Software Alternatives & Startups

Reading Phenom VS Things

Compare Reading Phenom VS Things and see what are their differences

Reading Phenom

Reading Phenom helps you read with speed, even if you're a slow reader! It works utilizing scientifically-backed research such as RSVP, and based on saccades, regression reduction, and more! Includes a free version, and is gamified and quite fun!

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Freemium $9 / Monthly
Things

Things is an easy to use task manager.

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Things seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 58 times since March 2021.

social mentions
0 vs 58
Productivity popularity
2% vs 98%
alternatives listed
18 vs 240+

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Reading Phenom
Things
Website readingphenom.com culturedcode.com
Pricing
Freemium $9 / Monthly Official pricing
Platforms
Web Mobile Tablet Desktop Laptop +2
—
Company 2023 Startup from Germany
Listed in

About Reading Phenom and Things

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

Reading Phenom
Things

Speed Reading App Reading Phenom is an app built for speed reading, made with knowledge of reading science and psychology. The app allows the user to read faster by utilizing speed reading techniques. Scientific Basis Of This Speed Reading App The app is based on substantial amounts of reading...

Read more about Reading Phenom

No description of Things yet.

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Reading Phenom 2 features
Things 7 features
  • RSVP
    Utilizes RSVP functionality for speed reading
  • Regression reduction
    Helps readers reduce the number of excessive regressions they experience when reading
  • User Experience
    Things is known for its clean, intuitive, and beautifully designed user interface, making it easy to use.
  • Integration with Apple Ecosystem
    Seamlessly integrates with macOS and iOS devices, offering features like Handoff and deep Apple Calendar integration.
  • Powerful Task Management
    Supports projects, areas, headings, and tags, providing a robust system for managing complex tasks and workflows.
  • Quick Entry
    Provides a quick entry function allowing users to capture tasks efficiently, which can later be categorized and detailed.
  • Updates and Support
    Regularly updated with new features and enhancements, backed by reliable customer support.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
    Offers extensive keyboard shortcuts for power users to navigate and manage tasks quickly.
  • Natural Language Processing
    Allows users to input tasks using natural language, which is then intelligently parsed and scheduled.

Possible disadvantages

  • Cost
    Things requires a one-time purchase for each platform (macOS, iOS), making it relatively expensive compared to some subscription-based competitors.
  • Platform Limitation
    Only available on Apple devices (macOS and iOS), making it inaccessible for users on Windows, Android, or other platforms.
  • No Collaboration Features
    Lacks built-in collaboration tools, which can be a drawback for teams looking to share and manage tasks collectively.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, fully utilizing advanced features can require time and a deeper understanding.
  • Limited Automation
    Offers fewer automation options and integrations compared to some competitors like Todoist or Microsoft To Do.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Reading Phenom
Things

Overall verdict

  • Skillshot Reader appears to be a niche speed-reading and reading-skills training tool, but there is limited independent, verifiable information available about it, so its quality cannot be fully confirmed—potential users should try any free trial and check for recent reviews before committing.

Why this product is good

  • Focuses specifically on improving reading speed and comprehension skills
  • May offer structured exercises or drills tailored to reading efficiency
  • Could be useful for self-paced learning without needing a tutor
  • Likely accessible online, allowing practice anytime

Recommended for

  • Students looking to improve reading speed for exams
  • Professionals who need to process large volumes of text quickly
  • Self-learners interested in cognitive/reading skill training
  • Individuals preparing for standardized tests with reading comprehension sections

Overall verdict

  • Things is widely regarded as an excellent productivity tool, especially for Apple ecosystem users. It combines elegance with functionality, making it a top choice for those who prefer a minimalist but powerful task manager.

Why this product is good

  • Things by Cultured Code is highly acclaimed for its clean, intuitive design and effective task management features. It provides a seamless user experience with its natural language input, powerful integration with macOS and iOS, and features like projects, areas, deadlines, and reminders that help users organize their tasks efficiently. The app is particularly praised for its focus on simplicity and ease of use, which allows users to focus on their tasks without being overwhelmed by features.

Recommended for

    Things is ideal for individuals who are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and appreciate a minimalist design approach. It's perfect for users who prefer a straightforward, no-frills task management system that emphasizes ease of use, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Reading Phenom 0 videos + Add
Things 3 videos + Add

No Reading Phenom videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Brandon's Cult Movie Reviews: THINGS

More videos

  • - Things 3: Full Review (2019)
  • - OmniFocus vs. Things 3 review: which is best for you?

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Reading Phenom
Things
2% 2%
98% 98%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing Reading Phenom and Things.

What's the story behind your product?

Reading Phenom's answer

Skillshot Reader was made after the founder borrowed some books that they found too difficult to read. They created an app in November 2023 (now known as Skillshot Reader) to fix their slow reading speed, and it worked like crazy!

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

Reading Phenom's answer

Skillshot Reader is a web app that is optimized for mobile, so it can be used on not only desktop and laptops, but also Android, iPhone, and tablets.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

Reading Phenom's answer

People who are inherently slow readers. Typically, these are people who want to "not miss anything" when they are reading and aim to get value out of the book. For entrepreneurs and nonfiction readers, this means getting value out of the books and becoming more skilled. If it was in school, they want to make sure they get all the details so they can get good grades.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

Reading Phenom's answer

The primary audience of Skillshot Reader is voracious learners. They want to extract detail and knowledge from books, whether it's for business, personal development, or good grades.

What makes your product unique?

Reading Phenom's answer

Skillshot Reader provides an experience that helps people speed read with the help of the software. The app has a number of effects that gamify the reading and make it quite fun. It can help slow readers increase their reading speed and speed read physical books.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Reading Phenom's answer

Skillshot Reader is a highly advanced reading training app that's beginner friendly. It works on nearly any phone, tablet, desktop, or laptop and is fun!

User comments

Share your experience with using Reading Phenom and Things. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Reading Phenom no reviews yet
Things no reviews yet

We have no reviews of Reading Phenom yet. Be the first one to post

  • 11 Ayanza Alternatives

    Things 3 is a multi-award-winning personal task manager that assists you in keeping track of your tasks. The environment of the application is attractive with a fresh new look, delightful integrations, and powerful...

  • Five of the Best To-Do Apps for iOS
    www.macrumors.com · Feb 2020

    Things 3 is one of the few to-do apps that's not subscription based, and it costs $9.99 to purchase. Things 3 is also available for Mac and iPad, though each app must be purchased individually.

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Reading Phenom 0 mentions
Things 58 mentions

Tracking Reading Phenom since Mar 2026.

  • We don't need startups, we need Digital-Mittelstand
    Correct: https://culturedcode.com/things/ Looks like the different apps (desktop, mobile, iPad) have different prices, but all are one-time payments of $10-$50. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Essential Software for Mac Users: Three Recommended Efficient Tools
    Things 3is an award-winning task management application known for its clean, elegant interface and intuitive usability. It employs a minimalist design style, allowing users to easily add, organize, and view tasks, helping individuals... - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
  • Show HN: I built a task manager that separates "Do" & "Due" dates
    How badly do Twos want to SEO rank on searches for Things? https://culturedcode.com/things/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago

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