Prepare for Pocket's shutdown. Opt for an alternate read-later app instead.
### Finding a New Home for Your Reading List: Instapaper as a Pocket Alternative
Following the closure of the popular read-it-later app Pocket on July 8, many users are seeking alternatives to save and manage their articles for later reading. One top recommendation is **Instapaper**, a service that offers a similar user interface and core functionality.
Instapaper, launched in 2008, has proven to be a reliable choice for users looking for a seamless transition. You can save articles with a single tap or click for later reading, whether online or offline, making it an ideal option for travel or situations with unreliable internet access.
The app is available on both iOS and Android devices and syncs smoothly across multiple devices, including phones and PCs. Instapaper's free tier meets many needs, but a paid version ($5.99 per month or $59.99 per year) offers additional features such as full-text search, a permanent archive, unlimited notes, and text-to-speech playlists for listening to articles.
For those who have been using Pocket since its launch in 2007 and have amassed a large collection of saved articles, it is possible to import them to Instapaper. However, some users prefer to start fresh due to time constraints and a desire for a clean slate in their new reading app.
Instapaper is an excellent replacement for Pocket, offering a focused reading experience with offline capabilities and easy syncing across devices. It stands out as the closest and most seamless Pocket replacement.
### Other Notable Alternatives
In addition to Instapaper, there are several other read-it-later apps available that cater to different user preferences.
**Raindrop.io** is an open-source bookmark and read-it-later solution praised for its cross-platform availability and rich organizational features. It's a strong pick for users wanting a free, open-source alternative.
**Feedly** is more of an RSS reader than a direct read-it-later app, but great if you want to follow many blogs and news sources at once and use AI filters to highlight important content. It has a free plan and smooth apps.
**Microsoft OneNote** is ideal if you want to combine saved articles with note-taking, annotations, and project organization. OneNote’s Web Clipper works well to save articles and snippets into notebooks without needing a separate app.
Other apps like Milanote, Evernote, Notion, and Inoreader also serve as alternatives depending on your workflow preferences.
### Comparison Table
| App | Key Strengths | Platforms | Cost | |----------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------|-----------------------| | Instapaper | Smooth Pocket-like experience, offline reading, premium features | iOS, Android, Web | Free + Premium ($5.99/mo) | | Raindrop.io | Open source, cross-platform bookmarking | Multiple | Free + Paid plans | | Feedly | RSS feeds, AI filters, organized reading | Web, Mobile | Free + Pro plan ($8/mo) | | OneNote | Integrated note-taking, flexible layout | Windows, iOS, Android | Free (with Microsoft 365) |
In conclusion, Instapaper stands out as the closest and most seamless Pocket replacement, especially if you want a clean, focused reading experience with offline capabilities and easy syncing across devices. If you prefer more organizational power or open-source software, Raindrop.io is a compelling alternative. This variety allows former Pocket users to choose based on whether they prioritize a straightforward read-it-later tool (Instapaper), a comprehensive content organizer (OneNote, Notion), or an RSS-driven newsreader (Feedly).
Technology and entertainment are essential aspects of many people's lifestyle, and finding the right apps to manage these interests can significantly enhance user experience. For instance, reading enthusiasts seeking a replacement for Pocket might consider Instapaper, a technology platform offering a smooth, Pocket-like experience for offline reading with premium features available for a monthly or yearly subscription. Additionally, open-source enthusiasts can opt for Raindrop.io, an alternative that prioritizes cross-platform bookmarking and strong organizational features.
