Staying informed doesn’t have to cost a thing. Whether you prefer breaking headlines, in-depth analysis, or personalized news feeds, the best free news apps make it easy to keep up with what’s happening around the world. Look at the top no-cost options available in 2025 that bring reliable updates straight to your device. From politics and business to tech and sports, these apps help you follow the stories that matter most to you.
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1. Rize
Rize is a mobile application available on iOS that provides users with a fixed number of news stories twice per day. The content is selected and summarized by an AI system based on topics the user has shown interest in. Each digest includes five stories, delivered in the morning and evening, and the app updates its selections based on previous usage patterns.
The app also includes a feature that allows users to ask questions related to the stories through an integrated AI. There is no traditional scrolling newsfeed, and the structure of the app is centered around brief, scheduled updates rather than continuous browsing.
Key Highlights:
- Sends 5 news summaries each morning and evening
- Uses AI to adjust story selection based on user activity
- Includes an interactive feature for asking questions about stories
- Does not include a continuous scrolling newsfeed
Who it’s best for:
- Users interested in scheduled news digests
- People who follow specific news topics
- Those who prefer limited updates over real-time streams
- Readers who want a structured news format
2. CBS News
CBS News offers a mobile application that provides access to its full range of news coverage, including national and international stories, politics, health, entertainment, and live events. The app features a continuous stream of news and video content and is available for download on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire devices, and most major smart TVs and consoles.
Users can watch live broadcasts 24/7 and access clips or full segments from CBS News programming. The app also supports breaking news notifications and updates across various categories. In addition to mobile platforms, it is compatible with devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox One, and others.
Key Highlights:
- Available on multiple platforms, including mobile and smart TVs
- Includes 24/7 live news streaming
- Covers a wide range of news categories and programs
- Offers notifications for breaking news and live events
Who it’s best for:
- Viewers who consume news through video and live broadcasts
- Users with smart TVs or media consoles
- People looking for continuous news access across devices
- Audiences familiar with CBS News programming
3. BBC News
The BBC News app offers access to news stories, live updates, and reporting from the BBC’s UK and international journalist network. The app includes headlines, long-form analysis, and video content covering a range of topics including politics, health, business, science, technology, culture, and the environment. It also features a “My News” section where users can select topics of interest.
The app supports live streaming of the BBC News channel and provides push notifications for breaking news. Users based in the UK can also view local stories and weather based on their registered postcode. The app collects device-related data for service improvement and personalization purposes, with privacy options available in the settings.
Key Highlights:
- Provides top stories, breaking news, and live reporting
- Covers UK and global topics across various categories
- Allows personalization via the “My News” tab
- Includes local news and weather for UK users
- Available on both Android and iOS platforms
Who it’s best for:
- Readers who follow UK and international news
- Users interested in a range of topics from a single source
- People who want both written content and live video
- Those who prefer setting personalized news preferences
4. Flipboard
Flipboard is a content aggregation app that organizes articles, videos, and updates from a wide range of sources. Users can follow topics such as health, technology, travel, or politics, and receive a feed based on selected interests. The app pulls in stories from various publishers and also supports integration with federated social networks like Threads and Mastodon.
A notable feature of Flipboard is the ability to collect and save articles into personal “magazines.” These can be kept private or made public for sharing. Location-based content and local news are also accessible by enabling location services. Notifications and a widget are available for users who want daily content updates.
Key Highlights:
- Aggregates stories from a range of national and international publishers
- Allows users to follow topics or accounts across supported platforms
- Offers tools to save articles into personal collections called magazines
- Includes local news features when location services are enabled
Who it’s best for:
- Readers looking to follow a wide variety of curated content
- Users who prefer combining mainstream and independent sources
- Individuals interested in organizing saved content for future reading
- Those exploring niche topics or local stories alongside global news
5. Google News
Google News is a personalized news aggregation app that compiles headlines and stories from a wide range of sources. It offers a “Briefing” feature that updates throughout the day with top local, national, and global news. Users can follow specific topics or publications, and content is adjusted based on interaction history. The app also provides local news by allowing users to select cities of interest.
One of the core features is “Full Coverage,” which presents multiple perspectives on a single story from different outlets. Google News is available across Android, iOS, and desktop, and includes support for offline reading by downloading articles. The app collects data such as location, usage, and device information, with options to request deletion or limit tracking.
Key Highlights:
- Offers a continuously updating personalized news briefing
- Features local news options and multi-source story coverage
- Allows users to follow specific topics and publishers
- Includes offline access and adapts to low-bandwidth conditions
Who it’s best for:
- Users looking for a central place to access varied news sources
- Readers who want both local updates and global headlines
- People who prefer personalized story recommendations
- Those accessing news from multiple devices, including desktop
6. Apple News
Apple News is a mobile application that aggregates news stories, local updates, and editorial content from a variety of publishers. The app includes a mix of curated top stories and personalized recommendations based on reading behavior. Content categories span news, sports, lifestyle, and regional reporting from across the United States.
