Compare Instapaper and Sider: Which Extension is the Best?

	Instapaper	Sider
	Instapaper lets you save, organize, and highlight articles, videos, and web pages for offline reading. Features include folders, Kindle sync, text-to-speech, and mobile apps Web Clipper Reader Mode	Sider is an AI browser extension that boosts productivity in reading, writing, and more. Trusted by 6M+ users, it offers features to optimize online activities. AI ChatGPT
Key Features	Offline Reading: Save web pages to read later without internet connection Text View: Clean, distraction-free reading experience Highlighting: Mark important passages in your saved articles Kindle Integration: Send articles directly to your Kindle device Browser Extension: Quick save functionality across major browsers Mobile Apps: Access your reading list on iOS and Android devices Folder Organization: Create custom folders to organize your saved content	AI Writing Assistant: Generates articles and enhances writing styles quickly. Webpage Reading Assistant: Summarizes content and provides accurate information. AI-Powered PDF Analysis: Summarizes and translates PDF documents. Image Creating & Editing Suite: Generates and edits images with AI. Group AI Chat: Supports multiple AI models for diverse interactions. Smart Web Access: Enhances productivity with quick access to information.
Our Rating	8.2	8.7
Total users	214,048	8,095,228
Total ratings	657	111,722
Average rating	4.1 ⭐	4.9 ⭐
Entry Level Price	Free	Free
Chrome	3.8 542 ratings 200.0K+Users	4.9 104.1K+ ratings 5.0M+Users
Edge	-	4.8 7.6K+ ratings 3.1M+Users
Firefox	4.4 115 ratings 14.0K+Users	-
Safari	-	-
Features	8.8 Instapaper's feature set is impressive in its core functionality. The service excels at its primary purpose of saving and reading web content offline. The text view feature provides an excellent reading experience, stripping away distractions and presenting content in a clean, readable format. The highlighting and note-taking capabilities are useful tools for active readers, though they could benefit from some refinement. The Kindle integration works seamlessly, making it easy to transfer articles to your e-reader. Mobile apps offer reliable synchronization across devices, ensuring your reading list is always up to date. However, the service lacks some modern features like social sharing that competitors offer. The search functionality in the free tier is somewhat basic, and customization options are more limited compared to other services in this space.	9.5 Sider offers a comprehensive range of functions and is designed to provide a solution for every possible use of AI. From AI writing assistance to PDF analysis, for example, it covers all areas for every blogger. Creatives also get their money's worth here, whether creating images from text or editing photos, Sider offers these functions in just one tool and integrates the functions of other providers into your one tool. The number of integrated AI models, such as GPT-4o, Claude, or Gemini, also stands out. This ensures that users have access to the latest technology. In summary, Sider offers almost all of the current possibilities of AI in one tool.
Performance	8.0 Instapaper’s performance is strong overall, but the initial setup leaves much to be desired. After installing the Chrome extension, there was no response or prompt—no indication that any further action was needed. It wasn’t until we read a user review that we realized we had to manually visit the Instapaper website and log in. Without that information, we likely would have assumed the extension was broken and uninstalled it. Once past that rocky start, however, the service works reliably. Web pages save quickly, and saved content loads without issue. Offline access is stable, and synchronization across devices keeps your reading list up to date. The mobile apps offer smooth performance and quick navigation, while the text view provides a responsive and comfortable reading experience. The search function is usable, though slightly slow at times. Despite the poor onboarding, Instapaper delivers solid functionality once everything is properly set up.	9.2 Sider generally performs well in the test with fast response times and reliable functions. The integration of multiple AI models ensures that users receive accurate and relevant information. However, there can be occasional delays, especially when using advanced features or at peak times. Continuous updates and optimizations could further improve performance.
Design	8.5 The design of Instapaper focuses on simplicity and readability. The interface is clean and minimalist, putting the content front and center. The text view is particularly well-designed, offering a comfortable reading experience with good typography and spacing. The mobile apps follow their respective platform design guidelines, providing a native feel on both iOS and Android. The browser extension maintains this simplicity with a straightforward interface. However, some UI elements feel dated and could use a refresh. While the reading experience is consistent across platforms, the navigation could be more intuitive in some areas. The limited customization options might disappoint users who prefer more control over their reading environment.	8.5 The design of Sider is very user-friendly, and the interface is quite clear, so it's easy to find anything. The sidebar is great because you can access features without leaving the page. However, it might feel cluttered for some people as there are so many options. A sleeker design could improve the user experience.
