XLned Review 2025: Affordable EU-Based Usenet Access

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Verdict: 4 out of 5

XLned is a Netherlands-based Usenet provider that has been operating since 2007. Best known as a budget Usenet provider, it offers flexible speed tiers and more than 4,100 days of article retention across 120,000+ newsgroups. While it doesn’t include extras like a bundled newsreader or VPN, XLned remains a viable choice for cost-conscious users.

In this XLned review, we’ll cover article retention, performance, pricing, setup, and who this provider is best suited for.

Why Choose XLned?

Affordable pricing with plans starting under €3/month
Based in the Netherlands, with EU privacy protections
4,100+ days of binary and text article retention
Flexible speed tiers (2.5 Mbps up to 120 Mbps)
Up to 12 simultaneous connections
Multiple payment options

XLned Category Ratings

Retention	3/5
Performance	4/5
Privacy and Security	5/5
Pricing	3/5
Getting Started	3/5

Pros

Cons

XLned Features

Plenty of Connections – Get up to 12 connections with an XLned account, which is plenty for most casual Usenet users.
Excellent Prices – XLned has some incredible pricing, starting as low as € 2.24/mo for 4,100 days of full binary and text retention.
Speed capped subscription tiers – Perfect for users with limited Internet bandwidth and budget.

Rating	4 out of 5
Retention	4,100 Days in all binary and text newsgroups
Security	SSL
Discount	47% savings
Price	$7.49/mo
Usenet Search?	No

Retention

Retention Length	4,100 Days
Binary and Text Retention	Access to over 120,000 newsgroups.

XLned currently offers more than 4,100 days of binary and text article retention across all supported groups. While this is significantly lower than top-tier providers like Newshosting or Eweka (both exceed 6,200 days), retention within the 4,100-day window is reliable, with few missing articles.

For casual or intermediate users, XLned’s archive is more than sufficient, though don’t expect the article reach that you’ll get with Tier-1 providers.

Performance

Performance depends on the plan you choose. Lower tiers are speed-capped, while XL Gold removes most limitations:

XL Lite: 2.5 Mbps, 2 connections
XL Small: 5 Mbps, 2 connections
XL Basic: 10 Mbps, 4 connections
XL Plus: 20 Mbps, 8 connections
XL Gold: 120 Mbps, 12 connections

During testing, connections were stable, and speeds were consistent across plans. For European users, latency is low, and throughput was smooth even during peak hours. However, users outside the EU may notice slower performance due to the lack of U.S.-based servers and plan-based bandwidth caps.

For most customers, the XL Gold plan is the best value. It removes restrictive speed caps, supports up to 12 connections, and delivers enough performance to saturate a standard home Internet line.

Newsreader

XLned does not bundle its own newsreader or search tool. Instead, you’ll need third-party software such as SABnzbd, NZBGet, or Newsbin, and pair it with an indexer.

This makes XLned better suited for intermediate or advanced users who already know how to configure servers and use third-party Usenet search tools. Beginners may find it less convenient compared to all-in-one providers like Easynews, which include Usenet search and browsing directly in the subscription.

Privacy and Security

XLned provides SSL-encrypted access, which prevents your ISP from monitoring the specific articles you access. Operating out of the Netherlands also means Usenet traffic falls under EU privacy protections.

Quick overview:

SSL encryption secures Usenet traffic from ISP monitoring
Based in the Netherlands, protected under EU privacy laws
No VPN included — only Usenet traffic is encrypted

If full Internet privacy is important, XLned should be paired with a standalone VPN service.

Pricing

One of XLned’s strongest points is affordability. Plans start as low as €2.24/month when billed annually or around €2.99/month when billed monthly, making it one of the cheapest ways to access Usenet in Europe.

Monthly pricing:

XL Lite: ~€2,24 (2.5 Mbps, 2 connections)
XL Basic: ~€4,49 (10 Mbps, 4 connections)
XL Gold: ~€7.49 (120 Mbps, 12 connections)

Even the fastest plan remains cheaper than most competitors, making XLned a strong value for budget-conscious users. However, you’re trading away premium features like higher retention, unlimited speeds, newsreader software, integrated search, and bundled VPNs.

Getting Started

Signing up is quick, but setup requires external tools.

Select a plan from the XLned website.
Create an account and complete payment (credit card, PayPal, etc.).
Receive your server credentials via email.
Install a newsreader (e.g., SABnzbd, NZBGet, Newsbin).
Enter your XLned server details.
Start accessing articles across 120,000+ groups with 4,100+ days of full retention.

For beginners, this setup may feel more technical than with providers like Newshosting or Easynews. For experienced users, integration is straightforward.

Who Should Choose XLned?

XLned is best suited for:

Budget-conscious users who want solid performance at very low prices.
Experienced Usenet users who already have a preferred newsreader and indexer.
Secondary account seekers who want a low-cost EU server to improve completion alongside a Tier-1 provider.

Bottom Line

XLned delivers affordable, EU-based Usenet with flexible plan options. While it lacks extras like a bundled VPN, search, or newsreader, it remains one of the most budget-friendly ways to access Usenet.

For users who value cost savings and already have their own software setup, XLned is a practical and dependable choice. For beginners or those wanting a complete package, alternatives like Newshosting, Easynews, or Eweka are more beginner-friendly and feature-rich.

XLned FAQ

What is XLned?
XLned is a Netherlands-based Usenet provider offering affordable access to 120,000+ newsgroups with over 4,100 days of retention.

Does XLned include a VPN?
No, XLned does not include a VPN. Only Usenet access is encrypted with SSL.

How many connections does XLned allow?
Between 2 and 12, depending on your plan.

Where are XLned’s servers located?
All servers are located in the Netherlands.

Does XLned have U.S. servers?
No, XLned does not have servers outside Europe.

Is there a free trial?
No, XLned does not offer a free trial. Subscriptions must be purchased to use the service.

Who should use XLned?
XLned is ideal for users seeking low-cost Usenet access or experienced users looking for a secondary server.