Users can access free content or subscribe to Apple News+ for additional materials such as premium newspapers, magazines, audio stories, and offline access. The app is designed to work on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision, and integrates features like puzzles and recipe collections as part of its extended offerings under the subscription tier.
Key Highlights:
- Provides curated and personalized news updates
- Covers national, local, and global news sources
- Offers access to stories, podcasts, recipes, and puzzles
- Subscription option includes premium publications and offline reading
Who it’s best for:
- iOS users looking for a centralized news app
- Readers interested in both free and paid news options
- People who follow a mix of general headlines and specialized content
- Users seeking additional media such as audio stories and magazines
7. The New York Times
The New York Times app is free to download and offers limited access to news reporting, cultural features, opinion pieces, and multimedia content, with most content requiring a subscription. It covers a wide range of categories including politics, international events, arts, business, technology, food, and wellness. Users can read articles, watch videos, and listen to podcasts such as “The Daily.” The app also includes puzzles and recipes alongside its standard news coverage.
Personalization options allow users to follow specific topics, set up alerts, and receive recommendations. A subscription unlocks expanded access to additional services such as NYT Cooking, Games, Wirecutter reviews, and The Athletic. The app is free to download, with in-app purchases available for extended content.
Key Highlights:
- Covers news, lifestyle, commentary, and multimedia
- Offers podcast access and daily puzzles
- Includes personalization and alert settings
- Subscription enables access to additional services
Who it’s best for:
- Readers interested in a broad range of content beyond headlines
- Users who follow current events through multiple formats (text, video, audio)
- People who use NYT services like Cooking, Games, and Wirecutter
- Subscribers looking for expanded digital access
8. Ground News
Ground News is a mobile news app developed by Snapwise Inc. that presents stories from a wide range of sources and includes features that label perceived bias, ownership, and coverage patterns. The platform aggregates headlines from tens of thousands of publishers and highlights how different outlets report on the same story. Its format is designed to compare multiple perspectives side-by-side, offering a breakdown of political alignment and source background.
The app includes both free and subscription-based options. Users can access real-time news from a broad set of global sources and review summaries for current events. Additional features such as media bias tracking and extended coverage analysis are available through paid plans. The app is available for iOS, Android, and desktop platforms, with optional browser extensions for bias checks.
Key Highlights:
- Aggregates content from tens of thousands of news sources
- Displays source information, including ownership and bias labels
- Allows side-by-side comparisons of coverage across the political spectrum
- Free to use with optional in-app purchases
Who it’s best for:
- Users seeking multiple viewpoints on current events
- Individuals who follow political reporting and media literacy topics
- Readers interested in analyzing how different outlets cover the same story
- People who prefer source transparency in news consumption
9. CNN: Live & Breaking News
CNN’s mobile app provides access to news content across a variety of formats, including articles, short videos, live streams, podcasts, and live audio. The app covers a wide range of topics such as politics, health, world events, climate, entertainment, and lifestyle. Users can view clips or follow real-time developments through evolving story threads labeled as “live updates.”
The app includes options to set notifications for breaking news and developing stories. While many features are accessible without a login, additional content such as live television streams, original series, and documentaries requires authentication through a TV provider or a digital subscription. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices and supports in-app purchases for expanded access.
Key Highlights:
- Provides a mix of written articles, live video, and short-form content
- Includes notifications for breaking and ongoing news stories
- Offers access to CNN, CNN International, and HLN streams with login
- Free to download with optional digital subscription
Who it’s best for:
- Users who follow major U.S. and international headlines
- People looking for both live and on-demand news video
- Individuals interested in combining articles, audio, and video in one app
- Viewers who already have a cable or streaming TV provider login
10. Reuters News
Reuters News is a mobile application that provides access to international news coverage. The app features a structured interface with various sections including current headlines, business markets, and media content. It includes a “Today” tab for general updates, a “Markets” section with financial information, and a media area with videos, podcasts, and galleries.
The app includes options to create a personalized news feed based on selected topics. Account registration may be necessary for full access in some regions, while other regions offer access through a free sign-up process. Users can manage notification preferences for breaking news or podcast updates. The app is available to download at no cost, with in-app purchases available for some services.
Key Highlights:
- Includes international and market-related news
- Offers content sections for multimedia, articles, and analysis
- Registration or subscription may be required for full access
- Download available without charge
Who it’s best for:
- Individuals following international and financial news
- Readers looking for structured access to various content types
- Users who prefer managing their reading preferences and alerts
- Those accessing news on mobile devices
11. Yahoo News
Yahoo News is a mobile application that provides access to a wide selection of news stories sourced from various national and international publishers. The app presents a feed that adapts to user interaction and allows filtering by interests or exclusion of topics. In addition to general news, it features sections that include entertainment, politics, health, weather, and other lifestyle categories.
