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These websites let you browse Reddit at work while looking productive

Reddit has become a popular site to kill time at work, and these reskinned versions allow you to browse Reddit discreetly while maintaining a professional appearance.

reddit banner kt
Image: KnowTechie
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Editor’s Note 11/25/2024: Since this article was originally published, significant changes to Reddit’s API policy have occurred. These changes have affected numerous third-party applications and services that interact with Reddit, including some of the tools mentioned in this article. We have updated and removed the services that are no longer operational.

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that Reddit is a great site to kill some hours on.

It’s fairly recognizable though, so you wouldn’t want your boss to see that you’re browsing it. We found some reskinned versions so you can browse Reddit at work while looking productive.

I can completely understand the draw to Reddit, after all, I’m browsing it right now instead of finishing this post off.

No really, because these new reskinned versions are just too good. We found multiple options, and you’ll be able to find one that will work on your work desktop without looking out of place.

From email clients to command prompts, we’ve got you covered if you want to slack off and browse Reddit for an hour while your boss thinks you’re being productive.

Here are some alternative websites that allow you to browse Reddit at work while maintaining a professional appearance:

Outlook dark mode interface with email options.

One-loop: This site is a recommended alternative that disguises Reddit to look like Microsoft Outlook, helping you blend in while browsing at work Reddit

msoutlookit.com: There’s a GitHub project that offers a similar functionality by reskinning Reddit to appear like Microsoft Outlook, which you might find useful.

Reddit Shell turns Reddit into a text-only deal, hidden in plain sight. The site gives you all the text-command commands you’ll need to navigate around.

So-Reddit: This one is aimed more at developers, but So-Reddit disguises itself as a Stack Overflow screen. It’s a really clever way to blend in.

We’ve compiled a list of a few different options for you. Whether you prefer the classic look of Outlook or you are a programmer, there’s a solution for you.

These options can help you browse Reddit discreetly in a work environment. Make sure to comply with your workplace’s internet usage policies.

MSOutlookit

MSOutlookKit 2013 UI screenshot with email list.

This fantastic project makes Reddit look like the venerable Microsoft Office 2013.

That’s likely the mail client your boss set up on your computer anyway, so nobody is going to look twice if you have this up on your screen.

Well, unless they ask you to draft an email, or have the vision of an eagle. Inbox folders represent the main subreddits, and all posts appear as emails.

Clicking on any of those gives you all of the replies inside the email body, where the body would show up on the normal Outlook client. Genius.

There’s also Worddit, which reskins Reddit to look like an MSWord document, but something is currently broken so it won’t load the content.

Reddit Shell

reddit clone
Screenshot: Reddit Shell

More at home in a command-line interface?

Reddit Shell turns Reddit into a text-only deal, hidden in plain sight. The site gives you all the text-command commands you’ll need to navigate around.

You’ll see the post headline as you scroll, but you can drill down into the comments section with a little bit of typing in commands.

You can even handle votes or replies, all through the barebones interface.

SO-Reddit

browse reddit at work
Screenshot: SO-Reddit

We all know developers spend long hours pouring over Stack Overflow. Those same developers also love funny videos, mechanical keyboards, and all the other things Reddit offers.

This site combines the two, reskinning Reddit to look like Stack Overflow, so your boss will never quite know what you’re researching.

It even has actual links from Stack Overflow, Stack Exchange, and more in the sidebar, so you always have a one-click get-out clause. Nice.\

Now, we’re not saying you should spend all your time browsing Reddit at work.

What we are saying is that if you have a boss who likes to read over your shoulder, you shouldn’t make it too easy for them.

These websites are a fun way to hide your Reddit tab so you can browse on your off-hours.

Did you have a favorite among these options or a different way to sneak in some Reddit time at work? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. TRIANGL Team

    December 12, 2023 at 1:29 pm

    And now there’s REXL | reddit for excel, too!

    https://triangl.io/products/rexl-reddit-for-excel

  2. Tim Scurgeon

    November 18, 2024 at 1:36 pm

    All of these services are defunct now that reddit changed their API policy. This article is now useless.

    • Kevin Raposo

      November 24, 2024 at 11:34 pm

      Yeesh, thanks for the heads up. You also forgot to point out that the last one on this list links out to a parked casino domain now. Double Whammy. Thanks for the feedback! (this is the one you gave me

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