Compare Instapaper and Aloha Browser VPN: Which App is the Best?
Aloha Browser VPN is a privacy-focused browser with 10M+ downloads and 4.8/5 rating, offering built-in VPN, ad blocking, and video downloading features, though it has faced some recent connection issues and download problems. | Instapaper is a simple, no-fuss app for saving and reading articles offline. It's easy to use, looks clean, and helps you keep your reading organized. | |
| Key Features A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
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| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 7.4 | 7.6 Winner in this category |
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 |
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 0 |
| Average rating Average user rating across all browsers, calculated from available store ratings. | — ⭐ | — ⭐ |
| Entry Level Price The minimum price required to start using the app. "Free" means a free tier is available. | Free | Free |
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  Downloads | Downloads |
| iOS User rating and stats for the app on iOS browser. |  | |
| Features Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Features' aspect of each app. | 8.0 Aloha Browser VPN offers a comprehensive set of features that justify its all-in-one positioning. The service includes built-in VPN functionality, ad blocking, video downloading capabilities, and file management tools. The combination of browser and VPN functionality provides users with a complete privacy solution in one app. What sets Aloha Browser VPN apart is its unique approach to privacy browsing, offering built-in VPN access, ad blocking, and video downloading capabilities. The service also includes advanced features like Wi-Fi file sharing, secure vault for passwords, and gesture controls for enhanced user experience. However, the service lacks some advanced features found in dedicated VPN providers, such as specialized servers for specific use cases and some cutting-edge privacy features. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like obfuscated servers or specialized streaming servers that some competitors provide. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN offers significantly more features, but the connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. The service provides good value for users who need comprehensive privacy features. Winner in this category | 7.5 Instapaper does what you need: save articles, read them offline, and organize with folders and tags. You can pay for extras like searching your saved stuff or adding more notes, but most people won't need that. Some things are missing or work better on iPhone than Android, and sometimes syncing is slow. But overall, it covers the basics really well. |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 6.0 Aloha Browser VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent browsing speeds and VPN functionality, but the frequent connection problems and download issues make it difficult to use reliably. The service works well for basic browsing and privacy protection when connected, but many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection stability issues are particularly concerning given the privacy-focused positioning. The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the privacy-focused positioning. Users expect reliability and performance from a privacy-focused service, but Aloha Browser VPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN's performance is below average. The connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the privacy-focused positioning, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability. | 7.5 Instapaper is fast and works well most of the time. We didn't have crashes, and reading is smooth. Sometimes syncing is slow or articles take a while to show up, especially on Android. But for everyday use, it's reliable. Winner in this category |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 8.5 Aloha Browser VPN's interface strikes an excellent balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to browsing controls, VPN settings, and key features. The VPN toggle is easily accessible, and the interface is clean and modern. The app's design is intuitive and well-organized, with clear navigation between browser and VPN functionality. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the settings menu is well-structured. The interface doesn't overwhelm users with complex options while still providing access to advanced features. The interface is generally user-friendly and provides good visual feedback about connection status and app performance. The design reflects the all-in-one positioning of the service, making it easy for users to switch between browsing and VPN functionality. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN's design is competitive and well-polished. The interface is functional and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience. Winner in this category | 8.0 We like how Instapaper looks. It's clean and simple, so you can just read without distractions. You can change the font or switch to dark mode if you want. The Android app could look a bit more modern, but it's still nice to use. |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Aloha Browser VPN's value proposition is strong, with a generous free tier and comprehensive features for a competitive price. The service offers excellent value for money compared to other browsers, with the ability to get built-in VPN functionality for free being a significant advantage. The service's pricing is competitive with other privacy-focused browsers, and the generous free tier makes it particularly attractive for users who want to try the service before committing to a paid plan. The comprehensive features and privacy protection add value beyond basic browsing functionality. However, the service's value is impacted by recent connection issues and download problems. Many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN offers more features but at a similar cost. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations. Winner in this category | 7.0 The free version is great—you get all the basics and no ads. The paid plan costs more now and doesn't add a lot unless you really need the extra features. If you just want to save and read, stick with the free version. If you want more, think about if it's worth it for you. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Aloha Browser VPN is generally easy to use for basic browsing and VPN functionality, with a simple interface that requires no technical knowledge. The app's design is intuitive, and most users can get started quickly without any setup or configuration. The service offers automatic VPN connection and browsing features, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the browsing experience is straightforward. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by recent connection issues and download problems. Many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The app can be slow to connect, and some users experience issues with the VPN not working reliably. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The connection stability issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a privacy-focused service. | 8.0 It's really easy to get started with Instapaper. Saving and reading is simple, and you don't have to mess with a lot of settings. Sometimes it's hard to find certain features on Android, and syncing can be a bit slow, but most of the time it just works. Winner in this category |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Aloha Browser VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with built-in VPN functionality and ad blocking capabilities. The service includes basic encryption and privacy protection features. The secure vault for passwords and private browsing mode provide additional security options. The service's privacy features are comprehensive for a browser-based solution, with built-in VPN access and ad blocking. The service also includes advanced features like secure file sharing and password protection for enhanced security and privacy protection. However, Aloha Browser VPN has faced some security concerns in the past, particularly around its data collection practices and VPN reliability. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the service's data practices and connection stability. Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Brave Browser VPN or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Aloha Browser VPN's security practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high security requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features. | 7.5 Instapaper doesn't show ads or track you much, which we like. You do need an account to sync your articles, but we didn't see any big privacy problems. It's not the most private app ever, but it feels safe enough for everyday use. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Aloha Browser VPN is a privacy-focused browser that offers excellent convenience with built-in VPN functionality and comprehensive features, but its value proposition is compromised by recent connection issues and download problems. The service provides good privacy protection and convenience, but the connection problems and download issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives.
For users who prioritize convenience and are willing to work within the app's limitations, Aloha Browser VPN offers a solid feature set with good performance when working. However, those seeking specialized VPN functionality or experiencing connection issues might find better value with dedicated VPN services like Proton VPN that offer more reliable performance.
Ultimately, Aloha Browser VPN's all-in-one approach and built-in VPN functionality make it a good choice for users seeking convenience, but the connection stability issues and download problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives like Brave Browser VPN that offer similar features with better performance. | If you want an app that just lets you save and read articles without any hassle, Instapaper is a great pick. It's not perfect—sometimes things are a bit slow or missing on Android, and the premium plan costs more now. But for most people, the free version is more than enough. We use it all the time and think you might like it too. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