Users can access content from a range of media outlets, including global and local sources. The app also offers AI-generated summaries that highlight main points of selected articles. Yahoo News is available as a free download and includes advertising. Articles can be browsed without account-based payment barriers, although some publisher-linked content may require separate access.
Key Highlights:
- Aggregates content from national, international, and local sources
- Allows user adjustments to filter or block selected content
- Provides AI-generated summaries for select articles
- App is available without required payment
Who it’s best for:
- Readers interested in a broad mix of mainstream media coverage
- Users who want to personalize their news feed
- Individuals looking for both general headlines and regional updates
- Those seeking a no-subscription option to browse articles
12. AP News
AP News is a mobile application developed by The Associated Press that provides access to national and global news content. The app features a personalized feed, curated story hubs, and updates from various local and international sources. It is designed to display text articles, photojournalism, and videos, including coverage of ongoing events.
Users can follow specific topics and adjust alert preferences to receive updates related to selected areas of interest. The app supports browsing through recent stories and includes content from affiliated local outlets. AP News is available without a subscription and can be used on mobile devices and Apple Watch.
Key Highlights:
- Offers access to stories from The Associated Press and local news sources
- Features adjustable alerts and a customizable feed
- Includes photo, video, and text-based content
- Free to use with no required payment or subscription
Who it’s best for:
- Individuals seeking coverage from a wire service organization
- Users who prefer a straightforward news feed format
- Readers interested in both international and U.S. local stories
- Those using iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch for news consumption
13. FOX LOCAL
FOX LOCAL is a free streaming app developed by FOX Television Stations, Inc. It focuses on local news content and is compatible with Fire TV, certain Fire OS devices, iOS, and Android. The app allows users to access video coverage from various U.S. cities and includes stories related to news, weather, and regional developments. Content is organized by city, and the app includes programming from FOX channels such as FOX Weather and LiveNow from FOX.
The app provides live streams and on-demand clips without requiring a subscription or login. It is available in select markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and others. Features such as video replay and city-switching are available depending on the user’s location and device compatibility.
Key Highlights:
- Offers live and on-demand local news content
- Available in select major U.S. cities
- Includes additional streams like FOX Weather and LiveNow
- Accessible on Fire TV devices and Fire OS platforms
Who it’s best for:
- Viewers looking for local video news content
- Users with compatible Fire TV or Firestick devices
- People in supported U.S. metro areas
- Those interested in regional weather and community coverage
14. MSNBC
The MSNBC app, developed by NBC News Digital LLC, allows users to access clips and video segments from MSNBC programming, as well as selected content from NBC News and the TODAY show. The app is compatible with Fire TV devices and requires a TV provider account for live streaming access.
Content in the app includes news clips, interviews, and political commentary. The app provides coverage from MSNBC’s broadcast lineup and features related programming on current events, policy discussions, and other topics. Some features and availability may depend on regional access or provider login.
Key Highlights:
- Supports limited live-streaming through a daily preview pass
- Offers clips from MSNBC shows and NBC News segments
- Includes political analysis and news-related video content
- Available on Fire TV platforms
Who it’s best for:
- Viewers familiar with MSNBC programming
- Users who want short-form video news clips
- People using Fire TV who have a linked cable provider
- Those interested in political coverage from U.S. sources
15. ABC News: Live & Breaking News
The ABC News app for Fire TV allows users to view live video streams and on-demand clips from the ABC News network. It includes content such as national and world news reports, political coverage, and local stories in regions where ABC operates owned television stations. The app also provides access to various broadcast segments and news programs throughout the day.
Additional features include curated news topics, event coverage, and programming related to election cycles and daily headlines. Functionality such as voice navigation (on Android TV) and streaming player controls are also integrated for supported devices.
Key Highlights:
- Live video streaming and on-demand clips from ABC News
- Includes national, international, and local content
- Curated topic rows and scheduled programming
- Available for Fire TV devices with voice control support
Who it’s best for:
- Viewers interested in U.S. and global news content
- Users who access broadcast news via streaming platforms
- Those following election coverage and political reporting
- Fire TV users looking for app-based access to live video news
16. America’s Voice News
America’s Voice News is a streaming news app developed by Performance One Media. It features a range of video programming categorized as news and entertainment content. The app is designed to operate on Amazon Fire TV and supports both live streams and on-demand video. Users can view content across different segments and save preferred programs using the app’s internal tools.
The application supports English language and includes technical features like device syncing and basic remote compatibility. According to publicly listed information, the app version 2.0 includes general performance updates. Customer feedback reflects mixed experiences with app availability and device compatibility.
