Comparison of RSS reader alternatives to Google Reader
Comparison of various RSS reader alternatives to Google Reader, including information on hosting, open source status, pricing plans, and prominent features of each platform. This spreadsheet allows users to easily compare different RSS reader options based on key criteria to make an informed decision on which platform best suits their needs.
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A total of 22 RSS reader alternatives to Google Reader are compared based on various features, pricing, and support options.
Starting with general information, AOL Reader, BazQux, CommaFeed, and others are all hosted services, while options like Feed Wrangler, Feedbin, and Tiny Tiny RSS offer self-hosted solutions. Notably, Feed Wrangler and Feedbin are among the few that provide open-source options, with the latter also offering a yearly plan priced at $12 for the hosted version, while the open-source version remains free. In contrast, services like Digg Reader and Feedly do not offer a free plan, though Feedly has a free version with limited features and a pro plan for additional functionalities.
When it comes to pricing, several services present different models. For instance, Digg Reader charges $2 monthly, while Feedbin has a one-time fee of $9.99, which can increase to $19.99 for additional features. On the other hand, services like G2Reader and InoReader provide free access, though G2Reader has not allowed new registrations since mid-2013. Monthly plans vary widely, with some services like Feed Wrangler offering a unique model that charges $0.0001 per feed update.
Prominent features across these RSS readers include the ability to sync starred items, which is supported by most services except for BazQux and Fever. Full-text searchability is another feature, with some services like Feedly offering this only through their pro plan. Most readers allow users to organize feeds into tags or folders, with options like Feedly and Newsblur providing advanced organizational tools. Filtering capabilities vary, with some services offering limited filtering while others, like Newsblur, promise advanced options soon.
Import and export functionalities are also crucial for users transitioning from Google Reader. Direct migration from Google Reader is supported by several services, including CommaFeed and Newsblur, but not by Digg Reader or Feed Wrangler. OPML import and export are widely available, with most services supporting OPML import, while OPML export is still in development for some, like Reader.is.
In terms of app support, all services provide a web app, but mobile web views vary, with only a few like Feedly and Feed Wrangler offering fully responsive designs. Support for various operating systems is inconsistent; for instance, Windows and Mac support is planned for some services, while others like Flipboard do not have dedicated apps for these platforms. Android support is more prevalent, with services like Feedly and Newsblur offering universal compatibility.
Third-party app support is another area where these services differ. Meneré, for example, works with services that use Fever-compatible APIs, while ReadKit offers support for several options as well. Liferea is waiting for API access, indicating that integration with third-party applications is still a developing feature for many readers.