The Top 15 Paywall Bypass Websites for Unrestricted Access

Paywalls are becoming increasingly ubiquitous across news publications and other informational sites on the internet. Publishers implement paywalls to generate revenue and sustain their operations. However, these barriers inhibit the free flow of information that many internet users have grown accustomed to.

Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank for unrestricted access. This comprehensive guide will explore the top 15 paywall bypass websites to help you effortlessly access your desired content.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a top-rated virtual private network (VPN) service that excels at bypassing paywalls by changing your IP address. It offers over 5,200 servers across 60 countries, providing you with plenty of options to bypass geographic restrictions.

Once connected to a server in another location, paywall systems will no longer recognize you, allowing you to access content without hitting a limit. NordVPN also provides a host of other benefits like enhanced privacy and security.

Pros:

• Bypasses paywalls by changing IP address
• 5,200+ servers in 60 countries
• Enhanced online privacy and security

Cons:

• Monthly subscription fee applies

2. Incoggo

Incoggo takes a straightforward approach to bypassing paywalls. Simply visit their website, download the software, and install it on your device. The free tool disguises your identity each time you visit a website, preventing paywalls from detecting you.

Aside from granting access to paywalled articles, Incoggo aids in eliminating pesky pop-up ads during your browsing experience.

Pros:

• Bypasses paywalls by changing identity
• Blocks pop-up ads
• Easy to install and use
• Completely free

Cons:

• Only available as browser extension
• Limited to desktop browsers

3. Remove Paywall

Remove Paywall is a handy web-based solution dedicated to bypassing paywalls. Paste the URL of any paywalled article into the search bar, and Remove Paywall will scan its database for archived copies hosted on independent websites.

Since these archived versions reside outside the publication’s domain, paywalls no longer apply. This allows you to access the full article content without any restrictions.

Pros:

• Quickly locates archived paywall-free article copies
• Entirely web-based
• Simple copy and paste operation
• 100% free to use

Cons:

• Success rate varies by publication
• Archived copies may not always be available

4. Zette

Zette takes an aggregated approach to paywall removal, offering single-subscription access to over 100 major news publishers. It works seamlessly across popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

The service periodically negotiates agreements with publishers. When you sign up for Zette, available publications automatically become accessible as more publishers join the platform.

Pros:

• Single subscription for 100+ news sites
• Compatible across all major browsers
• Expanding database of accessible publications

Cons:

• Monthly or yearly fee applies
• Limited publisher selection in some regions

5. Chip

Chip is a unique solution that operates via a freemium model. You begin by creating a free Chip account and connecting your preferred payment method. As you browse the web, Chip automatically removes paywalls from supported sites.

You only pay per article based on what you read. Whenever you change your mind about an article, simply “unread” it to avoid being charged. Readers pay less overall, and publishers gain more views.

Pros:

• Freemium access model
• Automatic paywall removal
• Only pay for what you read
• Win-win for readers and publishers

Cons:

• Charges still apply for articles read
• Limited regional availability

6. Wayback Machine

The Wayback Machine is an internet archive that allows you to discover previous iterations of websites. By entering a paywalled URL, you may find freely accessible archived snapshots stored on their servers.

However, this method is hit or miss since it relies on sites allowing the Wayback Machine’s web crawler to archive them. When available, it grants free access to otherwise paywalled content.

Pros:

• Discovers archived link backups
• 100% free to access archives
• Useful for accessing old site iterations

Cons:

• Success depends on archived backups
• Hit or miss reliability

7. Bypass Paywalls Clean

If you primarily use Chrome and Firefox, Bypass Paywalls Clean is a handy extension that removes paywalls with a click. It also allows you to manually add custom domains for paywall removal.

Bypass Paywalls Clean receives consistent developer updates for maximum uptime. Recent changes focused on enhancing site compatibility and fixing bugs.

Pros:

• One-click paywall removal
• Frequent updates
• Option for custom site additions

Cons:

• Chrome and Firefox only
• Requires manual custom domain entries

8. uBlock Origin

uBlock Origin is a highly acclaimed open-source content blocker. In addition to removing paywalls, it excels at blocking ads, tracking networks, malware domains, annoying pop-ups, and more.

Despite boasting expansive blocking capabilities, uBlock maintains excellent browser performance. It’s also incredibly easy to customize which elements you want to block on each site.

