Best RSS Readers in 2025 (Free + Paid): Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Web
Compare the best RSS readers in 2025—free and paid—for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Web, with features, pricing, and top picks.
By Felix | 2025-07-20
Best RSS Readers in 2025: Free and Paid Options Compared
Looking for the best RSS reader to tame your feeds? This guide summarizes widely used web, desktop, and mobile RSS feed readers and their notable features—free options, open‑source, power‑user tools, privacy, and podcast support.
Notable options at a glance
- Ivyreader — fast, nested folders, web + podcasts
- Inoreader — rules, filters, search at scale
- NetNewsWire (macOS/iOS) — free, open source, native
- Reeder (macOS/iOS) — premium UI, multi‑service sync
- Miniflux / FreshRSS — self‑hosted, open‑source
- Feeder for Android — offline + Material UI
- Feedly — AI‑assisted monitoring
Comparison table
| Reader | Free plan | Pricing info | Platforms | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivyreader | Yes | Free + paid | Web | Nested folders, fast UI, podcasts, collections |
| Feedly | Limited | Paid plans | Web, iOS, Android | AI filters, monitoring |
| Inoreader | Yes | Free + paid | Web, iOS, Android | Rules, filters, search, high limits |
| NetNewsWire | Free | Free | macOS, iOS | Native, open source |
| Reeder | Paid | Paid app | macOS, iOS | Premium design, multi‑service sync |
| Miniflux | Free | Self‑host | Web (self‑host) | Lightweight, privacy‑first |
| FreshRSS | Free | Self‑host | Web (self‑host) | Extensible, community plugins |
| NewsBlur | Limited | Paid plans | Web, iOS, Android | Training, social features |
| Feeder (Android) | Yes | Free + paid | Android | Offline, Material UI |
| Fluent Reader | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS (community) | Electron app, clean UI |
What is an RSS reader?
An RSS reader (also called an RSS feed reader or news reader) lets you subscribe to websites via RSS/Atom, read updates in one place, and import/export feeds with OPML. If you’re switching tools, most readers support OPML import in settings.
Web-Based RSS Readers
Ivyreader
Ivyreader is a modern RSS reader focused on speed and organization, with nested folders and multiple view options. Beyond traditional RSS, it has a dedicated section for managing and listening to podcasts. If you’re looking for quality sources, browse The Feed Collections to import curated lists or share your own.
Feedly
One of the most popular RSS readers, Feedly offers a polished experience with AI‑powered features. It also has integrated threat and market intelligence features. Feedly has been around for over a decade and built a large user base, especially after Google Reader shut down. Its AI can categorize articles and identify trending topics, though some users find these features overwhelming.
Inoreader
A power‑user favorite with extensive features and customization options. It supports following thousands of feeds and offers strong automation and filters. Inoreader can handle large libraries without slowing down, making it popular among journalists and researchers. The search functionality is particularly strong, letting you find articles across all your feeds quickly. Recent price increases have pushed some users to look for alternatives, but it remains one of the most feature‑complete readers.
The Old Reader
A simple, no‑frills reader that focuses on the basics. The Old Reader was created as a spiritual successor to Google Reader, maintaining the clean, straightforward interface many users loved. It doesn’t try to reinvent RSS reading with fancy features or AI. Instead, it does the fundamentals well: collecting articles, organizing them in folders, and presenting them in a readable format.
Feeder.co
Feeder is a modern web-based RSS reader with a focus on simplicity and speed. The interface feels contemporary while keeping RSS reading straightforward. The service is relatively new compared to established players like Feedly, but it offers a fresh take on RSS reading without unnecessary complexity.
NewsBlur
NewsBlur combines traditional RSS reading with training and light social features. You can “train” it to show more of what you like and less of what you don’t, which some readers find useful for news discovery.
Mobile RSS Readers
NetNewsWire (iOS/Mac)
A free, open‑source reader that’s perfect for Apple users. NetNewsWire has been around for years and represents what many consider the gold standard for RSS reading on Apple platforms. It syncs across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, giving you a consistent experience across devices. The app is free with no ads or tracking. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of commercial readers, it excels at the core RSS reading experience with a clean, native interface.
Reeder (iOS/Mac)
A premium reader known for its beautiful design. Reeder has earned a loyal following for its attention to detail and smooth user experience. It supports gesture‑based navigation that makes reading feel natural and efficient. It can sync with various RSS services, so you’re not locked into a particular backend. The design is consistently praised as one of the best in the space.
