Do you constantly find fascinating articles and links you want to read but don‘t have the time in that moment? Do dozens of open browser tabs clutter your computer as you try unsuccessfully to keep track of content you‘ve stumbled upon? If this scenario sounds familiar, employing a dedicated read-it-later app can transform your article consumption experience.
Two of the most popular options in this category are Instapaper and Pocket. Both offer intuitive ways to save web pages, articles, recipes, and other media for later offline viewing. But with comparable offerings, how do you determine which one best fits your needs?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between Instapaper and Pocket across key factors:
- Features
- Platform availability
- Privacy
- Pricing
- Customization
- Best for different use cases
Let’s dive in to determine the ideal read-it-later app for your lifestyle.
Brief Background on Instapaper and Pocket
While built-in reading list functionality exists today across most browsers and platforms, third-party read-it-later apps emerged earlier to address this common need to save content for future consumption.
Instapaper launched in 2008, founded by Marco Arment. The app quickly gained popularity, recording over 2,000 downloads on the first day. Marco sold Instapaper to Betaworks in 2013. Then in 2016, online publishing platform Instant Paper acquired the app.
Shortly after in 2007, Pocket debuted under founder Nathan Weiner as a Firefox extension called Read It Later. The app got acquired by Mozilla in 2017 and now operates as a subsidiary.
Both companies have stood the test of time even amidst changing ownership. They each boast millions of users who turn to these read-it-later services every day.
Core Similarities Between Instapaper and Pocket
While key differences emerge when comparing Instapaper vs Pocket in depth, the two apps share foundational similarities that enable their primary purpose:
Saving articles for offline reading
At their core, Instapaper and Pocket allow seamless saving of articles, web pages, recipes, or any content you encounter while browsing. Their browser extensions, mobile apps, and integrations with services like Flipboard facilitate one-click adding of links into your reading queue. You can then easily access saved content later, even without an internet connection.
Free and paid versions
Both apps offer free and premium options. The free tiers provide the basic capabilities for saving and reading content while the paid subscriptions unlock additional features like full-text search, unlimited sharing and highlights, multi-device syncing, and more.
Security and privacy
Instapaper and Pocket also align in their strict data privacy policies. They collect minimal personal information and do not sell it to third parties or use it for advertising purposes. Both companies comply with global data protection regulations like the EU-U.S. and Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Frameworks.
Now that we’ve covered the major similarities, where do these apps diverge? Let’s explore some key differences between them.
4 Notable Differences Between Instapaper and Pocket
Platform availability
While both Instapaper and Pocket offer iOS and Android apps, Instapaper does not have an official Windows app. Pocket additionally integrates with more third-party services like Slack, Microsoft Office, Gmail, and online learning platforms like Coursera. However, Instapaper Enjoy more seamless integration for sending articles to your Kindle reader.
Text-to-speech capabilities
If listening to articles appeals to you, Pocket may have an edge in its text-to-speech functionality. Pocket’s built-in software generates high quality read-aloud audio, allowing customization of speaking rate from 0.8x up to 3x. With Instapaper however, you’re limited to utilizing text-to-speech engines already present on your device or platform which may have less natural voice output.
Speed reading features
Diehard readers who want to consume content as efficiently as possible will appreciate Instapaper’s unique speed reading capability. You can accelerate reading pace from 200 up to 650 words per minute. This feature doesn’t exist natively in Pocket.
Organization systems
When it comes to saving dozens or even hundreds of links for later perusal, organization tools add critical value. Instapaper automatically sorts articles into a folder structure while Pocket employs tag-based filtering. If you prefer visual hierarchy to scan content, Instapaper may align better to your preferences. But tags offer more flexibility for advanced content aggregation and search optimization.
Comparing Key Features of Instapaper vs. Pocket
Now that we’ve highlighted some of the biggest differences at a high level, let’s examine how core features compare across both apps:
Saving Articles
Both Instapaper and Pocket make it easy to save web pages, recipes, articles and other content in just one click for later offline viewing. You can access saved content from any device.
Text Highlighting
Highlighting and annotating content you save is available in free versions of both apps but limited to only 5 highlights per month. Upgrading to paid plans unlocks unlimited highlights and notes.