Value for Money	8.0 The pricing structure of Instapaper offers a basic free tier that's functional but limited. The premium features are reasonably priced, offering good value for heavy readers. The pricing is competitive compared to alternatives in the market. However, some features that are currently premium could potentially be included in the free tier to provide more value to basic users. The annual subscription offers good savings for committed users. While the premium features are well-implemented, the free tier could offer more value to attract new users and provide a better experience for casual users.	7.8 While Sider offers a free version with limited requirements, the premium plans can be expensive for casual users. While the feature set justifies the cost for power users, those who only need basic features may find it expensive. The availability of different pricing tiers offers flexibility, but an intermediate solution with a cheaper option could appeal to a wider audience.
Ease of Use	7.0 Instapaper’s setup process is not beginner-friendly. After installing the browser extension, there was no response or guidance—no prompt, login window, or confirmation. We had to manually visit the website and log in, something we only discovered thanks to a tip in another user’s review. Without that, we likely would have uninstalled the extension, assuming it didn’t work. However, once logged in, the service functions smoothly. Saving content is quick, the interface is clean and intuitive, and managing your reading list is simple and efficient.	9.0 In our tests, Sider was easy to use without having to learn how to use it. The tooltips and instructions help you get started right away. It works well in our tests with popular browsers such as Chrome and Edge, which are quick to install and use. However, if you want to delve into the advanced functions, it can take a while to get to grips with everything. Basic users might be a little overwhelmed here.
Security & Privacy	9.0 Instapaper takes user privacy and security seriously. The service maintains a clear and transparent privacy policy, explicitly stating that user data is not sold to third parties. The company has demonstrated a strong commitment to user privacy through its GDPR compliance and Privacy Shield certification. Data storage is secure, and the service regularly updates its security measures. The data collection practices are transparent, with clear explanations of what information is collected and how it's used. This high level of attention to privacy and security makes Instapaper a trustworthy choice for users concerned about their data.	8.0 Sider stores the data on Amazon's US servers. The data protection guidelines are transparent and users have control over their data. However, usage data is collected for analysis purposes, which not every user will find acceptable. The assurance that data is never passed on and no spam messages are sent is a positive aspect.
Conclusion	Instapaper is a reliable “read-it-later” service that is characterized by its core features. The service has maintained its position in the market by focusing on what matters most to readers: a clean, distraction-free reading experience and reliable offline access to stored content. While it doesn't offer the breadth of features of some newer competitors, its simplicity and reliability make it a solid choice for those who primarily want to save articles and read offline. Recent issues with the Chrome extension and some user complaints about the save feature need to be addressed, but the core service remains stable and useful. For users who appreciate a simple, straightforward approach to saving and reading web content, Instapaper remains a good choice. However, those looking for advanced features or a more modern interface should look for alternatives.	Sider is an AI tool that can significantly increase user productivity across multiple platforms. The high number of features, from writing assistance to image editing, makes it a versatile choice for truly anyone. Although it excels in many areas, there is still room for improvement. In particular, the sometimes high prices will put normal users off. Overall, Sider is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to combine almost all the possibilities of AI in one tool and is willing to pay for it.
	Install Instapaper	Install Sider
Our Recommendation	In our comparison between Instapaper and Sider, Sider came out on top, scoring 8.7. Sider is the most widely used, with over 8 million users and 112k+ reviews—and it also delivered the strongest performance in our tests. User reviews for Instapaper reflect our findings, while we rate Sider lower than users do. Notably, Sider has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.86, which is even higher than our rating of 8.7. In the end, the differences between these extensions are minimal, so your choice may come down to personal preference or specific features. Looking for the richest feature set? Sider stands out with a rating of 9.5. On the other hand, Instapaper lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.8. Need top performance? Sider stands out with a rating of 9.2. On the other hand, Instapaper lags behind in this area with a rating of 8. Both look and feel great: Instapaper and Sider. In the Design category, Instapaper has scored a very good 8.5. The design is appealing and generally effective, with a few minor areas for improvement. Want to get the most for your money? Instapaper stands out with a rating of 8. On the other hand, Sider lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.8. If you hate complicated tools, Sider stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, Instapaper lags behind in this area with a rating of 7. With privacy and security becoming ever more important, Instapaper stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, Sider lags behind in this area with a rating of 8. If you want a quick recommendation, Sider is our top pick. But as always, the best choice depends on what matters most to you.