Why I Am Not Using Readwise Anymore

At first glance, Readwise seems like a very promising website with a good idea behind it. I’ve used it for about three years, most of the time with the full version, which costs ₹4000 in India for the premium service after all discounts. While Readwise is a great tool, its cost has become a significant concern for me.

For ₹4000, I could get four years of Bear, the note-taking app, or two years of Todoist premium. I could even subscribe to Netflix for around 2–3 years or Apple Music for 2–3 years with that amount. Financial considerations are important, and while a service might be excellent, it should also be reasonably priced for the general public.

Other app developers have been mindful of pricing for the Indian community, ensuring their applications are affordable. After the initial development and server maintenance costs, it’s challenging to justify such high prices for any app. For example, I stopped using Evernote due to its high cost, and many others have done the same. An application should never be out of reach for the general public, who are the ones likely to use it daily for tasks like keeping receipts and bills. Google Drive costs ₹1300 per year, and for the price of Evernote, you could get Google Drive for three years. This is how people think and compare.

Unfortunately, there isn’t an alternative to Readwise that offers the same amount of information and features. However, just like Roam Research, which also started great but became costly, there are cheaper options available now, making people less willing to pay high prices.

Companies need to consider revenue from lower prices as well. If a product is good and more people use it, word-of-mouth will help it reach a larger audience. This is why Notion remains popular; it’s free for the general public. When someone searches for the best free task manager or note-taking app, Notion appears at the top and attracts users, even if they might not use it long-term.

Every company wants to be like Apple – big and profitable – but they need to provide confidence in their product and value for money. People invest in Apple products because they offer great value, customization, and a superior user experience. Apps should offer value for money without requiring loans or credit for purchases.

Using Readwise, I found it gets repetitive. While I’ve read many books, the highlights often feel random and not very engaging. If I don’t remember a highlight, it’s likely not worth remembering. Companies should focus on a customer-centric approach, ensuring everyone can afford their software and benefit from it.

Technology should aim to reach every person and improve their lives. If an app like Readwise were priced at ₹1000–1500, more people would consider it. Spending ₹4000 on an app is unreasonable when there are many free options available that serve similar purposes. Websites like AlternativeTo.com offer alternatives to many applications, helping users find cheaper or free options that work for them.

I spend around ₹15,000 per year on various subscriptions, including Google Drive for myself and my wife. This amount is reasonable and makes my life easier. I’ve removed Readwise from my subscriptions, reducing my costs further. My highest subscription is ₹1600 for the Day One journal app, which I use daily to track my thoughts and memories. It’s worth the cost because it serves a meaningful purpose for me.

In conclusion, apps should be reasonably priced, ensuring long-term affordability for users. High prices can deter users and reduce interest in the product. A lower price point could attract more users and ensure the application’s success.