Compare Readwise Reader and VPN Proxy Master: Which App is the Best?

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.
VPN Proxy Master is a popular free VPN service with 100M+ downloads and 4.8/5 rating, offering unlimited free access and 6,700+ servers, though it comes with significant advertising and connection stability issues.
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
  • Unlimited free VPN access – No data caps or time limits on the free tier
  • 6,700+ global servers – Access to servers worldwide for bypassing geo-restrictions
  • Military-grade encryption – AES-128 encryption to secure your connection
  • Multiple VPN protocols – Support for IPsec, ISSR, OpenVPN, and SSR protocols
  • One-tap connection – Simple interface for quick VPN setup
  • Multi-device support – Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
  • No registration required – Start using the VPN immediately without creating an account
  • WiFi hotspot protection – Secure your connection on public WiFi networks
Our Rating
7.6
5.8
Total users
0
0
Total ratings
0
0
Average rating
— ⭐
— ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Android
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
iOS
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
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.

7.0

VPN Proxy Master offers a solid set of features for a free VPN service, with unlimited data access and an extensive server network of 6,700+ servers worldwide. The service includes military-grade encryption, multiple VPN protocols (IPsec, ISSR, OpenVPN, SSR), and support for up to 10 devices simultaneously.

What sets VPN Proxy Master apart is its completely free tier with no data caps or time limits, making it accessible to users who cannot afford premium VPN services. Unlike Proton VPN without ads, VPN Proxy Master relies on heavy advertising. The service offers good server coverage for basic geo-blocking and content access, and the one-tap connection interface makes it easy to use for beginners.

However, the service lacks some advanced features found in premium VPNs, such as kill switch protection, split tunneling, and specialized servers for streaming or torrenting. The free model also means limited customer support and no advanced security features that premium services typically offer.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master offers more generous free features but with significant limitations in terms of reliability and user experience. The service provides basic VPN functionality but cannot compete with premium alternatives in terms of advanced features.

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.

5.0

VPN Proxy Master's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent connection speeds and server coverage, but the frequent disconnections and advertising make it difficult to use reliably.

The service works well for basic geo-blocking and content access when connected, but many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The advertising also impacts performance, making the app slow and unresponsive at times.

The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the free model. Users expect basic functionality from a free service, but VPN Proxy Master's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer more stable free tiers with better performance.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's performance is below average. The connection stability issues and advertising make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer similar features with better performance and fewer limitations.

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.

5.5

VPN Proxy Master's interface is simple and functional, with a clean design that focuses on ease of use. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls and server selection, making it easy for users to connect to the VPN with minimal technical knowledge.

The app's design is straightforward with a dark theme and clear connection status indicators. The server selection process is intuitive, and the one-tap connection feature works as advertised. The interface is generally user-friendly and doesn't overwhelm users with complex options.

However, the design is significantly impacted by excessive advertising that can make the app practically unusable. Many users report that ads interfere with the core functionality, and the app can become slow and unresponsive due to the heavy ad load. The advertising also affects the overall user experience and makes the interface feel cluttered.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's design is basic but functional. The interface works for basic VPN needs, but the excessive advertising significantly detracts from the user experience and makes it difficult to recommend over alternatives with cleaner interfaces.

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.

6.0

VPN Proxy Master's value proposition is mixed, with the completely free tier offering good value for basic VPN needs, but the advertising and connection issues significantly impact the overall value. The service provides unlimited free access with no data caps, which is generous compared to other free VPNs.

The service offers good server coverage and basic VPN functionality without requiring payment, making it accessible to users who cannot afford premium VPN services. Unlike Proton VPN without ads, VPN Proxy Master relies on heavy advertising. The free tier includes most essential features needed for basic geo-blocking and content access.

However, the service's value is significantly impacted by excessive advertising and connection stability issues. Many users report that the ads make the app practically unusable, and the frequent connection drops reduce the practical value of the free service. The premium subscription is necessary for a usable experience, but the pricing is competitive with other VPN services.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master offers more generous free features but with significant limitations. The advertising and connection issues make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer more stable free tiers with fewer limitations.

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.

6.0

VPN Proxy Master is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple one-tap connection process that requires no technical knowledge. The app's interface is intuitive, and most users can get connected quickly without any setup or configuration.

The service offers automatic server selection and connection, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require registration or account creation, which simplifies the setup process. The connection process is straightforward and works well when the service is functioning properly.

However, the service's ease of use is significantly compromised by excessive advertising and connection stability issues. Many users report that ads interfere with the connection process, and the app can become slow and unresponsive due to the heavy ad load. The frequent connection drops also make the service frustrating to use.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The advertising and connection issues make it difficult to recommend over alternatives that offer more stable free tiers with fewer limitations.

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.

5.5

VPN Proxy Master offers basic security features with military-grade encryption and multiple VPN protocols, but the free model raises significant privacy concerns. The service uses AES-128 encryption and supports various protocols including IPsec, ISSR, OpenVPN, and SSR.

The service claims to have a no-logs policy, but the free model and heavy advertising raise questions about data collection and user privacy. The service is based in Singapore, which provides some legal protection, but the free model means the service needs to monetize through other means, potentially compromising user privacy.

However, the service has faced criticism for privacy concerns, particularly around data collection and the free model. Many users report concerns about the service's data practices, and the heavy advertising suggests significant data collection for targeted ads. The service also lacks transparency about its data practices and privacy policies.

Compared to other free VPNs like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, VPN Proxy Master's security practices are questionable. The free model and heavy advertising make it difficult to trust the service with sensitive data, and users seeking privacy protection would be better served by alternatives with more transparent privacy practices.

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.

VPN Proxy Master offers a completely free VPN service with an extensive server network, but its value proposition is severely compromised by excessive advertising and connection stability issues. The service provides basic VPN functionality for users who can tolerate the ads and connection problems, but the overall user experience is significantly impacted by these limitations. For users seeking a reliable free VPN solution, VPN Proxy Master's advertising and connection issues make it difficult to recommend over alternatives like Proton VPN that offer more stable free tiers. While the service offers unlimited free access, the practical usability is limited by the heavy advertising and frequent disconnections. Ultimately, VPN Proxy Master's free model comes with significant trade-offs that may outweigh the benefits for most users. Those seeking a reliable VPN experience would be better served by alternatives like Proton VPN that offer more stable free tiers or are willing to pay for premium services that provide better performance and fewer limitations.
Our Recommendation