News apps makes our lives much easier and here are the 19 best free news apps for iPhone and Android in 2017. Have you noticed how those around us on the subway, bus, coffee shops, restaurants and even at home are carrying their cell phone as if it was the most precious item they owned? Well it may well be, since being informed is of utmost importance nowadays in order to follow in real time what’s happening around the world. Besides, apps give us access to different sources, so we make sure we are reading real news, not fake ones. Large news organizations such as The New York Times, AOl, Associated Press, Buzzfeed and others made the list for the 19 best free news apps for iPhone and Android in 2017.
Since you can’t always watch TV and reading newspapers is a bit old-school nowadays, it’s all about the Internet and the news sites available for everyone to read. As long as you know where to look you’re going to find quality content and important topics. Of course, what’s important varies from person to person, but you’ll hopefully be able to find relevant information about the things that interest you on all these 19 best free news apps for iPhone and Android in 2017. You might also want to consider taking a look at these 7 best financial news apps for investors and 10 free no WiFi games for Android and iPhone for all those times when you’d rather relax.
In order to create our list for 19 best free news apps for iPhone and Android in 2017, we checked out several sources discussing the matter at hand – great news apps. Then, we had to make sure they were free and available both for Android and iOS since there are apps out there that only cater to one or the other operating system. Since we wanted to make sure everyone is included, we made sure the apps worked on both platforms. Then, we looked at the ratings they received and at how many reviews there were, both important factors to be taken into account.
Last, we handed out grades depending on their ranks and came up with the final scores for these 19 best free news apps for iPhone and Android in 2017.
19. Al Jazeera English
Score – 7
With its origins in Qatar, Al Jazeera has managed to build a name for itself at a worldwide level, bringing news from all over the world. It was originally launched as an Arabic news TV channel, but it has since expanded into a serious network, including channels in multiple languages. This is where the Al Jazeera English app comes in and made 9 best free news apps for iPhone and Android in 2017.
18. InoReader
Score – 12
Unlike the predecessor, InoReader is actually a content reader app. Basically, it gathers news from different sources and delivers them to you. This means that you’ll instantly get access to top information sources in one place, depending on the topics you’re interested in. It’s also possible to monitor news about specific keywords and to save pages from the web for later. Subscribing to social feeds is also possible, so you should keep that in mind.
17. NYT
Score – 14
Who hasn’t heard of the New York Times, right? Well, if you’re a fan of the publication, then installing the app is the logical next step. Of course, you’ll need to keep in mind that while getting the app is free, you’ll have to subscribe for a monthly fee. You’ll even get the first week for free if you choose to do this. Without subscribing, much like it happens when you visit the website, you only have a limited number of articles you can access. You can choose what sections you’re interested in so you’re not inundated with all the news published by the NYTimes.
16. AOL Mail News and Video
Score – 15
AOL has been around since the dawn of the Internet and even though it may not hold the same fame as it used to , and might put you in an age bracket outside the millennial one (who most likely started with google emails), it is still relevant and deserves to be part of 9 best free news apps for iPhone and Android in 2017. Nowadays, the AOL Mail, News and Video app delivers an all encompassing solution for all your needs. The News part of the app delivers content from a series of topics, including entertainment, finance, sports, weather, and lifestyle. News comes from reliable sources, such as the Huffington Post and TechCrunch so you should be all set.
15. Washington Post
Score – 18
The Washington Post is one of the most established news sources specially on its coverage of politics and other issues and its app provides award-winning journalism just a few taps away. The tool provides all the content you’ll find on the publication’s website, including national and international news, plus great photography and graphics for a better understanding of the subject being covered. Breaking news and other important updates will get pushed to your phone if you so desire, keeping you in the loop, wired 24/7 if you wish.
14. News360
Score – 22
Taking a step away from reading news from a single source, we’re up to News360, an app that adjusts the newsfeed by seeking content all over the Internet to fit your own needs. The more you use the app, the better the app gets to know you and your interests in order to better deliver news for you. Think about a new best friend that knows who you are. But of course, the News360 app also allows you to get involved in the proccess of tailoring the newsfeed on your own to better your needs.
13. AP Mobile
Score – 25
The Associated Press is one of the most prestigious news sources in the world with many legacy media comapnies around the world subscribing for its service. So if you want to get top-notch information, realiable and trustworthy news, then this is the app to choose. You can filter down all the information you need from different topics you are interested in such as politics, foreign affairs, current events and more. You will feel informed and empowered by AP’s news feed. Definitely a must in our list for 9 best free news apps for iPhone and Android in 2017.
