NewsBlur
Free
NewsBlur is an RSS reader that focuses on speed and efficiency, allowing users to read and share news from anywhere. It features a simple design and offers unique functions like training filters and offline support, making it a favorite for users who want a straightforward reading experience.
Our take
Simple, fast, and packed with smart filters.
Alright, so let's talk about NewsBlur. It's basically one of those RSS feed readers, which might sound a bit old school, but it's got its perks. First off, the user interface is pretty intuitive. You can easily navigate and customize your feed, which is great if you're picky about what you want to see. The whole thing feels very organized and not overwhelming, which is a win these days when everything tends to be chaotic. If you're into sorting your news and blogs without wasting time, you'll appreciate that.
Now, how about the speed? NewsBlur is pretty snappy. Articles load quickly, and I haven't noticed any annoying lags, so you can binge-read your updates without the app dragging its feet. But here's the kicker — it does have some quirks when it comes to syncing across devices. Sometimes it's not as seamless as you’d like, and you might find yourself refreshing the page more than you'd expect. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if you're hopping between gadgets.
One thing I really dig is the training feature. You can basically teach NewsBlur what you like and what you don't, and it prioritizes content accordingly. It's like having a news feed that gets you, which is pretty neat. But, it's not magic — you still need to put in a bit of effort to train it properly. If you're not into tinkering with settings, you might not see the full benefit here. But if you stick with it, the payoff is pretty sweet.
On the downside, the free version has some limitations. You only get a certain number of sites you can follow before you hit a wall, which is kind of a bummer if you're not ready to shell out for the premium version. And let’s be real, the premium price isn't exactly pocket change. So, if you're someone who likes to keep tabs on a ton of sources, you'll probably feel the pinch unless you're ready to commit financially.
Overall, NewsBlur is solid if you're looking for a no-nonsense way to keep up with your favorite content. It's got some nice features, and once you get past the learning curve, it can be a really efficient tool. Just be prepared for a few quirks and the potential need to upgrade if you're a power user. If you can handle that, you'll probably find it worth your while. It’s not perfect, but for what it does, it does it well enough to earn a spot on your home screen.
