Couch vs Freezetab

Couch is a content-saving and reading app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Its free version includes unlimited saves and basic features. Saved items can be organized with tags, folders, and smart folders, and searched by title, tag, author, or website. Users can add highlights, comments, and summaries; highlights can also be exported. A built-in reader supports offline access. Couch syncs content across Apple devices through iCloud without requiring a separate account, and browser extensions are available for Safari, Firefox, Chrome, and compatible browsers. The app says it has no sign-up, tracking, or ads, and that user data is stored in iCloud rather than tracked, mined, or sold. Apple Intelligence summaries and tag suggestions are processed on-device. Pro unlocks advanced features through a one-time in-app purchase, but no price is listed for the plans. One reviewer reported paying an extra $2.99 for Pro; that report is not a listed plan price.

Freezetab saves and organizes links, articles, RSS and Atom feeds, and quotes from websites. Saved articles can be edited in a rich text editor, and content can be highlighted and searched in full text. Filters for time period, tags, sites, and data type help narrow a collection. It is available as a browser extension, on iOS, and on the web; an iOS or iPadOS shortcut can save links and quotes. The free extension supports local use without an internet connection and can be used without logging in, with data kept on the user's machine. Privacy controls let users mark saved data private so it is not sent to Freezetab’s servers, or enable privacy mode for new saves. Freezetab Pro adds cloud backup, syncing across browsers and devices, web access, saving links without the extension, and mobile link saving. Pro costs $2.99 a month after a 7-day free trial. Freezetab says its security measures include HTTPS, firewalls, IP allowlists, VPNs, and encrypted backups. Stripe handles billing information; Freezetab says card numbers and security codes are not stored on its servers.