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Readwise Reader vs SmartNews

Readwise Reader logo

Readwise Reader

News

The read-it-later app for power readers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SmartNews logo

SmartNews

News

Local news and breaking news from top sources

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Readwise Reader there is no free tier, only a 30 day trial; SmartNews no specific pricing published for SmartNews+ subscription
  • They diverge on capability: Readwise Reader covers Read-it-later, SmartNews covers Machine learning curation.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Readwise Reader and SmartNews actually diverge.

Attributes where Readwise Reader and SmartNews differ
AttributeReadwise ReaderSmartNews
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsIos, Android, WebIos, Android
Founded20172012

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

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 Readwise Reader

  • Read-it-later
  • RSS aggregation
  • Newsletter inbox
  • PDF support
  • Highlighting
  • Notion
  • Obsidian
  • Roam Research

Only in SmartNews

  • Machine learning curation
  • Smart Mode
  • Local news
  • Breaking alerts
  • Offline reading
  • Social sharing
  • News publishers

Both cover

  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Readwise Reader

  • Reading and note-takingnot SmartNews
  • Highlight managementnot SmartNews
  • Learning and studynot SmartNews
  • Content curationnot SmartNews

SmartNews

  • Daily newsnot Readwise Reader
  • Local newsnot Readwise Reader
  • Breaking newsnot Readwise Reader
  • Quick readingnot Readwise Reader

Where each one falls short

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

Readwise Reader

  • There is no free tier, only a 30 day trial
  • Reader is bundled into the full plan rather than sold separately, so it cannot be had at the cheaper Lite price
  • The Lite plan at $5.59 a month billed annually is daily email review only, without the web app or tagging
  • Paying monthly rather than annually raises the full plan from $9.99 to $12.99

SmartNews

  • No specific pricing published for SmartNews+ subscription
  • Requires visiting separate product page for pricing details
  • Subscription service model described but not detailed with costs

Pricing, plan by plan

Readwise Reader

Free
  • Free TrialFree
    • 30 days free
    • No credit card required
  • Readwise Annual$9.99/month
    • Full Readwise and Reader access
    • Billed annually
    • Includes unified reading platform
  • Readwise Monthly$12.99/month
    • Full Readwise and Reader access
    • Billed monthly
    • Includes unified reading platform

SmartNews

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Trending news
    • Local news
    • Smart Mode reading

Which should you pick?

Choose Readwise Reader if

  • You need read-it-later.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want rss aggregation.
Readwise Reader review

Choose SmartNews if

  • You need machine learning curation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android.
  • You also want smart mode.
SmartNews review

Questions people ask

Is Readwise Reader or SmartNews better?
Neither clearly leads. Readwise Reader starts at Free and SmartNews at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Readwise Reader or SmartNews?
Readwise Reader starts at Free and SmartNews at Free.
Does Readwise Reader or SmartNews run on more platforms?
Readwise Reader runs on Ios, Android, Web. SmartNews runs on Ios, Android.
Can I use Readwise Reader for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Readwise Reader best used for?
Readwise Reader is most often used for reading and note-taking, highlight management, learning and study, content curation. Of those, reading and note-taking and highlight management are not what SmartNews is typically brought in for.
What can Readwise Reader do that SmartNews cannot?
Readwise Reader covers Read-it-later, RSS aggregation, Newsletter inbox, PDF support. SmartNews covers Machine learning curation, Smart Mode, Local news, Breaking alerts. Both handle Ios support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Readwise Reader: How much does Readwise Reader cost?

Readwise (including Reader) costs $9.99 per month when billed annually or $12.99 per month when billed monthly USD. Readers can access articles, PDFs, newsletters, RSS feeds, and YouTube videos across web and mobile.

Source
SmartNews: How much does SmartNews cost?

SmartNews does not publish specific subscription pricing on its main website. The vendor offers SmartNews+, described as a subscription service aggregating paid business news and coupons, but cost details must be found on the dedicated SmartNews+ product page.

Source
Readwise Reader: Is there a free trial for Readwise Reader?

Yes, Readwise offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. Some users who let their trials expire may qualify for an additional extended trial.

Source
SmartNews: Does SmartNews offer a free tier?

SmartNews provides free access to curated news content. For additional business news and coupons, the vendor offers SmartNews+ as a paid subscription service. Pricing and trial details for SmartNews+ are available on the dedicated subscription product page.

Source
Readwise Reader: How much can students save on Readwise?

Readwise offers 50% discounts to verified students, educators, non-profits, military, first responders, and individuals in countries where US pricing is unaffordable. Interested users should contact [email protected] to request eligibility.

Source
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