We review six RSS readers
Conclusions
The feed readers tested here all reliably fulfill their intended task but focus on different target groups. Whereas Liferea, QuiteRSS, and Akregator offer conventional looks and cover the usual functional spectrum without massive resource requirements, FeedReader goes for visual appeal and impresses with its clarity.
As a text-based application, Canto is suitable for systems without an X server and is also extremely efficient with resources. Makagiga's feed reader, on the other hand, cannot deny its origin as a module of a complete workstation environment and therefore also offers additional functions, such as special sorting options or the ability to save individual messages as HTML files.
The differences between the individual readers are also obvious when searching for specific terms: Although all readers allow a headline search function, not all are able to search for tags or in the messages themselves.
Moreover, not all readers archive their messages. Although Canto lacks an option to store sorted content, all other programs offer at least a rudimentary archiving option.
However, the overall picture shows that the spectrum of RSS applications (Table 1) is broad enough to find a suitable application even 20 years after the advent of the first RSS feed readers.
Table 1
RSS Reader Overview
| Akregator | Canto | FeedReader | Liferea | QuiteRSS | Makagiga |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
License |
GPLv2 |
GPLv2 |
GPLv3 |
GPLv2 |
GPLv3 |
AGPLv2 |
Cross-Platform |
No |
No |
No |
Limited |
Yes |
Yes |
Graphical |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Internal Browser |
Yes |
Limited |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
External Browser Possible |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Ad Blocker |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Extensible Filter Lists |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Storing Messages |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes (HTML) |
Backup Function |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Multimedia Content |
No |
Limited |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Search folders |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Formats |
RSS/RDF/Atom |
RSS/RDF/Atom |
RSS/RDF/Atom |
RSS/RDF/Atom |
RSS/RDF/Atom |
RSS/RDF/Atom |
OPML Import and Export |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Podcast Playback |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Infos
- RSS comeback: https://www.wired.com/story/rss-readers-feedly-inoreader-old-reader/
- Akregator: https://www.kde.org/applications/internet/akregator/
- Canto: https://codezen.org/canto-ng/
- FeedReader: https://jangernert.github.io/FeedReader/
- Liferea: https://lzone.de/liferea/
- QuiteRSS: https://quiterss.org
- Makagiga: https://makagiga.sourceforge.io/download.html
- PenguinTV: http://penguintv.sourceforge.net
- RSSOwl: http://www.rssowl.org
- BlogBridge: https://github.com/pitosalas/blogbridge
- BottomFeeder: http://www.jarober.com/bottomfeeder/aboutbf.html
- AmphetaDesk: http://www.disobey.com/amphetadesk/
- RSS versions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS_%28Web-Feed%29
- OPML format: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_Processor_Markup_Language
- 0.7.x branch man page: http://manpages.ubuntu.com/manpages/trusty/man1/canto.1.html
- 0.9.x branch documentation:https://codezen.org/canto-ng/manual/
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.
-
Hacker Successfully Runs Linux on a CPU from the Early ‘70s
From the office of "Look what I can do," Dmitry Grinberg was able to get Linux running on a processor that was created in 1971.
-
OSI and LPI Form Strategic Alliance
With a goal of strengthening Linux and open source communities, this new alliance aims to nurture the growth of more highly skilled professionals.