Best Free Rss Reader Mac
RSS readers enable you to directly follow people and sites without the clutter of social media and slowness of some websites. While not all of the readers below are free, we feel these are the best ones for you to use on your Mac. The best RSS feed readers in the market for helping you take a hold of your RSS subscriptions and begin enjoying the content you collect, rather than fight through it day after day. For people that love to indulge in blog posts, news articles, and much more, an RSS feed reader is the perfect way to organize it all.
As is the case with many tools out there, I prefer a desktop RSS reader over an online solution. Sure, online services such as Feedly have advantages. You can access them for instance from any Internet capable device and they require less space than local solution.
RSS Ticker For Google Reader not only presents RSS news feeds and syncs with a Google Reader account, but it has a rather nice ticker that constantly scrolls feeds across the title bar in the chosen space, much like a rolling news channel.
On the downside, you depend on the service. If it goes down, has a bug or decides to become paid only, you may not be able to access the service for the time being or ever again.
Desktop RSS readers work similar to mail clients. You add one or multiple feeds to them and whenever you start them, see which sites have published new posts.
These information are stored in a local database so that you can access past records even without Internet connection. In addition, using a local client may be faster than using an online service and you are always in control of the data.
We start with the requirements that all RSS readers need to match first.
Requirements
- A free version needs to be available.
- The program has to be compatible with all recent 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.
- The main feature of the program needs to be RSS reading.
Top RSS Readers
All readers listed below support the following set of features: import OPML files and notifications.
FeedDemon
FeedDemon is a long standing client for Windows. You can import an OPML file on start into the client or add individual RSS feeds manually to it. All feeds can be sorted into folders or tagged to improve the manageability of feeds.
Unlike other programs of its kind, FeedDemon embeds the contents in its interface which seems to take a bit longer and may pose more security risks than delivering a custom version of the page that is only displaying contents.
Tiff reader for mac. Powerful filters can be created which list items based on keywords being included or not included in articles. It is possible to add one or multiple keywords and define exactly where FeedDemon should search for those keywords.
Feedreader
Feedreader has been one of the first desktop feed readers dating back as early as 2001. The program allows you to import an OPML feed or add individual feeds to it instead.
All feeds can be sorted into folders and tagged individually. Feedreader displays notifications automatically when new items are discovered and these items can be read directly in the program interface or in an external browser.
FTP server or local file synchronization is supported by the application. It ships with a small amount of other features of interest, for instance its enclosure browser which can be used to browse media directly embedded in feeds or the option to preload feeds.
Overall though, its features are straightforward.
GreatNews
The program seems to have been abandoned by its author. While that appears to be the case, it is working fine at the time of writing.
It displays the feed listing on the left and the actual contents on the right. Here you can select from different styles that define how contents are displayed on the screen.
The program lacks options to display individual feeds in a compact manner on the screen. The closest style available is called brief but it displays entries in two columns instead of just one.
Omea Reader
The light version of Omea Pro supports most of the features that you expect from a reader. It can import one or multiple OPML files, offers customizations to display news the way you want, and ships with a powerful search and filter engine as well.
On top of that, it can be used to browse bookmarked web pages, subscribe to newsgroups or manage podcasts that you are subscribed to.
Another interesting feature is the ability to create clippings that the program stores for you and a note taking module to take notes of your own in the program.
QuiteRSS
QuiteRSS is a full blown RSS reader for Windows that is in active development. The program ships with all the bells and whistles you'd except it to. You can import individual feeds or OPML files, define how and when feeds are updated, use filters or notifications, and customize how contents are displayed to you.
What makes QuiteRSS attractive is the impressive set of features that it offers and the fact that it works fine out of the box. While you can customize the program to your liking, for instance by configuring it to automatically clean the database and old entries on exit or modifying font styles, it is not mandatory to do so.
Many users will however appreciate that options are provided to do so.
RSS Bandit
RSSBandit development seems to have stopped in 2013 and while most program features work as advertised, some show the age of time. There is for instance still an option to synchronize feeds with Google Reader, Google's online service that the company retired in mid 2013.
