Best RSS apps for Mac: ReadKit, Leaf RSS Reader, and more!

By Allyson Kazmucha
last updated

The best RSS readers for the Mac, from powerful sync services to stand alone apps, and everything in between

RSS has long history on the Mac. It was even built into Apple's own Safari and Mail at one point. Likewise, Google Reader in the browser was immensely popular, as were OS X apps that used it for sync. Now Apple and Google have left the RSS feed reader business, a lot of new services have sprung up, and a lot of different apps have begun to support them. But which services work with which apps, and what are the best combinations? Here are my favorites!

Note: The extremely popular NetNewsWire is currently in beta. We'll update, as needed, when it goes into general release. Likewise, when Reeder updates!

ReadKit

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ReadKit supports a plethora of RSS services including Feedly, NewsBlur, Feedbin, Feedly, Fever, and built-in RSS. Whatever service you use, ReadKit has you covered. When it comes to read it later services, Instapaper, Pocket, and Readability are all supported as well. That means you have one less app to deal with. Smart folders inside ReadKit can be used to sort feeds even further, drill down, or broaden content. With ReadKit, the choices are really all yours.

If you want a fully functional client with support for pretty much any RSS service you may ever even think about using along with complete read it later service integration, get ReadKit.

Leaf RSS Reader

Leaf RSS Reader is has a fantastic design. It doesn't have support for RSS services, but functions as a standalone RSS reader and also offers support for Pocket, Readability, and Instapaper, and smart views to make it easy to sort and sift through news. There are share options there and options for alerts for new stories.

If you're looking for a standalone reader and interface and design are high on your priority list, get Leaf RSS Reader.

NewsBar

NewsBar is exactly what it says it is - a window or bar that sits stationary on your Mac and pulls in news. Clicking on any article will bring up a smaller native window that lets you read the article in its entirety without launching a browser. Notification support is more advanced than other apps and lets you set tones and alerts for keywords. NewsBar supports Feedly integration and iCloud sync, so your information stays in harmony across devices and platforms.

If advanced notifications are your primary concern, get NewsBar.

RSS Reader Plus

RSS Reader Plus looks and functions in the same way as an email inbox. While it doesn't support RSS services such as Feedly, it's built-in RSS engine is blow-your-mind fast. You can even add feeds by dragging and dropping tabs or icons. Sharing options include Facebook, Twitter, and Evernote. Double clicking on an article will launch the full version of the article in RSS Reader Plus' native browser and keep them open in tabs until you close them.

If you miss Mail RSS, or simply like the idea of that interface, get RSS Reader Plus.

Your favorite RSS apps for Mac?

Whether you're an RSS veteran or just getting started, the Mac has an RSS app for you. These are our favorites, but if we missed your favorite, new or old, let us know in comments!

Allyson Kazmucha
Allyson Kazmucha

iMore senior editor from 2011 to 2015.

10 Comments
  • I sincerely hope you also intend to update this article when the new version of Reeder for Mac goes into public beta. If the long-moribund Net News Wire warrants a mention, so does Reeder.
  • If I could edit or delete the above comment, I would do so gladly!
  • You weren't wrong. A previous edit was in there before you read it. No foul on your part. :) and yes I agree reeder is amazing. I use it for iPhone still. Sent from the iMore App
  • Currently I'm using Readkit. It's good and stable especially after the last update but still isn't quite as refined as the now defunct Reeder for Mac (thanks, Google). I was going to hold out till the new version of Reeder comes out (I'm hearing October) but can't stand Feedly's magazine style Safari extension. Digg is another option but I need a standalone app. So in short, Readkit till Reeder resurfaced and Feedly to sync across my devices.
  • I'm sticking with Feedly on the web until Reeder gets updated. Reeder for iOS with Feedly sync works flawlessly for me.
  • I've read several "reviews" of RSS readers for Mac, and not one has mentioned Vienna (which I ironically read them in). It's free, and does everything I want, such as flagging messages, summing up todays messages, etc.
  • ReadKit has been nothing but rock solid for me.
  • (Fluid) with (feedly) is the best and easier .. try it
  • "Snackr".app is the RSS ticker I use. It use to be able to link-up with Google Reader, but you can add them threw internet directly instead of Google Reader or both. I do have to warn you, it's a FLASH APP. So, beware... LOL!
  • Why is it that Readkit is the only RSS reader that supports multiple RSS services on the Mac? It's what I use because there isn't an alternative... What happened to Reeder ? Even then it would be nice to have more options. What am I missing ? I got the NetNewsReader beta, but it too doesn't support RSS services. WHY ? I don't get it. I want to be able to sync between my Mac and my iOS devices. Is it that uncommon to use RSS on multiple devices ?