FastTypings vs TypingMaster — Free Online Typing Test (2026)
TypingMaster is one of the oldest names in typing software. Its own site says the brand and English version launched in 1996, with roots in Finland going back to 1992. Today its main product, TypingMaster 12, is a desktop app for Windows and Linux. FastTypings runs in the browser instead: nothing to download, and it works on phones and Macs. We checked TypingMaster's site in October 2026 for the comparison below.
Feature comparison table
| Feature | FastTypings | TypingMaster |
|---|---|---|
| No download / install required | Runs in the browser | Lessons and tests need the desktop app (some free browser games) |
| Platforms | Any OS with a browser | Windows and Linux; no Mac version listed |
| Works on phone / tablet | Yes | No mobile app listed |
| Price | Free, no paid tier | Free 1-week course, then paid license for full features |
| No account required | No login at all | No registration for the free trial |
| Race mode | Bot (40/70/100 WPM), multiplayer, voice race | Cloud Race game in the app; no online racing found |
| Live WPM while typing | Live counter | TypingMeter (Premium) measures your speed in other apps |
| Leaderboard | Online leaderboard | Progress stored locally on your PC |
| Certificate | Shareable web page (LinkedIn/X), no PDF | Printable certificate or diploma |
| Works offline | Needs internet | Fully offline |
| Structured typing course | Free 15-lesson touch-typing course | Full adaptive course with weak-key review |
Download versus browser
TypingMaster's lessons, typing tests and most of its games live in a desktop app you download and install. That can be a barrier on a locked-down work or school PC, a Mac, a Chromebook or a phone. TypingMaster does offer some free browser tools, such as a few typing games and a touch-typing simulator, but its course and tests need the app.
FastTypings needs only a browser. Open a tab and start typing, on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS or Android.
Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac and mobile
TypingMaster 12 runs on Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7, and there is now a Linux edition packaged as a Flatpak. The Linux edition lacks a few Windows features, such as the TypingMeter widget and the Hindi courses. We found no Mac, iOS or Android version on its site. If you use a Mac or want to practise on your phone, FastTypings is the option that works.
Races and games
FastTypings lets you race a bot set to 40, 70 or 100 WPM, race other people in multiplayer, or try a voice race. TypingMaster has plenty of games: free browser games like Strike, KeyMagnet and Bubbles, and more in the desktop app, including Cloud Race, where your cloud moves at your typing speed. We found no multiplayer or online racing on TypingMaster's site.
Free versus paid
TypingMaster 12 starts with a free 1-week course with all features; after that some features are limited. In October 2026 its order page listed lifetime licenses at $19.90 (Standard) and $29.90 (Premium, which adds TypingMeter and custom tests), plus 6-month options. FastTypings has no paid tier: tests, races, the leaderboard, the daily challenge and the touch-typing course are free.
Live WPM feedback
FastTypings shows your WPM updating as you type, so you can see your speed rise when you find a rhythm and drop on a hard word. TypingMaster's tests give detailed reports afterwards, including gross and net speed and your problem keys, and its Premium TypingMeter tracks your typing speed in other Windows apps.
Leaderboard versus local progress
FastTypings has an online leaderboard. Your results appear under a nickname you can change, with no email or password needed. TypingMaster works fully offline and keeps your progress on your own computer, which is better for privacy and for schools without reliable internet, but there is no online ranking to compare yourself against.
When TypingMaster is the right choice
TypingMaster is a strong choice if you want a complete, structured course on Windows or Linux. Its lessons adapt to your weak keys, its tests run from 1 to 60 minutes, and you can print certificates and progress reports. FastTypings' certificate is a shareable web page, not a printable file. For schools without reliable internet, TypingMaster's offline school edition with central progress reports is a real advantage.
If you use a Mac or a phone, can't install software, or just want free practice right now, FastTypings is the easier option.
Verdict
TypingMaster is a mature, well-built desktop course with a long track record. FastTypings is the lighter, browser-based option: no download, no platform limits, free, with races, live WPM, mobile support and an online leaderboard. Pick TypingMaster for a deep offline course. Pick FastTypings to start typing right now.
Try FastTypings FreeFrequently asked questions
Do I need to download anything to use FastTypings?
No. FastTypings runs in any modern browser on any device, with nothing to install. TypingMaster's main product, TypingMaster 12, is a desktop app you download and install on Windows or Linux. TypingMaster also has some free browser games and tools, but its lessons and tests are in the app.
Is TypingMaster free?
Partly. TypingMaster 12 comes with a free 1-week course with all features; after that some features are limited. When we checked in October 2026 its order page listed a lifetime Standard license at $19.90 and Premium at $29.90, with 6-month options too. FastTypings is free with no paid tier.
Can I use FastTypings on a Mac or Linux computer?
Yes. FastTypings is browser-based and works on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS and Android. TypingMaster 12 runs on Windows and, since its Linux edition, on 64-bit Linux as a Flatpak. Its site lists no Mac, iOS or Android version.
Which is better for a work computer where I cannot install software?
FastTypings, because there is nothing to install. You can open it on a work, school or library computer and start a test or race straight away. TypingMaster's desktop app needs to be installed, though its Linux edition installs per user without admin rights.
Does FastTypings have a race mode like TypingMaster's games?
Yes. FastTypings lets you race a bot at 40, 70 or 100 WPM, race other people in multiplayer, or try a voice race. TypingMaster has many typing games, including Cloud Race in the desktop app where your cloud moves at your typing speed, but we found no multiplayer or online racing on its site.
How does FastTypings compare to TypingMaster for WPM accuracy?
Both use the standard definition of a word as five keystrokes, so scores are broadly comparable. TypingMaster can show gross and net speed and lets you pick test lengths from 1 to 60 minutes. FastTypings shows your WPM live while you type.