Feeder (Android)
A solid Android‑only RSS reader. Feeder follows Material Design principles and feels like a native Android app. It offers both free and premium tiers, and handles offline reading well—useful when commuting or traveling. While it doesn’t sync with other platforms, it’s a good choice if you primarily read RSS on Android.
Desktop RSS Readers (Windows/macOS/Linux)
Fluent Reader (Windows/macOS)
Fluent Reader is a clean, fast desktop app that works great on Windows and has a community build for macOS. It supports OPML import/export and offers a modern, distraction‑free UI.
RSS Guard (Windows/macOS/Linux)
RSS Guard is a cross‑platform, open‑source reader with extensive service integrations and customization. It’s powerful but can feel heavy compared to simpler readers.
Thunderbird (Windows/macOS/Linux)
Mozilla’s Thunderbird includes built‑in RSS support. It’s ideal if you already use it for email and want a single, unified app for both.
ViennaRSS (macOS)
Vienna is a long‑standing, open‑source reader for macOS. It offers a traditional feed list + article pane UI and a familiar, straightforward experience.
Open‑source and self‑hosted readers
If you want full control or prioritize privacy, self‑hosted readers are a great option.
Miniflux
Minimal, fast, and privacy‑first. Miniflux uses a lightweight PostgreSQL backend and has strong readability extraction. It’s ideal if you want a set‑and‑forget server.
FreshRSS
Feature‑rich and extensible with a vibrant community. FreshRSS supports multiple users and plugins, making it ideal for tinkerers.
Tiny Tiny RSS (TT‑RSS)
Highly customizable and battle‑tested. TT‑RSS has been around for years and offers granular control, though setup takes more effort.
What to consider when choosing an RSS reader
When comparing readers, look at:
- OPML import/export support
- Sync speed and reliability across devices
- Filters, rules, and search capabilities
- Offline reading and mobile UX
- Discovery tools and podcast support (if needed)
- Privacy controls and data handling
- Pricing and plan limits
Who this guide is for
- Beginners who want an easy start
- Power users who need automation and search
- Self‑hosters who value privacy and control
- Mobile‑first readers who need offline and great UX
Free RSS reader options
For Apple users, NetNewsWire is a well‑known free, open‑source choice. On Android, Feeder is a solid free option with offline support. For the web, Inoreader and Feedly have free tiers.
Open‑source/self‑hosted options
Miniflux and FreshRSS are widely used. Choose Miniflux for simplicity and speed; choose FreshRSS for features and plugins. TT‑RSS is an alternative for heavy customization.
Android options
Feeder is a popular Android‑only app with offline reading and a native feel. Inoreader and Feedly also have Android apps if you want cross‑platform sync.
iOS/Mac options
NetNewsWire is a popular free pick. Reeder is a paid app with a refined design and multi‑service sync. Both support OPML and share sheets.
Windows options
Fluent Reader is a clean Windows desktop app with OPML support. If you prefer an email‑style layout, Thunderbird is a longstanding alternative with built‑in RSS.
Podcast‑friendly options
If podcasts are part of your reading diet, Ivyreader includes a dedicated podcast section alongside your feeds, so you can manage both in one place.
FAQs
Is there a good free RSS reader?
Yes. NetNewsWire (macOS/iOS), Feeder (Android), and FreshRSS/Miniflux (self‑hosted) are excellent free options.
Is RSS still used in 2025?
Yes—especially by researchers, journalists, and anyone who wants a privacy‑friendly alternative to algorithmic feeds.
What’s the difference between an RSS reader and a feed reader?
They’re the same thing. You may also see “news reader” or the term “rssreader.”
How do I import my feeds (OPML)?
Most readers support OPML import/export in settings. Export from your old app, then import the .opml file into your new reader.
The Bottom Line
The best RSS reader is the one you’ll actually use. Most of these options are solid choices—it really comes down to your needs and preferences. Don’t be afraid to try a few until you find what works for you.
If you want to give RSS a try, start with Ivyreader. But any of these readers will help you take control of your information diet and escape algorithm‑driven feeds.
The important thing is to get started. RSS has been around for over 25 years because it works—it’s just a matter of finding the right reader for you.