Instapaper vs Readwise
Instapaper and Readwise are both Productivity tools in our directory. This side-by-side comparison covers pricing, user ratings, supported platforms, key features and open-source status so you can decide which one fits your needs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Instapaper | Readwise |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Instant Paper | Readwise |
| Rating | ★ 4.5 | ★ 4.7 |
| Pricing | Freemium | Paid |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Kindle | Web, iOS, Android, Extension |
| Key features | Clean articles, Kindle send, Queue | Spaced-resurfacing of highlights, Sync to Notion/Obsidian/Evernote, Readwise Reader: read-later with Ghostreader AI |
| Headquarters | USA | Remote, USA |
| Founded | 2008 | 2014 |
| Open source | No | No |
Key differences
- Readwise has a higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.5★).
- Instapaper is Freemium, while Readwise is Paid.
- Instapaper runs on Web, iOS, Android, Kindle; Readwise runs on Web, iOS, Android, Extension.
Frequently asked questions
Is Instapaper or Readwise better?
By user rating, Readwise scores higher (4.7★ vs 4.5★). Both are capable Productivity tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.
Which is cheaper, Instapaper or Readwise?
Instapaper is Freemium and Readwise is Paid. Check each product page for current plan details.
Are Instapaper and Readwise open source?
No — neither Instapaper nor Readwise is open source.