Comparison · RSS readers

Reeder vs Vienna: which is better in 2026?

Reeder ranks higher in our list of RSS readers (#3 against #5, score 86.5 against 84.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 86.5
    Editorial score
    84.5
  • 2
    Platforms
    1
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Reeder if you want

Apple users who want one timeline for many sources.

A unified timeline across feeds, videos, podcasts and social posts, with reading position synced through iCloud. The free version is a starting point, and full features need a subscription.

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 Reeder runs on iOS.
  • Vienna is open source; Reeder is not.

Side by side

ReederVienna
Score86.584.5
Rank in list#3 of 11#5 of 11
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree version; the new Reeder is a subscription for full featuresFree and open sourceFree Apache-2.0 newsreader for macOS
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsiOSmacOSiOS, macOSmacOSmacOS
Made byNot statedNot stated
HostingApple app with iCloud syncLocal app on your Mac
Best forApple users who want one timeline for many sourcesMac users who want a free open-source reader
Strengths
  • Unified timeline across feed types
  • Reading position syncs through iCloud
  • Free version to try first
  • Apache-2.0 licensed, with source on GitHub
  • Reads RSS, Atom and JSON feeds
Limits
  • Subscription needed for full features
  • Apple platforms only
  • Runs on macOS only
  • Sync options are not described in its repository summary
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Reeder vs Vienna

Is Reeder better than Vienna?
Reeder ranks higher in our list of RSS readers (#3 against #5, score 86.5 against 84.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Reeder is best for: Apple users who want one timeline for many sources. Vienna is best for: Mac users who want a free open-source reader.
Which is cheaper, Reeder or Vienna?
Reeder: Free version; the new Reeder is a subscription for full features. Vienna: Free Apache-2.0 newsreader for macOS.
Do Reeder and Vienna run on the same platforms?
Reeder supports iOS, macOS. Vienna supports macOS.