Best NZB Indexers for Usenet (2025 Ranked List)
NZB indexers act as search engines for Usenet, helping you locate specific articles across hundreds of thousands of newsgroups. They generate NZB files, which are imported into your newsreader (like NZBGet or SABnzbd) to retrieve those specific articles.
In this 2025 guide, we’ve ranked the best NZB indexers based on:
- Indexing depth (how far back the NZB indexer’s archives go)
- Automation support (API access, stability)
- Search usability (filters, layout, speed)
- Community engagement and support (overall level of help and support)
- Pricing and accessibility
🏆 Top 10 NZB Indexers of 2025
| Rank | NZB Indexer | Star Rating | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NZBGeek | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Open signups, 11+ years retention, API support, filtering | No free tier, somewhat dated UI |
| 2 | DrunkenSlug | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | Fast indexing, good API support, high uptime | Invite-only, very limited free tier |
| 3 | DogNZB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | Invite-only, highly curated, fast, automation-friendly | No open signups, invites can be hard to ge |
| 4 | NZBPlanet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | 17+ years indexed, stable API, active forum | Subscription required, older design |
| 5 | NZBKing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Free, 4,000+ days retention, NFO preview, advanced filters | No automation/API support |
| 6 | SquareEyed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sleek UI, open access, fast search, good filtering | Smaller archive due to newer index |
| 7 | NZBFinder | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 15+ years retention, clean interface, strong automation integration | Pricier than similar options |
| 8 | AltHub | ⭐⭐⭐½ | Simple interface, 16-year retention, manual-friendly | No automation or advanced tools |
| 9 | ABNZB | ⭐⭐⭐½ | Affordable, easy browsing, fast search | Free tier is read-only, limited sorting |
| 10 | SceneNZBs | ⭐⭐⭐½ | Free tier with API, advanced search, open signups | Short retention (~1 year), slower speeds |
How to Choose the Right NZB Indexer for Your Setup
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal indexer depends on your setup, goals, and experience level. Below are tailored recommendations based on common use cases.
Below are some recommendations based on common goals:
For Automation (Sonarr, Radarr, Lidarr, etc.):
Automation tools require indexers with strong API uptime and consistent performance.
- NZBGeek – Excellent reliability and deep API integration
- DOGnzb – Fast, curated, and trusted by long-time users
- NZBFinder – Premium-tier option with high retention and robust automation support
For Manual Browsing & Ease of Use:
If you prefer browsing manually, a clean UI and strong search tools matter more than automation features.
- SquareEyed – Modern interface with intuitive filters
- ABNZB – Simple, affordable, and ideal for light manual searches
For Free or Open Access:
If you’re new or experimenting, or just flat out don’t want to pay anything, these indexers offer solid access with no upfront cost.
- NZBKing – Free access with powerful raw search and great retention
- AltHub – Reliable manual indexer with minimal setup and 16-year depth
For Exploring or Budget-Friendly Options:
Some platforms offer good value but may involve compromises.
- SceneNZBs – Great feature set for the price, but short retention
- Usenet Crawler – Occasional deals and decent usability, but less stable
Final Word: Don’t Forget the Usenet Provider
No NZB indexer, no matter how well-ranked, can compensate for a low-quality Usenet provider. Make sure you pair your indexer with a provider that offers:
- Fast access speeds
- High article retention
- Strong article completion
Check out our Best Usenet Providers guide to find the right one to match your preferred indexer.
New to Usenet?
If this is your first time setting up a provider, indexer, and newsreader, check out our Beginner’s Guide: How to Get Started with Usenet. It walks you through the entire setup process, step-by-step, without all the technical stuff.
✅ Longest Retention
Access more NZBs
✅ Highest Completion
Fewer failed downloads
✅ Tier-1 Backbone
Fastest speeds and top reliability