Best Usenet Providers
Find the Best Usenet Provider for You – Expert Reviews & Comparisons
- Learn about retention and how it impacts your completion rates.
- Discover the best value providers to maximize savings.
- Explore Usenet with the best search providers.
Table of Contents
Selecting the right Usenet provider can be a challenge, especially with so many options on the market. If you’re not careful, you might end up paying more for a service that lacks key features like full retention, leading to incomplete searches and failed downloads. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a provider with the highest retention and completion rates—so you don’t need multiple subscriptions to get the best results.Our team conducts in-depth testing to help you find a provider that delivers reliable performance with minimal article loss, even for older content. With the top-rated Usenet services, you’ll benefit from full article retention, faster downloads, and fewer failures—all with a single subscription. No need to juggle multiple accounts or compromise on quality.
We also analyze essential factors such as article retention, speed, security, and overall performance to ensure that you find the right Usenet service for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a provider with the highest retention,
fewer missing articles, faster search results, or enhanced security features like SSL encryption and VPN, we’ve got you covered. With many Usenet services also offering additional perks like free VPNs and advanced privacy protections, you can be confident that our reviews will guide you to the best choice. Read on to explore the top-rated Usenet providers and find out why they stand out in terms of value, reliability, and performance.
Best Usenet Providers for November 2024
Editor's Choice
Best Usenet Provider
Newshosting stands out with the best, most reliable performance and the most complete retention, backed by the fastest speeds in North America and Europe. Their 24x7 support is quick and responsive. The free, pre-configured newsreader software, powerful Usenet search, and free VPN add significant value. Sign up today and save 70% through Top10Usenet.
The best European provider: Eweka offers higher retention than other European Usenet providers and unlimited data on every plan. With good 24x7 customer support in German, Dutch, and English, Eweka is the go-to choice for Usenet in the EU.
Ideal for Usenet beginners, Easynews provides the only web-based newsreader with built-in search and unlimited speed, making Usenet access simple and competitively priced. Their responsive 24x7 customer support further enhances the user experience.
What is Usenet?
Usenet is a globally distributed network of user-generated posts, commonly referred to as “articles,” that has been in existence long before the World Wide Web. Often considered one of the first forms of social media, Usenet enabled discussions across a wide range of topics and categories. Unlike other social media platforms, Usenet remains decentralized, offering a unique experience free from corporate control or censorship. Usenet providers store these articles for a set duration, known as retention, and make them available to subscribers for easy access. The length of retention can greatly affect how much content you can access, which is why choosing the best Usenet provider is so important. To dive deeper, check out our comprehensive guide, What is Usenet. Keep reading to discover the top Usenet providers that offer the best retention, speed, and security.
Learn more about Usenet in our What is Usenet article.
How We Determine the Best Usenet Providers
And How to Choose the Best Provider for You
At Top10Usenet, we use a rigorous and objective testing process based on key performance indicators to determine the best Usenet providers:
Retention
This is the most important feature of a Usenet provider because the higher the retention rate is, the more articles users can access. The very best Usenet providers have spooling retention, which means that their retention rate increases by one day every day.
Performance
We regularly test Usenet providers to find the fastest and most reliable networks. All our tests are done on fiber optic Internet connections to ensure performance metrics reflect the provider’s speeds and aren’t limited on our side.
Privacy and Security
Internet security is paramount to a great Usenet experience. We look for Usenet providers that not only meet minimum security standards, but look for ways to exceed them for their users’ online safety.
Pricing
When we look at pricing, we try to find the balance between low prices and great features. This balance gives us a sense of value that is reflected in our scores and reviews.
Getting Started
While Usenet has been around for longer than the World Wide Web, new users join every day. Usenet providers that have an easy onboarding process for those users are rated higher than ones that seem to only aim at Usenet veterans.
Why Retention and Completion Matter
Retention refers to how long a Usenet provider keeps articles available on their servers. The longer the retention, the more content you can access. For users seeking older articles, long retention is essential, as it allows you to search through years of archived discussions. Without full retention, you’re likely to run into incomplete searches and download failures.
