Compare Todoist and Instapaper: Which Extension is the Best?

Todoist is a well-known to-do app with a simple, easy-to-use design. Its browser extension lets you quickly access your to-do list in a nice popup.
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
  • Task Management: Create tasks, subtasks, and projects easily.
  • Integrations: Works with Google Drive, Slack, Zapier, and more.
  • Cross-Platform Support: Available on mobile, desktop, and browser.
  • Natural Language Input: Add tasks using natural language for quick input.
  • Reminders and Due Dates: Set recurring tasks with due dates.
  • Kanban and Calendar Views: Manage tasks in flexible visual layouts.
  • Collaboration Tools: Assign tasks to others and manage shared projects.
  • 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
8.9
8.2
Total users
889,191
214,048
Total ratings
52,311
657
Average rating
4.4 ⭐
4.1 ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Chrome
Chrome Web Store logo
4.7
4.48
51.3K+ ratings
700.0K+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
3.8
2.67
542 ratings
200.0K+Users
Edge
Microsoft Edge Store logo
4.0
4.0
82 ratings
174.2K+Users
-
Firefox
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
4.7
4.63
927 ratings
14.9K+Users
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
4.4
4.39
115 ratings
14.0K+Users
Safari
-
-
Features
9.3

Todoist offers comprehensive functions for task management. Tasks can be prioritized, labeled and filtered.

to dos

Another good feature is that websites can be saved directly as tasks. This can be done via the taskbar button or by right-clicking. In this way, information on a website can be added directly as a task that you want to edit or read up on later.

right click

The extension can also be used to mark tasks directly as completed.

Other features like collaborating on projects and tracking progress with personalized productivity trends add further value.

Some of these advanced features of the application, such as customized templates and advanced reports, are available in the paid plans.

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
7.3

Most of Todoist's functions worked quickly and without problems in our tests.
The function of connecting the account with the Google Calendar to display your appointments did not work in the test, an error message was displayed. Users also report occasional delays in synchronization in the extension in the reviews.

error
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
9.5

The design is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate immediately. The interface can also be visually customized to suit your needs, but these are not overdone. The option of color-coded priority levels and project labels also helps with organization.

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
9.0

The functions of the Todoist extension are free of charge. The free functions of the Todoist application should also be sufficient for most users. For users who want to use functions such as reminders or additional view options, the price should also be reasonable. With an annual payment installment, $4 per month is reasonable in our view.

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 test, we had no problems with the installation and the first steps. The creation of tasks and overall use is self-explanatory. There are also many instructions and tutorials already available for the tool.
For more experienced users, there are also additional functions in the application that can be used with simple shortcuts.

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
9.0

Todoist describes its data security in detail in its Privacy Policy. This states that the data is encrypted according to the state of the art and that regular security updates are carried out. The data is stored in the cloud for synchronization; it cannot be stored locally.

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

Todoist is a great option for task management. We really like its simplicity, which is likely why it has become so popular.

While some modern tools may offer more features, Todoist is one of the best choices if you’re looking for a solid, beautifully designed to-do list.

Still, we noticed some performance issues. The extension takes longer to load when working in environments with a bad internet connection. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of, especially if you often work in places with poor internet.

Overall, Todoist is a strong choice for anyone seeking an easy-to-use and powerful task manager, though its speed and offline capabilities could be improved.

If you would like to test Todoist yourself, you can use our code to get the Pro version for 2 months free of charge. https://get.todoist.io/mgs7dk

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 Todoist and Instapaper, Todoist came out on top, scoring 8.9.

Todoist is the most widely used, with over 889k users and 52k+ reviews—and it also delivered the strongest performance in our tests. User reviews reflect our findings.

Notably, Todoist has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.44, 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? Todoist stands out with a rating of 9.3. On the other hand, Instapaper lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.8.
  • Need top performance? Instapaper stands out with a rating of 8. On the other hand, Todoist lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.3.
  • Design lovers, take note: Todoist stands out with a rating of 9.5. On the other hand, Instapaper lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.5.
  • Want to get the most for your money? Todoist stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, Instapaper lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.
  • If you hate complicated tools, Todoist stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, Instapaper lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.
  • For privacy, it's a tie: Todoist and Instapaper. In the Security & Privacy category, Todoist has scored an excellent 9. It offers robust security and privacy features that effectively protect user data.

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