The landscape of RSS feed readers continues to shift, and the most recent jolt comes from the news that Feedly is losing support for its integration with Google-backed services. This change is concerning for users who rely on Feedly’s seamless syncing with tools like Google News and Google Alerts. While Feedly remains a powerful content aggregation tool, this development has many wondering: what’s next for RSS-based news consumption?
Whether you’re a long-time RSS enthusiast or just exploring ways to escape algorithmic social media feeds, now is the perfect time to explore alternative RSS readers that offer innovative features and robust integrations. Below, we outline some of the top Feedly alternatives worth considering today.
Why People Are Moving Away from Feedly
Feedly’s decision to pull back from Google support stems from API changes and a refocus on its enterprise offerings like Feedly for Teams. This results in reduced functionality for individual users, especially those who used Feedly for light personal reading or research.
This shift highlights a broader industry trend: many RSS readers now target professionals, enterprises, or power users. For the ever-growing community of independent learners and casual readers, this creates a need to find platforms that prioritize accessibility, versatility, and simplicity.
Top RSS Reader Alternatives to Try Now
If you’re considering a move, here are our top picks for RSS feed readers that offer a mix of powerful customization and user-friendly interfaces:
1. Inoreader
- Platform: Web, iOS, Android
- Best for: Users who want both power and elegance in their RSS feed management.
- Key Features:
- Filtering rules and automation
- Full article text extraction
- Evernote, OneNote, and Pocket integration
Inoreader stands out with its deep customization options and fast syncing. Its free version offers a lot, while the paid version caters well to information professionals.
2. NewsBlur
- Platform: Web, iOS, Android
- Best for: Open-source fans and tech-savvy users.
- Key Features:
- Story training and filtering
- Supports self-hosting
- Social sharing via Blurblogs
NewsBlur remains one of the few options offering a genuinely free-tier experience with robust capabilities. Great for users who like tweaking and building custom solutions.
3. The Old Reader
- Platform: Web, limited mobile options
- Best for: Social feed reading with friends
- Key Features:
- Familiar user interface for RSS veterans
- Friend-following and sharing options
- Simple, community-driven model
This reader feels like a blast from the past—in the best way. Its tight-knit community lets you explore what others are reading and sharing, creating a collaborative feel often missing from modern platforms.
4. NetNewsWire
- Platform: macOS, iOS
- Best for: Apple users who crave speed and simplicity.
- Key Features:
- Open-source and lightweight
- Fast syncing with iCloud or Feedbin
- Clean, ad-free reading experience
NetNewsWire is an elegant and quick RSS reader that’s perfect for staying focused and distraction-free. Ideal for users within the Apple ecosystem who prioritize a local, ad-free experience over cloud syncing features.
Other Honorable Mentions
- Feeder: Clean and simple, great for tracking niche blogs and updates.
- Reeder (macOS/iOS): A beautifully designed app that pairs well with multiple services like Feedbin and Instapaper.
- FreshRSS: A self-hosted solution for those comfortable setting up their own environment.
What to Look for in an RSS Reader
Before making your final pick, consider the following:
- Customizability: Can you filter content based on your preferences?
- Cross-platform support: Is it available on your devices?
- Integration options: Does it work with your favorite tools and services?
- Offline reading: Can you save content for when you’re disconnected?
The Future of RSS Is Still Bright
Despite setbacks like Feedly’s changing course, RSS remains one of the best tools for controlling your own media diet. In a world filled with noise, RSS helps you stay informed in a focused, ad-free environment curated entirely by your own choices.
As you explore new options, remember that the beauty of RSS lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you migrate to a powerful tool like Inoreader or a minimalist app like NetNewsWire, there’s an ideal reader out there waiting to fit your needs.
In the end, the Feedly shake-up may be just the prompt you need to rethink how you consume information—and take better control of it.
