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I need an RSS reader for Firefox that isn't crap, and it can't be web-based like Google Reader because I'm reading RSS feeds behind a VPN.

I have NewsFox, and it's complete garbage. It eats 100% CPU for several seconds when it updates feeds, it can't search, has no filters, etc. Thunderbird is also really bad, it doesn't even work with JavaScript in the feeds.

Anyone have anything good?

Preferably with these features:

  • Search feeds
  • Filter out feeds based on string/regex match of title and body
  • Highlight feeds based on string/regex match of title and body
  • Low memory and CPU usage, which seems to be rare
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Why it HAS to be for Firefox? – ianix Aug 5 '09 at 17:28
1  
Is stand alone app an option? If so, which OS are you using? – EvilChookie Aug 5 '09 at 17:40
I'm using Linux, and a standalone app would be an option, but it seems like most of the Linux RSS readers are also terrible. – Neil Aug 5 '09 at 19:45

10 Answers

up vote 6 down vote

This is not firefox proper, but I do recommend using the RSS reader that is built into Mozilla Thunderbird. This is one of the most convenient places to review my RSS feeds.

Thunderbird Download

alt text

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Does subscribing to feeds from Firefox to Thunderbird finally work withouth hacking anything? – innaM Aug 5 '09 at 19:15
1  
I just copy the rss link. I think this type of behavior you are describing has more to do with the default RSS reader for your system. – Axxmasterr Aug 5 '09 at 19:31
I don't see any options for it at all? Thunderbird is already terrible, especially with its non-working search, so I doubt it's any better for RSS. – Neil Aug 5 '09 at 19:54
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@Neil: So, you downvoted without trying it? – arathorn Aug 5 '09 at 20:10
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@Neil: But you stated in a comment on your original question that a standalone app would be an option. And, RSS support is not a "hack" in Thunderbird -- it's a legitimate and published feature. – arathorn Aug 6 '09 at 1:59
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up vote 3 down vote

Take your pick:

http://mashable.com/2007/05/26/rss-firefox-guide/

(Note that the link for Sage in that article doesn't work, try this one instead.)

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1  
That article's about 2 years old now... – Neil Aug 5 '09 at 20:06
up vote 2 down vote

I use Sage Too. It is based on Sage, which I used to use, but I liked some of the new features in Sage Too (like hiding feeds that haven't been updated). I haven't tried the latest version of Sage, so you may want to try them both (they are very similar).

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Why should the RSS reader care where else those feeds are available? – innaM Aug 5 '09 at 19:15
1  
Sage sucks, it doesn't even have search or filters. I'd say it's worse than NewsFox. What does Sage Too have that Sage doesn't? – Neil Aug 5 '09 at 20:07
@Manni: I guess all plug-in RSS readers would have this capability, so you're right, nothing special. Web based ones (like Google Reader) would not. – zdan Aug 5 '09 at 21:59
up vote 2 down vote

Brief ? It has the built in search and very light weight

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This one is actually good, although the set of features is disjoint from FoxMarks. It's got search, but no filters or highlighting. It also doesn't open feeds in a separate window pane as you click on them, it loads in the same pane. – Neil Sep 24 '09 at 15:33
up vote 1 down vote

I'm a simple RSS kinda guy, and I really enjoy Feed Sidebar. Does everything I need, is customizable, stays out of my way til I need it, etc. It doesn't have a ton of beels and whistles like other readers, but it does everything I need plus some.

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up vote 0 down vote

By "private RSS feeds", do you mean feeds that are not internet-accessible, or feeds that require authentication? If the latter, you could use this Yahoo Pipe to convert them to not require authentication.

(Depending on how sensitive the feed data is, of course, this might not be a satisfactory option.)

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1  
Ones that you need access to a VPN to get to. – Neil Aug 5 '09 at 19:28
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@Neil: Gotcha. Might want to clarify your original question. – arathorn Aug 5 '09 at 19:34
@arathorn: I mentioned it can't be web-based because the feed is private. – Neil Aug 5 '09 at 19:57
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@Neil: Right, but "private feed" can easily be interpreted as "a feed requiring authentication" as well. – arathorn Aug 5 '09 at 20:02
@Neil: And, it can be web-based and still use private/local feeds, as this answer states: superuser.com/questions/18582/… Now, it may not fit what you're looking for, but it is possible. – arathorn Aug 5 '09 at 20:14
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up vote 0 down vote

Have you checked Snarfer? (ok, its not firefox; but why load it with readers?)
It is supposed to support secure feeds since a few versions back.
But, its 'latest' version is June 15, 2008.

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I wouldn't use it because it's for Windows. Browser plugins are effectively multi-platform. – Neil Aug 5 '09 at 19:29
2  
@Neil: Nope. Browser plugins are frequently not multi-platform. Firefox extensions, also, e.g.: code.google.com/p/firefox-mac-pdf and ietab.mozdev.org -- please update your original question to indicate you're looking for a Linux-based solution. – arathorn Aug 5 '09 at 20:17
up vote 0 down vote

You can try Feedly. Syncs with Google Reader.

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This is pretty much a web application, not much of a Firefox extension. – Neil Aug 5 '09 at 21:25
up vote 0 down vote

Fever is a web-based option. You need access to a web server to install it on (requires PHP/MySQL), but it can support local ("private") and authenticated feeds.

alt text

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2  
I think having to install it on a web server is too cumbersome for an RSS reader. – Neil Aug 5 '09 at 20:59
@Neil: I basically agree, but, obviously, the developer of that app wouldn't! – arathorn Aug 5 '09 at 21:04
up vote -1 down vote accepted

There really isn't a good RSS reader for Firefox that's any better than NewsFox. Google Reader is probably the best if you can use an online solution, but you're better off getting an actual program rather than a browser extension.

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