Compare Motivated and Readwise Reader: Which App is the Best?

	Readwise Reader	Motivated
	Readwise Reader is a powerful read-it-later app that consolidates web articles, newsletters, PDFs, and ebooks into one platform. With advanced highlighting, AI assistance, and seamless note-taking integrations, it's designed for serious readers who want a distraction-free, feature-rich reading experience. Read It Later Productivity	Motivated is a comprehensive habit tracking app that focuses on building lasting habits through its unique strength-based system, offering beautiful organization tools and extensive customization options. Habit Tracker Productivity
Key Features	Everything in One App: Seriously, everything. Web articles, email newsletters, RSS feeds, Twitter threads, PDFs, ebooks - it all just works together instead of being scattered across five different apps Highlighting That Syncs: Highlight on your phone, see it on your laptop. Highlight images, text, whatever. It actually remembers where you left off and what you marked AI Reading Assistant: Ask questions about what you're reading, get definitions, simplify complex stuff. It's like having someone smart sitting next to you while you read Text-to-Speech That Doesn't Suck: Finally, robotic voices are dead. This sounds like a real person reading to you, perfect for commutes or when your eyes are tired Sends Notes Anywhere: Your highlights automatically show up in Obsidian, Notion, wherever you take notes. No copy-pasting needed Works Offline: Download stuff and read without internet. Your highlights sync when you're back online	Habit Strength Meter – Focus on building lasting habits rather than just maintaining streaks with a unique strength-based tracking system Smart Collections – Organize habits by time of day (morning, afternoon, evening) or custom categories for better workflow management Interactive Widgets – View and complete habits directly from your home screen for quick access and motivation Rich Text Notes – Add detailed notes to each habit for planning routines, tracking progress, or capturing thoughts Customizable Interface – Choose from over 550 custom icons and unlimited color options to personalize your experience Flexible Goal Setting – Set custom completion goals and repeat intervals without affecting your statistics Smart Reminders – Set custom notifications and opt-in for morning/evening summaries to stay on track Bad Habit Tracking – Special mode that auto-completes habits at day's end for easier bad habit monitoring
Our Rating	7.6	8.3
Total users	0	0
Total ratings	0	0
Average rating	— ⭐	— ⭐
Entry Level Price	Free	Free
Android	Downloads	Downloads
iOS
Features	8.5 This is where Readwise Reader really shines. The features are genuinely impressive - not just marketing fluff, but stuff that actually makes reading online better. What we love: Everything Actually Works Together: Throw in web articles, newsletters, PDFs, ebooks, even Twitter threads - it all just works in one app Highlighting That Doesn't Disappear: Highlight on your phone, it's there on your laptop. Highlight images, text, whatever. It remembers everything AI That's Actually Helpful: Ask questions about what you're reading, get definitions, simplify confusing passages. It's like having a smart friend reading with you Text-to-Speech That Doesn't Sound Like a Robot: Seriously, this is good enough that you'll actually use it during commutes Notes Go Where They Should: Your highlights automatically show up in Obsidian, Notion, wherever you keep notes. No more copy-pasting Sync That Just Works: Start reading on your phone, continue on your laptop. It knows where you left off The rough spots? Search is surprisingly bad for such a polished app. Some stuff doesn't work great on e-readers. We hit bugs that shouldn't exist in a paid app. But the core features solve real problems and do it well.	8.0 Motivated has some really cool features that make it stand out from other habit trackers. The best thing is probably the habit strength system - instead of just counting how many days in a row you did something, it shows you how strong your habit actually is. This is way more motivating when you're trying to build good habits. Here's what we liked most: 1. Habit Strength Percentage: This is the main thing that makes Motivated special. Instead of getting upset when you miss a day and break your streak, you can see your habit strength percentage. It's like having a progress bar for your habits - way better than just counting days. 2. Lots of Different Habit Types: You can track pretty much any kind of habit - daily stuff, weekly goals, or monthly targets. The app handles all of them without any problems. 3. Notes for Each Habit: You can add notes to your habits, which is really useful. We used this to plan our workout routines and keep track of what we're reading. It makes the app feel more like a personal planner. 4. Time-Based Organization: You can group habits by time of day - morning, afternoon, evening. This is actually really helpful for building routines. 5. Tons of Customization: There are over 550 icons to choose from and you can pick any color you want. It's fun to make each habit look different and personal. But there are some downsides too. The free version feels pretty limited - basic stuff like widgets is locked behind premium, and some users feel like it's a "paid app pretending to be free." We also noticed you can't easily mark a habit as missed on a specific day, which several users have asked for. Compared to Habitive which offers unlimited free habits, or Loop Habit Tracker which provides exceptional privacy features, Motivated's freemium model can feel restrictive. However, for users who want the unique habit strength tracking system, the premium features provide genuine value. Overall, we'd give features an 8.0/10. The core stuff works great and the habit strength idea is really smart, but the free version restrictions and some missing features keep it from being perfect.
