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Comparison · Read-it-later apps

Raindrop.io vs Readwise Reader: which is better in 2026?

Raindrop.io80.0#6 in best read-it-later appsReadwise Reader87.0#3 in best read-it-later apps

Readwise Reader ranks higher in our list of read-it-later apps (#3 against #6, score 87.0 against 80.0).

  • 80.0
    Editorial score
    87.0
  • 6
    Platforms
    3
  • Yes
    Free to use
    No
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Raindrop.io if you want

Bookmarks and read-later items in one free tool.

A bookmark manager that also handles read-later items, with a free plan for unlimited bookmarks and devices. It is a hosted service with no self-hosted option, and it is less focused on reading than the apps above.

Choose Readwise Reader if you want

Highlighting and reading in one subscription.

Combines read-later, highlights, RSS and PDFs in one app, and highlights sync to note-taking apps. It is subscription-only after a 30-day trial, so it costs more than the free plans here.

The main differences

  • Only Raindrop.io runs on Windows.
  • Only Raindrop.io runs on macOS.
  • Raindrop.io can be used for free; Readwise Reader requires payment.

Side by side

Raindrop.ioReadwise Reader
Score80.087.0
Rank in list#6 of 6#3 of 6
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree to use indefinitely; Pro upgrade adds premium featuresSubscription30-day free trial, then $9.99 per month billed yearly or $12.99 monthly
Free to useYesNo
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWebWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidBrowser extensionWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Browser extensionWebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Made byNot statedReadwise
Self-hosted optionNoNo
Best forBookmarks and read-later items in one free toolHighlighting and reading in one subscription
Strengths
  • Free plan with unlimited bookmarks and devices
  • Apps and extensions across major platforms
  • Collections, tags and backups
  • Highlights sync to note-taking apps
  • Handles PDFs, EPUBs and newsletters
  • Text-to-speech and full-text search
Limits
  • Hosted service with no self-hosted option
  • Premium features need an upgrade
  • Subscription only after a 30-day trial
  • Not open source or self-hostable
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Raindrop.io vs Readwise Reader

Is Readwise Reader better than Raindrop.io?
Readwise Reader ranks higher in our list of read-it-later apps (#3 against #6, score 87.0 against 80.0). Raindrop.io is best for: bookmarks and read-later items in one free tool. Readwise Reader is best for: highlighting and reading in one subscription.
Which is cheaper, Raindrop.io or Readwise Reader?
Raindrop.io: Free to use indefinitely; Pro upgrade adds premium features. Readwise Reader: 30-day free trial, then $9.99 per month billed yearly or $12.99 monthly.
Do Raindrop.io and Readwise Reader run on the same platforms?
Raindrop.io supports Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Browser extension. Readwise Reader supports Web, iOS, Android.