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RSSOwl VS NetNewsWire

Compare RSSOwl VS NetNewsWire and see what are their differences

RSSOwl logo RSSOwl

Powerful RSS / RDF / Atom News Reader

NetNewsWire logo NetNewsWire

Black Pixel is a creative agency headquartered in Seattle, WA. We build digital products for the human experience.
  • RSSOwl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-13
  • NetNewsWire Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-10-21

RSSOwl features and specs

  • Open Source
    RSSOwl is an open-source project, meaning it is free to use and its source code can be modified by anyone.
  • Cross-Platform
    Compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, offering flexibility for users on different platforms.
  • Customizable
    Offers a high degree of customization in terms of layout, themes, and organization, allowing users to tailor their experience according to personal preferences.
  • Advanced Search and Filtering
    Provides powerful search and filtering options that help users find specific articles or topics within their feeds efficiently.
  • Offline Reading
    Supports offline reading, enabling users to access articles without an internet connection after they have been downloaded.

Possible disadvantages of RSSOwl

  • Discontinued Support
    As of the last update, RSSOwl has not been actively maintained, which could lead to security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues with new systems.
  • Complexity for Beginners
    The wide range of features and customization options can be overwhelming for new users who may prefer a simpler, more straightforward interface.
  • No Mobile Version
    RSSOwl does not have a dedicated mobile app, limiting accessibility for users who want to manage their feeds on smartphones or tablets.
  • Java Dependency
    Requires Java to run, which can be a con for users who prefer not to install additional platforms or encounter Java-related issues.
  • Limited Integration
    Lacks native integration with some of the modern third-party services and applications that users might want to connect with their RSS feeds.

NetNewsWire features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    NetNewsWire is free to use and its source code is available on GitHub, allowing for transparency and community contributions to the codebase.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    NetNewsWire is available on both macOS and iOS, allowing for synchronization across Apple devices.
  • Privacy-Focused
    The app does not track your reading habits or serve ads, ensuring a private news reading experience.
  • RSS and Atom Support
    NetNewsWire supports both RSS and Atom feeds, making it versatile for various types of subscriptions.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application has a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and manage your feeds.
  • Fast Performance
    NetNewsWire is known for its speed, providing quick updates and efficient performance even with numerous feeds.
  • Integration with Third-Party Services
    The app supports integration with popular services like Feedly and Feedbin, allowing for a more flexible RSS reading experience.

Possible disadvantages of NetNewsWire

  • Limited Platform Support
    NetNewsWire is currently only available on Apple platforms, restricting its use to macOS and iOS users.
  • No In-App Article Search
    The application does not have an integrated search feature for browsing through articles in a particular feed or across all feeds.
  • No Windows or Android Versions
    Users on Windows or Android devices do not have access to NetNewsWire, limiting its audience.
  • Learning Curve for New Users
    Though user-friendly, new users may take some time to get accustomed to the app’s features and interface.
  • Manual Syncing Required for Non-Synced Feeds
    Feeds that are not associated with third-party services require manual syncing to keep updates consistent across devices.

Analysis of NetNewsWire

Overall verdict

  • NetNewsWire is considered a good choice for users looking for a reliable, fast, and user-friendly RSS reader. Its open-source nature and active development make it a solid option, especially for those who value transparency and community-driven improvements.

Why this product is good

  • Features
    It supports multiple account types, including iCloud and Feedbin, and offers syncing across devices, making it convenient for users who access news from various platforms.
  • Open source
    NetNewsWire is an open-source project, allowing for transparency in development and the potential for community contributions.
  • Performance
    NetNewsWire is known for its fast performance and efficient use of system resources, providing a smooth experience even with a large number of feeds.
  • User interface
    The app offers a clean and intuitive user interface that makes it easy to manage and read RSS feeds.

Recommended for

    {"news_enthusiasts" => "Great for users who consume a high volume of news and want a simple, efficient way to stay up-to-date.", "tech_enthusiasts" => "Ideal for users who appreciate open-source software and are interested in the technical aspects of app development.", "mac_and_ios_users" => "Particularly beneficial for users within the Apple ecosystem due to its seamless integration with macOS and iOS devices."}

RSSOwl videos

RSSOwl quick demo

More videos:

  • Review - RSSOwl - The best RSS reader ever !!!
  • Review - RSSOwl, AListApart, Mobile App Development; Project Management 2 Review

NetNewsWire videos

NetNewsWire iPad and Mac Review

More videos:

  • Review - 5 iPhone apps I can't do without! - Guardian, NetNewsWire, and more...
  • Review - Review: NetNewsWire

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to RSSOwl and NetNewsWire)
RSS Reader
51 51%
49% 49
RSS
49 49%
51% 51
Insight Management
50 50%
50% 50
News & Books
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare RSSOwl and NetNewsWire

RSSOwl Reviews

17 Best RSS Feed Reader And News Aggregation Apps
RSSOwl lets you customize and categorize your feeds so that you can search and read them conveniently. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it the perfect tool for staying up-to-date on all your favorite news sources.

NetNewsWire Reviews

Hello, RSS
Feedbin has an iOS app but there are lots of other RSS readers that let you log into your Feedbin account so you can maintain a synced consumption experience across devices. NetNewsWire, Reeder and Unread are some of the popular ones.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing RSSOwl and NetNewsWire, you can also consider the following products

Feedly - The content you need to accelerate your research, marketing, and sales.

Inoreader - Dive into your favorite content. The content reader for power users who want to save time.

NewsBlur - NewsBlur is a personal news reader that brings people together to talk about the world.

The Old Reader - Read all your favorite online content in one place. Import your subscriptions in one click, find your friends, and start sharing.

Reeder - Reeder is an RSS reader and client for multiple services.

Flipboard - Your Personal Magazine. Find, follow and flip stories that change your world.