice for a week. Perfect for binge learners who crave instant application. (Skill Share)
Best for: Beginners who want a free (or low-cost) intro via Skillshare’s trial, plus a peppy coach.
How to Pick Your Perfect Course
Define your finish line. Need to tame a term-paper mountain or zip through business briefs? Match the course’s promises to your real-world reading load.
Check learning style fit. Do you adore video games? AceReader’s gamified drills might hook you. Prefer group energy? Iris’s live Zoom bootcamps win.
Budget realistically. Prices range from Skillshare-free (during trial) to a few hundred dollars. Remember: you’re buying time saved later.
Stick with it. Even the flashiest software can’t magic away the practice part. Schedule 15 minutes a day; your future self will cheer.
Frequently Asked Questions (Lightning Round)
Can speed reading really double my WPM without nuking comprehension?
Yes—if you practice. Techniques like minimizing subvocalization and widening your eye span are backed by cognitive research.
Will these courses help with dense textbooks?
Advanced programs (SuperLearner, Iris, Spreeder VIP) specifically tackle technical material. Start slow, then apply tactics to tougher texts.
Are mobile apps enough?
Apps like QuickReader or Reedy are fantastic supplements, but the structured feedback in a full course accelerates mastery.
Final Thoughts
Speed reading isn’t a party trick; it’s a lifelong upgrade to how you process information. After sampling dozens of programs, I’ve learned that the “best” course is the one you’ll actually log into tomorrow morning. So pick the platform that excites you, commit to daily reps, and watch those pages—and opportunities—fly by at light speed. Happy blasting!
