Selfoss

Active

selfoss.aditu.de

Country: Germany (DE)
Founded: 2012
Developer: Fossar (community-driven open-source project)
Pricing: Free (open-source)
Open source: Yes
Platforms: Web, Linux, Windows, macOS, Android

Indexes

RSS Readers

Overview

Selfoss is an open-source, web-based RSS reader and multi-source content aggregator that consolidates feeds, posts, tweets, and data streams into a single unified interface. Designed for users who want to manage multiple information sources without relying on proprietary services, it offers lightweight deployment, extensive customization through plugins, and full data ownership. The application is particularly suited for self-hosted environments and developers who value transparency and control over their content consumption infrastructure.

Key Features

Web-based RSS Reader - Aggregate and read RSS feeds from multiple sources in a unified web interface
Multi-source Aggregation - Collect posts, tweets, and feeds from various platforms into a single dashboard
Open Plugin System - Extend functionality with custom data connectors and plugins written by users
OPML Import/Export - Import feed subscriptions from other RSS readers and export your configuration
Lightweight Architecture - Minimal resource footprint (~25 MB) with PHP-based backend suitable for shared hosting
Database Flexibility - Support for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite databases for deployment flexibility
RESTful JSON API - Developer-friendly API for programmatic access and third-party application integration
Mobile-Responsive Design - Adaptive layout supporting Android, iOS, and iPad with native Android app available
Easy Installation - Simple deployment process requiring only file upload and basic configuration

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free (Self-Hosted)	$0	Full access to all features, unlimited feeds, complete source code, lifetime ownership

Platforms & Requirements

Selfoss runs on any web server supporting PHP with MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite. It is platform-agnostic and can be deployed on Linux, Windows, or macOS servers. The web interface is accessible from any modern browser, with responsive design supporting mobile devices. A native Android app is available as a third-party companion application.

Integrations & Ecosystem

OPML feed import/export
RESTful JSON API for developers
Third-party Android app (Selfoss Companion)
Browser extensions (Selfoss Companion for Chrome)
Custom data connectors via plugin system
MySQL database connectivity
PostgreSQL database connectivity
SQLite database connectivity

Alternatives

App	Difference
Feedly	Cloud-based commercial service with curated content and AI recommendations, versus self-hosted open-source alternative
Inoreader	Feature-rich commercial RSS reader with advanced filtering and social features, versus lightweight self-hosted option
Miniflux	Minimalist open-source RSS reader with simpler interface, versus more extensible multi-source aggregation platform
The Old Reader	Cloud-based social RSS reader with community features, versus self-hosted privacy-focused aggregator
FreshRSS	Open-source RSS reader with similar self-hosting model but different architecture and feature set

Reputation

Selfoss is respected in the open-source and self-hosting communities for its lightweight design, extensibility, and commitment to user data ownership. Users appreciate the plugin system and multi-source aggregation capabilities, though the project has a smaller user base compared to commercial alternatives. The application is considered stable and reliable for personal use, though documentation could be more comprehensive. It appeals primarily to technical users and those seeking privacy-conscious alternatives to cloud-based RSS services.

Sources (7)