Both Reeder and Unread are primarily RSS reader apps and support multiple RSS platforms such as Fever, Inoreader, Newsblur, and Feedly. The RSS reader app’s ultimate objective remains the same – a clean, clutter-free reading experience without information overload. In this post, we are going to compare Reeder 4 and Feedly. The comparison will cover cross-platform availability, user interface, reading experience, features, price, and more. Let’s get started.
Cross-Platform Availability
Reeder has a slight edge when it comes to platform availibility. The app is available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The Unread app is only available on the iOS platform. Download Reeder for iOS Download Unread for iOS
User Interface
User Interface plays a major role in RSS reader apps. After all, you will spend a lot of time on these apps. So it makes sense for a tight UI/UX integration in the software. Let’s start with Reeder. I can describe Reeder in one word – minimal. Almost every menu, option, and even buttons are designed to keep the interface as simple as possible. The animations are slick and flawless compared to Unread, and when you switch from one post to another, it feels like you are swiping the physical pages of the book. I also like the theme options in the app. It’s full of options. You can choose from Light, Dark, Black, Light with a dark title bar, and so on. Unread also focuses on simplicity and tries to deliver content above the fancy UI elements. I like the way Unread uses bold elements, multiple colors, and different typography to stand out certain parts of the articles. The theme engine is a notch above from Reeder. There are tons of options to customize the light and the dark theme. You will surely stumble upon something you prefer over the default theme.
Services and Integration
Reeder has left no stone unturned when it comes to services. You can connect a range of services such as RSS, Instapaper, Pocket, Feedbin, Feedly, FeedHQ, NewsBlur, Inroreader, and even self-hosted services such as FreshRDD, Reader, Fever, and more. Simply tap on the + icon and add the account in Reeder. Unread allows you to connect services such as Feed Wrangler, Feedbin, Feedly, Fever, Inoreader, and Newsblur. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have read later integration such as Pocker or Instapaper. Instead, Unread offers a built-in solution for offline reading.
Reading Experience
Let’s come to the main talking point. How’s the reading experience? And I have to say, Reeder has nailed the execution in this area. Allow me to elaborate. When you open the Reeder app, it syncs the data from the added accounts and showcases the unread/new articles upfront. You can tap on an article and start reading in a clean environment. Tap on the down arrow to move on from one post to another. You might have noticed some websites using the ‘Read More’ button to expand the article. In Reeder, you can tap on the Reading mode. That bypasses the Read More button, and you can read the entire article without leaving the interface. You can also tap on the three-dot menu above and change font type, size, spacing, title size, and more. Most of you will be fine with the default settings, but it’s always good to see options. Unread keeps things simple. Too much simple at some places. For example, there is no direct share or save button when the article is open. You can swipe up or down to move between unread posts. You’ll enjoy the long-press actions in Unread. That means you can long-press on any article and quickly access options such as Mark Read, Read Later, Share button, and more.
Extra Features
Both Reeder and Unread support iOS 14 widgets to peek at unread articles from the home screen. You can also change the app icons on both Reeder and Unread. Unfortunately, none of the apps offer advanced add-ons like keyword tracking or Siri Shortcuts support.
Price
Reeder 5 iOS app is priced at $5, and the Mac version costs $10. It’s a one-time purchase. Unread follows the subscription model. Unread is free to download and try. To unlock Unread’s full capabilities, you can subscribe for $19.99/year.
Spruce Up Your RSS Reading Experience
Both Reeder and Unread are excellent RSS apps. You won’t have any hard time choosing one above the other. You should try Reeder since it’ll let you enjoy the same experience on the Mac platform. Are there any other RSS feeds-based news reader apps that you use? Sound off in the comments section below. Next up: Looking to try RSS apps for Mac? Read the post below to find the top five RSS reader apps for Mac.
