The Old Reader
The Old Reader: A simple social RSS reader with folders, sharing, comments, and premium search. Ranked #23 of 33 in RSS Reader Software by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: Free plan · 14-day trial; best for readers wanting a simple social RSS service.
At a glance
- Editor score6.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 14-day trial
- Best forReaders wanting a simple social RSS service
- Free planYes
- Feed limit500 feeds
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Folders, list views, and expanded views organize reading
- Sharing, likes, and comments add a social layer
- OPML import and a Google Reader-compatible API support migration
Where it doesn't
- Free accounts are limited to 500 feeds
- Verified platform coverage centers on web and API
- Mobile access relies on third-party apps rather than native apps
Our verdict on The Old Reader
The Old Reader is a web-based RSS reader for people who want to follow websites without relying on algorithmic feeds. It supports RSS subscriptions, OPML subscription import, feed and folder organization, list and expanded post views, and sharing through likes and comments. Its social features make it a fit for readers who want to discuss posts as well as collect them, while the API supports third-party mobile and desktop applications.
The free plan includes RSS feed subscriptions, feed organization, and reading and sharing posts. Free accounts have a 500-feed limit, while the Premium plan adds no advertisements, full-text search, faster feed refresh times, up to 500 subscriptions, one year of post storage, and Instapaper integration. A 14-day free trial is available. This makes the product suitable for readers who want a straightforward entry point, with paid features focused on search, refresh speed, storage, and reading continuity rather than a broader publishing workflow.
The Old Reader’s platform fit is centered on the web and API. Its Google Reader-compatible API can connect with third-party mobile and desktop applications, and Instapaper is the listed integration. The service is not positioned around native vendor-developed mobile apps, AI features, or an open-source model. Choose it if social reading, feed organization, and a familiar RSS workflow matter most; choose an alternative if you need native mobile software, a wider integration ecosystem, or advanced automation beyond its API and core reading features.
Your product? Our editors can test The Old Reader in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
The Old Reader pricing
All 2 The Old Reader plans and prices →
The Old Reader fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Feed limit | 500 feeds |
| Full-text extraction | Not verified |
| Filter rules | Not verified |
| Offline reading | Not verified |
| Mobile apps | Yes |
| Team sharing | Not verified |
| Free trial | 14 days |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: Instapaper |
| Pricing | Free plan · 14-day trial (source) |
| Website | theoldreader.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
The Old Reader integrations
The Old Reader lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- Instapaper
Alternatives to The Old Reader
- InoreaderA broad RSS monitoring workspace with aggregation, automation, AI summaries, and offline mobile reading.9.4
- FeedlyA flexible RSS workspace for research, team feeds, filtering, and AI-assisted analysis.9.2
- NewsBlurA flexible RSS reader for intelligence features, mobile reading, and self-hosted control.9.0
See all The Old Reader alternatives →
Also Ranked In
The Old Reader is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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