Readwise

Readwise is a subscription service that aggregates highlights from Kindle, Apple Books, Instapaper, Pocket, and other reading apps, then uses spaced repetition to resurface your best highlights via daily email or app. The platform helps you actually remember and apply insights from what you read by bringing forgotten highlights back at optimal intervals.

Best For: Avid readers who highlight frequently in ebooks and articles but want to actually retain and apply insights rather than letting highlights disappear into digital libraries.

Key Features

What sources can Readwise import highlights from?
Kindle (including Kindle app highlights), Apple Books, Instapaper, Pocket, PDF annotation apps, Readwise Reader (their own reading app), Twitter saved tweets, Airr podcast app, Matter, and more. Manual highlight entry for physical books. Browser extension clips web highlights. API import for custom sources.

How does Readwise's spaced repetition work?
Daily email delivers curated selection of past highlights. Timing based on memory research - highlights surface right before you'd forget them. Mark highlights as favorites to see more often. Archive poor highlights to see less. Gradual exposure algorithm adapts to your engagement. Mobile app provides on-the-go review.

Can Readwise export to note-taking apps?
Bi-directional sync with Obsidian, Roam Research, Notion, Evernote, Logseq, and others. Highlights appear formatted in your notes automatically. Tagging in Readwise creates organization in notes app. Deduplicated exports prevent duplicate entries. Continuous background sync keeps everything current.

What is Readwise Reader?
Built-in read-it-later app included with subscription. Save articles, PDFs, newsletters, and YouTube videos. Unified inbox for all reading. Powerful highlighting and annotation. Text-to-speech with natural voices. Ghostreader AI for summarization and Q&A. RSS feed reader built-in.

Pricing & Plans

Readwise: $7.99/month or $95.88/year - Highlight sync, spaced repetition, app integrations, Readwise Reader

Single pricing tier includes everything. 30-day free trial with no credit card required. Significantly cheaper with annual billing.

Limitations

• Subscription required (no free tier after trial)
• Relies on highlight imports (garbage in, garbage out)
• Daily email might feel like obligation rather than joy
• Some users prefer manual highlight review over algorithmic resurfacing

Getting Started

1. Start 30-day free trial
2. Connect Kindle, Apple Books, or other reading apps
3. Readwise imports existing highlights automatically
4. Receive first daily email with curated highlights
5. Integrate with note-taking app if desired

Learn More: readwise.io