For the past 3 years, I have used Readwise to organize and rediscover my digital troves of knowledge.
However, as technology evolves, some of the features no longer appeals to me.
Perhaps you’re looking to try an alternative read-it-later app that would better align with your current needs.
I have tried and tested 10 read-it-later apps, each with its own unique set of features and capabilities.
Whether you’re seeking enhanced organization, streamlined reading experiences, or specialized content curation, these alternatives offer a fresh perspective on managing your digital reading list.
Here are the best Readwise alternative apps you’ll love:
1. Pocket
Pocket is your digital reading sanctuary, where you can save articles, videos, and webpages for later reading.
It offers offline access, organized content with tags and folders, content suggestions, and integration with apps like Evernote.
Key Features of Pocket:
- Save articles, videos, and webpages.
- Access saved content offline.
- Organize with tags and folders.
- Get content suggestions based on interests.
- Seamlessly integrate with apps like Evernote.
2. Instapaper
Instapaper is your go-to for streamlined reading.
It simplifies web articles by removing distractions and offers features like highlighting, annotation, adjustable fonts and backgrounds, and text-to-speech. It also integrates with Kindle.
Key Features of Instapaper:
- Simplify web articles for easy reading.
- Highlight and annotate text.
- Customize fonts and backgrounds.
- Enjoy text-to-speech functionality.
- Integrate seamlessly with Kindle.
3. Flipboard
Flipboard empowers you to create your personalized magazine.
Follow topics and publishers of interest, share content, and collaborate on your magazine. It curates content based on your preferences, available on web and mobile.
Key Features of Flipboard:
- Create a personalized magazine.
- Follow topics and publishers.
- Share content with others.
- Collaborate on your magazine.
- Enjoy curated content tailored to your interests.
4. Raindrop.io
Raindrop.io is your visual bookmark manager, perfect for saving articles, videos, and webpages.
It offers organization through tags and collections and provides thumbnail previews for easy browsing. It’s compatible across browsers and devices.
Key Features of Raindrop.io:
- Save articles, videos, and webpages.
- Organize with tags and collections.
- Preview content with thumbnails.
- Access bookmarks across browsers.
- Sync content across devices for convenience.
5. Pocket Casts
Pocket Casts is the ideal app for those who love podcasts. It allows you to save and organize podcasts for later listening. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily discover, subscribe to, and enjoy your favorite podcasts.
Key Features of Pocket Casts:
- Save and organize podcasts.
- User-friendly interface.
- Discover and subscribe to podcasts.
- Customize playback settings.
- Cross-platform syncing for convenience.
6. Feedly
Feedly is primarily an RSS reader, but it also enables you to save and organize articles from your favorite websites.
It offers a simple and efficient way to stay updated with your preferred sources of information.
Key Features of Feedly:
- Access and organize RSS feeds.
- Save articles from websites.
- Effortlessly follow your favorite sources.
- Integrate with third-party apps.
- Real-time updates for breaking news.
7. Evernote
Evernote is a versatile note-taking app that goes beyond text. You can also save web articles and content for future reference. It offers a powerful search feature and robust organizational tools.
Key Features of Evernote:
- Take notes and save web content.
- Powerful search functionality.
- Organize notes and articles with notebooks.
- Annotate and highlight content.
- Sync notes across devices for accessibility.
8. Notion
Notion is a comprehensive workspace tool that allows you to save and organize articles, notes, and various types of content. Its flexibility makes it an excellent choice for both personal and professional use.
Key Features of Notion:
- Save and organize articles and notes.
- Collaborate with team members.
- Create custom databases and templates.
- Integrate with other productivity apps.
- Sync content across all devices seamlessly.
9. Blinkist
Blinkist is perfect for those seeking concise summaries of non-fiction books. It condenses key insights from a wide range of books into bite-sized content, making learning on the go a breeze.
Key Features of Blinkist:
- Access concise book summaries.
- Explore various genres and topics.
- Listen to audio versions of summaries.
- Create a personal reading list.
- Improve knowledge in a short time.
10. Zotero
Zotero is an open-source reference manager designed for academics and researchers. It helps you save and organize research materials, making it an invaluable tool for scholarly work.