Completion rates are equally important—they represent the percentage of articles that are fully available and downloadable. Providers with poor completion rates leave you with missing content and interrupted downloads, especially for older articles. The best Usenet providers maintain both high retention and near-perfect completion, ensuring you can access everything you need without frustration.
With a top-rated Usenet provider, you’ll get the best of both worlds: high retention and excellent completion rates. This means no need for multiple subscriptions or secondary services—one provider will have you covered.
Our Best Usenet Provider Picks
Newshosting - Best Overall Usenet
What makes Newshosting our top choice for a full service Usenet access provider?
Pros
- Highest retention rate
- Free, pre-configured newsreader
- Fastest download speeds
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than some other providers
Newshosting stands out as one of the best Usenet providers thanks to its exceptional retention rate, robust network infrastructure, and some of the fastest Usenet speeds available. With a retention rate exceeding 5947+ days and growing daily, Newshosting offers access to one of the most comprehensive Usenet archives in the world, allowing users to retrieve articles dating back over a decade. This extended retention ensures that no matter how old the content is, users can still access it, giving Newshosting a significant advantage over providers with shorter retention periods.
In addition to its impressive retention, Newshosting has made substantial investments in its network infrastructure and server platforms across both Europe and North America. This global presence ensures that users experience consistently fast speeds and reliable connections, no matter where they are located. The company’s robust server network also supports unlimited speeds, allowing users to download large amounts of data quickly and without interruption.
Another standout feature is the free, pre-configured newsreader provided by Newshosting. This software offers a user-friendly interface with advanced search functionality that allows users to quickly find and access newsgroups and articles. The integrated Usenet search and intuitive layout make it easy for both beginners and experienced users to navigate. By simplifying the setup process and offering secure SSL-encrypted connections, Newshosting not only delivers high performance but also makes the Usenet experience more accessible and secure for all users. Newshosting’s combination of speed, retention, and ease of use makes it a top choice for anyone seeking a reliable Usenet provider.
Sign up through Top10Usenet for a special deal at $5.99 per month, including unlimited speeds, unlimited data, 100 SSL encrypted connections, 5947+ of binary and text retention, free newsreader software with Usenet search, and a free premium VPN.
- Unlimited Speeds
- Unlimited Downloads
- 100 SSL Encrypted Connections
- 5947+ of Binary and Text Retention
- Free Newsreader Software with Usenet Search
- Free Premium VPN
Newshosting is, without a doubt, the best Usenet provider. The price is slightly higher than other providers, but the benefits make it an incredible value. Reliability and retention alone would make this a spectacular deal, especially if you sign up with the Top10Usenet link, but the inclusion of a free VPN and 3 free months makes it too good to pass up.
Eweka - Premiere EU Usenet Provider
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Incredible speed
- Great free trial
- Free newsreader software
Cons
- Limited plan flexibility
- No long-term discounts
Eweka is widely regarded as the best Usenet provider for users in Europe, offering exceptional speeds and higher retention than most other EU-based providers. With a retention rate that surpasses any other European Usenet provider, Eweka gives its users access to a massive archive of Usenet articles, ensuring that even older posts remain accessible. This extensive retention is a key benefit for users who need to retrieve older content, providing more flexibility and greater value compared to providers with shorter retention periods.
Eweka’s servers are strategically positioned across Europe to deliver faster speeds and more stable connections, making it an ideal choice for users throughout the continent. Eweka’s server infrastructure ensures consistently high speeds with minimal interruptions. This optimized network is designed to offer fast access regardless of your location within Europe, providing a smooth and efficient Usenet experience for users who prioritize performance.
