Readwise Reader Reviews

by Quark Gluon Plasma

We are constantly seeing new information, which comes to us in increasingly diverse ways. The foundational idea of read-it-later apps is that you will read something enough to know you will want read more “when you have more time.” So Reader is an extra inbox that sits between actual input and you. It can also send information to other apps, most of which have their own mechanisms for obtaining, storing and organizing data. I suppose you could spend a lot of your time moving information around, perhaps classifying it. It doesn’t seem robust enough enough to handle the volume I would need or the granularity of classification. The cost seems high too.

by Dave From PR

ReadwiseReader has much to like but it lacks some basic and fundamental features such as printing and export as PDF. It does a great job of formatting web pages for reading. I wanted to use it as part of my research process because I like it allows me to highlight and write notes and that I can export this notes.

However, you cannot print or export as pdf. I reached out to support and I am told that this feature is not a priority and not in the plans. This is a deal breaker for me.

Yes, they will claim that you print from the web reader. But what’s the point if I have an iPad app which is perfect to read but cannot export or print as pdf? This means that after I have done all my reading, highlighting and note taking that I most wait until I get to my house to sit on the computer and remember which documents I wanted to print. Yes, I could have work around to this but that’s what they are, work around.

This is very disappointing when most if not all readers already have this very basic function in their apps.

by Michael.Suchecki

ReadwiseReader has so many features and options to log and manage content, and it is almost perfect to me.

But there is one glaring omission that bugs me every time I use ReadwiseReader — it lacks basic multi-select for saved articles.

I can’t select multiple at a time to move, can’t tag multiple stories at once, and by extension can’t tame my inbox of saved stories on my phone, but am instead told I should use the website to do such complex operations. The fact this was missing at the start of the rollout was forgivable, but now after a full launch years later it’s frankly absurd. I hope the development team prioritizes this going forward as it would make a world of difference to me and I’m sure countless other users.

by Furry:3

Really like using readwise reader for all my rss feeds and reading purposes but the big problem i have is performance issues with ReadwiseReader (on an iPhone 14 pro). The home screen and daily digest is basically unusable due to how slow it is and how much it lags while scrolling. The library and feed tabs are mostly fine, though reading articles can also lag a bit. Im not sure if this is due to how many articles i have saved or what, but ive been having these issues for several weeks now

by LeonardoJZG

I originally had a problem with ReadwiseReader because I track a lot of feeds. Eventually the developer cleared out my data on the back end. Now the layout and usability is gorgeous and great to use. The only reason I don’t give it a fifth star is because I still don’t know what it’s max capacity on the number of data feeds it can take, so I am slowing increasing and hoping I don’t trip the upper limit. Otherwise highly recommended and great to use with their affiliated Readwise app!

by Deankhu

ReadwiseReader idea is great and has so many great features from other apps combined into one. The idea is perfect and has the potential to be the only app for read-it-later that anyone will ever need.

However, right now it’s performance is very poor on iOS. It’s very difficult to quickly navigate through ReadwiseReader or perform certain actions without ReadwiseReader going unresponsive. Only resolution as of right now is to close out of ReadwiseReader and reopen. Frame rates for the animations can be slow as well.

ReadwiseReader is on its way, and has a lot of great features, but needs help in the performance department.

by Jayro619

I think this is crazy. Being able to highlight articles, pdfs, tweets, etc. and have them formatted into Obsidian in the exact way I want opens an entirely new world of possibilities. This idea reduces friction a ton, in a way I never would’ve imagined. I think that we should be able to edit the title of the documents, and the ebook support needs some work. That would take ReadwiseReader to the next level.

by E_rauner

I’ve been following their progress on Reader for around a year now. Reader has replaced several tools for me and simplified my workflow greatly. There is nothing like it in this space with the amount with the same features at this price.

The Readwise team is incredibly responsive in the discord channel. The discord community is always helpful with whatever questions you have. I’ve learned a lot since joining and actively keep up with everyone when I can.

