If you’re on Bluesky (or considering it), you’ve probably heard whispers about third-party clients. Some people swear by them, while others stick with the official app like it’s the holy grail of social media. So, what’s the deal? Are third-party clients worth it? And, more importantly, which ones should you try?

Let’s break it down.

Why Even Consider Third-Party Clients?

Okay, first things first: why bother with third-party clients when the official Bluesky app exists? Here’s the thing—while the official app does its job, it’s a bit like a plain cheese pizza. Tasty, sure, but sometimes you want toppings (or maybe even stuffed crust).

Third-party clients are like the gourmet versions of Bluesky. They take the basics and pile on features you didn’t know you needed, like inline translations or advanced notifications. They’re built by developers who aren’t afraid to experiment, which often leads to features that outshine the original app.

Of course, there’s always the question: are these third-party apps better, or just different? Let’s look at three standout options to see what all the fuss is about.

Graysky: The Swiss Army Knife of Bluesky Apps

Graysky doesn’t just ask, “What’s missing from the Bluesky experience?”—it answers that question with a laundry list of cool features.

• Inline Translations: Ever see a post in a language you don’t understand and wish you could just… translate it? Graysky’s got you covered.
• GIF Support: Love them or hate them, GIFs add personality. The official app doesn’t support them, but Graysky does—whether you want to crack a joke or share a reaction, GIFs are game-changers.
• Feed-Centric Design: Everything feels more streamlined, so you can focus on scrolling (and maybe actually engaging).

Graysky is available for both iOS and Android, and its interface is buttery smooth. If you’re someone who thrives on enhanced functionality, this app might just become your go-to.

Ouranos: The Web-Based Minimalist

Let’s say you’re the type who likes to keep things simple, or maybe you’re glued to your laptop more than your phone. Enter Ouranos, a web client that’s as clean and straightforward as it gets.

• Open Source: Translation? It’s built by the community, for the community. If you’re into open-source vibes and like the idea of constant improvements, Ouranos is worth a look.
• Browser-Based: No downloads, no fuss. You can log in from any device with an internet connection, making it perfect for multitaskers or those who like to keep things portable.

Sure, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but sometimes less is more. And the fact that it’s web-based means you’re not tied to a single platform. Versatility, anyone?

Skeets: Apple Fans, This One’s for You

If you live and breathe the Apple ecosystem, Skeets was practically made for you. It’s built for iOS and iPadOS, offering a sleek experience that feels right at home on your Apple device.

• Reading Position Memory: Ever refresh your feed and lose your spot? Skeets remembers where you left off.
• Post Editing: Typo? No problem. Fix your posts without deleting them.
• Custom Push Notifications: Get alerted the way you want—no more “generic notification fatigue.”

For power users, there’s Skeets Pro (a paid upgrade) with features like bookmarks, drafts, and thread unrolling. If you’re serious about your Bluesky game, this one’s a strong contender.

So, Are They Really Better?

Here’s the honest answer: it depends on what you want. The official Bluesky app is solid, but third-party clients bring something extra to the table—whether it’s niche features, better design, or just the ability to fit your workflow.

• Use Graysky if you’re all about features and love customization.
• Try Ouranos if you value simplicity or need something that works everywhere.
• Go with Skeets if you’re an Apple fan looking for seamless integration.

At the end of the day, third-party clients give you options, and isn’t that what social media should be about?

So, which one will you try first? Or are you sticking with the basics? Either way, the Bluesky community is better for having these tools in the mix.