Best Google Reader Alternatives for Following Feeds

Feedly is the best all-around choice for most people looking for a Google Reader replacement: it has a polished reading experience, broad feed support, and useful organization tools. Google Reader itself was discontinued in 2013, so the right option today depends on whether you want a simple personal reader, a self-hosted setup, or tools for team research.

What to Look For

First, check how a service handles feeds. A reader should let you add a site by its RSS or Atom feed URL and, ideally, find a feed when you enter a website address. Some sites do not publish feeds, and feed discovery is not guaranteed.

Next, consider where you read. Web access is convenient on a computer; dedicated iOS and Android apps matter if you read on the go. If offline reading is important, check whether the app downloads articles and whether that feature works on your chosen plan.

Organization tools can make a large subscription list manageable. Folders or tags, saved articles, search, and unread counts are useful basics. Also check export options: OPML is a common format for moving a list of subscriptions between feed readers, though it generally transfers feed addresses rather than saved articles or account settings.

Finally, compare price and control. Free plans may have limits on feeds, searches, or integrations. Hosted services are easier to maintain; self-hosted software gives you more control but requires setup and upkeep. If you rely on a particular feature, confirm its current plan requirements before switching.

Feedly

Strengths: Feedly is a straightforward, well-known hosted reader with web and mobile access, feed organization, and a clean way to scan headlines or open articles. It is a practical starting point for people who want to import subscriptions and get reading without managing a server. It also offers higher-level research features aimed at professional use.

Trade-offs: Some capabilities are plan-dependent, and the free experience may not suit people who need extensive search, advanced automation, or a very large collection. Its broader research tools can be unnecessary for casual reading.

Best for: Most former Google Reader users who want a familiar, low-maintenance service. Check which plan includes the limits and features you need.

Inoreader

Strengths: Inoreader is a strong choice for readers who want more control over a busy feed collection. It offers folders, rules and filtering features, along with web and mobile access. Its tools can help automatically sort or highlight articles according to conditions you set.

Trade-offs: The number of settings and options can feel less inviting than a minimal reader. Some limits and advanced functions vary by plan, so compare those details if you follow many feeds or depend on automation.

Best for: Power users, researchers, and anyone who wants to filter or organize a large stream rather than simply read headlines in order.

NewsBlur

Strengths: NewsBlur combines a conventional feed list with an option to view the original page inside the reader. It provides a distinct way to browse stories and includes tools for training the service to show more or less of topics and authors. It is available on the web and mobile devices.

Trade-offs: Its interface and reading approach are not everyone’s preference. Free use is limited, and the paid version is worth considering if you have many feeds or want the full experience. Feature availability can differ across platforms.

Best for: Readers who like seeing the publisher’s page alongside feed content and want a more interactive, customizable way to follow sources.

FreshRSS

Strengths: FreshRSS is free, open-source feed-reader software that you install on a server you control. It supports common feed formats, can import and export subscriptions, and offers a web interface. Hosting it yourself gives you more control over where your feed data lives.

Trade-offs: It is not a turnkey hosted account. You need a compatible server, must install and maintain the software, and are responsible for backups, updates, and access. A mobile-friendly interface or third-party app may work for your setup, but it requires more configuration than a standard app-store reader.

Best for: Technically comfortable users who value self-hosting, open-source software, and control more than convenience.

Miniflux

Strengths: Miniflux is a lightweight, open-source reader with a deliberately simple interface. You can use its hosted offering or install the software yourself, depending on availability and preference. It supports feed subscriptions and OPML import and export.

Trade-offs: Its restrained approach means fewer built-in bells and whistles than feature-heavy services. Self-hosting still calls for technical setup and ongoing maintenance, while hosted plans have their own terms and limits.

Best for: People who want a fast, uncluttered reader and are comfortable choosing between a paid hosted service and a self-managed installation.

How to Choose

Start with budget. If you want to spend nothing, try the free tier of a hosted reader and see whether its feed or feature limits are acceptable. If you are willing to pay, compare the specific features you will actually use, such as search, rules, or a higher subscription limit. Self-hosting avoids a reader subscription in some cases, but it is not cost-free in time, hosting, or maintenance.

Match the reader to your routine. For casual reading across a phone and computer, choose a hosted service with convenient apps and straightforward OPML import. If you scan dozens or hundreds of feeds, prioritize filtering, search, and folders. If you want ownership and control, investigate FreshRSS or Miniflux and be realistic about the technical work.

Test before committing. Export your current subscriptions as an OPML file if you have one, then import it into the candidate reader. Check that important feeds update, that the interface works on your devices, and that saved-item and search behavior suit you. Keep the original OPML file as a backup. Avoid assuming that importing feeds also moves read status, saved stories, or preferences.

There is no single best choice for every reader. Simplicity usually favors Feedly; detailed filtering points toward Inoreader; a distinctive browsing experience may favor NewsBlur; and self-hosting narrows the field to options such as FreshRSS and Miniflux.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Google Reader still available?
No. Google discontinued Google Reader in 2013. You need a current feed reader to follow RSS or Atom subscriptions.

What is the closest replacement for Google Reader?
Feedly is a good general-purpose starting point because it is hosted, widely accessible, and designed for following feeds. Inoreader is another strong choice if you want more filtering and organization.

Can I move my feeds to a new reader?
Usually. Export subscriptions to an OPML file from the old service, then import that file into the new one. The exact process depends on both services, and the file may not include saved articles or reading history.

Are RSS readers free?
Some offer free plans, while others charge for hosting or advanced features. Limits vary, so check the current plan details for the number of feeds and tools you need.

Do RSS readers work on phones?
Many provide mobile apps or mobile-friendly websites. Check the app’s availability for your device and confirm whether features such as offline reading are included.

What is the difference between a hosted and self-hosted reader?
A hosted service runs the software for you. A self-hosted reader runs on a server you manage, offering more control but making you responsible for setup, updates, and backups.

Bottom Line

For most people, start with Feedly: it offers the simplest balance of access, organization, and ease of use after Google Reader. Choose Inoreader if filtering and feed management are priorities, or NewsBlur if you prefer its alternative reading style. Pick FreshRSS or Miniflux only if you specifically want self-hosting and are prepared to maintain it. Before settling on any option, test your feeds and verify the plan limits that matter to you.

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