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Browser Extensions · head to head

HTTPS Everywhere vs Instapaper

HTTPS Everywhere logo

HTTPS Everywhere

Browser Extensions

Encrypt the web automatically

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Instapaper logo

Instapaper

Browser Extensions

Save anything for reading later

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: HTTPS Everywhere product discontinued as of January 2023; Instapaper full text search across saved articles is Premium only, at $5.99 a month or $59.99 a year
  • They diverge on capability: HTTPS Everywhere covers Automatic HTTPS, Instapaper covers Save for later.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which HTTPS Everywhere and Instapaper actually diverge.

Attributes where HTTPS Everywhere and Instapaper differ
AttributeHTTPS EverywhereInstapaper
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
PlatformsChrome, Firefox, Edge, OperaWeb, iOS, Android, Kindle, E-readers (BOOX)
Founded19902008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Browser Extensions).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in HTTPS Everywhere

  • Automatic HTTPS
  • Encryption enforcement
  • Rule-based upgrading
  • Observatory integration
  • Opera support

Only in Instapaper

  • Save for later
  • Clean reading
  • Highlighting
  • Full-text search
  • Safari support

Both cover

  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

HTTPS Everywhere

  • Forcing encrypted HTTPS connections on websites that support itnot Instapaper
  • Preventing eavesdropping and content hijacking on unsecured networksnot Instapaper

Instapaper

  • Saving articles to read later with the clutter stripped outnot HTTPS Everywhere
  • Building a searchable personal archive of things worth keepingnot HTTPS Everywhere

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

HTTPS Everywhere

  • Product discontinued as of January 2023
  • Functionality now built into all modern browsers natively
  • No longer receives security updates or maintenance

Instapaper

  • Full text search across saved articles is Premium only, at $5.99 a month or $59.99 a year
  • Free accounts are limited to 5 notes a month, against unlimited on Premium
  • Text to speech, speed reading and the permanent archive are all Premium only
  • The free web experience carries advertising

Pricing, plan by plan

HTTPS Everywhere

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Automatic HTTPS upgrade
    • Rule sets
    • Custom rules

Instapaper

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Instapaper review.

Which should you pick?

Choose HTTPS Everywhere if

  • You need automatic https.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.
  • You also want encryption enforcement.
HTTPS Everywhere review

Choose Instapaper if

  • You need save for later.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Kindle, E-readers (BOOX).
  • You also want clean reading.
Instapaper review

Questions people ask

Is HTTPS Everywhere or Instapaper better?
Neither clearly leads. HTTPS Everywhere starts at Free and Instapaper at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, HTTPS Everywhere or Instapaper?
HTTPS Everywhere starts at Free and Instapaper at Free.
Does HTTPS Everywhere or Instapaper run on more platforms?
HTTPS Everywhere runs on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera. Instapaper runs on Web, iOS, Android, Kindle, E-readers (BOOX).
Can I use HTTPS Everywhere for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is HTTPS Everywhere best used for?
HTTPS Everywhere is most often used for forcing encrypted https connections on websites that support it, preventing eavesdropping and content hijacking on unsecured networks. Of those, forcing encrypted https connections on websites that support it and preventing eavesdropping and content hijacking on unsecured networks are not what Instapaper is typically brought in for.
What can HTTPS Everywhere do that Instapaper cannot?
HTTPS Everywhere covers Automatic HTTPS, Encryption enforcement, Rule-based upgrading, Observatory integration. Instapaper covers Save for later, Clean reading, Highlighting, Full-text search. Both handle Chrome support, Firefox support, Edge support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

HTTPS Everywhere: Is HTTPS Everywhere still maintained?

No. HTTPS Everywhere was retired in January 2023 because major browsers added native HTTPS upgrade features, making the extension obsolete.

Source
Instapaper: What is the cost of Instapaper?

Instapaper costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. The yearly plan saves over 15% compared to the monthly rate.

Source
HTTPS Everywhere: What functionality did HTTPS Everywhere provide?

The extension automatically redirected HTTP connections to HTTPS when available, improving encryption and privacy on unencrypted websites.

Source
Instapaper: Does Instapaper offer a free trial?

No trial period is offered. The subscription starts immediately upon purchase.

Source
HTTPS Everywhere: What is the recommended replacement?

Modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari now include built-in HTTPS upgrade features that automatically redirect to secure connections, making HTTPS Everywhere unnecessary.

Source
Instapaper: What features are included in the paid subscription?

Premium features include full-text search across all articles, permanent archiving, PDF reading, unlimited notes (free tier limited to 5 per month), Kindle integration, AI-powered text-to-speech, and speed reading up to 3x faster. The paid version also removes advertisements.

Source
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