A deep dive into the RSS feed reader landscape

4 hours ago

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RSS feed readers allow users to consume content from various sources in one place and help manage content overload.
Feed readers can be classified based on deployment models (local, browser extension, self-hosted, hosted) and business models (free, one-time payment, SAAS).
Browser extension feed readers store data locally, fetch feeds when the browser is open, and integrate deeply with the browser.
On-device feed readers are installed on phones or computers, store data locally, and require the app to be running for feed fetching.
Self-hosted feed readers are open-source, require server setup, and offer total control over data with continuous feed fetching.
Hosted feed readers are managed services with polished user experiences, continuous feed fetching, and often include advanced features like email support.
Some feed readers support newsletters directly, while others can integrate newsletters via third-party services that convert emails to RSS feeds.
Popular feed readers include NetNewsWire, Fiery Feeds, Reeder, FreshRSS, Miniflux, Feedly, Inoreader, and Readwise Reader.
Alternatives to feed readers include news aggregators (e.g., Kagi News) and reading lists (e.g., Instapaper).
Choosing a feed reader depends on specific needs, with hosted options being the most polished and self-hosted offering the most control.

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