Additionally, Eweka boasts exceptional completion rates, which means users experience far fewer missing articles and more successful downloads. With a completion rate close to 100%, Eweka ensures that what you’re searching for is readily available, without the frustration of incomplete files. Coupled with its robust security features, including SSL encryption for privacy and protection, Eweka remains a top-tier choice for anyone seeking a fast, reliable, and secure Usenet provider in Europe. For users who demand high retention, consistent speeds, and dependable service, Eweka is an unbeatable option.
Their special €5.99 per month deal includes unlimited speeds, unlimited data, 50 SSL encrypted connections, 5947+ of binary and text retention, and free newsreader software with Usenet search. Eweka is a top choice for Usenet in Europe.
- Unlimited Speeds
- Unlimited Downloads
- 50 SSL Encrypted Connections
- 5947+ of Binary and Text Retention
- Free Newsreader Software with Usenet Search
Easynews - Best Usenet for Newbies
Easynews sets itself apart from other Usenet providers with its unique web-based interface and integrated Usenet search, making it incredibly easy to access Usenet. Unlike traditional providers that require the use of separate software, Easynews allows users to connect to Usenet directly from any device with a web browser, providing a seamless, software-free experience. This makes it particularly attractive for beginners or users who prefer simplicity without sacrificing functionality. Whether you’re on a computer, smartphone, or tablet, Easynews ensures that accessing Usenet is as straightforward as possible.
Easynews also offers plans that include unlimited speeds and up to 60 SSL-encrypted connections, guaranteeing both security and performance. With SSL encryption, users can enjoy private, secure access to Usenet while taking advantage of fast downloads and smooth browsing. Their retention, which exceeds 5947 days, provides access to one of the most extensive Usenet archives available, allowing users to retrieve articles from years back with ease. This long retention period is especially valuable for users who need access to older posts that may not be available with other providers.
What truly sets Easynews apart is its free web-based access with a powerful, built-in search feature. This eliminates the need for complex setups and makes it simple to find what you’re looking for, whether you’re a new Usenet user or someone with more experience. With no software to download and install, Easynews delivers a hassle-free, convenient solution for users of all levels. Whether you need fast access to Usenet on the go or simply want a provider that’s easy to use across multiple devices, Easynews offers unmatched simplicity combined with top-tier performance and security.
Pros
- Highest retention rate
- Strong, reliable network
- Fastest download speeds
Cons
- 150GB/mo Limit
A special deal through Top10Usenet provides unlimited downloads and a free VPN for only $7.50 per month, making it ideal for newcomers.
All Easynews plans come with the following features:
- Unlimited Speeds
- Up to 60 SSL Encrypted Connections
- Free Web-based Access with Usenet search
- 5947+ Days of Retention
UsenetServer - Best Usenet Provider for Power Users
UsenetServer is a no-frills Usenet provider that delivers exceptional speeds and rock-solid stability, making it a top choice for users who prioritize performance and reliability. With over 5947+ days of retention, UsenetServer offers access to an extensive archive of Usenet articles, ensuring that users can retrieve content from years past. This long retention period makes UsenetServer a great option for those who need access to both recent and older posts, without worrying about articles expiring or becoming unavailable.
One of the standout features of UsenetServer is its UNS Global Search tool, which simplifies Usenet browsing by allowing users to easily search through newsgroups to find specific articles. This powerful search function makes navigating Usenet more intuitive, saving users time and effort when looking for particular articles. UsenetServer’s unlimited data plans also mean you can browse without worrying about data caps, and with SSL-encrypted connections, your activity remains private and secure, protecting you from potential eavesdropping or data interception.
Offering excellent value for those who want a pure, no-nonsense Usenet experience, UsenetServer is ideal for users who are looking for fast, stable, and secure access to Usenet without the clutter of unnecessary extras.
Pros
- Lightning fast speed
- Affordable price
- Add-ons available
Cons
- No in-house newsreader software
- 5947+ Days of Retention
- Unlimited Downloads
- SSL Encrypted Connections
- UNS Global Search
There’s a reason why Usenet veterans subscribe to UsenetServer as their main provider. It’s the best value, full access Usenet provider for a pure Usenet experience.
