Free, open-source alternatives to Instapaper

Read-it-later app for articles. 4 apps you can run yourself instead of Instapaper, sorted by how well they replace it. Each one is open source, so your data stays with you.

  1. WallabagBest match

    Wallabag, formerly Poche, is a web application allowing you to save articles to read them later with improved readability.

    13k starsMITUpdated 12 October 2026
  2. Readeck

    Save the precious readable content of web pages you like and want to keep forever. See it as a bookmark manager and a read later tool.

    AGPL-3.0
  3. Karakeep

    Bookmark-everything app with a touch of AI for the data hoarders out there.

    29.6k starsAGPL-3.0Updated 12 October 2026
  4. Shiori

    Simple bookmark manager built with Go.

    11.7k starsMITUpdated 11 October 2026

Side by side

AppStarsLicenseActivityRuns on
Wallabag13,006MITPHP
Readeck-AGPL-3.0Go, Docker
Karakeep29,622AGPL-3.0Docker
Shiori11,671MITGo, Docker

Why replace Instapaper?

Instapaper works, but your data lives in someone else's account, the price can change at any time, and features can disappear. An open-source app you run yourself is yours: you choose where it runs, who can see the data, and when to update.

Questions

What is the best free alternative to Instapaper?

Wallabag is the closest open-source replacement for Instapaper in our list. Readeck and Karakeep are worth a look too, depending on what you need.

Can I self-host an alternative to Instapaper?

Yes. All 4 apps on this page are open source and can run on your own server, usually with Docker, or on a managed host that installs them for you.