Great job Tristan and Dan! You’ve built a solid product and I really look forward to seeing this product scale 🙂

by Abi0

Seriously, I was just lamenting how many subscriptions I have to pay for, Pocket, speechify, and then have a separate RSS reader, AND none of these work with my highlights well! Ugh and Evernote doesn’t do well with PDFs. And then BOOM ReadwiseReader comes along. I am so happy this exists. ReadwiseReader works great. I listen to all my articles here, and since it shows me the texts while it reads it, I can pause it to highlight. Wow just wow.

by JMPCT

Readwise Reader is in a category of its own. There is no other app for power readers or people managing digital knowledge systems. There are to many good features to list from incredible document text parsing to Text to speech and integration of ghost reader. Best highlighting experience in the game. ReadwiseReader is in a category of its own. The developers should be proud of creating something so objectively positive and helpful. I can’t imagine my life without it.

With the full integration of AI powered TTS, this incredible app continues to amaze. Genuinely pleasurable experience I look forward to using each day.

by Johnco42

I’m a long time Readwise user and I was excited to see the release of Reader. I now have all of my reading in one place and managed to cancel two other subscriptions. I love the highlighting and integration with Readwise. I tried another app called Matter but it’s clearly built for a more casual user. I’m also not sure if they are going to survive long term as a company. Reader is more my speed and Readwise has a solid track and will be around for the long haul. Highly recommend.

by Alpha_foxtrot

Pocket who? Instapaper, didn’t she retire? Move over all other read-it-later apps as Readwise’s Reader has changed the game!

Every reading/learning medium in one place is literally everything we all only fever-dreamed during the Covid outbreak 😷. Articles, RSS feeds, ePubs, Twitter (videos on the roadmap!) in one beautifully designed inbox/library 🥰

Consistent updates from the team and endless potential to improve the online reading experience. I mean, these are readers creating software for other readers. They truly understand the nuances and pain points we all know and have really created something to bring the joy of learning back into our lives.

You can connect this to the note-taking app of your choice, too! All your highlights in one place, intermingling like a hot bowl of minestrone. Research made easy 😌

Get ReadwiseReader, don’t pass go, don’t collect $200. Make your reading time more productive and get Jeopardy ready 🤓

by Moongoose5

I’ve been wanted an all-in-one solution for years but nothing came close. The Readwise service always looked interesting but I didn’t see much of a use. That changed with Reader. Being able to save context from basically anywhere, highlight and add notes, then export those highlights/notes has made consuming knowledge so much easier. The team is also super responsive to feedback and bugs. I believe ReadwiseReader is still technically in beta so there’s still some features being worked. But overall well worth the money.

by B00kworm21

I’m a big fan right now as this looks so promising. I did want to suggest RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual
Presentation) like Outread and Instapaper apps, which will get your reading speed a big boost. There’s also Bionic mode in Reeder 4 which bolds some letters and impacts how fast you comprehend a word. Can’t wait to see the next iteration/update! Keep up the good work! I love the layout options for sharing quotes on Ivory for Mastodon, Twitter, and IG. Aggregating has never been easier- and easily add every highlight from Kindle, and Apple books, Pocket, Instapaper, etc. into Obsidian or Notion. The number of integrations is insane and the iOS experience is great, but online is the best option I think. I'm only beginning to scratch the surface, so will update the review as things change. But can be the go-to; replacing feed readers, saving for later apps, and working seamlessly with the Readwise app.

Tony Escobar

by Mtzfox

It’s not often that an app comes out that completely changes how you interface with the web, but this is it. I've been using Readwise to collect my highlights for awhile and it's worked great. Reader takes it to an entirely new level by organizing articles, books, pdfs, RSS feeds, email news letters, tweets, and more.

One thing that made my jaw drop: you can select any paragraph of text and have AI reformat it a different style. That means simplifying, TL;DR, convert to flashcard, and more. I had it write Haiku versions of my Typescript study material! It instantly can turn a block of text into question answer format of main points! This is so futuristic.

Need an article read aloud in a human voice? It does that. Navigate an article with keyboard and highlight with a single click? It does that. You can export notes and Metadata with custom templates for other programs. The list goes on.

