A reading list extension is a great choice for productivity. This is especially true for students, researchers, or anyone trying to complete a reading challenge.
Chrome has a native Reading List feature, but at the time of writing, it's still in development. Don't worry, though, there's plenty of extensions you can use in the meantime!
Reading List vs. Bookmarks
You may be thinking you can just bookmark online reading for later, but a reading list is better. Reading lists let you mark items as either read or unread without having to delete them. Many also offer options for sorting your bookmarks according to priority.
Once you start using a reading list, you won't be able to go back to bookmarking. Let's get into the options!
1. Pocket
Pocket is a robust, polished reading list and social app. We've talked about the ways Pocket differs from your average bookmarking tool before. As well as saving links, Pocket recommends new content and helps you share it with your friends.
When you add a page to Pocket, it recommends similar articles that you might like. It also lets you sort your pages using tags, so you don't have to worry about all those extra pages getting lost.
Conveniently, Pocket works across all your devices. You can use its app on mobile for both Android and iOS. The apps offer extra features such as Twitter integration, a Discover feed, and social networking.
Choose This if...
You like to share the things you read on Twitter or want to access your reading list across all your devices.
2. PageMarker
PageMarker is a simple extension that lets you sort and make notes on your saved items. It's great for students since you can use it as a research-management tool.
To use it, create some folders from the PageMarker Web App, then you can choose which one you save a new link to. Make it even easier to find with tags. You can also make notes on each page you save, picking out good quotes or important details.
Choose This if...
You are reading for research, or you like a well-organized library of reading material.
3. Reading List 2
Reading List 2 is a simple extension, but with a slick design and some cool features. Most interestingly, Reading List 2 offers a “random” button. Try saving a lot of things and read a random one every day!
It doesn't have tags, but it does have a search system that indexes the titles of everything you save. You can also sort items by how long they've been on your list.
Reading List 2 displays the current number of unread articles as a notification icon. When you open a link from the extension, it is automatically removed from your reading list. That means when you open a link, you must read it! But you could also simply re-add it if you get interrupted or run out of time.
Chose This if...
You read mostly for pleasure, and like randomizing your reading material.
4. Read Later
Read Later is a simple but effective reading list. Use it by right-clicking the extension icon and selecting “Save to Reading List.” This closes the tab. Then, you can click the extension again to view your updated reading list.
Opening a link removes it from the list, so you better actually read it! You can see your read items in the history, which you can toggle on and off by clicking the clock icon. An X appears over the link's thumbnail when you hover the mouse, so you can tap it to remove a link without reading it.
You can activate Read Later using keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse. For example, you can use ALT+SHIFT+S for saving links. View the full list of shortcuts on the Read Later GitHub page.
Choose This if...
You prefer to use keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse.
5. Read Tab Later
Read Tab Later is the least obtrusive of all the reading lists we reviewed. As one reviewer noted, it “does everything you need and nothing you don't.” It doesn't set a timer or make you fill out a save form, it just stores your links on the New Tab page.
To use it, simply click the extension's push-pin icon. Your tab will stay open, but the link will save on Chrome's New Tab page, as shown above. This overwrites other extensions that change the New Tab page, so be careful.
Choose This if...
You use the New Tab page as a homepage.
6. Reading List
Don't be fooled by the generic name, Reading List is a feature-rich and stylish extension. It deletes anything you add after one week, so if you need motivation, this will do it! It's also a convenient automated way of removing links you're no longer interested in if you tend to read things either right away or not at all. Likewise, it could help with a reading challenge, though there are better options if you're reading e-books.
Reading List organizes links in groups by date saved, with the newest on top. Reading List won't remove an item just from you clicking it. To remove a link from your list, you'll need to tap the X that appears when you hover over it.
Lastly, you can customize the link name when you're adding it. So if you tend to forget what the content of a page was, you can leave your future self a clue in the title. This is handy since there's no tag or search feature.
Choose This if...
Your links tend to pile up. Not advised for people who read for work or school, as the one-week cutoff might delete an important link.
7. Read Later
Read Later is a simple reading list app without any bells or whistles. Add a page by opening the extension and clicking “ADD.” When you've read it, use the one-click delete feature by clicking the X next to the link.
The extension will flash a congratulatory “Finished!” and then update your number of to-read links. It displays the current total as a notification icon. If you're the kind of person who hates “unread message” notifications, this could be a nice motivator!
Choose This if...
You want a minimalist extension that can add and remove links very quickly.
8. Snooze Tabby
Snooze Tabby is a combination tab-saver and reading-scheduler. When you save a tab, you also set a reading time. It could be later in the same day or even months away. When the time comes, the tab will reopen. Optionally, you can open these tabs in Focus Mode, tuning out distractions.
Other features include setting customized snooze buttons and using the Snooze page as your homepage. Check out our full write-up on how to use Snooze Tabby.
Choose This if...
You value flexible scheduling in your reading list.
The Reading List That's Right for You
You should choose an extension that fits your reading needs. Those needs could be organizing research, clearing out a long to-read list, or meeting deadlines. Whatever your case, we're confident you'll find one that suits your style!
And to make sure you finish your reading list on time, check out our recommendations for speed-reading extensions!