Performance	7.0 Performance presents a tale of two experiences - the core reading functionality works smoothly and reliably, but recent updates have introduced stability issues that affect the overall user experience. The strong points are evident during daily use. Reading feels responsive with smooth scrolling and quick page navigation. Content synchronization across devices works consistently, and importing articles, PDFs, and RSS feeds processes efficiently. The basic reading, highlighting, and annotation functions that form the app's foundation operate reliably. Recent developments tell a different story though. The significant drop from a 4.3 overall rating to 3.78 for recent reviews signals genuine stability problems with newer versions. Android users report more issues than their iOS counterparts, including navigation problems and functionality regressions. Some users have experienced critical issues like being unable to add new content after updates, while others consistently note that search performance remains poor. Device compatibility also varies, with particular issues reported on e-ink devices and certain Android configurations. While active development appears to be addressing these concerns, the reliability issues prevent the app from achieving the stability users expect from a paid service.	8.8 The app performs seamlessly, allowing you to track habits without any lag or interruptions. The habit completion functionality is quick and accurate, enabling you to mark off your daily habits effortlessly. Performance strengths we observed: Fast App Launch: The app opens quickly and is ready for use almost immediately. We never experienced long loading times or delays Smooth Interactions: All user interactions feel fluid and responsive. Marking habits complete, navigating between screens, and customizing settings all work smoothly Efficient Data Handling: The app handles multiple habits and extensive tracking history without any noticeable performance degradation Reliable Widget Performance: Home screen widgets update promptly and accurately, providing real-time information without draining device resources Stable Operation: We encountered very few crashes or bugs during our testing period. The app maintained consistent performance throughout However, we did notice some minor performance issues: Widget Updates: Some users have mentioned occasional delays in widget updates, though this didn't significantly impact our experience Date Picker Performance: The month-by-month scrolling in the date picker can feel sluggish when trying to set dates far in the past Large Data Sets: When dealing with very long habit histories, some operations may take slightly longer, though this is expected behavior The best part is that the app works entirely offline. So, you can track your habits from any device, even without an internet connection. Overall, Motivated delivers excellent performance that enhances rather than hinders the habit tracking experience. The app feels fast and reliable in daily use. We rate performance at 8.8/10 - very good performance with just minor areas for improvement.
Design	7.5 The design philosophy centers on creating a distraction-free reading environment, and it largely succeeds. Users consistently describe the app as "gorgeous," and the overall aesthetic genuinely supports focused reading with clean typography and thoughtful spacing. Design strengths that impressed us: Clean Reading Interface: Minimal distractions with focus on content consumption Consistent Visual Language: Cohesive design across different content types (articles, PDFs, ebooks) Customizable Reading Experience: Good control over fonts, spacing, and display preferences Intuitive Navigation: Logical information architecture for managing large content libraries The cross-platform execution reveals some inconsistencies though. The app clearly prioritizes iOS, and this shows in the Android experience. Navigation elements don't always follow Android design conventions, and gesture interactions occasionally feel foreign to the platform. While the core reading experience remains visually appealing, the iOS-first approach creates noticeable polish differences that affect the overall experience on Android devices.	9.2 The design is really clean and easy to use. You can start tracking habits right away without getting confused by a complicated interface. We really liked the customizable colors and how everything looks. What most users seem to love is the dashboard and how habits are organized in a grid. It's super easy to find what you're looking for and navigate around. Motivated's design is genuinely impressive - it's one of the cleanest, most intuitive habit tracking interfaces we've tested. The app strikes that perfect balance between being visually appealing and functionally clear, which is exactly what you want in a productivity app. What we particularly loved about the design: Clean, Premium Feel: The interface has this polished, premium quality that makes it feel like a high-end app. Users consistently mention the "beautiful UI" and "simple yet feels like premium" experience Intuitive Color System: Being able to assign custom colors to each habit creates a beautiful, personalized dashboard. We found ourselves actually looking forward to filling in our daily habits because the visual feedback was so satisfying Modern Iconography: The 550+ custom icons are well-designed and meaningful. We could easily find icons that perfectly represented our habits, making the app feel more personal and engaging Consistent Visual Language: Every screen follows the same design principles - clean spacing, clear typography, and logical information hierarchy. Navigation feels natural and intuitive Beautiful Widgets: The home screen widgets are thoughtfully designed and match the app's aesthetic perfectly. They're both functional and visually appealing We also noticed some design elements that users frequently praise. The percentage-based habit strength display is not only functional but also visually motivating - seeing your habits turn from red to yellow to green as you build consistency is genuinely satisfying. However, there are a couple of design quirks. The date picker for setting habit start dates requires scrolling month by month, which we found cumbersome when trying to set a habit that started years ago. Some users have mentioned this as well, suggesting it could be more user-friendly. While HabitKit offers the most elegant GitHub-style visualization and Habitive provides a clean, distraction-free interface, Motivated's design excels in creating a premium, motivating environment. The visual feedback system is particularly effective for maintaining user engagement. Overall, the design is excellent and clearly a major strength of the app. We rate it at 9.2/10 - it's beautiful, functional, and genuinely enhances the habit tracking experience.
