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App Feature
Microsoft Start (MSN) is a free, ad-supported news aggregator that curates a personalized feed from thousands of publishers, with built-in weather forecasts, finance tracking (markets and watchlists), short video clips, and tight integration with Microsoft services like Edge, Outlook, OneDrive, and Microsoft Rewards.
Verdict
Verdict: A polished, highly customizable news hub—great for Microsoft users and anyone who wants a tailored, cross-device news experience.
Who is it for
Best for:
- Readers who want a personalized, configurable feed with trusted sources
- Users in the Microsoft ecosystem (Edge, Outlook, OneDrive, Rewards)
- Anyone wanting built-in weather, finance, and short video updates
Not ideal for:
- Users who want zero ads even in free apps
- Those needing granular source blocking on Android
- People who prefer minimalist feeds without curation or setup
Real-world User Experience
Users like it:
Strong customization of interests, reliable cross-device sync, and a broad variety of quality sources. Many praise the clean UI, smooth performance, dark mode, lock-screen/notification tie-ins, and the ability to save articles. Local news relevance and daily use habits are common, and several highlight minimal or unobtrusive ads and Microsoft Rewards integration as nice bonuses.
Users complain about:
Some want more granular source filtering in the Android app and miss features like 'Today in history.' A few note occasional ads and desire auto light/dark mode. New users can feel overwhelmed without trimming interests, and rare error messages were mentioned.
Is it Worth Paying For?
The app is free with ads and no in-app purchases. There’s nothing to pay for, and the value is strong for a free, full-featured news experience.
How it Compares to Alternatives
Compared to Google News, users report stronger control over what appears in the feed and better respect for preferences. Versus SmartNews, several reviewers note fewer intrusive ads and a cleaner reading flow. Flipboard-style magazine views aren’t the focus here; instead, Microsoft Start excels in utility features (weather, finance) and integration across Microsoft services, plus Rewards—making it especially compelling for Microsoft-centric users.
Summary
Microsoft Start (MSN) is a mature, reliable news aggregator that blends a deeply customizable feed with practical extras like real-time weather, finance tracking, and short-form video. Reviewers consistently praise the breadth of reputable sources, smooth performance, and thoughtful touches such as dark mode, article saving, and cross-device syncing. Ads are present but often described as unobtrusive for a free app. While Android users may want more granular source filtering and some miss niche features, the overall package offers a robust, tailored news experience—especially appealing if you already use Microsoft apps and services.
Ratings
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