Tweaknews - Most Reliable Usenet Provider
Tweaknews is a highly stable European Usenet provider, renowned for its exceptional connection quality and an impressive 99.5% completion rate. As the oldest continuously running Usenet provider in Europe, Tweaknews has built one of the most reliable and robust Usenet server networks in the world, offering users a smooth and uninterrupted experience.
What sets Tweaknews apart is its legacy of delivering consistent, high-quality service for decades. With its long-standing history, Tweaknews has perfected its infrastructure to offer reliable, stable connections across Europe, making it an ideal choice for users who value dependability in their Usenet provider. The combination of a strong server network and impressive completion rates ensures that users enjoy fast, seamless access to newsgroups and articles, with minimal disruptions.
For those seeking a trusted European Usenet provider that delivers on stability, high completion rates, and exceptional performance, Tweaknews is a top choice. Whether you’re an experienced user or new to Usenet, Tweaknews offers the reliability and quality that makes it a standout option for anyone looking for a premium Usenet experience in Europe.
Pros
- Oldest Continuously Operating European Usenet Server
- Excellent customer service
- Free newsreader software
- Great VPN Value
Cons
- No US servers
- Accepts Euros only
Although its retention is lower than top choices, Tweaknews offers reliable speeds and excellent service. Their ‘Ultimate + VPN’ plan at €6.67/mo includes unlimited speeds, unlimited data, 50 SSL encrypted connections, 5947+ of binary & text retention, and access to newsreader software with Usenet search and a zero-log VPN.
- Unlimited Speeds
- Unlimited Downloads
- 50 SSL Encrypted Connections
- 4,500 Days of Binary and Text Retention
- Access to Newsreader Software with Usenet Search
- Zero Log VPN for Added Privacy and Security
Sunny Usenet - Best EU Budget Usenet Provider
Sunny Usenet delivers a budget-friendly Usenet service that strikes the perfect balance between affordability and high performance. With more than a decade of retention, Sunny Usenet offers users reliable, long-term access to an extensive archive of Usenet articles. This retention period ensures that both recent and older content is easily accessible, making it a great choice for those who need consistent access to a broad range of articles. For users who prioritize cost savings without wanting to compromise on performance, Sunny Usenet presents a compelling option.
One of Sunny Usenet’s standout features is its exceptional completion rate, so users will encounter virtually no missing articles or incomplete downloads. This high completion rate guarantees that you can find and download what you’re searching for with confidence, a critical factor for those seeking a dependable Usenet provider. Despite being a more affordable option, Sunny Usenet delivers top-tier performance, rivaling more expensive providers in terms of speed and reliability.
As one of the most affordable Usenet providers, Sunny Usenet offers excellent value for users looking for a reliable, cost-effective solution. Whether you’re a light Usenet user or someone who needs long-term access to content without breaking the bank, Sunny Usenet provides a no-compromise experience that combines affordability, high retention, and exceptional completion rates, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users.
Pros
- Low-cost but high-value Usenet provider
- Unlimited speeds & downloads available
- Great customer support worldwide
Cons
- Lower retention than other providers
Their basic plan costs as low as €3.03 per month, offering unlimited data, up to 60 connections, 4,100 days of retention, and free SSL protection. Sunny Usenet is a great budget option for basic Usenet access.
- Unlimited Data
- Up to 60 Connections (if you sign up for auto pay)
- 4,100 Days of Retention
- Free SSL Protection for All Your Usenet Data
Astraweb- Best US Budget Usenet Provider
Astraweb, a pioneer in consumer Usenet access since 1997, is known for its competitive pricing and commitment to delivering reliable service. With unlimited data included in its plans, Astraweb provides an excellent option for users looking for a budget-friendly Usenet provider without sacrificing performance. As one of the longest-running Usenet services in the industry, Astraweb has a proven track record of offering consistent speeds and stable access to Usenet, making it a solid choice for both new and experienced users seeking affordability and reliability.
