Newsboat review
A focused terminal RSS reader with useful podcast downloading, not a mobile-first app.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Newsboat is a free, open-source RSS and Atom reader for text terminals on Linux and macOS. It is aimed at users who want local feed reading, caching, filtering, and podcast enclosure handling without relying on a hosted or mobile podcast service. The application supports private feeds, OPML imports, online subscription mode, configurable macros, and key bindings. Its podcast features include audio streaming and downloading through the bundled Podboat utility.
The product’s strongest fit is its depth as a text-based RSS reader. Built-in HTML rendering and local article caching support offline reading, while tagging, search, article filtering, and query feeds help organize large or specialized subscriptions. Newsboat also connects with The Old Reader, NewsBlur, FeedHQ, Bazqux, Feedbin, FreshRSS, Tiny Tiny RSS, ownCloud News, Inoreader, and Miniflux. That combination makes it suitable for users whose podcast listening sits alongside a broader, highly configurable feed workflow.
Podcast support is practical but deliberately narrow. Newsboat recognizes RSS enclosures and can save or stream audio, while Podboat handles podcast downloading; playback itself depends on an external media player. The terminal interface and Linux/macOS focus are also central to the product’s identity, rather than optional presentation choices. Choose Newsboat if free, open-source software, offline caching, RSS control, and command-line customization matter more than a dedicated podcast interface. Choose another type of app if you want a full-featured mobile podcast experience or integrated playback in the reader.
Newsboat pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Strong filtering, tagging, search, and query feeds
- Podcast downloads through the bundled Podboat utility
- Integrates with 10 external news-reading services
- Where it doesn't
- Text-terminal workflow limits general podcast-app appeal
- Podcast playback requires an external media player
- Primarily an RSS reader with rudimentary podcast support
Newsboat fact sheet, pricing and score →
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