Comparison · RSS readers
NetNewsWire vs Vienna: which is better in 2026?
NetNewsWire ranks higher in our list of RSS readers (#1 against #5, score 90.5 against 84.5).
- 90.5Editorial score84.5
- 3Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- YesOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose NetNewsWire if you want
Free open-source reading on Mac and iPhone.
A free, open-source MIT reader that is fast and native on Mac, iPhone and iPad, with iCloud and service sync. It has no web or Windows version, so its reach is limited to Apple devices.
Choose Vienna if you want
Mac users who want a free open-source reader.
A free, Apache-2.0 newsreader for macOS that reads RSS, Atom and JSON feeds and includes a Plugins folder. It runs on the Mac only, so it sits beside NetNewsWire and Reeder as an Apple-only choice.
The main differences
- Only NetNewsWire runs on iOS.
Side by side
 NetNewsWire |  Vienna | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 90.5 | 84.5 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 11 | #5 of 11 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source under the MIT license | Free and open sourceFree Apache-2.0 newsreader for macOS |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | macOSiOS, iPadOSmacOS, iOS, iPadOS | macOSmacOS |
| Made by | Ranchero Software | Not stated |
| Hosting | Local app with iCloud or service sync | Local app on your Mac |
| Best for | Free open-source reading on Mac and iPhone | Mac users who want a free open-source reader |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about NetNewsWire vs Vienna
- Is NetNewsWire better than Vienna?
- NetNewsWire ranks higher in our list of RSS readers (#1 against #5, score 90.5 against 84.5). NetNewsWire is best for: free open-source reading on Mac and iPhone. Vienna is best for: Mac users who want a free open-source reader.
- Which is cheaper, NetNewsWire or Vienna?
- NetNewsWire: Free and open source under the MIT license. Vienna: Free Apache-2.0 newsreader for macOS.
- Do NetNewsWire and Vienna run on the same platforms?
- NetNewsWire supports macOS, iOS, iPadOS. Vienna supports macOS.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
