Previously, in 100’s of RSS Feeds to Monitor? No Problem (part 1), I touched upon the plethora of RSS Reader choices available to us and divided them roughly into four groups: Online Aggregators, Offline (Standalone) Aggregators, Built-In Aggregators and Plug-Ins, and Pre-Reader Filters. Let’s now take a look at some of the differentiating features as well as some resources for comparing specific readers feature by feature.

Basic Features: Even with all the RSS choices out there, many aggregators share a few basic features.

1. Mark Updates as Read: The vast majority of aggregators, online or desktop-based, offer this simple method of keeping track of updates you’ve seen already. Most even do this automatically.
2. Preview Panes: Many, though not all, RSS aggregators use a three-panel layout similar to most current email clients, with a list of feed subscriptions, a pane for new updates, and a preview section that lets you view the actual blog or website without clicking over.
3. Basic Search: Most RSS readers allow you to search through your subscriptions’ recent updates for items based on content and keywords. This is also offered in online services like Bloglines, and it’s no surprise that a formidable search function is built into Google Reader.
4. Feed Search: Some readers let you search for new RSS feed subscriptions, either by category or by Web page. Equally common is a basic suggested subscription list, like NewsGator’s Feed Wizard, to start you off with some popular ideas.
5. Import/Export Feeds: While not included in all readers, this feature lets you transfer your RSS subscriptions from one reader to another. FeedDemon and NewsGator are connected in more ways than this, but there are plenty of other services that offer the same function.

Advanced Features: These features are available only on specific RSS aggregators, or just aren’t as common.

1. Tags: Google Reader, Bloglines, and a few (mostly online) other aggregators allow you to group your subscriptions by tags, an organizational tool that functions just like the tags in Gmail or the bookmarker del.icio.us.
2. Subfolders: Usually found in standalone aggregators (though also available in NewsGator), subfolders are a more specific way to group your newsfeeds, just as you might do with your email. FeedDemon, in particular, offers the ability to set Watch lists for incoming updates that automatically send them to a specified folder.
3. Podcasts: FeedDemon and NewsGator, along with a couple of other readers, let you synch various podcast updates with your iPod or other handheld device. This puts all your new podcasts in one easy, convenient location for download.
4. Blog Integration: The online services Bloglines and Google Reader and the plug-in NewsGator all allow you to post stories directly to a blog, which allows you to easily share your favorites (such as CodeJacked, hint, hint).

Lists and Comparison Charts: To help you wade through all the choices and find the right RSS reader for you, here are a few comparison resources:

The wiki chart at aggcompare.com is huge, with details on display styles, prices, platforms, and a host of special features. Unfortunately, the chart is hard to navigate (did I mention it’s huge?), and may take a while to dig through.

CNET.com is a great resource for reviews and comparisons, with the option to pick out your reader candidate and compare it to some of the most popular options. It has full reviews of most of the big-name readers, along with a few surprises. CNET’s RSS guide is at reviews.cnet.com

Finally, the list at newsonfeeds.com yields a plethora of options, many of which are completely free. It doesn’t have a comparison chart of its own, but it does list short descriptions of the various titles.

Whether you’re new to RSS or an old hat looking for a new program, good luck and happy hunting!

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