Top Google Reader Alternatives for Staying Informed
Google Reader was once the go-to Web-based aggregator, allowing users to effortlessly read Atom and RSS feeds online or offline. Its shutdown in 2013 left a significant void for many who relied on it for their daily news consumption. Fortunately, the market quickly responded with a plethora of excellent Google Reader alternative options, offering even more robust features and diverse platforms. If you're still looking for a new home for your RSS feeds, you've come to the right place.
Best Google Reader Alternatives
Whether you're a casual news reader or a power user with hundreds of subscriptions, there's a Google Reader alternative out there perfectly suited to your needs. From sleek, modern interfaces to highly customizable open-source solutions, these services are designed to keep you informed and organized.
Feedly
Feedly is a highly popular Google Reader alternative known for its intuitive interface and ability to organize, read, and share content from your favorite sites. It seamlessly weaves content from RSS feeds into a fun reading experience. Available on Freemium and paid tiers, Feedly supports Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, iPad, Chrome, Safari, Kindle Fire, and Firefox. Key features include import from Google Reader, custom feeds, export to OPML, Web-Based access, a robust Feed Reader, and integrations with Google Drive, IFTTT, and social media.
Inoreader
Inoreader is a powerful Google Reader alternative that allows you to discover, share, and read the best content on the web, with content delivered the minute it's available. It supports RSS Feeds, Blogs, Podcasts, and even Twitter. Offering Freemium and paid options, Inoreader is available on Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, Chrome, Safari, Kindle Fire, Opera, and Firefox. Notable features include content filtering, data analytics, import from Google Reader, IFTTT integration, sync across devices, a Web-Based interface, and a built-in commenting system.
The Old Reader
True to its name, The Old Reader aims to recreate the classic Google Reader experience as a web-based RSS reader. It's a great Google Reader alternative for those who miss the simplicity and design of the original. Available on Freemium and paid tiers, it's accessible via Web and Chrome, functioning as a Software as a Service (SaaS). Its core features include the ability to import from Google Reader and import feeds from OPML, making the transition seamless.
Tiny Tiny RSS
Tiny Tiny RSS is an excellent open-source Google Reader alternative for users who prefer self-hosting and maximum control over their data. This web-based news feed aggregator is designed to feel as close to a real desktop application as possible. It is available as Freemium and paid options, and can be self-hosted on Linux, through Software as a Service (SaaS), or Cloudron. Key features include self-hosting in intranet or private cloud, integrated search, ad-free experience, a built-in RSS reader, and the ability to import feeds from OPML.
QuiteRSS
QuiteRSS is a free and open-source Google Reader alternative that offers a robust set of features for managing your news feeds. It stands out with its cross-platform availability on Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, and PortableApps.com. Features include comprehensive feed and news filters, user-defined filters, proxy configuration, support for multiple languages, notifications, colored tags, an integrated search, and a built-in web browser, providing a comprehensive reading experience.
NewsBlur
NewsBlur is a personal news reader and an open-source Google Reader alternative that uniquely focuses on community by allowing users to discuss stories. It shows you the original site content, enhancing the reading experience. NewsBlur operates on a Freemium and paid model and is accessible via Web, Android, iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire, and Software as a Service (SaaS). Its main features include its Web-Based nature, a dedicated Feed Reader, IFTTT integration, and its function as a news aggregator.
Reeder
Reeder is a popular commercial Google Reader alternative specifically designed for Apple users. It offers a premium news reading experience for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Reeder 4 introduces innovative features like the Bionic Reading mode and an in-app Read Later service. Beyond its sleek design, it provides essential features such as offline reading, Feedly client integration for seamless syncing, multiple account support, and robust RSS feed management.
CommaFeed
CommaFeed is a free and open-source Google Reader inspired RSS reader that can be self-hosted, making it an excellent Google Reader alternative for those who want full control over their data. Based on JAX-RS, Wicket, and AngularJS, it's designed for deployment on your own server using a lightweight JavaEE6 container like TomEE. Features include bug reporting, a built-in firewall, a built-in RSS reader, content filtering, and Google Drive integration, providing a secure and customizable experience.
Netvibes
Netvibes is a unique Google Reader alternative that functions as a multi-lingual Ajax-based personalized start page or personal web portal, similar to iGoogle. While it offers feed reading capabilities, its strength lies in its comprehensive dashboard features. Available as a Free Personal service on the Web, Netvibes includes category filters, messaging capabilities, acts as a versatile news aggregator, and features a page builder, making it more than just a simple RSS reader.
Liferea
Liferea is a free and open-source Google Reader alternative designed for Linux and BSD users. This web feed reader and news aggregator brings together content from all your favorite subscriptions into a simple, easy-to-use interface. Key features include local storage, a dedicated feed reader, its functionality as a news aggregator, and the ability to read content offline, making it a robust choice for desktop Linux environments.
The spirit of Google Reader lives on through these fantastic alternatives. Whether you prioritize a beautiful interface, open-source control, cross-platform availability, or specific integrations, there's an RSS reader out there to help you stay on top of the news. Explore these options and find the best fit to rekindle your feed-reading routine.