Best Free RSS Reader-Aggregator

There are several ways to aggregate and read feeds.

1. Desktop readers: [Wikipedia] Many users prefer these desktop programs, which couple an integral browser (usually the IE engine) with feed management. The result is a complete, reader-centric workspace, which can be quite powerful. [why use a desktop reader]
2. Web-based readers: Web-based feed readers compete on a par with desktop feed readers. A good one produces a powerful browser-centric workspace, which I find gives me better work flow than a desktop reader.
3. All major browsers and many email clients, for example Thunderbird and Windows Live Mail, now have built-in feed reading. There are also add-ons which enhance their native capability.
4. Some feeds include audio or video attachments and work best with podcast and vidcast readers.
5. Mobile readers for smart phones (not considered here).

The "best" feed reader is a matter of individual preference, or even personal taste. ;-) There are many good ones. Most of them, including the best, are free like browsers. The one that matches the way you want to work is best for you. :-)

No matter which reader you choose, it should give you some way to back up your feeds, preferably as an OPML file. You may also be able to use your OPML file to move to another reader, although the formats may not be compatible.

FeedDemon is my first choice desktop feed reader. I used it extensively before switching to the web-based Google Reader to get the advantages of browser-centric work flow. Google Reader handles feeds that have attachments, for example podcasts, very well too. FeedDemon is a commercial product, but it's now free for use at home. [why use a desktop reader]

FeedDemon is a powerful program, and it could be intimidating, but it's user interface is excellent. That means most users should be able to learn how to use FeedDemon without extensive use of the help facility. FeedDemon integrates seamlessly with the web-based NewsGator aggregator, so you have access to the best of the desktop and web-based worlds. You can also synchronize FeedDemon with Bloglines.

BlogBridge is targeted at power users who subscribe to many feeds, but don't let that scare you off. It's designed to make it easy to discover feeds you'll be interested in. BlogBridge gives you access to "Guides", which are written by experts in many different feed categories.  You can upload a list of  your feeds to a free "BlogBridge Service" account to synchronize your feeds across multiple computers.

Omea Reader combines Web browsing, feed reading and newsgroups in one capable application. Omea Pro (also free) adds email, ICQ and Miranda (multi-protocol IM) to create an integrated information workspace. Integrated with Microsoft Outlook for email.

If simplicity is an important criterion for you, check out RSSOwl. It's a simple, straightforward reader that may nicely meet your needs. Powerful Newsfeed search engine working with keywords.

RSS Bandit and Awasu are comparable to FeedDemon, but they're a bit less capable and complex. That means their learning curves are not as formidable. Even so, they are elegant full-featured readers. RSS Bandit is now an Open Source program. It was launched by Dare Obasanjo -- programmer, avid feed reader and active blogger. Awasu is widely used by business users.

Web-based readers

Web-based feed readers compete on a par with desktop feed readers. I use Google Reader  every day. Google Reader offers very good feed management, and its keyboard shortcuts provide superb feed navigation. I prefer Google Reader because it sits right in my browser (Firefox). I open feed links in new tabs, open full feed articles, bookmark items of interest, search or browse for related information, etc., all without leaving Firefox. You could use the Google Reader Gadget if you'd like to access your feeds directly on the desktop.

Bloglines — another web-based feed reader — is fun and easy to use. It makes it easy to discover feeds in a wide range of categories. Bloglines is much improved from it's original format.

Add-on/plug-in readers

Add-ons/plug-ins for browsers combine many of the advantages of desktop readers and web-based readers. They have a very small footprint and can be "instantly" installed/uninstalled as well. Like web-based readers, an add-on reader creates an efficient browser-centric workspace, with good work flow for feed-based tasks.

For Firefox: Brief is a simple add-on for Firefox that would be a good way to get started with feed reading. It is suitable for a modest number of feeds. NewsFox is a more capable add-on that puts a three pane reader in a tab. Both of these Firefox extensions integrate directly with Live Bookmarks. There are also many other feed reader extensions for Firefox.

For Internet Explorer: There are not many feed-reader add-ons for IE7, and I have not evaluated any of them except Feed Plus, which adds very little. The best way that I've found to extend IE7 is to install Windows Live Mail — yes, the email program — or RSS Bandit. Both of them automatically tie in with IE7 feed subscriptions through the Windows RSS Platform. The article may leave the impression that this only works in Vista, but it works with Windows XP if you have IE7 and SP3 installed.

Podcast and Vidcast "readers"

Miro is idealy suited for pulling in and managing content from video feeds (vidcasts). It's a powerful open-source video aggregator that opens up a large variety of video "channels". The organization behind Miro is working for a more open and diverse world of online video. [more video programs]

Juice's primary purpose is to pull in and manage audio content (podcasts). Juice also has a built-in directory with thousands of listed podcast feeds. Juice supports many media players directly.

External Links

List of feed aggregators - Wikipedia