While you are reading this line, there is a lot of news published on the internet. How do you catch the news you’re interested in? RSS feed reader apps have become the need of an hour with new AI advancements (mainly Machine Learning). If you’re someone who likes RSS feeds like others on the GT team, there are several valuable RSS Feed reader apps for iPhone. Among them, Unread and Feeder are two of the best RSS readers on iOS.
Both Reeder and Unread are primarily RSS reader apps and support multiple RSS platforms such as Fever, Inoreader, Newsblur, and Feedly. The ultimate goal of the RSS reader app remains the same – a clean, clutter-free reading experience without the information overload.
In this article, we will compare Reeder 4 and Feedly. The comparison will cover cross-platform availability, UI, reading experience, features, price, and more. Lets start.
Cross-Platform Availability
Reeder has a slight edge when it comes to platform availability. The app is available on iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Unread app is only available on iOS platform.
user interface
User Interface plays an important role in RSS reader applications. After all, you will spend a lot of time in these applications. So it makes sense for a tight UI/UX integration in software. Let’s start with Reeder.
I can describe Reeder in one word – minimal. Almost every menu, option, and even buttons are designed to keep the interface as simple as possible. The animations are slick and seamless compared to Unread, and it feels like you’re scrolling through the physical pages of the book as you move from one post to the next.
I also like the theme options in the app. It’s full of options. Light, Dark, Black, Light with Dark title bar etc. You can choose from.
Unread also focuses on simplicity and tries to deliver content above fancy UI elements. I love the way Unread uses bold elements, multiple colors, and different typography to make certain parts of the articles stand out.
The theme engine is one rank above Reeder. There are tons of options to customize the light and dark theme. You will definitely come across something you prefer over the default theme.
Services and Integration
Reeder has left no stone unturned when it comes to services. You can connect a number of services like RSS, Instapaper, Pocket, Feedbin, Feedly, FeedHQ, NewsBlur, Inroreader and even self-hosted services like FreshRDD, Reader, Fever and more. Just tap the + icon and add the account to Reeder.
Unread lets you connect services like Feed Wrangler, Feedbin, Feedly, Fever, Inoreader, and Newsblur. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have read later integration like Pocker or Instapaper. Instead, Unread provides a built-in solution for offline reading.
Reading Experience
Let’s get to the main talking point. How is the reading experience? And I must say, Reeder succeeded in the execution in this area. Let me elaborate.
When you open the Reeder app, it syncs data from added accounts and previews unread/new articles. You can touch an article and start reading in a clean environment. Tap the down arrow to switch from one post to the next.
You may have noticed some websites that use the ‘Read More’ button to expand the article. You can tap Reading mode in Reeder. This bypasses the Read More button and you can read the entire article without leaving the interface. You can also tap the three-dot menu above and change the font type, size, spacing, header size, and more. Most of you won’t have a problem with the default settings, but it’s always good to see the options.
Unread keeps things simple. In some places it is very simple. For example, there is no direct share or save button when the article is open. You can swipe up or down to switch between unread posts.
You will enjoy long press actions on Unread. This means you can long-press any article and quickly access options like Mark as Read, Read Later, Share button, and more.
Extra Features
Both Reeder and Unread support iOS 14 widgets to browse unread articles from the home screen. You can also change app icons in both Reeder and Unread.
Unfortunately, none of the apps offer advanced plugins like keyword tracking or Siri Shortcuts support.
Price
The Reeder 5 iOS app costs $5, while the Mac version costs $10. It is a one-time purchase.
Unread follows the subscription model. Unread is free to download and try. You can subscribe for $19.99 per year to unlock all of Unread’s capabilities.
Improve Your RSS Reading Experience
Both Reeder and Unread are excellent RSS applications. You won’t have a hard time choosing one over the other. You should try Reeder as it will give you the same experience on the Mac platform. Are there any other RSS feed-based newsreader apps you use? Mute the sound in the comments section below.
Next: Want to try RSS apps for Mac? Read the post below to find the five best RSS reader apps for Mac.
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