Value for Money	7.5 The value proposition is complex and heavily depends on your reading habits and tolerance for subscription models. The subscription approach generates polarized reactions - some users find it completely worthwhile while others strongly prefer one-time purchases. For power users, the comprehensive feature set justifies the cost. AI assistance, advanced highlighting, deep integrations, and reliable infrastructure create genuine productivity benefits. The 30-day trial period (with no credit card required) provides ample time to evaluate whether the app fits your workflow, and active development means you're paying for ongoing improvements. The subscription model does create barriers though. Unlike competitors, there's no permanently free tier with basic features, and the recurring cost adds up over time. Some users feel the subscription requirement should be more prominently displayed upfront, and occasional bugs or missing features (like robust search) can impact the perceived value when you're paying monthly. For serious readers who can utilize the full feature set and don't mind subscription costs, the value proposition is solid. Casual users or those preferring one-time purchases will likely find better alternatives elsewhere.	7.8 Motivated can be used for free without signing up, providing access to a range of offline features. However, the free version feels quite limited - basic features like widgets are locked behind premium, which some users find frustrating. What we found valuable about the app's pricing: Lifetime Purchase Option: The availability of a one-time lifetime license is excellent and provides great long-term value compared to subscription models. Many users appreciate this option Comprehensive Free Tier: The free version includes all essential habit tracking functionality, allowing you to fully evaluate the app before committing to premium Quality Premium Features: Premium features like unlimited habits, widgets, and advanced analytics provide genuine utility rather than just cosmetic enhancements No Hidden Costs: The app is transparent about pricing with no surprise charges or hidden fees However, we also encountered several value concerns that users frequently mention: Premium Gating: Several users have described it as a "paid app masquerading as a free app" with a "predatory paywall" that's "forced into your face at every opportunity" Feature Limitations: Some users feel that "some basics features that other apps would have free are paid for this app" Regional Pricing Concerns: Some users in certain regions have mentioned that the lifetime premium price could be more affordable for their local currency For users seeking the best free experience, Habitive offers unlimited free habits with no paywalls, achieving a perfect 10.0 value rating. Meanwhile, HabitNow provides comprehensive features with a one-time premium upgrade, earning a 9.5 value rating. The pricing plans are reasonable, making it a cost-effective solution for serious habit trackers. However, the heavy restrictions on the free version and the perception of aggressive premium gating affect its overall value proposition.
Ease of Use	7.0 The usability picture is mixed - while the core reading experience feels intuitive once you're up and running, several barriers can frustrate new users during the initial setup and exploration phases. Where the app excels in usability: Intuitive Reading Controls: Highlighting, bookmarking, and annotation tools are discoverable and easy to use Smooth Content Import: Adding articles, PDFs, and connecting RSS feeds works reliably Logical Organization: Content management and library organization follow expected patterns Responsive Interface: Most interactions feel immediate and predictable The friction points become apparent early on though. The mandatory account creation before even testing the app frustrates many potential users, and Android users face additional hurdles with gesture navigation that doesn't behave as expected. The wealth of features also means there's a genuine learning curve - power users eventually find everything intuitive, but newcomers need time to discover and understand all capabilities. These initial barriers prevent the app from being truly accessible to everyone, despite its strong foundation once you're familiar with it.	8.5 We can't think of a simpler habit tracking app to start with than this one. The best part? It works seamlessly right out of the box, no account needed. Installing it is a breeze, and you can easily add the app to both Android and iOS devices. Once installed, the interface appears clean and intuitive. The process is easy to grasp and you'll be tracking habits in minutes. Several aspects make the app particularly user-friendly: Quick Setup: Creating new habits is incredibly straightforward. We could name our habit, pick an icon and color, and start tracking in just a few taps. No complicated configuration needed One-Tap Tracking: Marking habits as complete is as simple as tapping the corresponding tile. This makes daily tracking effortless and encourages consistent use Clear Visual Feedback: The color-coded system provides immediate visual confirmation. We could instantly see which habits we'd completed and which ones still needed attention Intuitive Navigation: All the core functions are easily accessible. We never felt lost or confused about where to find what we needed Smart Organization: The time-based collections (morning, afternoon, evening) make it easy to maintain structured daily routines However, we did encounter some usability issues that users frequently mention in reviews. The date picker for setting habit start dates is quite cumbersome - you have to scroll month by month, which we found frustrating when trying to set a habit that started years ago. Several users have mentioned this same issue. We also noticed that while the collection system works well, some users have requested more advanced categorization options. The current system is good but could be more flexible for users with many different types of habits. For users who prioritize simplicity, Habitive offers an even more streamlined experience with its 3-click setup process. Meanwhile, HabitNow provides more comprehensive scheduling features for users who need advanced organization tools. That's why we rate it 8.5 out of 10. It's extremely user-friendly, though some features might take a little time to fully appreciate.
