You’ve likely opened a dozen tabs just today, some for reading, others for writing or comparing notes.
What if you could keep everything in view, work without switching context, and tap into multiple AI models from one sidebar?
Sider promises just that: one tool to search, read, and write more efficiently.
This review walks you through what Sider does really well, and where it still leaves room for improvement.
I’ll test it with real tasks, including summarizing long content, comparing results from different models (GPT-4, Claude, Gemini & more), checking speed, and examining pricing and privacy. If you’re trying to decide whether Sider fits your workflow, not just hype, this is the place to start.
What is Sider?
Sider is a browser extension that places an AI assistant directly into your sidebar. It was listed as one of Chrome’s Favorite Extensions of 2023, which gave it visibility among productivity tools.
Instead of switching between different tabs or websites, you can open Sider alongside any page and run tasks instantly.
It supports a wide range of models, including GPT-4, Claude 3.5, Gemini 1.5 Pro, and o1-preview, giving you the flexibility to test answers across various systems.
Beyond chatting, Sider helps with reading and summarizing webpages, PDFs, and YouTube videos. It also includes quick writing features such as text generation and document editing inside the sidebar.
The goal is simple: reduce context switching and keep your workflow inside one window.
Ready to streamline your workflow? Try Sider today and see how much faster you can read, write, and research without leaving your browser.
Key Features at a Glance
- Multi-model access – switch between GPT-4o, Claude 3.5, Gemini 1.5 Pro, and o1-preview in the same sidebar.
- Page and file summaries – condense articles, PDFs, and YouTube videos into short notes without leaving the tab.
- Writing and editing – generate drafts, rephrase text, or adjust tone directly in the sidebar.
- Chat with files and images – upload a file or picture and ask questions about its content.
- Cross-platform use – available for Chrome, Edge, Safari, and mobile apps.
These features aim to reduce constant tab-switching and keep everyday tasks, reading, writing, and checking references, in one place.
Pricing & Plans
Sider offers three main subscription plans, designed to fit different user needs and workflows.
- The Monthly plan costs $10 per month and gives access to the core features for everyday tasks. It’s ideal for casual users who want to try out the sidebar without a big commitment.
- The Plus plan is $40 per month, unlocking higher usage limits and access to advanced AI models for more intensive workflows. This tier is suitable for professionals who rely on multiple models for research, writing, or summarization.
- For users who need the maximum capacity, the Ultra plan costs $200 per month, offering unlimited access and priority features. It’s built for teams or power users who want to run frequent, large-scale AI tasks.
If you choose to pay yearly, you’ll get a good discount on each plan, making long-term use more cost-effective.
With these options, Sider allows users to pick a plan that fits their workload, whether it’s occasional research or full-time productivity.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Sider.ai
Privacy & Security: What You Need to Know
Sider AI, developed by Vidline Inc., is a powerful browser extension that integrates multiple AI models like GPT-5, Claude, and Gemini directly into your workflow. While it offers advanced features, it’s essential to understand how your data is handled when using Sider.
Data Collection Practices
According to Sider’s Privacy Policy, the platform collects various types of information, including:
- Personal Information: Such as your name, email address, and other registration details when you create an account.
- Usage Information: Details about how you interact with the service, including features accessed, content viewed, and actions taken within the platform.
- Device Information: Data about your device, browser type, IP address, and operating system.
This information is used to improve the service, personalize your experience, and communicate with you.
Data Sharing and Third-Party Integrations
It shares certain data with third-party services, including analytics providers and advertising partners. This may involve sharing usage data and device information to enhance service functionality and deliver targeted advertising. It’s important to note that this data sharing could lead to cross-site tracking and profiling, as highlighted in a study by UCL and other institutions (University College London).
Security Measures
This AI implements several security protocols to protect user data:
- Encryption: Data transmitted between your device and Sider’s servers is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
- Compliance: Sider adheres to industry standards and regulations, including GDPR, to ensure user data is handled responsibly (Nudge Security).
- Access Controls: Strict access controls are in place to limit who can view or modify your data within Sider’s systems.
Privacy Concerns
Despite these measures, it’s crucial to be aware of potential privacy risks:
- Sensitive Data Exposure: As a browser extension, Sider has access to the content of the web pages you visit. This means it could potentially access sensitive information, such as personal details entered into forms (University College London).
- Data Retention: While Sider’s privacy policy outlines data retention practices, it’s advisable to review these details to understand how long your data is stored and how it’s used.
- Third-Party Access: The sharing of data with third parties for analytics and advertising purposes could lead to unintended exposure of your information.
Recommendations for Users
To enhance your privacy while using this tool:
- Review Permissions: Regularly check and adjust the permissions granted to the Sider extension in your browser settings.
- Use Incognito Mode: Consider using Sider in your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode to limit data collection.
- Limit Sensitive Activities: Avoid entering sensitive personal information, such as passwords or financial details, while using Sider.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates to Sider’s privacy policy and terms of service to stay informed about any changes in data handling practices.
Final Verdict
This AI stands out as a comprehensive browser extension that seamlessly integrates multiple advanced AI models into your workflow.
Its ability to assist with tasks like summarization, translation, and content creation directly within the browser makes it a valuable tool for professionals and students alike.
While it offers a free plan, the premium tiers unlock enhanced features and capabilities, providing even greater value for power users.
Considering its versatility and performance, Sider AI is a commendable choice for those seeking an all-in-one AI assistant.
Sider FAQs
- What AI models does Sider support?Sider integrates several advanced AI models, including GPT-5, Claude 4, Gemini 2.5, and Grok 4, offering users a diverse range of capabilities for various tasks.
- Is there a free version of Sider?Yes, Sider offers a free plan that provides access to basic features. However, the premium plans unlock additional functionalities and higher usage limits.
- Can I use Sider on mobile devices?Absolutely. Sider is available as a mobile app, allowing users to access its features on the go.
- How does Sider compare to other AI assistants?Sider distinguishes itself by offering a sidebar interface that integrates multiple AI models, providing users with a versatile tool for various tasks.
- Are there any alternatives to Sider?Yes, there are several alternatives to Sider, including Notion AI, MaxAI, and Monica. Each offers unique features and capabilities, so users should consider their specific needs when choosing an AI assistant.
