Mozilla Pocket Discontinued? Try These Apps Instead

Infopackets Reader Bob V. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

Recently, I received an email from Mozilla indicating the discontinuing of Mozilla Pocket. I have used Mozilla Pocket for several years and find it quite useful. Can you suggest an useful alternative to Pocket? Thanks, in advance, Bob. "

My response:

Sure - I'm happy to assist. For those unaware, Mozilla Pocket is (or was) a "read-it-later" app developed by Mozilla (makes of Firefox and Thunderbird) that allowed users to save online content such as articles, videos, and web pages to be viewed later in a clean, distraction-free format.

In this article, I'll answer the following:

• Mozilla Pocket: Main Features
• Mozilla Pocket: Real-Life Example
• Why It Mattered
• What's Changing
• Top Mozilla Pocket Alternatives for Chrome and Firefox
• Choosing the Right Alternative to Mozilla Pocket

Mozilla Pocket: Main Features

Here's a quick run-down on the features of Mozilla Pocket:

• Saved content from the web via browser extensions, apps, or share buttons.
   
• Allowed offline access to saved content (useful for flights or bad connections).
   
• Stripped out ads and unnecessary formatting for easier reading.
   
• Let users tag, favorite, and search their saved content.
   
• Integrated with Firefox and synced across devices.

Mozilla Pocket: Real-Life Example

As an example: you're scrolling through Twitter or reading an online article but don't have time to finish. With Pocket, you'd click a button to save it. Later, on your phone or tablet, you could open Pocket and read it without ads or distractions-even offline. This made it a great way to save the content and then take it with you on vacation, or to a place where WiFi wasn't available.

Why it Mattered

Mozilla Pocket helped people organize their reading life. It provided a minimalist reading interface, and it was deeply integrated with Firefox, making it seamless for Mozilla users.

What's Changing

Mozilla announced in 2024 that Pocket's future is being reevaluated, which means they're likely winding it down or changing its model. That's why users are now looking for alternatives.

Top Mozilla Pocket Alternatives for Chrome and Firefox

Here are some options to choose from - both free and paid.

1. Instapaper

• Overview: A long-standing read-it-later service offering a clean, distraction-free interface.
   
• Features: Offline reading, text highlighting, note-taking, folder organization, and Kindle integration.
   
• Compatibility: Available as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and apps for iOS and Android.
   
• Cost: Offers a free tier; premium features available at a lower price point compared to Pocket.

https://www.instapaper.com/

2. Raindrop.io

• Overview: A versatile bookmarking tool that combines visual appeal with powerful organization features.
   
• Features: Supports various view formats (list, grid, moodboard), full-text search, tag management, and collaborative collections.
   
• Compatibility: Extensions for Chrome and Firefox, with apps for iOS, Android, and web access.
   
• Cost: Free version available; Pro version offers advanced features like duplicate detection and broken link checking.

https://raindrop.io/

3. Readwise Reader

• Overview: An all-in-one reading app that integrates with various content types and emphasizes knowledge retention.
   
• Features: Supports saving articles, PDFs, newsletters, and even YouTube videos; offers highlighting, tagging, and spaced repetition for better recall.
   
• Compatibility: Web-based with browser extensions; mobile apps available.
   
• Cost: Subscription-based service.

https://readwise.io/read

4. Wallabag

• Overview: An open-source, self-hosted read-it-later solution for those prioritizing data ownership and privacy.
   
• Features: Offline access, tagging, full-text search, and customizable themes.
   
• Compatibility: Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox; mobile apps available; requires self-hosting or use of third-party hosting services.
   
• Cost: Free to use; hosting costs may apply if not self-hosted.

https://wallabag.org/

5. Matter

• Overview: A modern read-it-later app with a focus on design and user experience.
   
• Features: Clean reading interface, highlighting, note-taking, and integration with other apps like Notion.
   
• Compatibility: Available on iOS and web; browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
   
• Cost: Offers a free tier with basic features; premium subscription unlocks additional functionalities.

https://hq.getmatter.com/

Choosing the Right Alternative to Mozilla Pocket

Here's how to choose what's right for you:

• For simplicity and offline reading: Instapaper is a solid choice.
   
• For visual organization and collaboration: Raindrop.io stands out.
   
• For comprehensive content management and learning: Readwise Reader offers advanced features.
   
• For privacy and control: Wallabag is ideal for tech-savvy users.
   
• For a modern, design-focused experience: Matter delivers a sleek interface.

Consider your specific needs-such as offline access, content types, and integration with other tools-to select the alternative that best fits your workflow.

Got a Tech Question? Ask Dennis!

Send in your question through our contact form and I'll consider writing about it in an upcoming article.

I hope that helps.

About the author: Dennis Faas is the CEO and owner of Infopackets.com. Since 2001, Dennis has dedicated his entire professional career helping others with technology-related issues with his unique style of writing in the form of questions-and-answers; click here to read all 2,000+ of Dennis' articles online this site. In 2014, Dennis shifted his focus to cyber crime mitigation, including technical support fraud and in 2019, online blackmail. Dennis has received many accolades during his tenure: click here to view Dennis' credentials online DennisFaas.com; click here to see Dennis' Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science (1999); click here to read an article written about Dennis by Alan Gardyne of Associate Programs (2003). And finally, click here to view a recommendation for Dennis' services from the University of Florida (dated 2006).