With the shutdown of 12ft.io due to ongoing hosting issues on Vercel and increasing scrutiny over legal and ethical implications, users are now actively seeking reliable and safe 12ft.io alternative solutions. Whether you’re a student, researcher, journalist, or everyday reader wanting uninterrupted access to valuable content, finding an effective tool is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the 18 best 12ft.io alternatives, both free and paid, that help you bypass paywall while respecting privacy, user rights, and legal standards. From browser extensions to online tools and academic resources, we provide a side-by-side comparison and in-depth overview of what works best in 2025.
Why Look for a 12ft.io Alternative?
The closure of 12ft.io highlights the growing tension between open access to content and content creators’ right to monetize their work. Tools like 12ft.io alternative services aim to strike a balance, helping users read premium articles for free while navigating the complex terrain of copyright and ethics.
Our list features alternatives that not only offer functionality similar to 12ft.io but also ensure user safety, ethical access, and easy usability.
How We Chose the Best Alternatives
When evaluating each 12ft.io alternative, we considered the following:
- Effectiveness: Can it reliably bypass paywalls?
- Legal and Ethical Boundaries: Is it compliant with digital privacy and fair use practices?
- Ease of Use: Is it user-friendly for all experience levels?
- Cross-platform Compatibility: Does it work on Chrome, Firefox, Mac, Windows, etc.?
- Privacy: Does it track users or store logs?
Top 18 12ft.io Alternatives to Try in 2025
1. NordVPN
One of the most reliable VPN services out there, NordVPN goes beyond simple encryption. Its built-in CyberSec feature blocks ads, malware, and even some paywalls, making it a surprisingly efficient 12ft.io alternative.
Key Features:
- Panama-based (no data retention laws)
- Built-in ad and paywall blocking
- No-logs policy and regular audits
2. Incoggo
Designed specifically to offer distraction-free news, Incoggo is a Mac app that enables access to over 15 major news sources for free. With a Windows version in the pipeline, this 12ft.io alternative is rapidly growing in popularity.
Key Features:
- Mac compatible (Windows soon)
- Clean reading with no ads
- Works across major publishers
3. Bypass Paywalls (GitHub Extension)
This open-source browser extension is one of the most straightforward tools for removing paywalls on a range of websites. Easy to install and widely used, it’s a classic 12ft.io alternative choice.
Key Features:
- Compatible with Chrome and Firefox
- Actively updated on GitHub
- Free to use
4. Readium
Readium is a simple bookmarklet that skips click-gates and paywalls for prominent platforms like Bloomberg, Medium, NYT, and more. It’s a must-have 12ft.io alternative for professional and academic readers.
Key Features:
- No installation required
- Works with major news and blog sites
- Simple for non-tech users
5. Unpaywall
Unpaywall is ideal for academic users. Unlike 12ft.io, which targeted general news, this browser plugin fetches legal, open-access versions of scholarly articles.
Key Features:
- Works directly with Google Scholar
- Legal PDFs from authors and repositories
- Ideal for researchers and students
6. Outline
Outline transforms web articles into clean, ad-free versions, often bypassing paywalls in the process. Just paste the article link and enjoy reading.
Key Features:
- Minimalist reading interface
- Supports various news websites
- Often effective against soft paywalls
7. Reeder
An advanced RSS reader, Reeder aggregates feeds and can work around paywalls using integrations like Feedbin and Instapaper. A unique 12ft.io alternative for content aggregation.
Key Features:
- RSS-based content delivery
- iOS/macOS support
- Integrated with popular feed managers
8. Bypass Paywalls Clean
An enhanced version of the GitHub extension, Bypass Paywalls Clean provides broader compatibility and a cleaner reading experience.
Key Features:
- Actively maintained extension
- Works on Firefox and Chrome
- Removes clutter and popups
9. Text Fish
A web tool that strips away all formatting, ads, and paywalls. Paste the article URL and Text Fish returns a readable version in seconds. A user-friendly 12ft.io alternative.
Key Features:
- No installation needed
- Instant conversion
- Works with many news platforms
10. Archive.is
Archive.is doesn’t just store webpages; it often removes paywalls in the archived copy. It’s a go-to 12ft.io alternative for preserving articles in a readable format.
Key Features:
- Permanent storage of web content
- Paywall-free access via snapshots
- Supports various news sites
11. Wayback Machine (Archived Copy)
Part of the Internet Archive project, the Wayback Machine helps users view previous versions of web pages, sometimes before paywalls were added.
Key Features:
- Enormous historical archive
- Search by URL
- Free, open access
12. SCI-HUB
Although controversial, SCI-HUB remains the most comprehensive platform for accessing academic research behind paywalls.
Key Features:
- Works via DOI or article link
- Covers most academic databases
- Best for students, researchers, and educators
13. PrintFriendly
If you want to print or save articles without distractions, PrintFriendly simplifies web content by removing ads and formatting.
Key Features:
- One-click cleanup and print/save
- Works with most browsers
- Simple UI, excellent for physical copies
14. Wallabag
An open-source tool that lets users save content for later, Wallabag removes paywalls during the saving process. Great for organizing your reading list.
Key Features:
- Self-hostable and private
- Ad-free reading mode
- Cross-device support
15. Anti-Paywall
This browser extension detects and removes paywalls automatically, giving you seamless access to blocked content.
Key Features:
- Firefox and Chrome compatible
- Little to no user input needed
- Fast and reliable
16. Reader Mode
Many browsers now include a built-in reader mode that strips content down to its essential form. It’s not always effective, but often works with soft paywalls.
Key Features:
- Built into Safari, Firefox, Edge
- Minimalist reading experience
- No extra installation required
17. Mercury Reader
Mercury Reader is a Chrome extension that provides a clean reading view by removing ads, clutter, and sometimes paywalls.
Key Features:
- Chrome-specific
- Focused reading experience
- Simplifies formatting
18. Hypothesis
This academic annotation tool allows collaborative reading and discussion. It sometimes renders content in readable formats, acting as a niche 12ft.io alternative.
Key Features:
- Ideal for educators and students
- Annotation-based learning
- Occasionally bypasses soft paywalls
FAQs:
1. Why was 12ft.io taken down?
12ft.io was removed due to legal and ethical concerns surrounding paywall bypassing and possible violations of content rights, as well as technical hosting issues with Vercel.
2. Are 12ft.io alternatives legal?
Some tools operate within legal boundaries by accessing open-access or archived content. However, others walk a fine line. Always use them responsibly and ethically.
3. What’s the best 12ft.io alternative for academic papers?
Unpaywall and SCI-HUB are top-tier for scholarly content. They provide access to academic material that’s either legally shared or scraped from institutional databases.
4. Which 12ft.io alternative works best on mobile?
Reeder, Wallabag, and Text Fish work seamlessly on mobile devices, offering clutter-free access across platforms.
5. Can VPNs help bypass paywalls?
Yes. VPNs like NordVPN can sometimes bypass regional restrictions and soft paywalls by masking location or blocking tracking scripts.
Final Thoughts:
As the internet evolves, so does the struggle between access and ownership. The fall of 12ft.io might have disrupted many users’ routines, but these 12ft.io alternative tools offer an effective way forward. Whether you’re looking for scholarly content, premium news, or just cleaner reading interfaces, the 18 solutions above provide trusted, user-friendly, and (mostly) ethical ways to reclaim your browsing freedom.
Remember to always consider the legal ramifications and respect digital copyrights. When used responsibly, a 12ft.io alternative can be a powerful aid in navigating today’s information-rich world.
Jovan