Key Features of Zotero:
- Collect and organize research materials.
- Generate citations and bibliographies.
- Collaborate on research projects.
- Store PDFs and web snapshots.
- Access your research library from anywhere.
Each of these read-it-later apps offers a unique set of features tailored to different preferences and needs.
Whether you’re an avid reader, a podcast enthusiast, a researcher, or a content curator, there’s an app here to simplify your digital life and make managing your reading list a breeze.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Read-it-Later App
What should be at the back of your mind when browsing through this list of Readwise alternative digital reading apps?
1). Accessibility and Offline Reading:
When choosing a read-it-later app, consider your need for accessibility and offline reading. Look for apps that offer offline access to your saved content.
For instance, if you’re a frequent traveler like Mark, a sales manager, who often finds himself on long flights, an app like Instapaper can be a lifesaver.
It lets him enjoy articles without an internet connection, turning travel downtime into productive reading time.
2). Organization and Tagging:
Effective content organization is vital. Apps like Pocket and Raindrop.io allow you to tag and categorize your saved articles.
If you’re a marketing specialist like Sarah, for example, and you want to keep track of content related to different marketing strategies.
With tagging, you can easily find articles when you need them, boosting your productivity and research efficiency.
3). Content Customization:
Consider your reading preferences. Some apps, like Instapaper, let you customize fonts and background colors, creating a reading experience tailored to your comfort.
For example, if you enjoy reading articles in a specific font and size, this feature enhances your reading pleasure.
4). Collaboration and Sharing:
If you collaborate with a team or enjoy sharing interesting content with friends, look for apps that facilitate collaboration and sharing.
Flipboard offers social sharing and collaboration features.
For example, Jessica, a tech enthusiast, uses Flipboard to curate a tech magazine that her team follows. This fosters knowledge sharing and keeps everyone informed about industry trends.
5). Integration with Other Apps:
Consider how well the app integrates with other tools you use. Evernote, for instance, seamlessly integrates with various productivity apps.
Let’s say you’re a content creator like John, who uses Evernote to save research articles.
The integration with tools like Google Drive and Microsoft Office makes it effortless to incorporate this content into your work.
FAQs About Read-it-Later Apps
Let’s quickly answer some of the common questions you may have about digital reading apps like Readwise:
What is a read-it-later app?
A read-it-later app is a digital tool that allows users to save articles, webpages, videos, and other online content for later consumption.
It helps users organize and curate their reading lists, providing convenient access to saved content, often with features like offline access and content tagging.
Are read-it-later apps free to use, or do they require a subscription?
Many read-it-later apps offer both free and premium subscription options. The free versions typically provide basic functionality, such as saving and organizing content.
Premium subscriptions often unlock additional features like offline access, advanced organization tools, and enhanced customization.
The specific pricing and features can vary from app to app, so it’s a good idea to check the details of each app’s pricing structure to determine which suits your needs best.
Can I access my saved content on multiple devices?
Yes, most read-it-later apps offer cross-device synchronization.
This means you can access your saved content on various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
This feature is especially convenient for users who switch between devices throughout the day. It ensures that your reading list is accessible wherever you are, ensuring a seamless reading experience.
How do read-it-later apps handle privacy and security?
Read-it-later apps typically take user privacy and security seriously. They often use encryption to protect your saved content and user data.
Additionally, many apps allow you to set up password protection or use biometric authentication (like fingerprint or face recognition) to secure your account.
It’s important to review the privacy policy and security measures of the specific app you choose to ensure your data is handled responsibly.
Can I import my existing bookmarks or reading list into a read-it-later app?
Yes, many read-it-later apps offer the option to import existing bookmarks or reading lists from your web browser or other apps.
This feature can save you time when transitioning to a new app. You can often find this import function in the settings or preferences of the app.
Keep in mind that the ease of importing may vary between apps, so it’s worth checking the app’s documentation for specific instructions on how to do this.
Which App is a Better Readwise Alternative?
Selecting the right read-it-later app hinges on your specific needs and preferences.
Assess your offline reading requirements, content organization, customization desires, collaboration needs, and integration with existing tools.
In all, keep an eye on the six factors above. Those considerations can help you find the perfect app to streamline your reading and boost your productivity.