The functionality that RSSBandit provides is for the most part quite good. You can import individual feeds or OPML files into the program, customize how contents are displayed in it, subscribe to newsgroups and make use of the top stories feature which tries to determine the most popular stories so that you can concentrate your attention on those.
You will notice however that the internal browser is not the fastest, especially when you compare it to other programs listed on this page.
RSSOwl
RSSOwl requires the Java Runtime Environment so make sure it is installed on the system before you start the application. Feeds can be loaded using OPML files or individually into the program.
Best Free Rss Feed Reader Mac
The default layout displays folders and feeds in a sidebar on the left, the selected folder or feed on the right, and the selected post underneath it.
How things are displayed can be modified in the options. Here you can also use the password manager, a feature missing from other applications of its kind, to save login information for sites that require authentication.
Free Rss Feed Reader For Desktop
Other options provided are to configure the notifier in detail, define if an embedded or external browser should be used to display contents, and configure shortcut keys for fast access to program features.
Comparison table
Best Mac Rss Reader Free
| Program name | Cleanup | Filters | Customize | Search | Sync | Other |
| FeedDemon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | preload feeds |
| Feedreader | yes | no | no | yes | yes | preload feeds, media browser |
| GreatNews | yes | no | no | yes | no | |
| Omea Reader | no | yes | yes | yes | no | newsgroups, bookmarked web pages, podcast support, |
| QuiteRSS | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | |
| RSSBandit | no | no | yes | yes | yes | newsgroups, top stories finder |
| RSSOwl | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | requires Java, save searches |
Recommendation
The feed reader that I favor right now is QuiteRSS. It has been the main feed reader on my Windows system for quite a while. What I like about it is that it offers everything that I require. This includes a great interface that lets me browse feeds fast as well as excellent filter and search options.
It gets my vote but may be too barebones for some. If you require synchronization, you may want to pick another client supporting that for instance.
Now You: Have another favorite desktop client? Feel free to share it with everyone in the comment section below.
Best Free Rss Readers
AdvertisementThe Best Free RSS Reader for Mac OS X is NetNewsWire Sep 24, 2012 - 19 Comments OS X Mountain Lion may have removed the native ability to subscribe to RSS feeds from Safari in addition to the feed reader in Mail, but that doesn’t mean your RSS feed reading habits are toast on the Mac. NewsBar is somewhat bizarre amongst the Mac RSS readers since it demonstrates the news in a sidebar on your desktop screen which is redesigned continuously. There are many helpful elements, for example, single-tick to appear and read, or double tap to open the full story in the program. Google Reader Mac RSS feed reader provides us the comfort and flexibility to all the users.It is very simple and usable. It can be termed as a comprehensive web-based RSS feed reader. As the web trend is increasing RSS Feed is the best way to keep you updated to information of various fields without any need of web browser.
As is the case with many tools out there, I prefer a desktop RSS reader over an online solution. Sure, online services such as Feedly have advantages. You can access them for instance from any Internet capable device and they require less space than local solution.
On the downside, you depend on the service. If it goes down, has a bug or decides to become paid only, you may not be able to access the service for the time being or ever again.
Desktop RSS readers work similar to mail clients. You add one or multiple feeds to them and whenever you start them, see which sites have published new posts.
These information are stored in a local database so that you can access past records even without Internet connection. In addition, using a local client may be faster than using an online service and you are always in control of the data.
We start with the requirements that all RSS readers need to match first.
Requirements
- A free version needs to be available.
- The program has to be compatible with all recent 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.
- The main feature of the program needs to be RSS reading.
/top-free-online-rss-readers-3486649-A-v1-5b19834ea474be0038a312a3.PNG "Best Free Rss Reader Mac")
Top RSS Readers
All readers listed below support the following set of features: import OPML files and notifications.
