Head-to-head · RSS Reader Software
NewsBlur vs FreshRSS
NewsBlur leads on 0 checks, FreshRSS on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreNewsBlur · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly NewsBlur
NewsBlur scores higher on our rubric for rss reader software: 9.0 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.
NewsBlur is the better fit for readers wanting intelligence features and self-hosting. FreshRSS is the better fit for self-hosters needing scraping and multi-user access.
- NewsBlur fits best
Readers wanting intelligence features and self-hosting
- FreshRSS fits best
Self-hosters needing scraping and multi-user access
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Side by side
| Feature | NewsBlur 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | FreshRSS 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #3 in RSS Reader Software | #8 in RSS Reader Software |
| Best for | Readers wanting intelligence features and self-hosting | Self-hosters needing scraping and multi-user access |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $36/yr | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Email, Community | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features NewsBlur 0/5 · FreshRSS 0/5 | ||
| Full-text extraction | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Filter rules | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Offline reading | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Mobile apps | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Team sharing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Feed limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | NewsBlur is a personal reader and aggregator for RSS and web feeds, available on the web, iOS, and Android. It suits readers who want more than a chronological stream: its feature set includes story training by author, tag, title, and full… Read the review → |
FreshRSS is a free, open-source RSS and Atom feed aggregator for individuals, families, and organizations that want to host their own reading service. It collects articles from websites and presents them through a web application, with… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
NewsBlur — where it wins
- Free plan includes real-time updates, training, sharing, saving, and mobile apps
- Paid tiers add search, archives, AI briefings, text view, and higher feed limits
- Self-hosted open-source edition offers Docker installation and data ownership
Where it doesn't
- The free plan supports up to 64 sites
- Full archives, story clustering, and Ask AI require Premium Archive
- Premium Pro is billed monthly at $29 and targets advanced needs
FreshRSS — where it wins
- Scrapes sites that do not provide RSS or Atom feeds
- Supports multi-user access, custom tags, and extensions
- Includes Google Reader-compatible and Fever APIs
Where it doesn't
- Requires infrastructure managed by the user
- Mobile and desktop access depends on compatible clients
- WebSub support applies only to compatible sources
- NewsBlur9.0/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A flexible RSS reader for intelligence features, mobile reading, and self-hosted control.
Visit NewsBlurFull verdict → - FreshRSS8.4/10 · Free plan
A capable open-source reader for self-hosters who want control, scraping, and shared access.
Visit FreshRSSFull verdict →
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All RSS reader software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







