Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ShareX VS Reader Mode

Compare ShareX VS Reader Mode and see what are their differences

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ShareX logo ShareX

ShareX is a free and open source program that lets you capture or record any area of your screen...

Reader Mode logo Reader Mode

Remove clutter and ads from any article. Instantly ⚡
  • ShareX Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-29
  • Reader Mode Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-29

ShareX features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    ShareX is completely free and the source code is open to the public. This allows for community contributions, and users can trust that there are no hidden costs or malware.
  • Feature-Rich
    ShareX offers a wide range of features including screen capture, video recording, GIF creation, and various upload methods to many different services.
  • Customization
    The software provides extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their workflows to their specific needs. This includes hotkeys, automated tasks, and image editing on-the-fly.
  • Various Output Formats
    Users can save their captures in multiple formats such as PNG, JPEG, GIF, and more. This makes it versatile for different use cases.
  • Automated Processes
    ShareX can automate various processes such as uploading to cloud services, copying URLs, and performing file operations. This enhances productivity and saves time.
  • Regular Updates
    The application receives regular updates, ensuring that it keeps up with new technology and user requirements.

Possible disadvantages of ShareX

  • Complexity
    With its wide array of features, ShareX can be complex and overwhelming for new users. The interface might take some time to get used to.
  • Windows-Only
    ShareX is only available for Windows. Users on other operating systems like macOS or Linux will not be able to use it natively.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users report occasional bugs or instability, which may require troubleshooting or waiting for updates to resolve.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive features and customization options, there is a steep learning curve for users who want to make the most out of all functionalities.
  • Third-Party Dependencies
    Some features may rely on third-party services or frameworks, which can lead to complications or additional configuration steps.

Reader Mode features and specs

  • Simplified Reading Experience
    Reader Mode strips away ads, pop-ups, and other distractions, providing a clean and focused environment for reading content.
  • Customization Options
    Reader Mode offers various customization features, like font size, style, background color, and text spacing, to make reading comfortable for different users.
  • Read-Aloud Feature
    It includes a text-to-speech feature that enables users to listen to the content, which is beneficial for visually impaired users or those who prefer auditory learning.
  • Offline Reading
    Users can save articles for offline reading, allowing them to access their favorite content without an internet connection.
  • Annotation Tools
    Reader Mode offers tools for highlighting text, adding notes, and bookmarking, which can be useful for research or study purposes.
  • Clutter-free Printing
    It provides an option to print web pages without unnecessary elements, making the printed document clean and more readable.

Possible disadvantages of Reader Mode

  • Compatibility Issues
    Reader Mode may not work perfectly on all websites, particularly those with complex layouts or heavy use of multimedia.
  • Limited Features in Free Version
    While the basic functions are free, more advanced features and customization options require a subscription.
  • Possible Formatting Problems
    In some cases, the stripped-down version of the content may lose valuable information or alter the original formatting, affecting the reading experience.
  • Dependency on Extensions
    Reader Mode typically requires browser extensions or add-ons, which might not be available or compatible with all browsers.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Users might be wary of granting permissions to a third-party extension, which could potentially access their browsing data.
  • Resource Intensive
    Using extensions like Reader Mode can consume additional system resources, potentially affecting browser performance and speed.

Analysis of ShareX

Overall verdict

  • ShareX is a robust and versatile tool for anyone in need of an advanced screen capture and file-sharing software. Its open-source nature and no-cost usage make it an attractive choice for casual users and professionals alike. With a little time spent on exploring its features, users can unlock a powerful toolset that can greatly enhance productivity.

Why this product is good

  • ShareX is considered good by many due to its extensive range of features for screen capturing, file sharing, and productivity. It is an open-source tool, which means it's free to use and has a strong community of contributors who constantly update and improve the software. The application supports multiple capture methods, including full screen, active window, or specific region. It also provides editing tools, annotations, and supports various file formats. Additionally, ShareX offers seamless integration with many cloud storage and file-sharing services, allowing for easy sharing and storage of captures.

Recommended for

  • Tech enthusiasts who appreciate open-source software.
  • Content creators who need extensive screen capturing and editing capabilities.
  • Professionals who require quick sharing of visual content with clients or teams.
  • Educators and trainers creating instructional content.
  • Remote workers who frequently share screenshots or screen recordings with colleagues.

Analysis of Reader Mode

Overall verdict

  • Reader Mode is generally considered a worthwhile tool for those who frequently engage in reading online content and value a distraction-free, personalized reading experience. Its additional features geared toward accessibility make it a strong option for a variety of users.

Why this product is good

  • Reader Mode (readermode.io) is designed to enhance the online reading experience by stripping away distractions like ads, sidebars, and other non-essential elements, providing users with a clean and focused environment. It also offers features like text-to-speech, dyslexia-friendly settings, and customizable themes, which can significantly benefit those with specific reading preferences or needs.

Recommended for

    Reader Mode is recommended for avid readers, individuals with attention difficulties, accessibility needs (such as visual impairments or dyslexia), and anyone who prefers a clean, minimalist reading interface for online content.

ShareX videos

Here's why you should download ShareX.

