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Quick Verdict
Miniflux is the better choice for most people. It's faster, uses less memory, and the minimalist UI eliminates distractions. FreshRSS wins if you want extensions, themes, multiple database backends, or need to host many users with different configurations.
Overview
FreshRSS and Miniflux are the two leading self-hosted RSS readers. FreshRSS is a PHP application with a feature-rich web UI, extension support, and multiple database options. Miniflux is a Go application with a deliberately minimal UI and a focus on speed and simplicity.
Both support the Google Reader API for mobile app sync and handle hundreds of feeds reliably.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | FreshRSS | Miniflux |
|---|---|---|
| Language | PHP | Go |
| Database | SQLite, PostgreSQL, MySQL | PostgreSQL (required) |
| Multi-user | Yes | Yes |
| Extensions | Yes (plugin system) | No |
| Themes | Yes (multiple built-in + custom) | No (one theme, dark/light toggle) |
| Google Reader API | Yes | Yes |
| Fever API | Yes | Yes |
| Full-text fetch | Via extension or CSS selectors | Built-in readability parser |
| WebSub (real-time) | Yes | No |
| Keyboard shortcuts | Yes | Yes (extensive) |
| OAuth/OIDC | Via HTTP_AUTH proxy | Built-in OIDC support |
| Integrations | Limited | 20+ (Pinboard, Wallabag, Matrix, Telegram, etc.) |
| API | Google Reader compatible | Full REST API + Google Reader + Fever |
| Docker image size | ~150 MB | ~30 MB |
| Memory usage (200 feeds) | ~150 MB | ~80 MB |
Installation Complexity
FreshRSS is simpler to get running initially — a single container with SQLite requires no external database. The web setup wizard guides you through configuration. Adding PostgreSQL for scale is optional.
Miniflux requires PostgreSQL from the start — there's no SQLite option. The Docker Compose setup includes two containers. However, configuration is entirely through environment variables — no web wizard. Simpler to automate.
Winner: FreshRSS for quick start. Miniflux for automation-friendly setup.
Performance and Resource Usage
Miniflux wins here decisively:
| Metric | FreshRSS | Miniflux |
|---|---|---|
| RAM (idle, 200 feeds) | ~100-150 MB | ~30-50 MB |
| RAM (during refresh) | ~200-300 MB | ~80-120 MB |
| Feed refresh speed | Moderate (PHP) | Fast (Go, concurrent) |
| Page load time | ~200-500ms | ~50-100ms |
| Docker image | ~150 MB | ~30 MB |
Miniflux is compiled Go — no interpreter overhead, no framework bloat. It starts in milliseconds and serves pages instantly. FreshRSS is PHP with Apache/nginx — perfectly functional but measurably heavier.
Community and Support
| Metric | FreshRSS | Miniflux |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 10K+ | 7K+ |
| Active development | Very active | Active |
| Contributors | 100+ | Primarily one developer |
| Documentation | Good (community wiki) | Excellent (official docs) |
| Release frequency | Regular | Regular |
FreshRSS has a larger community and more contributors. Miniflux is primarily maintained by one developer (Frédéric Guillot) but has excellent documentation and a stable codebase.
Use Cases
Choose FreshRSS If...
- You want extensions and customization
- You need SQLite for a simple single-container setup
- You want themes and visual customization
- You're hosting for many users with different needs
- You want WebSub for real-time feed updates
- You prefer a traditional multi-pane reader layout
Choose Miniflux If...
- You want the fastest, most responsive reading experience
- You value simplicity over features
- You're running on limited hardware (Raspberry Pi, low-RAM VPS)
- You want built-in integrations (save to Wallabag, notify via Telegram, etc.)
- You prefer keyboard-driven reading
- You want a distraction-free reading environment
Final Verdict
Miniflux is the better RSS reader for most self-hosters. It's faster, lighter, and the minimalist approach means fewer things to configure and fewer things to break. The built-in integrations cover what most people need without extensions.
FreshRSS is better if you need flexibility. Extensions, themes, multiple database backends, and a larger community make it the more customizable option. It's also the safer choice if you might need features that Miniflux deliberately excludes.
Both are excellent. You won't regret either choice.
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