Astraweb, a pioneer in consumer Usenet access since 1997, has established itself as a trusted and reliable provider with a long-standing commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality service. Known for its competitive pricing, Astraweb offers a budget-friendly solution for users who want access to Usenet without sacrificing performance.
One of the key benefits of Astraweb is that their plans include unlimited data, allowing users to access Usenet freely without worrying about data caps or restrictions. This makes Astraweb a great option for power users who need extensive access, as well as for those who want a straightforward, no-limits approach to their Usenet experience. Coupled with its competitive pricing, Astraweb ensures that users get excellent value for their money, particularly for those looking for cost-effective solutions.
As one of the longest-running Usenet services, Astraweb has a proven track record of providing consistent speeds and stable connections. Their extensive experience in the Usenet industry allows them to offer a reliable service that caters to both new users and experienced Usenet enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking for an affordable entry point to Usenet or a reliable service with a history of delivering solid performance, Astraweb is an excellent choice for anyone seeking affordable, high-performance Usenet access.
Pros
- Lots of packages to choose from
- Up to 50 connections
- Unlimited speeds
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a VPN
- No free trial
- Doesn’t have its own newsreader software
While it lacks some features like a newsreader client, Usenet search engine, or VPN, Astraweb remains a solid choice with 4,000 days of retention.
Pure Usenet - Best Middle-of-the-Road Usenet Provider
Pure Usenet is a well-established Netherlands-based Usenet provider with over two decades of experience in delivering reliable and high-quality Usenet access. Known for its accessibility, Pure Usenet sets itself apart from many other European Usenet providers by not requiring users to have a Dutch IP address to sign up, making their service available to users from all over the world. This level of flexibility allows individuals from various regions to benefit from Pure Usenet’s fast, stable connections and excellent retention rates, ensuring that users can access content regardless of their location.
Pure Usenet also offers a 7-day free trial, giving new users the opportunity to test their services completely risk-free before committing to a paid plan. This trial period allows potential subscribers to experience the performance, speed, and ease of use firsthand, making it easier to determine whether Pure Usenet is the right fit for their needs. The combination of a risk-free trial and Pure Usenet’s reputation for delivering a quality experience makes it an attractive option for those exploring different Usenet providers.
With over two decades in the industry, Pure Usenet has built a solid reputation for reliability and user satisfaction. Their long-standing presence and commitment to offering accessible, flexible service make them a trusted choice for Usenet users looking for a dependable provider in Europe. Whether you’re a seasoned Usenet user or new to the platform, Pure Usenet’s combination of experience, global accessibility, and free trial makes it a compelling option for those seeking quality Usenet service with minimal hassle.
Pros
- Low-cost Dutch provider
- Unlimited speeds & downloads
Cons
- Lower retention than other providers
- Doesn’t have its own newsreader software
Pure Usenet offers stable service with high retention, fast speeds, SSL secure transfers, and competitive pricing. They accept Bitcoin for payment and offer a 7-day free trial. While lacking additional features, Pure Usenet provides good value for basic Usenet access.
XLned - Best Usenet Provider for the Lowest Price
XLned offers a basic Usenet service at one of the most affordable prices in the industry, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a budget-friendly backup server or a reliable option for light Usenet use. With some of the lowest prices available, XLned provides essential Usenet access without compromising on quality, ensuring that users who need a cost-effective service can still enjoy stable connections and reliable performance. For those who don’t require the advanced features of premium providers, XLned offers a straightforward, no-nonsense solution that meets basic Usenet needs.
XLned’s plans are designed with clear, transparent pricing, so users know exactly what they’re getting without any hidden fees or surprises. This simplicity makes XLned a great option for budget-conscious users who want affordable Usenet access without sacrificing transparency or reliability.
For users who are looking for a cost-effective Usenet provider or a secondary service to complement their primary Usenet access, XLned delivers a reliable and budget-friendly alternative. Whether you’re using it as a backup server or for occasional access, XLned’s affordable pricing and straightforward service make it a solid option for those who prioritize value and simplicity over premium features.
