# NetNewsWire for Mac

> A free, open-source RSS reader done right.

Fast, private and native, NetNewsWire reads your feeds without ads or tracking. It syncs with iCloud, Feedbin, Feedly and more.

## Facts

- Price: Free and open source
- Developer: Ranchero Software
- Category: Productivity
- Website: https://netnewswire.com/
- Homebrew cask: netnewswire
- Source code: https://github.com/Ranchero-Software/NetNewsWire
- License: MIT
- GitHub stars: 10k
- Last commit: 2026-10-18
- Facts checked: 2026-10-19
- MacWorthy page: https://macworthy.com/apps/netnewswire/

## Install

Homebrew:

```sh
brew install --cask netnewswire
```

## Questions

### Is NetNewsWire free?

Yes. NetNewsWire is free and open source under the MIT license. The source code is on GitHub at Ranchero-Software/NetNewsWire.

### Where can I download NetNewsWire for Mac?

Download NetNewsWire from the developer's website (netnewswire.com) and GitHub. MacWorthy links only to official sources.

### Can I install NetNewsWire from the Terminal?

Yes. With Homebrew, run `brew install --cask netnewswire`.

### What are good alternatives to NetNewsWire?

Other productivity apps for Mac worth a look are Reeder (subscription), Maccy (open source), Tinycast (open source) and Itsycal (open source).

## Alternatives in Productivity

- [Reeder](https://macworthy.com/apps/reeder/): One timeline for feeds, videos and social. (Subscription)
- [Maccy](https://macworthy.com/apps/maccy/): A tiny, keyboard-first clipboard manager. (Open source)
- [Tinycast](https://macworthy.com/apps/tinycast/): A small open-source launcher that stays light. (Open source)
- [Itsycal](https://macworthy.com/apps/itsycal/): A tiny calendar that lives in the menu bar. (Open source)
- [Things 3](https://macworthy.com/apps/things-3/): The task manager that feels like paper, only smarter. (One-time purchase)
- [Raycast](https://macworthy.com/apps/raycast/): A faster way to do everything on your Mac. (Free + Pro)
- [Fantastical](https://macworthy.com/apps/fantastical/): A calendar that understands plain sentences. (Subscription)
- [OmniFocus](https://macworthy.com/apps/omnifocus/): Industrial-strength GTD for complex lives. (Subscription)

## Collections

- [Free & open source](https://macworthy.com/collections/free-and-open/)

Tags: rss, reading, open source