The purpose of any good speed-reading software should be two-fold: to increase your reading speed as well as your reading comprehension. 7 Speed Reading is a top-notch speed-reading application that superbly meets both of these objectives, providing an effective combination of exercises and testing to help you improve both of these reading skills. The software wins our TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award for its comprehensive yet intuitive and accessible approach to speed-reading. No matter what your current reading level, 7 Speed Reading can help you become a faster and better reader.
7 Speed Training employs 15 core training activities that are designed to increase your rate of reading and boost your overall comprehension. More specifically, the application has exercises that help you increase your fixation span, strengthen your eye muscles and reduce subvocalization (pronouncing the words that you read silently in your head). The software also teaches you not to regress, or reread text, which is a common habit that can greatly hinder your pace of reading.
You can complete each exercise as you make your way through the step-by-step program (comprised of 10 levels), or you can access and practice the exercises individually. Indicative of its name, the software claims that if you spend only 7 minutes per day using the program, you will start to see improvement in just one week.
Beyond its guided training, this speed-reading software provides comprehension and reading tests. Tests are conducted at the end of each level, and the software will only mark a level 100-percent complete once you have taken the test. You can also take the tests individually for extra practice. Testing is a crucial part of any accelerated reading regimen because it allows you to evaluate your progress and assess your speed-reading skills as you go.
7 Speed Training is suitable for all reading levels, ranging from third grade to advanced readers. The training levels aren't tailored for specific ages, but the included reading materials are, so you can choose an eBook that matches your own reading level.
The software uses different methods to achieve its speed-reading objectives, including highlighted word groups, paced reading and a tachistoscope, commonly referred to as flash. 
The latter type of exercise is when an image, a word or a group of words "flashes" across the screen. The technique is used to increase readers' recognition speed, and will train you to see and interpret words faster and thus increase your overall reading speed.
When it comes to the reading material used in the speed-reading exercises, the software has approximately 600 included eBooks, which is more than any other speed-reader we reviewed. Additionally, you can access any online wiki text (e.g., Wikipedia), and even import your own documents. We like this because you can read virtually anything you want to while you train; you aren't forced to read boring text, which could subsequently make using the application seem tedious.
As the best speed-reading software on our lineup, it comes as no surprise that 7 Speed Reading offers both beneficial and entertaining features. One of the best features of this speed-reader is that an unlimited number of users can create their own accounts and use the software. Most of the applications we reviewed limit usage to a handful of users, if not just one. This makes 7 Speed Reading a great option if you want to use it in a classroom, an office or at home with your family.
Another thing we like about 7 Speed Reading is that it lets you choose specific reading goals, such as a words-per-minute (WPM) target. At any point during your training, you can compare your goals with your current stats and update your goals as necessary.
This speed-reading software also excels in terms of ease of use. Because it is modeled after the Windows interface, most people will find the software accessible and extremely easy to navigate. Instructional videos further enhance the software's usability. These videos are included in each lesson and provide tips and information for completing the exercises.
In addition to detailed instructions and tutorials, 7 Speed Reading also includes informational resources that you may find useful. For instance, there are articles about the importance of speed-reading and habits that can slow your reading. There are also screen-reading strategies and ergonomics tips to help you get the most out of the program.
This speed-reading software provides robust reporting tools that enable you to see clearly how your speed-reading skills are progressing. The application comprehensively tracks all 
your test scores and your continually evolving WPM reading rate. If multiple people are using the software, an administrative user, such as a teacher or employer, can see the scores and usage statistics for all users, making the software an ideal and valuable teaching tool.
7 Speed Software is supplemented with all but one of the help and support options we sought in our speed-reading software reviews. For installation or troubleshooting assistance, you can contact the software manufacturer via email or telephone – no live chat option is offered. As we mentioned before, the software comes with built-in tutorials and user guides. The 7 Speed Software website also houses informative product FAQs.
The software comes with free upgrades and an unparalleled 12-month money-back guarantee. Of the other speed-reading applications we reviewed that offer a money-back guarantee, most are 90 days or fewer.
7 Speed Reading is exceptional speed-reading software. The application does a great job of teaching you not only how to read faster, but also how to better comprehend what you read without having to reread text. Moreover, the software is feature-rich and very easy to use, making it a flexible accelerated reading program for readers of all ages.
