Headway Alternatives: Try These 4 Apps (+Free)
I’ve always loved how Headway turns complex books into quick, digestible summaries—it’s been a lifesaver on busy days.
But I get it, sometimes you want to explore other options that might suit your style even better.
In this article, I’ll walk you through some great alternatives to Headway that I think you’ll really enjoy.
Let’s dive in.
1. Blinkist
I’ve always admired how Blinkist (full review) manages to combine simplicity with depth.
It takes the core of any book or podcast and delivers it in a way that’s easy to absorb.
If you’re looking for a Headway alternative that feels a bit more polished and professional, Blinkist is the way to go.
Here’s why:
- Blinkist’s interface is all about focus. It’s sleek, organized, and gets you straight to what matters—the content.
- Blinkist doesn’t just have a library—it has THE library. With over 7,500 summaries spanning books and podcasts, it’s hard to run out of things to learn.
- What sets Blinkist apart is its content diversity. Beyond book summaries, you’ll find podcast insights, curated guides, original Shorts for quick learning, and more.
- Their human-narrated audio summaries are a joy to listen to, while the text versions are concise and easy to read.
- Blinkist AI is a game-changer. It helps you pull key points from web pages, videos, podcasts, or even files you upload.
- Blinkist and Headway are neck and neck when it comes to monthly pricing, but Blinkist’s yearly plan is a bit pricier. Still, for what you’re getting—especially the AI tools and a much larger library—it’s worth considering.
Blinkist has a way of delivering knowledge that feels efficient yet personal.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a professional, well-rounded app that keeps things simple while offering endless opportunities to learn.
For a deeper dive, check out my Blinkist vs Headway article, where I break down all the details to help you decide which app suits your learning style best.
2. Wiser
Wiser and Headway are strikingly similar—not just in their looks but also in how they work.
In fact, the similarities made comparing them quite a challenge.
I even mentioned this struggle when I wrote my Headway vs Wiser comparison.
But despite the similarities, here’s why I think Wiser could be a great alternative:
- Wiser has almost all the features that Headway offers, so no matter which app you choose, you’ll feel right at home.
- Headway is known for its fun, gamified experience, but Wiser keeps it simple with a daily goal tracker and personal stats. It’s not as flashy, but it still helps you stay on track.
- While both apps use AI-generated voices, Wiser does a great job with the quality. It makes listening to summaries smooth and enjoyable.
- Wiser’s library is pretty close to Headway’s, so you’ll always find something new to dive into.
- Both apps have similar pricing, so you won’t have to worry about spending more with Wiser.
Personally, I still prefer Headway, but if you’re on the hunt for a solid alternative, Wiser is definitely a good option.
Explore the full Wiser review for all the details.
3. Bookey
Bookey is one of my favorite book summary apps, and in my opinion, it’s hands down the best FREE alternative to Headway.
Now, to use it for free, all you need to do is watch a quick ad before you can read or listen to any summary.
If you’d rather skip the ads, there’s a super affordable premium plan that gives you an ad-free experience.
But there’s so much more to Bookey beyond pricing:
- Bookey offers daily goals, weekly growth reports, badges, and stats like how much time you’ve spent learning and how many summaries you’ve finished.
- You can also earn points while using the app. For every 100 points, Bookey donates a book to children in Africa.
- Bookey lets you personalize your reading experience with different font styles and background color options—so you can read or listen however you like.
- Every week, Bookey posts a question, and if you participate, you get a chance to win a free premium subscription.
There’s a lot more to love about this app, so I’ve written an in-depth Bookey app review if you want to dive deeper. That’s all for now on this Headway alternative.
4. Retell
If you’re just starting out, Retell might be the best Headway alternative you’ll find on the App Store.
It’s perfect for building a solid learning habit.
Here’s what I really like about Retell:
- The app has a simple, easy-on-the-eyes design that makes navigating a breeze.
- Retell helps you build a learning habit with a Habit Tracker. You’re encouraged to learn at least one key idea every day for 66 days—great for creating consistency.
- The app offers a personalized plan with daily suggestions, rewards when you finish a summary, and a progress page where you can track how you’re doing and what areas need improvement.
- Retell includes beautiful visual summaries that break down key ideas into easy-to-digest graphics.
- At just $19.99 a month, Retell is one of the more affordable options. Plus, if you go for the lifetime plan, it’s only $99.99.
There are a few downsides, like the AI-generated voice in most summaries (similar to Headway), but overall, I think Retell offers a fantastic alternative—especially for beginners looking to develop a solid learning habit.
My Takeaway
When it comes to finding a Headway alternative, each of these apps brings something unique to the table.
But if you’re looking for one app that truly covers all the bases, Blinkist stands out as the best option.
With its vast library, polished interface, and powerful AI tools, Blinkist offers an experience that’s professional yet personal.
Whether you’re seeking depth or simplicity, it has everything you need to learn and grow, all in one place.
I hope you find this selection of Headway alternatives helpful.
I’ll continue adding more options as I review them, so be sure to revisit this article for updates.
For even more options, take a look at these apps:
