Looking for the best 12ft.io alternatives now that the service has been taken offline? Whether you’re trying to read locked articles, access research behind paywalls, or just want an ad-free experience, there are several reliable and user-first tools that work better than ever.
This guide gives you insights into the top tools that do what 12ft.io used to—and even more.
What Was 12ft.io and Why Is It Gone?
12ft.io, also known as the “12ft ladder,” was a web tool designed to bypass soft paywalls by simulating search engine crawlers like Googlebot. It stripped away overlays, popups, and scripts that blocked content, giving users clean access to articles.
However, in mid-2025, the site was shut down due to legal pressure from publishing groups. The removal left a gap—but several great alternatives have stepped in.
Top 12ft.io Alternatives in 2025 (Tested & Verified)
1. RemovePaywalls.com
A clean, easy-to-use tool that removes paywalls from most major sites.
Features:
- Works via browser and mobile
- No login or extension required
- Also offers an iOS Shortcut and Chrome plugin
- Doesn’t store your data
Why it’s great:
It’s fast, privacy-focused, and regularly updated to handle new paywall structures.
2. smry.ai
A minimal and privacy-friendly site that bypasses paywalls and summarizes content with AI.
How it works:
Just add smry.ai/ before any article URL and hit enter. The site fetches and presents the full article, with an optional summary.
Best for:
People who want fast content access + quick insights via summary.
3. Bypass Paywalls Clean (Browser Extension)
A powerful browser extension for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, available on GitHub.
Features:
- Supports 100+ popular websites
- Regularly maintained by open-source contributors
- Advanced options like cookie clearing and Googlebot spoofing
Setup required:
You must manually install it from GitHub, as it’s not available in official extension stores.
4. Archive.today / Archive.is
A trusted internet archiving site that lets you view and save full-page snapshots of web content.
Why it works:
Archived pages bypass paywalls because they’re static captures without JS scripts or overlays.
Best use:
Reading older content or pages that no longer exist online.
5. Incoggo (System-Wide Paywall Blocker)
A new desktop app that acts as a system-wide smart proxy to remove ads, paywalls, and trackers.
Features:
- Works across browsers and apps
- Supports dynamic sites
- Ideal for students, writers, and researchers
Bonus:
It doesn’t rely on browser plugins—so it works in Slack, Notion, and anywhere else.
6. Self-Hosted Options: Ladder & 13ft
For advanced users, tools like Ladder or 13ft let you host your own paywall bypass system on a server.
Why it’s powerful:
- Maximum privacy
- Fully customizable
- Immune to site shutdowns
Best for:
Developers or power users who want full control and long-term stability.
Quick Comparison Table
| Tool | Requires Install | Easy to Use | Mobile Support | Customizable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RemovePaywalls.com | No | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Everyday reading |
| smry.ai | No | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Fast summary & reading |
| Bypass Paywalls Clean | Yes (manual) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Frequent paywall bypassing |
| Archive.today | No | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Archived & deleted content |
| Incoggo | Yes | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Full-device ad/paywall blocking |
| Ladder/13ft (self-hosted) | Yes | ❌ (advanced) | ❌ | ✅✅✅ | Privacy, performance, developers |
Tips for Using Paywall Bypass Tools Responsibly
- Always use these tools for personal and educational use only
- Don’t redistribute or republish paid content
- Support creators and publishers when possible by subscribing
- Avoid using these on sensitive, legal, or government-related content
Why You Might Want a 12ft.io Alternative
- 12ft.io is down indefinitely
- Some sites have evolved with tighter paywall scripts
- Other tools offer more customization, security, and AI assistance
- You need something that works across multiple platforms (desktop, mobile, cloud)
Final Thoughts
Although 12ft.io is no longer available, you’re not out of options. From browser extensions to smart proxies and AI-enhanced readers, the modern alternatives offer more than just a workaround—they provide better experiences.
Pick the tool that matches your needs and comfort level. And if you’re tech-savvy, hosting your own Ladder instance gives you the ultimate power and privacy.
FAQs
1. Why was 12ft.io shut down?
It was legally challenged by news publishers and taken offline due to copyright concerns.
2. Which is the easiest 12ft.io alternative?
RemovePaywalls.com and smry.ai—just paste the link and go.
3. Are browser extensions safe for bypassing paywalls?
Yes, if downloaded from trusted sources like GitHub (e.g., Bypass Paywalls Clean). Always review permissions.
4. Can I use these tools on mobile?
Yes. Tools like smry.ai, removePaywalls, and archive.today work well on mobile browsers.
5. Are paywall bypass tools legal?
It depends on local laws and how you use them. For personal use, these tools often operate in a legal gray area. Redistribution is not allowed.