This absolutely brilliant technology. Readwise deserves a medal.

by Markvaske

Readwise Reader is best in class for those trying to manage reading and knowledge. Love ReadwiseReader and know its feature set will continue to improve. Features I hope to see in the near future…

- iPad Keyboard Shortcuts - match the web versions and your set :)
- Even more gesture based interactions on the iPhone and iPad Apps
- Apple Pencil support - the Pencil sort of works but if the Books experience could be matched or improved that would be fantastic. Makes reading feel more tactile. Not looking for drawing but feel free to add that too
- Pagination
- Speed Reading Modes

It is already a power app and extremely usable as is, just a wishlist to get it towards perfect as I love reading on the iPad.

Cheers!

by Boberino9%

Sure, it doesn’t yet come with Snoop Dogg’s voice, and it doesn’t read Kindle books, yet. Still, in terms of functionality, design, layout, annotation capabilities, it’s miles ahead of any competitor I have come across thus far. I can’t wait to see how ReadwiseReader develops. In the meantime, I will be using this Readwise reader app daily. Oh, and I cancelled Speechify.

by Dgm885

I’ve used Pocket and Instatapaper. Reader is already better that both. It has a great reading environment, good management tools, facility for managing videos, email and pdfs. I’ve been using Readwise for years so for me ReadwiseReader is a big yea. If you don’t use Readwise then Reader may be a more difficult decision. It costs money. If you look at what you receive from both apps, you will conclude the apps are worth the expense. Game changing tools for readers and writers.

by JaneD1232

To start off, 8-9 dollars per month to be able read is STEEP.

But I’m paying it anyways because 1. The actual reading experience is bar none the best, 2. The “reading list”/read it later feed and library management is also the best (e.g. if your newsletter has a link to an article but not the actual article, most feed apps will just give me the article link, which is useless. Readwise actually reads the article and gives me the full content. Brilliant.), and 3. It’s keyboard shortcuts on the web version are amazing.

Gah, I wish it weren’t as expensive but I really do like it a lot.

by PackyM

I can’t read anything good online without saving to Reader and highlighting as I read. It helps me engage with the content, and now with the AI features, expands what I learn from everything I read.

Recently, I’ve started saving even more articles and essays to Reader so that instead of opening up Twitter on my phone when I have time to kill, I open up Reader and use the time well.

Can’t recommend Reader highly enough.

by Pendolino

I know it’s still a work in progress but it deserves five stars for the thoughtful design elements that cater to text-centric users like me. That said, it does have great tools such as excellent narration and ghostreader (AI-like) features for those that don’t want to read full pieces. The ‘views’ are excellent allowing you to group pieces by long, short, highlighted and many other traits. As an avid Reeder (not ReAder) user for users I’m ready to make the switch once Reader is fully baked. Honestly it feels like it already is done but I’m just giving it some time.

One thing I’m waiting for: the ability to include a link to the source when sharing some text from an article.

by Brystonu

I’ve tried all the main read-it-later type apps - Reader blows them out of the water for its features and the UI. I was close to signing up for another service but figured I should try this new product - so glad I did. And now I have the regular Readwise as a bonus!! Keep up the great work!

by 127gh8as

What Pocket does, it does it well. Reader at this point, pretty much does it better. Parsing still has hiccups, but overall it’s good and appears to be improving. Integration with Readwise and other platforms works well. I’ve been a Readwise subscriber and got in on the tail end of the private beta for Reader. The devs are moving fast and most updates include value added features or address some bug or performance issue. I’ve yet to encounter an update that is one step forward and two back. Reader might end up being my baby’s daddy of read later services.

by Danieldkang

I’ve been using Reader for over a year now, and I have to say it’s been an amazing experience. Reader has completely changed the way I approach learning new things. Thank you to the Readwise team for making it so much easier to organize, consume, and retain information. Would highly recommend to anyone!

by Tenmv

The most important app on my phone and the best reading and library management app I’ve ever used. It works/syncs well on mobile/web and has many useful features, but most importantly, it isn't actively hostile to the user like Books, Kindle, Audible, Nook and every other reading app. It just lets you read the files you want.

by HAILRazr

THIS☝🏼is what I’ve been jones’n for for a decade. A Universal Vault to quickly, in seconds, store, categorize, play to watch or listen. Being able to 👂🏼LISTEN👂🏼to an article, at 2 or 3x Speed keeps me up with individual content, of ANY kind, into the dozens each day. WELL WORTH THE PRICE to all the butthurt who want everything Free. The Time savings for Me, Pays for the Entire Month in ONE DAY! Get It! These guys thought of everything, are readily available the chat, answer questions and/or walk you thru on several Social Media Accounts. Speakin of the butthurt, the hours you spend complaining abt, l👀king for n jack’n on Paid Services is gone forever. Meanwhile those with Reader have lapped you in knowledge n productivity over n over n over while you 😭 30 Day Free Trial Is Rediculously Generous.

