Comparing two RSS readers on the iphone

RssRunner vs. Xfeed

Well first of what is an RSS? It is simply a piece of code associated with the XML internet programming language and inserted into websites. It is used as a "data feed" in order to stream content from a frequently updated websites like blogs and news. RSS readers are able to interpreted the code and update the content of the website whose feed it is reading. Think of it as subscribing to many different magazines simultaneously and having a new issue delivered on specific intervals (15 minutes or 1 hour).

There are two different readers I have been playing around with and both are free and have their own unique set of features.

RSSRunner - has a clean simple interface that makes it relatively easy to read feeds on the small screen. Every headline of every feed has a preview that is readable without an internet connection. Moreover the ability to search for feeds using keywords is an excellent feature not available on Xfeed. It is also able to read feeds from Google Reader or an OPML file from another feed reader.


Xfeed - has the ability to sort out and read feeds by many different categories. It comes with a large number of preloaded and categorized feeds from major media sources, a pretty nice feature to have if you want to explore a lot of material right out of the gate. Xfeed also allows you to add feeds to favorites, particularly useful if you often read feeds from different categories.

The verdict: Both programs are very good and it comes down to how one will use them. RSSRunner has a clean simple readable interface useful for quickly going over the headlines. It's search feature may prove invaluable to finding new feeds and it also has the ability to share a headline through email. Xfeed is loaded with features for a free app. It's major strength is the ability to categorize feeds and sort them into categories. The preloaded feeds are very helpful as well.

I would give a slight edge to RSSRunner. While it is not as rich in features it has a nicer design and slightly easier to read.