Compare Notebook Web Clipper and Instapaper: Which Extension is the Best?

Notebook Web Clipper is a versatile tool for capturing web content. Zoho describes itself as the alternative to Evernote and is a great choice for creatives and productivity enthusiasts.
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
Key Features
  • Web Clipping: Save text, images, and links as note cards.
  • Clean View: Clip articles without ads for a distraction-free reading experience.
  • Screenshot Tool: Capture and annotate screenshots directly.
  • Smart Cards: Convert links into smart cards for easy reference.
  • Meeting Notes: Take notes during online meetings with integrated tools.
  • 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
Our Rating
8.8
8.2
Total users
102,995
214,048
Total ratings
1,097
657
Average rating
3.9 ⭐
4.1 ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Chrome
Chrome Web Store logo
4.2
3.80
1.0K+ ratings
70.0K+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
3.8
2.67
542 ratings
200.0K+Users
Edge
Microsoft Edge Store logo
3.4
3.09
13 ratings
32.0K+Users
-
Firefox
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
4.0
4.08
80 ratings
957Users
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
4.4
4.39
115 ratings
14.0K+Users
Safari
-
-
Features
9.3

Notebook Web Clipper offers a wide range of functions.
In addition to the general saving of websites, we found the highlighting and direct saving of sections of text and the cropping options for images very helpful. Annotation tools improve the screenshot functionality here.

screenshots

Another unusual feature is the clean view function, where an article is clipped and ads or similar are deleted directly from the clip so that only the desired important data is saved.

reader view

Other features such as the smart card functions and the integration of meeting notes are a plus for professionals, but should not be relevant for everyone.

There are still some advanced functions missing that can be found in the competition. However, these will probably only be missed by a few users.

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.

screenshot
Performance
8.0

In general, the extensions work reliably, but can occasionally have delays. In our test, even large clips were processed well and quickly. Regular updates further improve the stability here.

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.

Design
7.5

The extension offers a clean and clear interface. In our opinion, however, there could be a little more customization options. Some users find the design a little outdated.

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.

Value for Money
9.5

The free version already offers extensive functions. The premium version adds even more functions. The price-performance ratio of just 19.99 dollars per year is almost unbeatable, especially when compared with price plans from other providers such as Evernote.

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.

Ease of Use
9.0

In our tests, the basic functions were intuitive to use. In addition, a clear tutorial is shown directly after installation. For more advanced functions such as shortcuts, you have to click your way through the extension, but this is not difficult. Existing Zoho Notebook users in particular should have no problems.

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.

Security & Privacy
9.3

Your data is encrypted by Zoho during transmission and at rest. There is also a clear data protection policy without selling data.

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.

Conclusion

Notebook Web Clipper is a good tool for anyone who wants to increase their productivity by efficiently organizing web content. The integration with Zoho Notebook makes it a must-have for existing users of the platform. Due to its features and superior price-performance ratio, users of other current programs such as Evernote should also consider it as an alternative. Only minor design and performance issues could be improved. Overall, it offers good value for money, especially for those upgrading to the Pro version.

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.

Our Recommendation

In our comparison between Notebook Web Clipper and Instapaper, Notebook Web Clipper came out on top, scoring 8.8.

Instapaper is the most widely used, with over 214k users and 657+ reviews, but Notebook Web Clipper outperformed it in our review. User reviews for Instapaper reflect our findings, while we rate Notebook Web Clipper higher than users do.

Notably, Instapaper has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.11, which supports its strong performance in our review.

There are some noticeable differences between these extensions, so it's worth considering your priorities and the details below.


  • Looking for the richest feature set? Notebook Web Clipper stands out with a rating of 9.3. On the other hand, Instapaper lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.8.
  • Performance-wise, both deliver: Notebook Web Clipper and Instapaper. In the Performance category, Notebook Web Clipper has scored a good 8. It performs reliably, though it may not excel in all scenarios.
  • Design lovers, take note: Instapaper stands out with a rating of 8.5. On the other hand, Notebook Web Clipper lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.5.
  • Want to get the most for your money? Notebook Web Clipper stands out with a rating of 9.5. On the other hand, Instapaper lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.
  • If you hate complicated tools, Notebook Web Clipper 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, Notebook Web Clipper stands out with a rating of 9.3. On the other hand, Instapaper lags behind in this area with a rating of 9.

If you want a quick recommendation, Notebook Web Clipper is our top pick. But as always, the best choice depends on what matters most to you.