Security & Privacy	8.0 Readwise Reader handles security and privacy reasonably well for a cloud-based reading service, though the nature of the product requires some data collection and account management that privacy-conscious users should be aware of. Privacy and security strengths: Transparent Data Usage: Clear about what data is collected and how it's used for the reading experience Secure Sync Infrastructure: Reliable cross-device synchronization without apparent data loss or corruption Professional Service: Established company with clear business model (subscription-based, not ad-supported) Data Portability: Users can export their highlights and annotations Areas of privacy consideration: Required Account: Mandatory sign-up means your reading habits and content are associated with your identity Cloud Storage: All content and annotations are stored on Readwise servers rather than locally Content Analysis: AI features like GhostReader require processing your reading content Email Marketing: Some users mentioned receiving marketing emails, though unsubscribe options are available For a service that fundamentally requires cloud sync and AI processing, Readwise Reader handles privacy appropriately. However, users seeking maximum privacy might prefer local-only solutions. We rate security and privacy at 8.0 out of 10.	7.5 In the Security & Privacy category, we give Motivated a solid 7.5/10. The fact that you can use this tool without needing an account sets it apart from some competitors. What we observed about privacy and security: Local Data Storage: The app stores your habit data locally on your device, which is good for privacy. Your personal information isn't automatically uploaded to external servers Minimal Permissions: Motivated only asks for essential permissions like notifications for reminders. It doesn't request access to unnecessary device features No Account Required: You can use the app without creating an account, which means you're not sharing personal information with the developers Transparent Policies: The app provides clear links to privacy policies and terms of service, though these are hosted externally However, we also noticed some privacy concerns that users have mentioned: Premium Features: Some premium features like cloud backup could potentially involve storing your data on external servers, though this is optional Analytics Usage: The app may use third-party analytics tools, which could potentially track your usage patterns Limited Privacy Controls: Compared to some privacy-focused alternatives, users have fewer options to control how their data is handled For users who prioritize maximum privacy, Loop Habit Tracker offers exceptional offline-first privacy with a 9.8 rating in this category. Similarly, Habitive keeps all data local without requiring accounts, achieving a 9.0 privacy rating. Based on our testing and the user feedback we've seen, we rate security and privacy at 7.5/10. The app provides basic privacy protection but doesn't go as far as some competitors in terms of transparency and user control over data.
Conclusion	After weeks of actually using Readwise Reader, we're impressed. It's not perfect, but it genuinely solves the "reading stuff scattered everywhere" problem that drives us crazy. The highlighting works great, the AI assistant is actually useful (shocking!), and having everything sync to your notes automatically is pretty amazing. The downsides are real though. The subscription model will annoy people, you can't try it without making an account first, and if you're on Android, it's going to feel a bit clunky. Plus, for a paid app, it crashes more than we'd like. But here's the thing - if you read a lot online and you're tired of managing content across multiple apps, this might change how you work. The 30-day trial is long enough to really test it out. Just don't expect perfection, expect a really good tool that keeps getting better.	We have been using Motivated for our habit tracking needs and can confidently say it's a solid tool for anyone who's serious about building better habits. Its user-friendly design and powerful features make it a good choice for students, professionals, and anyone looking to improve their daily routines. The free version is functional, but if you need more advanced features, the premium options are worth considering. If you're serious about staying organized while building habits, we recommend giving Motivated a try. Just be aware that some key features require a premium subscription. For users who want unlimited free habits, Habitive is the best option with its completely free, ad-free experience. Those seeking elegant design might prefer HabitKit with its beautiful GitHub-style visualization. If you need comprehensive scheduling and timer functionality, HabitNow provides the most complete solution. However, if you value the unique habit strength tracking system and don't mind the freemium model, Motivated offers a compelling approach to building lasting habits.
	Install Readwise Reader	Install Motivated
Our Recommendation