NetNewsWire

What is NetNewsWire?

NetNewsWire is a free, open source RSS reader for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It helps you follow articles from blogs and news sites by showing updates in one place and tracking which items you’ve read.

Instead of relying on a browser to check sites one by one, or depending on social media feeds, NetNewsWire is designed to bring the content you choose—so you can stay organized and in control of your reading.

Key Features

• RSS feed reading on Mac and iOS: Use the app across Apple devices to keep your reading experience consistent.
• Safari extension for easy feed-adding: Add feeds more quickly without manually hunting for feed URLs.
• Direct feed downloading: Fetch feed content from sources you follow.
• Syncing via iCloud and supported feed services: Keep read status and feed data in sync using iCloud and services listed on the site (Feedbin, Feedly, BazQux, Inoreader, NewsBlur, The Old Reader, FreshRSS).
• Customizable article themes: Adjust the look of reading content with themes.
• Reader view: Present articles in a reading-focused view.
• Sharing options: Share articles to Mail, MarsEdit, Micro.blog, Notes, Messages, and more.
• Keyboard navigation and shortcuts (Mac): Navigate quickly with single-key shortcuts and keyboard support.
• Organization tools: Starred articles, smart feeds like “All Unread” and “Today,” folders, and options to hide read articles/feeds.
• Background refreshing: Refresh feeds while you use the app.
• Import/export via OPML: Bring in and export feed lists using OPML.
• Search: Search within the app.
• Multi-account support and multi-window support (Mac): Use multiple accounts and open multiple windows on Mac.
• AppleScript support (Mac): Automate tasks via AppleScript.

How to Use NetNewsWire

1. Download and install NetNewsWire for your devices (Mac, iPhone, and iPad).
2. Add feeds using the built-in feed adding flow, or use the Safari extension to add feeds more easily.
3. Browse and read articles from your feeds; NetNewsWire tracks what you’ve read.
4. Organize your reading with tools like starred items, smart feeds (such as “All Unread” and “Today”), folders, and options to hide read content.
5. Share and save articles using the available sharing destinations, and optionally import/export feed lists with OPML for moving feeds between setups.

Use Cases

• Keeping up with multiple news sources: Follow blogs and news sites in one RSS reader and let NetNewsWire maintain your read/unread status.
• Daily catch-up workflow: Use smart feeds like Today and All Unread to focus on what’s new, without scanning every source.
• Accessible reading and focused display: Read articles using reader view and customizable article themes to match your preferences.
• Team or power-user feed management: Use OPML import/export, search, multiple accounts, and (on Mac) multiple windows to organize large sets of feeds.
• Workflow from the web: Add feeds quickly through the Safari extension, then continue reading directly in the app.

FAQ

Is NetNewsWire free and open source?

Yes. NetNewsWire is described as a free and open source RSS reader.

Which devices does NetNewsWire support?

The site states NetNewsWire is available for Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

How does NetNewsWire keep my reading state in sync?

The site lists syncing options including iCloud and feed services such as Feedbin, Feedly, BazQux, Inoreader, NewsBlur, The Old Reader, and FreshRSS.

Can I add feeds from a browser?

Yes. NetNewsWire includes a Safari extension for easier feed-adding.

Can I move or back up my feed list?

NetNewsWire supports importing and exporting OPML feed lists.

Alternatives

• Other RSS readers (desktop/mobile): If you want an RSS-first workflow with read/unread tracking and feed organization, consider a different RSS reader app for your platform(s).
• Browser-based RSS/reader workflows: Some users rely on browser extensions or reader modes to check updates; this usually trades central tracking/organization for convenience.
• Feed-service-only approaches: Some readers use a dedicated feed service interface (instead of a full reader app). This can shift where reading happens while still providing feed aggregation.
• Email newsletters and social feeds: Subscribing to newsletters or following sources on social platforms can replace RSS for some users, though it generally depends more on platform algorithms than explicitly chosen feeds.