Usenet is still very popular and here, you will find a list and specific details of the best Usenet newsgroup newsreaders. We will also offers some advice that will help you to select the best option for your needs. Before we go through the list of the top options that you can choose from, let’s take a look at the main aspects that you need to consider when you are looking for a Usenet newsreader.
Factors in choosing a good Usenet Newsreader
Search capabilities
There are Usenet newsreaders like Newshosting that feature a search function, while others can only download NZB files and can’t search Usenet at all. In the case of newsreaders like Newsbin and Newsleecher, there is a Usenet search service bit as an add-on, available for an extra fee.
Compatibility
Make sure that you check that the Usenet newsreader you chose works on the operating system of your device.
Ease of use
There are some Usent newsreaders that focus on simplicity and their setup process is hassle-free. Newshosting, one of the leading solutions available, stands out thanks to its easy setup. You just need to download it and run the installer. Soon you will be able to search by group or by search term. Easynews is also a simple option. You just have to log into the website, search and then select download.
Integration
In recent years, automation tools such as Sickbeard, Sonarr and Couchpotato have gained popularity. In order to be able to use these tools in an effective way, your Usenet newsreader and the automation tools have to be configured correctly. The newsreaders in the list can be configured to work along with automation tools like the ones mentioned.
Other Automation Features
Unpar, unrar, unzip and uudecode are considered as crucial features nowadays and most Usent newsreaders automate the downloading, decoding and repairing of Usenet.
List of News Services
There are Usenet newsreaders that can support a connection to just one Usenet service at a time. This means that if you are downloading binaries from Usenet multiple times, the binary files can be taken down from one Usenet server if they are reported by an organization or individual. This is why it is usually advisable to have many news servers and a newsgroup newsreader that supports multiple Usenet services. This is a characteristic shared by all the Usenet newsreaders included in our list of the best options.
Price
It is possible to find free USENET newsreaders, as well as options that require payment. There are Usenet newsreaders that come as part of Usenet packages. For instance, Newshosting Newsreader is available when you sign up for Newshosting’s Usenet service. The same goes for Tweaknews, which also includes its newsreader as part of its paid service. There are also hybrid Usenet newsreaders that combine Usenet newsreader and Usenet service like Easynews.
Headers compatibility
There may be cases when you want to download the most recent Usenet headers or message subject headings from a Usenet newsgroup to check what is posted. However, some browsers don’t support the option to download and browser Usenet headers. If you are only interested in finding the content you want, not being able to download Usenet headers may not be a big deal.
SSL Connection
All the options listed here support SSL connections. This offers a higher level of privacy. Just make sure that you connect via an SSL connection.
NZB importation ability
Some newsreaders don’t let you see the Usenet headers or subject headings of a Usenet newsgroup. Furthermore, some Usenet newsreader won’t let you import NZB files. This is because NZB files are relatively new to Usenet and some older, basic newsreaders like XNews or THunderbird are not able to import them.
Best Usenet Newsreaders
Newshosting Newsreader
This newsreader is included for free when you get the Newshosting Usenet service. It is a very easy to use solution that offers good performance and it comes with a built-in Usenet search function. You can get it for less than $10 per month for the bundled Usenet service and search. Newshosting’s newsreader works on Linux, Windows and Mac. It also supports essential features like unzip, unrar and unpar. You just need to seach, click and download.
NZBGet
This cross-platform binary newsgrabber for NZB files is written in C++. It works with client/server mode and features automatic par-check/-repair and web interface. NZBGet is a lightweight solution that won’t have a major impact on your system’s resources. It runs well on routers, NAS-devices and media players. It is a good quality Usenet Newsreader but it is limited to NZB downloads.
NewsLeecher newsreader
If you are Windows user, you can consider NewsLeecher newsreader, an option that offers a fantastic User Interface. This newsreader is available as part of the NewsLeecher Usenet access service, but you can also get it as a stand alone solution. The newsreader offers search features that make it another practical solution.
SABnzbd
This web-based Usenet newsreader runs on Windows, Mac and Unix, as well as any other platform that supports the Python programming language. Although it is a basic option when compared to others in the list, and it is not exactly remarkable when used on its own, its potential is reached when it is used along Sonnar and other NZB sites. It is not very easy to use, but SABnzbd is also an option that is worth considering.
Newsbin
Newsbin focuses on downloading binary files from Usenet. A free trial is available so you can test the service before paying. You pay once for lifetime upgrades. Newsbin is one of the most complete and efficient options available. It is updated on a regular basis, but the only downside is that it is only compatible with Windows.