Pros
- High reliability
- Well-crafted plans
- Good pricing
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a VPN
- Doesn’t have its own newsreader software
While XLned is not nearly the best provider, it can be a great European Usenet backup server. The price makes maintaining an account relatively easy, but you get what you pay for, and XLned is transparent about the low price / service level tradeoffs.
If you’re looking for the best price, we recommend one of the providers on our Cheapest Usenet Deals list.
Bottom Line from Top10Usenet - Best Usenet Service
Our extensive testing across both the US and Europe has identified the best Usenet providers based on key factors such as full Usenet access, high retention rates, ample connections, and consistently fast speeds. Whether you’re searching for the best value, advanced features, or just reliable basic Usenet access, our carefully curated recommendations will help you find the right Usenet provider to meet your needs. From top-tier retention to high-speed connections, we ensure you get the best Usenet service tailored to your requirements, whether you’re a casual user or a power downloader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Usenet Retention important?
Every Usenet provider has a “retention rate.” Retention is the number of days that a provider stores something that has been posted to Usenet. Since Usenet articles are stored on the provider’s servers, after a specific length of time, they get erased.
The higher a provider’s retention rate, the more a user can search for, find, and download. The best Usenet providers will increase this number every day, so posts don’t actually expire for users of that provider.
How Do You Access Usenet?
In order to get on Usenet, you need to sign up for a subscription to a Usenet provider. We recommend Newshosting, our choice for the best Usenet provider, because it has the largest Usenet archive, excellent speeds, a reasonable price point, and comes with a pre-configured newsreader to make getting started incredibly easy.
We go into more detail about getting started with Usenet in our What is Usenet article, but to summarize: once you have a provider and have configured a newsreader to use that provider, you’ll be able to freely browse Usenet.
How Do I Find a Newsgroup?
- Navigate through the Usenet hierarchy to find the subjects that most interest you.
- Utilize a Usenet Search to find posts about specific topics.
What Usenet provider offers the best retention?
Newshosting offers the best retention in the industry, with an impressive retention rate of 5947+ days. This means Newshosting keeps Usenet articles accessible for the longest duration, allowing users to retrieve posts from more than a decade ago. This extended retention ensures that you have access to a massive archive of articles, giving you the flexibility to search, read, and access even the oldest Usenet posts. With Newshosting’s superior retention, you’ll never have to worry about missing out on important content due to its age.
What Usenet provider is best for beginners?
Easynews is the best Usenet provider for beginners, offering a user-friendly web-based interface that simplifies the entire Usenet experience. Unlike traditional Usenet services that require a separate newsreader, Easynews allows users to access Usenet directly from their browser, without the need for complicated software setup. Additionally, Easynews provides built-in search functionality, SSL security, and a drag-and-drop NZB interface, making it easy for newcomers to get started. With Easynews, new users can effortlessly navigate Usenet and enjoy a hassle-free experience.
What Usenet provider is the best budget option?
SunnyUsenet stands out as the best budget-friendly Usenet provider, offering affordable plans without compromising on quality. With competitive pricing and various subscription options, SunnyUsenet is perfect for users who want a reliable service without breaking the bank. Despite its lower cost, SunnyUsenet delivers excellent speed, good retention, and strong privacy protections, including SSL encryption. For users looking for an affordable Usenet experience with solid performance, SunnyUsenet is the ideal choice.
What Usenet is the best provider for EU countries?
Eweka is the top Usenet provider for users in EU countries, boasting fast speeds, reliable service, and local European servers. With over 125,000 newsgroups and long retention rates, Eweka offers a comprehensive Usenet experience tailored to European users. The proximity of Eweka’s servers to EU countries ensures faster downloads and more stable connections, making it a popular choice for users in the Netherlands, Germany, France, and other EU regions. Eweka is well-known for its robust performance and top-tier customer support, making it the best choice for Usenet access in Europe.
