The Best Alternatives to Pocket for Saving and Listening to Articles

AI-generated, human-reviewed.

With the shutdown of the popular Pocket app in November, many users are searching for new ways to save, curate, and listen to articles from around the web. On Hands-On Tech, Mikah Sargent discussed what happened to Pocket and outlined the leading apps that can fill the gap for users who want to save content and access robust text-to-speech features.

Why Finding a Pocket Replacement Matters

Pocket was more than just a bookmarking app—it made it easy to collect articles from multiple sources and offered a smooth text-to-speech experience, all for free. Now that it’s gone, users need solutions that don’t just save links—they want curation, multi-device sync, and voice playback for hands-free consumption.

Whether you’re a casual reader or someone who relies on read-it-later apps for work or learning, you deserve a tool that fits your workflow. Here’s how to find the right replacement.

Top Alternatives to Pocket

1. Matter

Matter (getmatter.com) is quickly becoming the top recommendation for former Pocket users. According to Mikah Sargent, Matter offers:

• Curated article suggestions based on your reading history
• Multi-device support for seamless syncing
• High-quality text-to-speech with natural-sounding voices
• Clean reading experience without excess clutter

However, Matter’s best features—including advanced voice playback—are locked behind a paid subscription. There’s a free tier, but expect to pay if you want top-tier listening features.

2. Instapaper

Instapaper has been a staple in the read-it-later space for years. It excels at:

• Stripping away ads and formatting for distraction-free reading
• Syncing your saved articles across iOS, Android, and web
• Integrating with other apps and platforms

The app includes a free tier with core features, but text-to-speech and enhanced integrations require a subscription. Mikah Sargent noted that its minimal, content-focused approach makes it ideal for readers who want simplicity.

3. Safari Reading List (Apple Devices)

If you use iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Safari’s Reading List is a free option. It offers:

• Saved articles accessible online and offline
• Syncing across Apple devices
• Integration with Apple’s built-in accessibility tools (“Read and Speak”)

While it doesn’t offer curated article recommendations, you can use Apple’s text-to-speech features to have your articles read aloud with no extra cost or downloads.

4. 11 Reader by 11 Labs

11 Reader is a standout app for anyone who prioritizes voice quality. It specializes in converting books, PDFs, and articles to lifelike synthesized speech using advanced AI voices.

• Free tier available with usage caps; paid for higher limits
• Supports a wide range of document types

As mentioned on Hands-On Tech, it’s a great supplement for listening on the go, although it’s focused more narrowly on voice playback.

Key Takeaways

• Pocket is no longer available, so switching is essential if you rely on read-it-later features.
• Matter is the closest replacement—with strong article curation and premium voice features—though full functionality requires a paid subscription.
• Instapaper and Safari Reading List are reliable for saving and syncing articles, with limited or tiered voice features.
• 11 Reader is best for users who want top-quality voice output, especially for longer documents.

What This Means for You

If you want a free option and use Apple devices, combine Safari’s Reading List with built-in text-to-speech tools for basic functionality. If you value curated content and premium listening experiences, Matter is the current frontrunner, but expect monthly or yearly fees. Instapaper is a great middle ground for readers focused on text, while 11 Reader fills a niche for advanced voice playback.

The Bottom Line

The shutdown of Pocket has left many users searching for the next best read-it-later app—especially one that can deliver article curation and high-quality text-to-speech. Try Matter if you’re willing to pay for premium voice features, or use Safari Reading List for a simple, free solution on Apple devices. Explore Instapaper for great reading UX and 11 Reader for top-shelf voice technology.

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