FeedFlow vs NetNewsWire

FeedFlow

• People who want the same free reader on phone, tablet and desktop
• Readers who prefer a plain chronological list without recommendations
• FreshRSS, Miniflux or Feedbin users looking for an open-source client

NetNewsWire

• Mac, iPhone and iPad users who want a free reader with no account
• People who already sync feeds through Feedbin, Feedly or Inoreader
• Readers who prefer open-source software

FeedFlow

• There is no web app; reading happens in the Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
• Syncing between devices needs a service you supply: iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, or a FreshRSS, Miniflux, Feedbin or BazQux account.
• The project is developed by Marco Gomiero and funded by optional tips and donations rather than a paid plan.
• The App Store listing requires iOS or iPadOS 17 or later.

NetNewsWire

• Apple platforms only: Mac, iPhone and iPad, with no web, Windows or Android version.
• The current version needs macOS 15 or iOS 26 and newer.
• Reader view cannot be switched on for everything at once; it is used per article or per feed.
• The app is made by volunteers, with bug reports and requests handled through GitHub issues and a forum.

FeedFlow

Chronological timeline

Feeds appear as a single list in the order they were published, with no algorithmic ranking. Filters narrow it by read status, bookmarks, source or category.

Reading modes

Articles open in Reader Mode with adjustable text size, in the in-app browser, or in a browser of your choice.

Offline reading

Article content can be saved during sync so full articles are available without a connection, and cache cleanup tools keep storage in check.

Sync on your terms

Keep the library local, sync it through iCloud, Dropbox or Google Drive, or connect directly to FreshRSS, Miniflux, Feedbin or BazQux Reader.

Blocked words and organization

Blocked words hide articles that contain chosen keywords or phrases. Feeds are grouped into categories, and articles can be bookmarked and searched.

Import, export and feed suggestions

OPML import and export move feed lists between readers, articles can be imported and exported as CSV, and curated feed suggestions cover ten categories.

NetNewsWire

Direct feed downloading

Feeds can be fetched straight from the sites that publish them, so the app works without signing up for a feed service.

Sync through iCloud or feed services

Feed lists and read and starred status sync through iCloud, or through Feedbin, Feedly, BazQux, Inoreader, NewsBlur, The Old Reader and FreshRSS.

Reader view and article themes

Reader view pulls the full article text when a feed carries only a summary and can be set to always apply to a given feed. Article themes are customizable.

Smart feeds, folders and stars

All Unread and Today smart feeds, folders, starred articles and search organize reading, and read articles and feeds can be hidden.

Keyboard navigation and Mac extras

Single-key shortcuts cover everyday navigation. The Mac app adds a customizable toolbar, multiple windows and AppleScript support.

Safari extension and OPML

A Safari extension adds the feed for the page you are viewing, and feed lists can be imported and exported as OPML.

FeedFlow

• Free$0

  The complete app on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and Linux, including every sync option and offline reading.

NetNewsWire

• Free$0

  The complete app on Mac, iPhone and iPad, including iCloud sync and syncing with third-party feed services.