Readsira and Readwise Reader compared
Both apps save what you read, let you highlight it, and follow RSS feeds. They differ in what happens next: Reader is built around reading and reviewing highlights, Readsira around turning your reading into cited writing. Here is what each one does, as of October 2026.
Readwise Reader in short
Readwise Reader is the reading app of Readwise. It handles web articles, RSS feeds, email newsletters, PDFs, EPUB ebooks, YouTube videos with highlightable transcripts, and Twitter threads. Its AI assistant, Ghostreader, answers questions about a document, defines terms, and simplifies language. It reads documents aloud, and it has apps for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows, browser extensions, and e-ink support.
Reader comes with the full Readwise plan, together with the daily review of your highlights and export of highlights to Notion, Obsidian, and other tools.
Readsira in short
Readsira saves articles, PDFs, podcasts, and videos, and follows RSS feeds, in one library you can search by full text. Bookmarks, highlights, search, and up to 500 feeds are free with no time limit.
The paid plans are for research: Projects draft memos, briefs, and literature reviews from your own sources, and every claim links to the quote it rests on. Radar tells you each week what changed for each project. Podcasts and videos are transcribed so you can highlight and cite what was said, with the timestamp.
Which one fits you
Choose Readwise Reader if you mainly read and review: newsletters in your reader, ebooks next to articles, spaced review of highlights, and native desktop and mobile apps.
- Choose Readsira if you want reading and RSS for free and pay only for research work.
- Choose Readsira if you write from what you read and need every claim tied to a source.
- Choose Readsira if you want to discover feeds by topic from a catalog of about 40,000 sites, newsletters, podcasts, and channels.
Switching from Reader
Readsira imports the Reader library CSV (links, tags, and read status) and the Readwise highlights CSV (highlights and notes). Upload both on the Import page; links you already saved are merged instead of duplicated.
Feature and price comparison, October 2026
| Readsira | Readwise Reader | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free plan; Pro €9 a month or €84 a year | Readwise full plan: $12.99 a month, or $9.99 a month billed yearly |
| Free to start | Free plan with no time limit; 14-day Pro trial | 30-day free trial |
| Save articles and highlight | ||
| RSS feeds | Up to 500 on Free | |
| Video transcripts you can highlight | Pro | |
| Read aloud | Pro | |
| Ask AI about your reading | Ask, across your library | Ghostreader |
| Export highlights to Notion, Obsidian | Export, API, and MCP server |
Facts about other products were checked on their official websites in October 2026. Prices and features can change; check the product’s own site before you decide.
Questions and answers
How much does Readwise Reader cost?
As of October 2026, Reader is part of the full Readwise plan: $12.99 a month, or $9.99 a month billed yearly, after a 30-day free trial.
How much does Readsira cost?
Bookmarks, highlights, search, and RSS are free. Pro is €9 a month or €84 a year and adds the AI research features; there is a 14-day trial without a card.
Can I import my Reader library?
Yes. Export the library CSV from Reader and the highlights CSV from Readwise, then upload them on the Import page.
Does Readsira read newsletters and ebooks?
Readsira follows newsletters that publish an RSS feed, and Pro plans upload PDFs, audio, and video. If you read many ebooks or forward newsletters by email, Reader handles both today.
Can I use my own AI key?
Yes, on Pro and Research. Add an Anthropic or OpenAI key in Settings and the calls on your key do not count against your budget.
Try it with your own library
Import your Reader export and see your reading in Readsira, free.