Usenet has been around since 1979, and it’s still one of the fastest, most secure ways to access text and binary articles. But if you’re new, you’ve probably wondered how to access Usenet for free, whether there are free Usenet providers, or how to get Usenet access without paying.
The short answer: Usenet isn’t completely free, but there are legitimate ways to try it – the most practical being 30-day money-back guarantees from premium providers. A handful of text-only free servers also exist, but they don’t deliver the full Usenet experience.
Is Usenet Free?
No. Usenet relies on commercial providers that run large server farms, maintain high-speed bandwidth connections, and use vast storage systems to keep articles available for users. Every post is stored across multiple servers, mirrored for reliability, and delivered on demand. This requires ongoing costs, which is why dependable Usenet access almost always requires a paid subscription.
That said, you can still try Usenet free through:
- 30-day money-back guarantees (technically free if you cancel in time)
- Free text-based servers like Eternal September.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantees (The Closest to Free)
In 2025, the best way to try Usenet free is through a money-back guarantee. These allow you to sign up, use the service with no restrictions, and cancel within 30 days for a full refund if you don’t like the Usenet service.
Providers with 30-day money-back guarantees:
- Newshosting – 30-day MBG. The current annual plan deal also includes 3 free months if you continue.
- Eweka – 30-day MBG on all plans.
- Easynews – 30-day MBG, includes browser-based search and newsreader.
- UsenetServer – 30-day MBG and, like Newshosting, the annual plan deal includes 3 free months on top.
- Tweaknews – 30-day MBG.
Why this matters: You get full, unrestricted access during the first month — including SSL encryption, maximum retention, and unlimited speed. If you cancel within 30 days, your cost is $0.
Limited Free Servers
If you’re not interested in binaries posts (large articles) and only want text-based discussions, there are still a few permanent free options:
- Eternal September – Free NNTP server, text-only newsgroups, no SSL.
- Google Groups – Web access to some public newsgroups was once available, but support for Usenet content was discontinued in February 2024. Today, Google Groups continues to operate for non-Usenet purposes like email lists and organizational groups, which remain active and still receive updates.
- Miscellaneous ad-supported servers – Rare, usually insecure, with limited archives.
Pros: Completely free, simple to set up.
Cons: No binary articles, limited retention poor reliability.
How to Access Usenet Free (Step by Step)
Here’s how to test Usenet without paying a cent:
1. Pick a Provider with a 30-Day Guarantee
Examples: Newshosting, Easynews, Eweka, UsenetServer, Tweaknews.
2. Install a Newsreader
Free options: SABnzbd, NZBGet, or the free newsreader included with providers like Newshosting and Eweka.
3. Configure Your Newsreader
- Enter the server address, port, username, and password from your Usenet account.
- Turn on SSL for secure connections.
4. Get an Indexer
Indexers are search engines for Usenet. Some are free, many require invites or fees.
5. Access Articles
- Download an NZB file from your indexer.
- Open it in your newsreader.
- The article is retrieved and saved locally.
Why Fully Free Usenet Rarely Exists
- Server Costs – Vast amounts of storage and global bandwidth aren’t cheap.
- Performance – Free servers can’t match premium providers’ speeds or completion.
- Security – SSL encryption is often missing from free services.
- Business Models – Sustainable Usenet requires paid infrastructure.
This is why money-back guarantees have become the industry standard for “trying Usenet free.”
Free Usenet vs. Paid Usenet
| Feature | Money Back Guarantee Providers | "Free" Providers |
|---|---|---|
| SSL Encryption | Yes | No |
| Binary Access | Yes | No |
| Article Retention | Full 6238 | Very limited |
| Duration | 30 Days | N/A - Limited |
| Promotion | Bonus Months | N/A |
| Best For | Full evaluation, no restrictions | Mostly text |
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Are there any free Usenet providers?
Not for full access. Eternal September and Google Groups exist, but they don’t support binaries. Premium providers offer 30-day money-back guarantees instead.
How to access Usenet for free?
Sign up for a provider with a 30-day MBG, configure a newsreader, and utilize the unlimited access. Cancel before 30 days for no cost.
How to download from Usenet for free?
Use a free newsreader like SABnzbd or NZBGet with an account with a provider that offers a money-back guarantee. Find NZBs via an indexer and let the newsreader save articles locally.
How to use Usenet for free?
Pick a provider with a guarantee, configure your client, and explore newsgroups. Cancel within the refund period if you don’t wish to continue.
Is Usenet free?
No. Reliable Usenet requires a subscription. However, guarantees give you 30 days of risk-free access, and some plans even add free months if you stay.
How to get Usenet access for free?
Use a provider’s 30-day MBG. That’s the only way to test full text and binary Usenet access without being locked into payment.
How to Usenet free?
Install a client, connect it to a provider with a money-back guarantee plan, and use newsreader with search (some providers include one), or if search isn’t included, pair with an NZB indexer to access articles.
Free Usenet in 2025
There are no premium unlimited, completely free Usenet providers. The practical ways to explore Usenet without long-term cost are:
- 30-day money-back guarantees (Newshosting, Easynews, Eweka, UsenetServer, Tweaknews)
- Annual plan deals with bonus months (Newshosting and UsenetServer often include 3 free months)
- Free text-only servers (Eternal September)
For the full Usenet experience – SSL security, long article retention, high speed, and access to both text and binaries – trying a premium provider through a money-back guarantee is the most reliable way to access Usenet free in 2025.