Just hit ReadwiseReader Icon n you’re done. Stored n ready in ANY Format. A No Brainer …

by Alex Hamilton

ReadwiseReader is fantastic. It’s got everything I want in an app for reading content. Easy to get things into it, great formatting and layout of the content, and helpful organization tools. But the killer feature is its Readwise integration, which regularly resurfaces things that I highlight, i.e. the most important content that I want to affect my life.

by Shawn823

Reader is now on the dock of my iPhone. They have eclipsed all of the functionality of other "read it later" apps and the teams speed of improvement is really impressive. I now turn to Reader first instead of email or social media and my relationship with my phone feels much healthier because of it.

by Vrnsn

The Reader could eventually become your go to inbox for all your favorites, highlights, and your own reading archive. Also, it is absolutely beautifully designed.

However, the price is.. It is not expensive but it feels expensive. And I think the major reason is I’m using only few of the functionality. I wish there was a better price point. Perhaps with tiering; more features could be enabled by pricing tiers.

by Robbchadwick

About a year ago, I tried Readwise, the parent app to Reader. I found Readwise to be a very good app — but, at the time, I passed on subscribing.

Then Readwise introduced its Reader app. It’s a game-changer. I once required three apps (Reeder (different spelling), Pocket, and Speech Central) to do what Reader does. Reader’s RSS reader is top-notch. There’s no need to look elsewhere for an app to read it later since ReadwiseReader allows you to file articles in your inbox, later, and archives. Any highlights made to articles in Reader transfer to Readwise for future recall — and the built-in tagging system is to first-rate. To top it off, the built in text-to-speech voices are the best I’ve found.

At the present time Reader is still in beta. I’m not sure why, because it’s a perfectly great app with no major bugs as far as I can see. At any rate, if you subscribe to Readwise at this time, you will have the forthcoming subscription to Reader included for life in the price for Readwise alone. It’s a no-brainer.

I would only suggest a couple of things:

1) I’d like a way to select multiple items in the library to perform an action on. You can already do this in the Feeds section of ReadwiseReader . 2) I’d like to be able to move individual / multiple items in the library to a playlist for listening — one that would go on to the next article once the previous article is finished.

Subscribe to Readwise / Reader. You won’t regret it.

by Harbell

I used and loved Pocket for years. Was great 5 years ago but hasn’t kept up with what I want out of my reading app. Switched to Reader after asking nicely to get into the beta. Haven’t looked back! Use and love Reader everyday. Would be incredibly disappointed if I couldn’t use it

by Matias Tucci

This is the best all in one reading app I’ve tried by far. I love having my newsletters, articles and RSS feeds all in one place. And the designs are beautiful and super intuitive!

by Stanman106

One of my favorite and most used apps. Organizes all my kindle and online reading in one place. Much better than pocket and Instapaper.

by LovinginLouisiana

reader is an incredibly powerful and sleek reading companion. as someone who has previously maxed out at 500 open tabs on safari, i can say confidently that i’m never going back to reading the old fashioned way.

by Facfour

Readwise Reader excels as not only a “read it later” app but also as a “hub” for all of your reading—be it RSS, Email, Web Articles, EPUBs and one of my personal favorites, PDF, which is a notoriously difficult medium to extract notes from. The team behind it all is nothing short of amazing. The development of the product has been breathtaking. What a time to be alive and having a tool like this. Taking notes from YouTube was recently introduced and that alone is a game changer for me. Honestly, can not imagine, nor do I want to, what my reading life would be without it. There is nothing better. Nothing.

by Latti

ReadwiseReader has made reading online joyous again. It’s not just the ability to save stories to read later. I love the two way highlighting with their web tool. The feed section is an absolute joy. The new YouTube save option is about to change my relationship with video. They’ve found so many ways to delight me with well thought out features and great workflows.

Seriously, just try ReadwiseReader . It’s that good.