FeedDemon
FeedDemon is a long standing client for Windows. You can import an OPML file on start into the client or add individual RSS feeds manually to it. All feeds can be sorted into folders or tagged to improve the manageability of feeds.
Unlike other programs of its kind, FeedDemon embeds the contents in its interface which seems to take a bit longer and may pose more security risks than delivering a custom version of the page that is only displaying contents.
Powerful filters can be created which list items based on keywords being included or not included in articles. It is possible to add one or multiple keywords and define exactly where FeedDemon should search for those keywords.
Feedreader
Feedreader has been one of the first desktop feed readers dating back as early as 2001. The program allows you to import an OPML feed or add individual feeds to it instead.
All feeds can be sorted into folders and tagged individually. Feedreader displays notifications automatically when new items are discovered and these items can be read directly in the program interface or in an external browser.
FTP server or local file synchronization is supported by the application. It ships with a small amount of other features of interest, for instance its enclosure browser which can be used to browse media directly embedded in feeds or the option to preload feeds.
Overall though, its features are straightforward.
GreatNews
The program seems to have been abandoned by its author. While that appears to be the case, it is working fine at the time of writing.
It displays the feed listing on the left and the actual contents on the right. Here you can select from different styles that define how contents are displayed on the screen.
The program lacks options to display individual feeds in a compact manner on the screen. The closest style available is called brief but it displays entries in two columns instead of just one.
Omea Reader
The light version of Omea Pro supports most of the features that you expect from a reader. It can import one or multiple OPML files, offers customizations to display news the way you want, and ships with a powerful search and filter engine as well.
On top of that, it can be used to browse bookmarked web pages, subscribe to newsgroups or manage podcasts that you are subscribed to.
Another interesting feature is the ability to create clippings that the program stores for you and a note taking module to take notes of your own in the program.
QuiteRSS
QuiteRSS is a full blown RSS reader for Windows that is in active development. The program ships with all the bells and whistles you'd except it to. You can import individual feeds or OPML files, define how and when feeds are updated, use filters or notifications, and customize how contents are displayed to you.
What makes QuiteRSS attractive is the impressive set of features that it offers and the fact that it works fine out of the box. While you can customize the program to your liking, for instance by configuring it to automatically clean the database and old entries on exit or modifying font styles, it is not mandatory to do so.
Many users will however appreciate that options are provided to do so.
RSS Bandit
RSSBandit development seems to have stopped in 2013 and while most program features work as advertised, some show the age of time. There is for instance still an option to synchronize feeds with Google Reader, Google's online service that the company retired in mid 2013.
The functionality that RSSBandit provides is for the most part quite good. You can import individual feeds or OPML files into the program, customize how contents are displayed in it, subscribe to newsgroups and make use of the top stories feature which tries to determine the most popular stories so that you can concentrate your attention on those.
You will notice however that the internal browser is not the fastest, especially when you compare it to other programs listed on this page.
RSSOwl
RSSOwl requires the Java Runtime Environment so make sure it is installed on the system before you start the application. Feeds can be loaded using OPML files or individually into the program.
The default layout displays folders and feeds in a sidebar on the left, the selected folder or feed on the right, and the selected post underneath it.
How things are displayed can be modified in the options. Here you can also use the password manager, a feature missing from other applications of its kind, to save login information for sites that require authentication.
Other options provided are to configure the notifier in detail, define if an embedded or external browser should be used to display contents, and configure shortcut keys for fast access to program features.
Comparison table
| Program name | Cleanup | Filters | Customize | Search | Sync | Other |
| FeedDemon | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | preload feeds |
| Feedreader | yes | no | no | yes | yes | preload feeds, media browser |
| GreatNews | yes | no | no | yes | no | |
| Omea Reader | no | yes | yes | yes | no | newsgroups, bookmarked web pages, podcast support, |
| QuiteRSS | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | |
| RSSBandit | no | no | yes | yes | yes | newsgroups, top stories finder |
| RSSOwl | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | requires Java, save searches |
Recommendation
The feed reader that I favor right now is QuiteRSS. It has been the main feed reader on my Windows system for quite a while. What I like about it is that it offers everything that I require. This includes a great interface that lets me browse feeds fast as well as excellent filter and search options.