Listening to Articles
As covered earlier, Pocket provides a more robust text-to-speech experience with an elegant voice and customizable playback speeds up to 3x. With Instapaper, you’re limited by the engines on your chosen platform.
Speed Reading
Instapaper exclusives offers speed reading mode to consume words rapidly from 200 up to 650 wpm. This unique feature does not exist in Pocket.
Content Organization
Instapaper automatically sorts saved articles into folders like All, Starred, Archive, and Drafts for easy scanning. Pocket instead uses manual tags to label and find content.
Search Capabilities
Both apps allow basic title searches in free versions but upgrading to premium unlocks full-text search within articles, highlights and notes.
Sharing Articles
While you can share individual articles from free accounts, multi-article sharing capabilities get unlocked for Pocket Premium subscribers. Instapaper’s premium plan still limits sharing to one article at a time.
Syncing Across Devices
Pocket Premium enables automatic syncing of your saved content across mobile, tablet, desktop so collections stay updated. With Instapaper, you need to manually sync devices.
Supporting Publishers
Instapaper provides more direct monetization of publishers through a paid subscription model where revenue gets shared. Pocket does not pay publishers but delivers exposure.
Instapaper vs Pocket: Which App Should You Choose?
When considering the best read-it-later app for your needs, first examine your priorities.
If consuming content via listening rates highly, Pocket’s smooth text-to-speech with customizable playback speed makes it easy to breeze through articles hands-free. The tagging system also makes organization more flexible as your content library grows.
Alternatively, Instapaper shines if you want maximum reading speed enabled by speed reading mode. The folder hierarchy also allows intuitive content scanning. And direct publisher monetization better aligns with supporting the vibrant digital media ecosystem.
Carefully weigh factors like platform availability, pricing models, sharing capabilities and reading preferences. Fortunately, download free versions of both apps to experience these differences firsthand before deciding. While largely similar in purpose, these nuanced optimizations make Instapaper or Pocket better suited depending on your use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a better alternative app than Pocket?
For those seeking another option beyond Pocket, Instapaper makes for the best alternative given similarities in purpose and the ability to save content for offline use. Evaluate unique features like Instapaper’s speed reading capability, folder system and font choices to see if fits your needs better.
What is the primary use case for Instapaper?
Instapaper provides an organized method for saving online articles, stories, recipes and more so you can revisit them later even without an internet connection. Key features like adjusting fonts, setting up a reading queue, integrating with Kindle and speed reading mode optimize reading efficiency.
How many monthly active users does Instapaper have currently?
While official statistics are not publicly reported anymore, Instapaper likely still maintains millions of monthly active users even 15 years after initial launch. However, Pocket may have higher user bases after being bought out by Mozilla which bolstered distribution and product development.
How much does an Instapaper Premium subscription cost?
Instapaper Premium is available for $2.99 per month when billed monthly. Opting for annual billing unlocks a discounted price of $29.99 per year which breaks down to only $2.50 per month. There are no special student discounts offered.
Is my data secure when using Instapaper? Is it private?
Yes, Instapaper employs encryption and other privacy best practices to secure user data at rest and in transit per modern technology standards. They also have strict policies against selling or sharing personal information with external parties so you can feel comfortable storing content.
Which app allows more customization between Instapaper and Pocket – fonts, colors, etc?
Instapaper provides more UI personalization such as choosing from multiple font styles and adjustable sizes to dial in reading preferences. The folder-based content organization system is also more customizable than Pocket‘s mandatory tag methodology. So Instapaper edged out Pocket when it comes to customization capabilities.
Tips for Choosing the Best Read-It-Later App
Here is a quick checklist highlighting what to look for when deciding between Instapaper and Pocket:
- Browser extensions & mobile app availability for your devices
- Smoothness of text-to-speech capabilities
- Need for speed reading functionality
- Preferred organization system: folders vs tags
- Search features offered in free vs paid plans
- Ability to share more than one article at once
- Device syncing automation
- Customization such as fonts, text sizing, colors
Prioritizing these key factors will help determine whether Instapaper or Pocket (or neither!) makes for the ideal read-it-later service in line with your reading requirements. Both deliver a better experience over relying on cluttered bookmark folders so choose the app aligning closest with your use case.
Happy saving and reading!
