SmartNews

With over 50 million downloads globally, it curates trending stories from 3,000+ trusted sources, making it ideal for readers seeking efficiency without information overload.

Features:

✨ Hyper-Personalized Feed

Algorithms adapt to your reading habits, surfacing politics, tech, or entertainment based on your clicks.

✨ Offline Reading Mode

Save articles for commutes or low-signal areas—no internet? No problem.

✨ Trending Topic Alerts

Catch viral stories early via real-time push notifications on breaking news.

✨ Bias Balance Meter

Compare left/right-leaning perspectives on divisive issues within a single story thread.

Advantages:

Free premium access to most partner publishers (unlike Apple News+).

Minimal ads compared to Flipboard or Google News.

Podcast integration lets you switch between reading and audio updates.

Local news prioritization adjusts coverage when traveling.

Disadvantages:

- Limited comment sections reduce community interaction.

- Occasional duplicate stories across topic categories.

- iOS widgets update more slowly than competitors.

Behind the App

Developed by Tokyo-based SmartNews, Inc. (est. 2012), the app leverages partnerships with Reuters, AP, and niche blogs. Its "immune algorithm" combatting misinformation won a 2021 Webby Award.

Vs Competitors

▸Flipboard: Better visuals but heavier ads.

▸Google News: Broader reach but less personalization.

▸Ground News: Deeper bias analysis but paid features.

User Love

Rated 4.7/5 on iOS (1.2M reviews)—praised for saving 15+ weekly hours. Recent updates added TikTok-style vertical video news and election fact-check hubs.

Whether you’re a news junkie or casual reader, SmartNews turns the chaos of headlines into a streamlined, curiosity-driven experience.