If you’re still using the read-it-later app Pocket, you have just one week to find a new option. Pocket will be shutting down on July 8, so it’s time to transition to an alternative.
As a longtime user of Pocket, dating back to its original launch in 2007 as Read It Later, I was saddened by the announcement made in May. It’s hard to let go of an app that has offered me countless interesting articles at my fingertips.
In previous years, I received emails from Pocket celebrating my status as being in the “top 5%” of readers. Admittedly, I was more of a saver than a reader, often saving numerous articles but only finishing a few. Still, the expectation of finding something intriguing every time I opened the app kept me coming back.
With Pocket shutting down soon, I began searching for read-it-later alternatives. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options available. Platforms like Raindrop, Matter, PaperSpan, Plinky (iOS only), DoubleMemory (iOS only), Recall, and Wallabag are all viable substitutes. However, I decided to switch to Instapaper, which has been around since 2008, just a year after Pocket debuted.
Instapaper’s functionality mirrors Pocket’s, allowing users to save articles with one tap or click, and read them later—whether online or offline. After using it for a couple of weeks and already accumulating a backlog of unread articles, I can confidently recommend Instapaper as an excellent alternative.
The transition was smooth, as both apps share a similar interface and ease of use. While you can import your Pocket articles into Instapaper, I decided against it. Why? It would take days to migrate, and honestly, I wouldn’t read them anyway. Starting fresh feels liberating, and I’ll reclaim some much-needed storage space on my device.
Instapaper is compatible with both iOS and Android, enabling easy setup and synchronization across devices—be it your smartphone or PC.
The free version of Instapaper will meet many users’ needs, but the paid option at $5.99 a month (approximately €5.69) or $59.99 annually (around €56.79) unlocks full features, including text search, a permanent archive, unlimited notes, and text-to-speech playlists for listening convenience.
Will I miss Pocket? Yes, but adapting to Instapaper feels seamless, and I’m excited to explore my reading list anew.
What should I consider when choosing a read-it-later app? Look for features like ease of use, sync capabilities, and support for platforms you frequently use.
Are there free alternatives to Pocket? Absolutely! Instapaper offers a free version, along with various other options like Raindrop and Wallabag that also have free functionalities.
How do I import articles from Pocket to Instapaper? While you can import directly, I opted not to transfer my articles to start fresh and reduce clutter.
Is Instapaper safe to use? Yes, Instapaper has a good reputation for security and privacy, making it a trusted option in the read-it-later space.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a clean, efficient, and user-friendly read-it-later solution, I highly recommend giving Instapaper a try. And for more insights and reviews on tech apps, make sure to explore additional content on Moyens I/O.