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About Modern for Hacker News
What is Modern for Hacker News?
Modern for Hacker News is a free browser extension for Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge that replaces the classic Hacker News interface with a beautiful, clean, modern design. It enhances your browsing experience by adding customizable themes, fonts, layouts, and navigation tools — all while preserving existing HN features and functionality.
Who is it for?
This tool is built for daily Hacker News readers, tech enthusiasts, developers, and startup founders who want a more polished, efficient reading experience. It is NOT for users on mobile browsers (it works on desktop or laptop only) or those who prefer the original HN layout exactly as-is.
Real use cases
Power users can switch between list and table views, customize columns, use inline replies, and quickly jump back to previously viewed stories via the History feature. For deeper engagement, the optional Pro upgrade ($10 one-time) adds bookmarks, new reply badges, text highlighting, user popups, a date picker, and keyboard shortcuts — all stored privately in your browser.
Whether you are researching tech trends, following discussions, or managing your HN contributions, Modern makes the experience faster and more enjoyable.
Key features
- Themes — Choose from light, classic HN, slate, dark, or black themes to match your preference.
- Fonts & Styles — Switch between sans and serif fonts, adjust font size, column width, line height, or justify text.
- History — Quickly jump back to stories you have previously viewed without losing your place.
- Index & Layout — Toggle between list and table views, and customize which columns are shown.
- Comments Improvements — Reply inline directly from the comment thread, plus many other comment enhancements.
- Profiles Upgrade — See redesigned user profiles with tabs and clickable links.
- One-click revert — Switch back to the original Hacker News design at any time.
SaaSpartout Score
6.6
/10
Editorial score from our review methodology — not user ratings.
Modern for Hacker News Pricing
Modern for Hacker News pricing: Free, with Pro upgrade from $10 one-time. Billing model: Freemium.
Free version
Permanent free access to all core features: themes (light, classic HN, slate, dark, black), font customization, history, index/layout switching, inline replies, redesigned profiles, and one-click revert to original HN. No time limit.
Pro upgrade ($10 one-time)
Unlocks bookmarks, new reply badges, text highlighter, user popups (showing account age, karma, about), selection popup (reply quoting, copy, TTS, search), intelligent comment navigation via Control Pad, date picker to view past front pages, and backup/restore to JSON.
Free version is always free. No subscription required.
Frequently asked questions
Is Modern for Hacker News free?
Yes. The core extension with all themes, font options, history, and layout changes is completely free and always will be. There is an optional one-time Pro upgrade for $10.
How much does Modern for Hacker News cost?
The free version costs nothing. The Pro upgrade is a one-time payment of $10, unlocking bookmarks, new reply badges, highlighting, user popups, a date picker, and more.
What browsers does Modern for Hacker News support?
It works on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge (desktop/laptop only). It does not work on mobile browsers.
Who is Modern for Hacker News best for?
It is ideal for frequent Hacker News readers and contributors who want a cleaner, more customizable interface. It is not designed for mobile users or those who prefer the unchanged original HN layout.
Can I switch back to the original Hacker News design?
Yes. You can revert to the classic Hacker News interface with one click at any time.
How does Modern for Hacker News handle my data?
All data, including bookmarks and settings, is stored privately within your browser. You can export or import your data as a JSON file. No external accounts or servers are used.
