I think almost every blogger’s reaction to Google telling us that they will be turning off Reader in July had many of us in a tizzy. Oh god? How will we check our favourite blogs with all of the utibility of Google Reader? What’s even worth using outside of Google Reader? Do I have to subscribe to all of these blogs all over again?
Never fear. I did some research and came up with what seems the best alternative.
Feedly is available for Chrome and Firefox, and a few smartphones, as well as for Kindle. It has a snazzy news style look, though you can change it to be more like a list like in Google Reader (which I tend to prefer for browsing). It has a lot of fantastic features and if you sign up for Feedly before Google Reader closes its doors, it has the fantastic option to transfer your Google Reader data directly to Feedly, even down to the folders, without a single bit of hassle. If you’re looking for the best alternative I heartily recommend Feedly. Sign up and have a play around with it.
Thank you! I have been sooo confused about it!
I’ve just started using Feedly, still getting a hang of it on the website but their android app is absolutely gorgeous.
I would suggest if you’re using Feedly that you still export your Google Reader stuff end of June because in its current state feedly using the GR aggregator API. They claim it will be a seamless transition but if it isn’t it’s better to have a back-up plan.
Good point!
I’ve been using this on my iPad and really like it, but I find the web version to be a little annoying with all the clicking I have to do. It does look nice! And it’s not so complicated.
I checked out Feedly, but didn’t like it. I use Internet Explorer, for one, so it doesn’t show up well. And I hate that it’s so app-based – I do most of my blog reading on a laptop or desktop, not my phone. It’s all just too fancy.
So far I signed up for Bloglovin, and it seems pretty similar to Google Reader. I was able to import all the blogs I follow, although I had to re-do my folders (which kind of need it anyways).
Maybe Google will realize the outcry and decide not to get rid of GR. It was so useful.
Ahh yeah, think Feedly may be better for Chrome and Firefox sadly.
I use it on Chrome and really like it. Might check out Bloglovin as well though. I haven’t checked that one yet and if I prefer it rather find it before GR is gone.
I actually don’t really like Feedly
I tried The Old Reader and I prefer that one for some reason. It can be a bit slow but I didn’t manage to get used to Feedly’s magazine style layout yet.
I turned the magazine layout off.
Not a big fan of it.