It gets my vote but may be too barebones for some. If you require synchronization, you may want to pick another client supporting that for instance.
Now You: Have another favorite desktop client? Feel free to share it with everyone in the comment section below.
Online Rss Reader
If you love to read information from a variety of websites and blogs online, you can customize and streamline your entire reading experience with the help of a good online RSS reader. This saves you the time and energy of having to visit each site individually.
All you need to do is choose an RSS reader that best fits your style and use it to subscribe to the RSS feeds of the sites you love reading. The reader will automatically pull recently updated posts from those sites that you can read directly in the reader or optionally on the source website by clicking the post link provided.
Feedly
Free Rss Feed Reader Yahoo
What We Like
Free to use.
Feeds are shareable.
Variety of layouts available.
Offers feeds based on interest.
What We Don't Like
Many advanced features are not free.
Difficult to sort or organize feeds.
Requires third party account.
Feedly is probably the most popular reader in use today, offering a beautiful reading experience (with images) for more than just simple RSS subscriptions. You can also use it to keep up with your YouTube channel subscriptions, receive keyword alerts directly from Google Alerts, create collections to organize to make lengthy information easier to get through and even use it to access your company's private business portals.
NewsBlur
What We Like
Available for web and mobile.
Free plan available.
Affordable premium plan.
Quality user interface.
What We Don't Like
Free plan is limited to 64 sites.
Interface can get cluttered.
Complicated to customize.
NewsBlur is another popular RSS reader that aims to bring your articles from your favorite sites while maintaining the style of the original site. Easily organize your stories with categories and tags, hide stories you don't like and highlight stories you do like. You can also take a look at some of the third-party apps NewsBlur can be integrated with for even more versatility.
Inoreader
What We Like
Easy to use.
Effective search feature.
Available mobile apps.
Automate tagging and organizing.
What We Don't Like
Advanced features are not free.
Free version has ads.
If you're really stressed for time and need a reader that's built for scanning and consuming information quickly, Inoreader is worth checking out. The mobile apps are designed with visual appeal in mind, so you don't waste your time reading through too much text. You can also use Inoreader to track specific keywords, save web pages for later and even subscribe to specific social feeds.
The Old Reader
What We Like
Simple to use.
Straightforward interface.
Beautiful reader pane.
Integrated social sharing.
What We Don't Like
No mobile app.
Not as customizable as other apps.
Limited features.
The Old Reader is another great reader that has a slick and minimal look. It's free to use for up to 100 RSS feeds, and if you decide to connect your Facebook or Google account, you can see if any of your friends are using it too so you can follow them.
G2Reader
What We Like
Best Rss Feed Reader For Mac
Free to use.
Supports multiple languages.
Modern interface.
Includes sharing feature.
What We Don't Like
Rss Player For Windows 10
Mobile only available for Android.
Performance can be slow at times.
Free Rss Feed Reader Downloads
For those who love the minimal luck but also love visual content, G2Reader delivers. Like The Older Reader, you can connect your Facebook or Google account to sign up and start subscribing to feeds. And although there only seems to be an Android app at the moment, the web version is completely responsive so iOS users can get away with simply adding a shortcut to their home screens.
Feeder
What We Like
Mac Rss Reader
Recommends feeds by interest.
Easy to use.
Embedded browser.
Folder-based organization.
What We Don't Like
Best Rss Reader
Best Free Rss Reader Mac
Free version includes ads.
Free version only updates every 2 hours.
Limited features.
Mac Rss Feed
Rss Feed Mac
Feeder is an RSS reader that has been praised for its easy reading experience. It also comes in the form of a Google Chrome extension and a Safari extension so you can subscribe and access feeds directly while you're browsing the web. It's also enhanced for mobile with a dedicated iOS app and a responsive web version for Android or Windows Phone users.