Newsboat: Fast RSS Feed Reader for Command Line Users
A lightweight, text-based RSS feed reader for terminal enthusiasts.
★ 4.0 / 5 iKeep scoreScreenshots
Quick facts
Overview
Newsboat is an open-source RSS feed reader designed for the command line. It offers a fast, customizable way to keep up with news and blogs without leaving your terminal.
Getting started with GitHub - newsboat/newsboat: An RSS/Atom feed reader for text terminals
- Install NewsboatInstall Newsboat using your package manager, e.g., `sudo apt install newsboat` on Debian/Ubuntu or `brew install newsboat` on macOS.
- Add RSS feedsEdit the `~/.newsboat/urls` file and add your RSS feed URLs, one per line.
- Launch and navigateRun `newsboat` in your terminal. Use the arrow keys to browse feeds and `Enter` to open articles.
- Customize settingsModify `~/.newsboat/config` to customize keybindings, colors, and other preferences.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Free | — |
💡 Indicative pricing — check the official rates at github.com · Updated 7/21/2026
Original pricing screenshotKey features
- Text-based interface for efficient RSS reading
- Supports OPML import/export for feed management
- Customizable keybindings and color schemes
- Podcast support with download capabilities
- Scriptable with external commands
Pros
- Lightweight and fast performance
- Highly customizable for power users
- Works well on remote servers via SSH
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- No graphical interface
- Limited formatting options compared to GUI readers
Use cases
- Developers who prefer terminal workflows
- Reading news on remote servers
- Power users who want scriptable RSS feeds
The verdict
Newsboat is an excellent choice for terminal power users who want a fast, scriptable way to consume RSS feeds, but its text-only interface makes it unsuitable for casual users.
✓ Who should use it
Developers, sysadmins, and command-line enthusiasts who want a lightweight, keyboard-driven RSS reader.
✕ Who should skip it
Non-technical users or those who prefer graphical interfaces with rich media display.
Categories
Community
- GitHub Issues ↗Official issue tracker and support community
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Frequently asked questions
Is GitHub - newsboat/newsboat: An RSS/Atom feed reader for text terminals free?
GitHub - newsboat/newsboat: An RSS/Atom feed reader for text terminals is free to use.
What is GitHub - newsboat/newsboat: An RSS/Atom feed reader for text terminals best for?
Technical users who prefer keyboard-driven workflows
Does GitHub - newsboat/newsboat: An RSS/Atom feed reader for text terminals have an API?
No, GitHub - newsboat/newsboat: An RSS/Atom feed reader for text terminals does not offer a public API.
Can I self-host GitHub - newsboat/newsboat: An RSS/Atom feed reader for text terminals?
Yes, GitHub - newsboat/newsboat: An RSS/Atom feed reader for text terminals can be self-hosted.
Who should use GitHub - newsboat/newsboat: An RSS/Atom feed reader for text terminals?
Developers, sysadmins, and command-line enthusiasts who want a lightweight, keyboard-driven RSS reader.
Reviews 4.0 ★ · 1 review
As a long-time terminal user, I appreciate Newsboat's no-nonsense approach to RSS reading. It loads instantly, uses minimal resources, and stays out of my way while delivering content efficiently. The keyboard shortcuts become second nature after a short learning period, and the ability to pipe articles to external programs is a game-changer for my workflow. While it won't win any design awards, Newsboat excels at what it's designed for - giving technical users a fast, scriptable way to consume RSS feeds without leaving the command line. The podcast support is a nice bonus, though I wish it had better article formatting options.
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