Key Highlights:
- Streaming access to video content classified as news and entertainment
- Features both livestream and video-on-demand playback
- Device syncing and basic remote functionality supported
- Available via Amazon Fire TV platform
Who it’s best for:
- Users who access video-based news via Fire TV
- Viewers interested in political or issue-focused programming
- People looking for alternative formats beyond traditional cable broadcasts
- Those using older-generation Fire TV devices
17. NewsBreak
NewsBreak is a mobile news application developed by Particle Media Inc. It focuses on delivering local, national, and international news updates. Users can access headlines from a variety of sources, browse by topic or region, and receive notifications about nearby events, traffic conditions, or weather alerts. The app supports both iOS and Android platforms and allows limited user interaction through comments and content reactions.
The app includes content aggregation features and localized feeds that adapt based on general user input. It offers a mix of licensed content, user-generated posts, and links to external news outlets. According to the privacy details, the app may collect and share certain types of personal data, including location and identifiers, for functionality and analytics.
Key Highlights:
- Includes a wide range of regional and national news sources
- Supports user comments and content voting
- Notification system for news alerts and local updates
- Aggregated articles from multiple third-party publishers
- Available on iOS, Android, and compatible with Apple Watch
Who it’s best for:
- People interested in accessing regional news without visiting individual local sites
- Users who prefer a mobile format for browsing mixed-source headlines
- Individuals who want to follow trending topics or set content preferences
- Users looking for a general-purpose app with both local and broader coverage
18. OAN Live
OAN Live is a streaming news app developed by Herring Networks and available through Amazon’s Appstore. It provides access to live and on-demand content from One America News Network. The app supports various Fire TV devices and controllers and includes notifications for breaking news. It is available as a free download with optional in-app purchases and subscription services.
The app includes news videos, push notifications, and basic sharing features. It gathers user data such as advertising IDs and device identifiers for internal analytics and third-party marketing. The developer has not provided full details on data deletion or account removal options.
Key Highlights:
- Streams content from the One America News Network
- Push notifications for live updates and headlines
- Compatible with Fire TV, remotes, and controllers
- Includes sharing tools for news segments
Who it’s best for:
- Viewers interested in accessing OAN content directly through an app
- Users who prefer a dedicated platform for conservative-oriented news
- Individuals looking for a news app that supports Fire TV integration
- Subscribers seeking access to on-demand political and business coverage
19. SmartNews
SmartNews is a mobile news aggregation app developed by SmartNews, Inc., with availability on both Android and iOS platforms. It organizes content from a wide range of sources into categories like politics, local news, health, business, and entertainment. The platform includes a combination of editorial and algorithmic curation to deliver a mix of breaking news and general updates.
The app allows users to follow selected topics and publishers, view local information such as weather and alerts, and use a slider tool to explore articles from sources across different political viewpoints. SmartNews does not produce its own journalism but pulls from third-party publishers.
Key Highlights:
- Aggregates content from national and local news sources
- Offers a slider for comparing coverage across political viewpoints
- Includes sections for weather reports, crime updates, and trending stories
- Allows users to follow specific publishers and topics
Who it’s best for:
- Users who prefer browsing headlines from multiple sources in one app
- People interested in comparing perspectives from across the political spectrum
- Readers who want to follow local alerts alongside national stories
- Mobile users looking for structured news feeds without account registration
20. NPR News
The NPR News app provides access to written and audio content from National Public Radio. Users can read headlines, listen to newscasts, or stream content from NPR member stations. The app includes a search feature to locate local stations and also offers options to create playlists and browse programs such as Morning Edition, Fresh Air, and Planet Money.
This version, available for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices, includes basic playback features and access to both national and local NPR broadcasts. Location-based search is integrated for finding nearby stations, and content can be explored through articles or streamed audio. User reviews mention functionality trade-offs related to permissions and app behavior on different devices.
Key Highlights:
- Includes live streams from NPR stations and a variety of programs
- Allows reading and listening to selected NPR content
- Available for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices
Who it’s best for:
- Listeners who follow NPR radio shows
- Users interested in accessing public radio content on mobile devices
- People who prefer to mix audio and text-based news formats
- Those looking for both national and local station coverage in one app
Conclusion
Finding a good news app that doesn’t cost anything can make it easier to stay updated without adding another subscription. Whether you prefer quick headlines, in-depth reports, or local coverage, there’s a free app out there that fits how you like to get your news. Some focus on national reporting, others mix in global stories, and a few let you follow your favorite topics or sources.
The right app really depends on what you want whether it’s live streaming, audio options, or just a clean feed of stories to scroll through during the day. You don’t need to try them all, but it’s worth checking out a couple to see which one feels right for your routine.