Side by side

FreshRSS vs NewsBlur

Both stand on reading apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

FreshRSS

Free plan Open source AndroidAPIExtension+6

FreshRSS offers feed reading, search, customization, and client APIs in a free self-hosted package. Running it requires a suitable server and database, and deployment needs care around the personal data directory.

Visit FreshRSS

NewsBlur

Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+3

NewsBlur combines RSS reading with feed training, Web Feeds, and options for syncing or self-hosting. Its free tier has a 64-site limit, while paid plans add higher limits and features such as search and archiving.

Visit NewsBlur

The facts

	FreshRSS	NewsBlur
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Yes
Runs on	Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows	Android, API, iPhone, Mac, Self-hosted, Web
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Premium: $36 a year
Plans published	2	5
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	freshrss.org	newsblur.com
On reading apps	#1 of 47	#2 of 47

FreshRSS: what it does well

Free self-hosted RSS and Atom aggregation.
OPML import and export.
WebSub updates from compatible feeds.
Supports multiple users and anonymous reading.
Themes, extensions, and configurable options.

What to know first

Requires a web server and PHP 8.1 or later.
Requires a supported database.
Project states it comes with no warranty.
Personal data resides in the ./data/ folder.

NewsBlur: what it does well

Free plan supports up to 64 sites.
30-day Premium trial requires no credit card.
Web Feeds bring non-RSS sites into custom feeds.
Open-source code can run on a user's own instance.
Native iOS and Android apps are available.

What to know first

Free plan is limited to 64 sites.
Offline reading is noted for iOS.
Premium Archive costs $99 a year.
Premium Pro costs $29 a month.

Alternatives to FreshRSS Alternatives to NewsBlur The whole list