Chrome Reader Mode vs Reader Mode: Which Is Safer?
At a glance: verified facts
| Fact | Chrome Reader Mode | Reader Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Published by | Chrome Reader Mode | readermode.io |
| Publisher public | Yes | Yes |
| Policy changes we track | None detected | None detected |
| Last data check | 2026-08-04 | 2026-06-20 |
From public records (the extension's store listing, publisher registry, manifest metadata) and our policy snapshots — a "—" means we have no verified data for that field yet.
What the evidence shows
Both are reading mode & display extensions we track. Comparing the 5 safety dimensions measured for both:
- On publisher & identity, the two are evenly matched (60% vs 60%).
- Chrome Reader Mode leads on permissions & access (65% vs 52%).
- Reader Mode leads on data & privacy (100% vs 83%).
- Reader Mode leads on maintenance & ownership (85% vs 30%).
- On community reputation, the two are evenly matched (66% vs 68%).
Safety score breakdown
| Dimension | Chrome Reader Mode | Reader Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher & Identity | 4.8/8 | 4.8/8 |
| Permissions & Access | 16.24/25 | 12.91/25 |
| Data & Privacy | 13.2/16 | 16/16 |
| Maintenance & Ownership | 2.25/7.5 | 6.38/7.5 |
| Community Reputation | 6.6/10 | 6.75/10 |
| Total | 64.8/100 | 70.44/100 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chrome Reader Mode safer than Reader Mode?
Reader Mode currently scores higher — 70/100 vs 65/100 — across the 5 safety dimensions measured for both. That covers documented evidence only, not features or pricing.
Is Chrome Reader Mode safe?
Chrome Reader Mode currently holds safety grade B (65/100) based on 5 of 5 safety dimensions, and is published by Chrome Reader Mode. The grade reflects only what we have measured; anything not yet assessed is marked as pending on the full report.
Is Reader Mode safe?
Reader Mode currently holds safety grade B (70/100) based on 5 of 5 safety dimensions, and is published by readermode.io. The grade reflects only what we have measured; anything not yet assessed is marked as pending on the full report.
More Reading Mode & Display extension comparisons
How this comparison works
Both extensions are scored with the same five-dimension, 100-point rubric — publisher & identity, permissions & access, data & privacy, maintenance & ownership and community reputation — using documented evidence only; a dimension with no evidence stays unscored instead of guessed. Read the full reports: Chrome Reader Mode safety report · Reader Mode safety report, or run any other extension through the safety check.