12. Yahoo News Digest
Score – 26
It’s been a few years since Yahoo paid millions for a news aggregating app which it then turned into Yahoo News Digest in order to deliver a summary of all that’s important. The digests are delivered twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, with all the top stories being summarized and presented with the key information you need to figure out what’s happening. So even if we don’t know yet what is in the future for the company regarding a new management, their app might be useful for you.
11. SmartNews
Score – 26
This is a great app to have on your phone. It gathers news from multiple sources, such as The Verge, USA Today, TIME, Reuters, AP and more, analyzing data from millions of articles in order to deliver the top trending stories. The more realiable sources you have access to, the more well informed you will be and protect yourself from fake news. It has a great interface, it is easy to navigate between news categories and news loads immediately. You may even access content offline, so that’s a bonus point. So, when on the go, no need to search for Starbucks or larger subway stations for free wi-fi access around the city.
10. Buzzfeed
Score – 27
Sure, Buzzfeed is mostly known for fun content, quizzes and collections of photos, listicles, but they are also actual news provider, which is a very important factor. Does the word “leaked dossier” rings a bell? Investigative journalism has been add to their platform and they are important players in the media landscape. Also, what’s great about the Buzzfeed app is the fact that you’ll have access to all the content from the same tool, whether you’re looking for serious content, or what’s the new president has been up to, or just a few fun facts about your favorite actor. Let’s not forget that variety adds spice to life. Buzzed has a secure place in the list for 9 best free news apps for iPhone and Android in 2017.
9. TheScore
Score – 29
If you’re into sports, then this is the app for you. So, what if you have been sleeping through the night and missing all the tennis action from the Australian Open, in Melbourne Australia, due to the time difference? You can get all the sports update you need while savoring your latte in the morning with TheScore. Besides getting the latest news regarding your favorite sports, the app also offers alerts, scores, and stats and push notifications to your device should you desire so. So, whether you’re into the NFL, the baseball league, basketball, hockey, soccer or tennis you’re all set.
8. CNN
Score – 30
When it comes to serious news sources, CNN is easily up there with the best of them. The CNN app will not only keep you up to date with what’s happening in the world, but it will also help you watch important events unfolding. CNN has constant coverage of breaking news and pannels of political discussions making it a very valuable app to have access to.
7. Google News and Weather
Score – 32
This particular Google app is a news aggregator, covering tens of thousands of publications and bringing you the most important headlines. You can browse headlines, tap to read, and swipe to go to the next article without having to go back, which is pretty handy.
6. BBC News
Score – 35
The BBC is one of the best news sources there is and its app brings all that knowledge to the center. Usually when we think about BBC we think about Great Britain, but it has expanded to other countries in the world. Its app is one of the 19 best free news apps for iPhone and Android in 2017. The great part about the BBC app is that you can personalize the tool to deliver only news you’re really interested in, improving the overall performance of the app and your personal.
5. Reddit
Score – 41
By definition, Reddit is “the front page of the Internet,” a social news aggregator. While it’s true there are many more topics available on Reddit, there are loads and loads of interesting topics, many reaching the network before reaching the media even. It’s a great app to have if you want to stay informed.
4. News Republic
Score – 45
Using over 1,650 trusted news sources from all over the world, News Republic aims to bring you the breaking news coverage you need. It’s easy to customize so it only delivers topics that will interest you and you’re not going to get lost in a maze of information.
3. Pocket
Score – 48
As you browse the Internet while drinking your coffee, you can save whatever topics interest you to Pocket. Then, you can use this app to read the articles in a clean and easy-to-view layout, even if you’re offline. Pocket is very easy to use and customize so it suits your needs and style. There’s unlimited storage, so you don’t have to worry about ever saving too many topics. Also, since we’re talking about perks of Pocket, it should also be mentioned that text-to-speech is available, so you can have the app read your articles to you as you cook dinner, for instance.
2. Flipboard
Score – 53
Flipboard is basically a magazine that you create yourself. How do you do this? Well, you start off by following a few topics, telling the app where your interests are. Then, Flipboard creates your personal magazine, presenting you with articles from publications such as The NY Times, People Magazine and more.
1. Feedly
Score – 53
Perhaps one of the best news apps out there, Feedly is, at its core, an RSS reader. A modern one, at that, but still an RSS reader. How do you use this app? Well, you search for topics you enjoy, keywords you might like, or even direct news sources you like and simply add them to Feedly. Then, whenever you’re on the road, you can just check Feedly instead of looking through a dozen sites on your way to work. In this way, you’ll get a more comprehensive look at what’s happening in the world.
That being said, these have been 19 best free news apps for iPhone and Android in 2017.