FreshRSS vs Miniflux: Self-Hosted RSS Compared (2026)

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.

FAQ

Which RSS reader is faster?

Miniflux. Built in Go, it responds in 50-100ms compared to FreshRSS’s 200-500ms (PHP with Apache/nginx). Feed refreshes are also faster — Go’s built-in concurrency handles hundreds of feeds more efficiently than PHP’s process model.

Which uses less memory?

Miniflux at ~30-50 MB idle versus FreshRSS at ~100-150 MB. Under load with 200+ feeds, Miniflux stays under 120 MB while FreshRSS can reach 200-300 MB. If you’re running on a Raspberry Pi or low-RAM VPS, Miniflux is significantly lighter.

Which is easier to set up?

FreshRSS. It runs as a single container with SQLite support — no external database required. A web setup wizard walks you through configuration. Miniflux requires PostgreSQL from the start, meaning a two-container setup and environment variable configuration.

Can I migrate from one to the other?

Yes. Both support OPML import/export, so migrating your feed list is straightforward. Export your subscriptions as OPML from one, import into the other. Read history and saved items don’t transfer — only the feed subscriptions themselves.

Related

• How to Self-Host FreshRSS
• How to Self-Host Miniflux
• Best Self-Hosted RSS Readers
• Replace Feedly with Self-Hosted RSS
• Docker Compose Basics