Pros:

• Open-source ad and paywall blocker
• Highly customizable filters
• Exceptional performance
• Available completely free

Cons:

• Manual filter adjustments required

9. ChatGPT

ChatGPT offers an intriguing alternative for accessing paywalled content. The AI chatbot can generate custom summaries when you provide it with a paywalled article’s URL. You won’t get the full article, but a concise overview conveys the critical details.

You can request more comprehensive summaries or ask follow-up questions about the content. It essentially serves as a cliffs notes version of the paywalled article.

Pros:

• AI-generated article summaries
• Ask follow-up questions
• Customize summary depth

Cons:

• Doesn’t provide full article access
• Summaries may lack nuance

10. Readium

Installing Readium couldn’t be easier. Head to their site, find the bookmarklet button, drag it to your bookmark bar, and you’re set. Click the bookmarklet when you land on a paywalled page, and Readium will work its magic.

As open-source software, developers encourage requests and code contributions from users. This allows continuous enhancement of Readium’s paywall removal capabilities.

Pros:

• Straightforward bookmarklet installation
• Active open-source development

Cons:

• Hit or miss success rate
• Requires affordance from publication

11. Reader Mode

Reader Mode is a Chrome extension that removes distractions from articles like ads, pop-ups, and paywalls. It replaces them with a clean reading view. You can also leverage tools like text annotations, text-to-speech, and automatic citations.

Reader Mode offers a free version, but upgrading to premium unlocks additional capabilities. For instance, infinite usage per month rather than a 100-page limit.

Pros:

• Clean reading mode
• Added reading tools
• Customizable fonts and colors

Cons:

• Page limit on free version
• Premium subscription required for full access

12. The Free Internet Plugin

Rather than removing paywalls, this plugin prevents paywalled sites from appearing in your Google search results. This compels you to discover alternative websites and sources that don’t implement paywall strategies.

The open-source tool aligns with the ideology that information should be freely accessible. Paywalls undermine this principle by limiting access to knowledge and creativity.

Pros:

• Filters out paywalled sites from searches
• Promotes free flow of information
• Customizable as open-source

Cons:

• Doesn’t remove existing paywalls
• Reduces search result variety

13. Postlight Reader

Postlight Reader tries to enhance readability by stripping away clutter like ads, pop-ups, and paywalls. It also enables you to customize your reading experience with options for themes, font adjustment, margin control, and more.

As a privacy-focused company, Postlight intentionally limits data collection. Analytics focus exclusively on improving the reading experience rather than serving ads.

Pros:

• Clutter and paywall removal
• Customizable reading interface
• Privacy-centric business practices

Cons:

• Unable to save custom settings
• Required permissions seem excessive

14. Bardeen

Bardeen provides readers with a slick automation tool called Playbooks to simplify repetitive digital tasks. One playbook leverages the Wayback Machine to access archived versions of sites and bypass present-day paywall implementations.

After signing up for a free Bardeen account, configuring the pre-built playbook only takes a few clicks. This hands-off automation approach requires minimal manual effort.

Pros:

• Pre-built playbook automates paywall bypass
• Leverages Wayback Machine archives
• Free account provides full access

Cons:

• Indirect paywall removal method
• Success depends on archived backups

15. Paywall Demolisher

Paywall Demolisher is a recently launched Chrome extension dedicated exclusively to paywall removal. Its adaptability stands out, enabling you to toggle the bypass tool on and off per site.

Leave it disabled for sites you wish to support through subscriptions and enable it when you need temporary full access. This degree of customization is unique among paywall bypass tools.

Pros:

• Specialized paywall removal
• Easy bypass toggling per site
• Highly adaptable access

Cons:

• Only available as Chrome extension
• Cannot automate bypass permissions

Is it legal to use these paywall bypass tools?

In most cases, yes. The methods discussed rely on technical workarounds rather than hacking or piracy. However, always respect a publication’s terms of use.

Can I access paywalled content on my phone?

Yes, many of these browser extensions and apps also work for mobile browsers. Some methods like NordVPN also have dedicated mobile apps.

Do these tools work for all paywalled sites?

The functionality can vary across sites based on the paywall implementation. However, many of these universal solutions offer high success rates across most major publications.

Paywalls don’t have to constrain your browsing experience anymore. This guide just scratched the surface of the innovations available for bypassing pesky publication paywalls.

Whether you prefer a straight-forward universal tool like NordVPN or Remover Paywall, or a specialized extension like Paywall Demolisher, unrestricted access is possible. Determine your needs, explore the options, and start accessing the content you desire today without endless subscriptions.