Keeping track of intriguing articles, vital resources, or hilarious web finds can be challenging. Browser bookmarks often turn into an overwhelming clutter. As a seasoned tech writer with years of experience managing digital reading lists at I/O Means, I've relied on dedicated apps like Pocket to streamline this process.
Contents: Pocket | Instapaper | Raindrop.io | Paperspan | Matter
Since 2007, Pocket—originally Read It Later as a Firefox extension—has been my go-to for saving articles to a personal server for later reading on any device. Acquired by Mozilla in 2017, it offered seamless access across platforms. However, a recent mandate requires converting all Pocket accounts to Firefox Accounts by June 30, 2022, to leverage centralized security like two-factor authentication.
If you have or are open to a Firefox Account, conversion is straightforward. Otherwise, explore these trusted alternatives. All offer free tiers, multi-device sync (except one), and support for browsers, Android, and iOS. I've included import/export guides, mostly via HTML or CSV.
Pocket's intuitive interface shines with sorting (newest to oldest), favorites, list/grid views, archiving, and tagging. The beta home screen highlights recent saves and curated "best of the web" content. Share via social media, recommend in-app, and extend with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Android, and iOS apps.
Premium: $4.99/month or $44.99/year—unlimited storage, full-text search, permanent library.
Export/Import: Export instructions - Import instructions
Instapaper, now from Instant Paper, delivers a minimalist experience with toggleable thumbnails (no grid). Save unlimited articles/videos via Chrome/Safari/Firefox extensions, bookmarklet, iOS, Android, or Kindle. Highlight text, add up to 5 notes/month, edit titles/links/summaries.
Premium: $2.99/month or $29.99/year—full-text search, unlimited notes, text-to-speech.
Export/Import: Export instructions - Import instructions (registered users only)
Raindrop.io packs powerful features like Moodboard view for serious collectors. Free unlimited bookmarks across Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome/Safari/Firefox/Edge. Edit titles, tags, descriptions; collaborate easily.
Pro: $3/month or $28/year—full-text search, cloud backup, permanent library.
Export/Import: Export instructions - Import instructions
Paperspan offers bare-bones simplicity: folder organization, no-frills saves linking to originals. Ideal for minimalists skipping highlights or in-app reading.
Premium: None.
Export/Import: Click "Import" in side menu.
Matter, iOS/web-only (Android coming), excels at newsletters, Twitter follows, Readwise/Notion sync, Kindle export. Free; extract Pocket data via in-app login. Promising for curated feeds over basic bookmarking.
Export: Settings > Export your data.
Import: Settings > Connected Accounts.