More videos:

  • Review - Simple Screenshots & Screen Recording — Why You Should Use ShareX
  • Tutorial - ShareX Install and How to use Guide 2019

Reader Mode videos

Over in a Minute Reviews Reader Mode

More videos:

  • Review - Hidden Reader Mode for Google Chrome

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ShareX and Reader Mode)
Screenshots
100 100%
0% 0
Bookmark Manager
0 0%
100% 100
Screenshot Annotation
100 100%
0% 0
Bookmarks
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare ShareX and Reader Mode

ShareX Reviews

Selecting the Best Screen Recorder for Windows 11: A Thorough Exploration
Selecting the right screen recorder for Windows 11 hinges on your specific needs and the level of complexity you’re comfortable with. ScreenRec offers a balanced mix of ease of use and functionality, making it an excellent choice for most users. However, those with more specialized needs might find OBS Studio, Camtasia, Bandicam, or ShareX to be better suited to their...
Source: medium.com
Top 8 Best Free Screen Recorders in 2024
Another top contender for best free screen recorders in 2024 is ShareX. While not as feature-rich as some of its counterparts like OBS or ScreenMix, it still serves as an excellent fit for beginners venturing into screen recording. With ShareX, you enjoy the flexibility of customizing your recording area, allowing you to capture specific windows or your entire screen. ShareX...
Source: mixilab.com
The Most Recommended 11 Screen Recorders for Windows 10/11 in 2023 [HOT]
After installing and starting ShareX on your PC, just use the shortcut key to start screen capture and select areas, automatically save images, upload directly to the cloud, share online, and so on. ShareX is free to use. ShareX for Windows 10/11 can easily import media from your computer. You can choose to record the whole screen, part of the screen or a specific program at...
The 5 Most Recommended Free Screen Recording Softwares
ShareX is an open source screen recording software. This screen recording tool does not add watermark or time limit to the recorded video, and it can also be saved in GIF format after recording.
Top 15 Free Alternatives to OBS | Online Free Screen Recorder for PC
ShareX, like OBS, is a free and open-source tool for Windows users. This free tool provides a lot of features, including full-screen window, designated areas and active window recording; set timed recording; performming recording while scrolling the page; taking screenshots and supporting OCR to extract text from screenshots, etc.

Reader Mode Reviews

We have no reviews of Reader Mode yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, ShareX seems to be a lot more popular than Reader Mode. While we know about 273 links to ShareX, we've tracked only 7 mentions of Reader Mode. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

ShareX mentions (273)

  • Devlog: Hacktoberfest 2024 (2/4)
    I made sure to document every step of the way via screenshots to ensure I could test enabling and disabling certain features. The screenshot tool I use on Windows is called, ShareX, and I find it extremely useful with regards to pointing out certain elements in an image. - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Flameshot – Powerful, yet simple to use open-source screenshot software
    I've been using ShareX (https://getsharex.com/) for some years, which is also open-source, and very featureful while not feeling too bloated, though Windows only. I'll have to have a look at this next time I'm on a Linux desktop, as I found the options lacking compared to ShareX last time I looked. - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • The fastest tool for measuring anything on your screen
    ShareX (https://getsharex.com/) doesn't have quite this nice UX but it's free. I often use it alongside browser dev tools. Here's a screenshot of me measuring this comment box https://i.imgur.com/yoTHbzq.png. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Full Screen recording software for lower end machines.
    ShareX will run on that machine no problem. Open-source & free. Https://i.imgur.com/KQAoDin.jpg. Source: over 1 year ago
  • 'Screen Apnea'
    ShareX [1] is my other "must install" app. I never would have guessed how much my branch of engineering consists of "take a screenshot and draw lines, arrows and circles on it." Being able to customize my workflow to do all of that is really great. [1] https://getsharex.com/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
View more

Reader Mode mentions (7)

  • The "Cheap" Web
    I usually tend to use Reader mode in Safari or ReaderMode[1] in Google Chrome. In-fact, I have set Reader Mode as default for a few common website such as that of PG's. 1. https://readermode.io/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Confusion and hurt ripples through Maple Leafs in wake of Kyle Dubas’ dismissal
    You can use reader mode on a computer too Https://readermode.io/. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Is there a "reader mode" website?
    You probably used a site called outline.com but unfortunately the website was recently discontinued. There are many chrome extensions for it, which many of them can be used on chrome for android, as well as the fact that the safari browser for iPhone has it built in. readermode.io works well for me on Chrome. Source: over 2 years ago
  • McDonald’s, 1987 Ad.
    There's a paywall on this article, which I had to use Reader Mode to bypass. It did a pretty decent job, and it's also good for people with dyslexia according to the website. But here's the article's content so you don't have to download an extension for it. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Combining Toucan with reading mode?
    On the Right is the same page with the https://readermode.io/ extension activated. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing ShareX and Reader Mode, you can also consider the following products

Greenshot - Greenshot is a free and open source screenshot tool that allows annotation and highlighting using the built-in image editor.

Easy Reader - EasyReader can customize and improve the readability of long web articles

LightShot - The fastest way to take a customizable screenshot.

WebCull - WebCull is an ad-free, privacy-focused bookmark manager that works from any browser or device.

Snagit - Screen Capture Software for Windows and Mac

Save For Later - Allows you to bookmark any website to read later.