Transforming How I Read: From Pocket to Readwise Reader

As my business expanded, so did the demands on my reading habits. Staying informed is critical to providing high-quality service, whether keeping up with the latest industry trends or learning new skills to improve my workflow​. To manage the growing volume of content, I relied on Pocket, a read-it-later​ app that allowed me to save articles for future reading.

Pocket served me well for years, offering simplicity and ease of use. With a single click, I could save articles and revisit them when I had time. However, as my needs evolved, I realized that Pocket wasn’t quite meeting the demands of my increasingly complex workflow​. I found myself juggling multiple apps to manage articles, newsletters, PDFs​, and other forms of content, and the process felt inefficient. Something was missing, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

That changed when I came across a podcast by David Sparks of MacSparky​, who introduced me to Readwise Reader. Sparks described the app as an all-in-one reading solution, and I was intrigued. After diving in, I quickly realized that Readwise Reader was exactly what I needed to streamline my reading process and make my life easier.

Why I Switched to Readwise Reader

Readwise Reader isn’t just a read-it-later​ app; it’s a comprehensive platform that integrates reading, knowledge retention, and content organization. Unlike Pocket, which primarily saves articles, Readwise Reader consolidates various content types — including articles, newsletters, PDFs​, EPUBs​, and even videos — into one app. This alone transformed my workflow​, eliminating the need to switch between different tools.

One of the standout features of Readwise​ Reader is its advanced highlighting and annotation capabilities. I can highlight not just text but also images and rich-text​ formatting directly within the app. These highlights sync seamlessly with my Readwise​ library, ensuring I have easy access to key information whenever I need it. Pocket allowed me to save content, but Readwise​ Reader helps me engage with it on a deeper level.

How Readwise​ Reader Simplified My Workflow​

The efficiency of Readwise​ Reader lies in its ability to centralize and streamline everything I need for reading and learning. For example, the app’s integration with note-taking tools like Notion and Obsidian allows me to export my highlights and annotations effortlessly. This has been a game-changer for managing my knowledge base and organizing content for future reference.

Another feature I’ve come to love is Ghostreader​, an AI-powered​ assistant built into Readwise​ Reader. It helps me better understand the material I’m reading by defining terms, summarizing complex passages, and answering questions about the text. This has been especially useful when I’m working through technical or dense material.

Readwise​ Reader also includes text-to-speech functionality, allowing me to listen to articles during commutes or while multitasking. This feature has significantly increased the amount of content I can consume each day. Whether I’m on the road or at my desk, I can stay engaged with my reading without missing a beat.

Reflecting on the Transition

Looking back, I appreciate how Pocket served as an excellent introduction to managing saved content. It was simple, reliable, and perfect for casual reading. However, as my workload grew and my needs became more complex, Readwise​ Reader offered the tools I needed to stay organized and efficient.

By consolidating multiple types of content into one app, Readwise​ Reader has saved me countless hours that would have been spent switching between platforms. Its advanced features, like annotation, Ghostreader​, and integration with note-taking apps, have made it easier to retain and apply what I read. This shift has not only improved my reading habits but also enhanced my productivity and ability to serve my clients better.

Conclusion

Switching from Pocket to Readwise​ Reader was a natural evolution as my reading needs changed. Readwise​ Reader has simplified my workflow​, improved my retention of important information, and helped me stay ahead in an ever-changing professional landscape.

For anyone juggling multiple reading apps or struggling to keep up with a growing list of saved content, I highly recommend exploring Readwise​ Reader. It’s more than a tool for saving articles —  it’s a platform designed to help you truly engage with what you read and make the most of your time.