Instapaper
Instapaper is a simple, no-fuss app for saving and reading articles offline. It's easy to use, looks clean, and helps you keep your reading organized.
We've tried a lot of apps for saving articles, but Instapaper is one we keep coming back to. It's super easy to use—just save what you want to read, and it's there for you, even when you're offline. The app gets rid of all the clutter, so you can just focus on the words.
In this review, we'll tell you what we liked, what could be better, and why Instapaper might be a good fit for you. We'll keep it simple and honest, just like the app itself.
Key Features
- Offline Reading: Save articles and read them anywhere, even without an internet connection
- Distraction-Free Mode: Clean, text-focused reading experience with adjustable fonts and dark mode
- Organization: Use folders and tags to keep your reading list tidy
- Sync Across Devices: Access your saved articles on Android, iOS, and the web
- Premium Features: Unlock full-text search, unlimited notes, speed reading, and more with a subscription
- No Ads: Enjoy an ad-free experience, even in the free version
Pros
- Distraction-free, clean reading experience
- Reliable offline access to saved articles
- No ads, even in the free version
- Easy organization with folders and tags
- Syncs seamlessly across devices
- Simple and intuitive interface
Cons
- Some features missing or inconsistent on Android compared to iOS
- Occasional syncing or saving issues reported
- Recent price increases for premium features
- Limited free plan compared to competitors
- Folder/tag management could be improved
Pricing
Instapaper offers both a free and a premium version. The free version provides core reading and saving features without ads. Premium unlocks advanced features such as full-text search, unlimited notes, speed reading, and more, with in-app purchases ranging from €0.72 to €64.99. Some recent reviews mention price increases and changes to the premium plan, so it's worth checking the current pricing in the app.
Review
7.6
In our review of Instapaper, we considered the categories Features, Design, Ease of Use, Security & Privacy, Value for Money and Performance. Each category was given equal importance and we'll dive into the details of each in the following section.
Features 7.5
7.5
Instapaper does what you need: save articles, read them offline, and organize with folders and tags. You can pay for extras like searching your saved stuff or adding more notes, but most people won't need that. Some things are missing or work better on iPhone than Android, and sometimes syncing is slow. But overall, it covers the basics really well.
Design 8.0
8.0
We like how Instapaper looks. It's clean and simple, so you can just read without distractions. You can change the font or switch to dark mode if you want. The Android app could look a bit more modern, but it's still nice to use.
Ease of Use 8.0
8.0
It's really easy to get started with Instapaper. Saving and reading is simple, and you don't have to mess with a lot of settings. Sometimes it's hard to find certain features on Android, and syncing can be a bit slow, but most of the time it just works.
Security & Privacy 7.5
7.5
Instapaper doesn't show ads or track you much, which we like. You do need an account to sync your articles, but we didn't see any big privacy problems. It's not the most private app ever, but it feels safe enough for everyday use.
Value for Money 7.0
7.0
The free version is great—you get all the basics and no ads. The paid plan costs more now and doesn't add a lot unless you really need the extra features. If you just want to save and read, stick with the free version. If you want more, think about if it's worth it for you.
Performance 7.5
7.5
Instapaper is fast and works well most of the time. We didn't have crashes, and reading is smooth. Sometimes syncing is slow or articles take a while to show up, especially on Android. But for everyday use, it's reliable.
Conclusion
If you want an app that just lets you save and read articles without any hassle, Instapaper is a great pick. It's not perfect—sometimes things are a bit slow or missing on Android, and the premium plan costs more now. But for most people, the free version is more than enough. We use it all the time and think you might like it too.
7.6
Good
In the Features category, Instapaper has scored a decent 7.5. It includes some useful features, but may lack in versatility or depth.
- Features
- 7.5
In the Design category, Instapaper has scored a solid 8. The design is functional and generally pleasing, but not without some minor flaws.
- Design
- 8
In the Ease of Use category, Instapaper has scored a solid 8. It is relatively easy to use, but may require some time to get fully accustomed to.
- Ease of Use
- 8
In the Security & Privacy category, Instapaper has scored a decent 7.5. It provides basic security and privacy features, though there may be gaps to address.
- Security & Privacy
- 7.5
In the Value for Money category, Instapaper has scored a modest 7. It provides limited value for money, and may not justify its cost for all users.
- Value for Money
- 7
In the Performance category, Instapaper has scored an acceptable 7.5. It performs adequately in most situations, but may struggle under heavier demands.
- Performance
- 7.5
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