Quick Answer
To set up NZBGet in Docker, you need to (1) choose a Docker image, (2) create persistent config/download folders, (3) launch the container using Docker CLI or Compose, (4) access the web interface on port 6789, and (5) configure paths and server settings. This setup provides a clean, portable, update-friendly NZBGet installation on any system.
Why Run NZBGet in Docker?
Docker keeps your NZBGet environment:
Isolated from your OS
Easy to update with docker pull
Portable across Linux, macOS, Windows, Unraid, Synology, TrueNAS, and Raspberry Pi
Cleaner than installing NZBGet directly on the host
It’s one of the best ways to run NZBGet long-term.
Step 1: Choose Your Docker Image
There are two major options:
Recommended (Official) Image
nzbgetcom/nzbget:latest
or
ghcr.io/nzbgetcom/nzbget:latest
LinuxServer.io Image (Still widely used)
lscr.io/linuxserver/nzbget:latest
Note: LinuxServer.io’s NZBGet image is no longer actively maintained. The official nzbgetcom image is now preferred.
Step 2: Create Persistent Folders
On your host system:
mkdir -p ~/docker/nzbget/config
mkdir -p ~/docker/nzbget/downloads
These directories store:
NZBGet configuration files
Intermediate and completed pulls
Using persistent folders ensures your data survives container updates.
Step 3: Run NZBGet with Docker CLI
Here’s the standard CLI version (LinuxServer.io example):
docker run -d \
–name=nzbget \
-e PUID=1000 \
-e PGID=1000 \
-e TZ=America/New_York \
-p 6789:6789 \
-v ~/docker/nzbget/config:/config \
-v ~/docker/nzbget/downloads:/downloads \
–restart unless-stopped \
lscr.io/linuxserver/nzbget:latest
What each variable does:
PUID/PGID – Match host permissions
TZ – Local timezone
6789:6789 – Exposes the NZBGet web interface
/config, /downloads – Persistent storage
Step 4: Recommended Setup: Docker Compose
Create docker-compose.yml:
version: “3.8”
services:
nzbget:
image: nzbgetcom/nzbget:latest
container_name: nzbget
environment:
– PUID=1000
– PGID=1000
– TZ=America/New_York
volumes:
– ./config:/config
– ./downloads:/downloads
ports:
– 6789:6789
restart: unless-stopped
Run it:
docker compose up -d
Using Compose makes updates and rebuilding much easier.
Step 5: Access the NZBGet Web Interface
Open your browser:
http://<your_ip>:6789
Default credentials:
Username: nzbget
Password: tegbzn6789
Change these immediately (Settings → Security).
Step 6: Configure Key NZBGet Paths
In Settings → Paths, set these correctly:
MainDir – /config
DestDir – /downloads
InterDir – /config/intermediate (SSD recommended)
NzbDir – (optional watch folder)
ScriptDir – for post-processing scripts
Proper path setup avoids permission issues and improves performance.
Step 7: Improve Security & Stability
1. Change login credentials
(Settings → Security)
2. Configure SSL
(Settings → Security → SecureControl)
3. Use a reverse proxy (optional)
Nginx Proxy Manager or Traefik can provide:
HTTPS
Access control
Domain-based access
4. Back up your config
(Settings → Backup/Restore)
Step 8: Updating NZBGet in Docker
Docker CLI:
docker pull nzbgetcom/nzbget:latest
docker stop nzbget
docker rm nzbget
docker run … # same run command as before
Docker Compose:
docker compose pull
docker compose up -d
Where NZBGet Fits Into a Complete Usenet Workflow
NZBGet is typically paired with:
A high-retention Usenet provider
A search/indexer (provider-included or private)
Automation tools (Sonarr, Radarr, Lidarr, Readarr)
Below are the easiest, highest-performing Usenet providers to integrate with NZBGet.
Best Usenet Providers for NZBGet
Each provider below includes tools that fit directly into an NZBGet workflow.
Newshosting
Tier-1 backbone with the longest article retention available, giving you the deepest access to historic articles on Usenet, best search results, and best completion rates.
Exceptionally high completion rates, reducing failed NZBs and eliminating the need for backup servers.
Free newsreader included, with fast, accurate built-in search, strong filtering, scheduling, and full text/binary newsgroup browsing.=
Full VPN included with apps for every device, ad blocker, SmartDNS, and SOCKS4 – helpful for privacy and avoiding ISP throttling.
Great for users who want maximum Usenet depth, speed, and the most stable NZB workflow.
Eweka
Independent EU backbone with very strong global routing, consistently fast no matter where you connect from.
High retention and high completion, ideal for automation tools that depend on reliability and full article availability.
Free newsreader included, offering fast, accurate search results with advanced filters and Usenet browsing and article discovery tools.
Excellent for users who want EU-based servers without sacrificing worldwide performance or stability.
Tweaknews
Independent EU backbone, giving users a strong alternate European server network with high retention and completion rates.
High completion rates and long retention, providing predictable daily performance and reliable automation.
Free newsreader included, with integrated search, scheduling, saved searches, and NZB import features.
Strong value, offering premium performance at a lower monthly cost.
Easynews
The best alternative if you want to skip Usenet software and third party search tools altogether. 100% browser-based Usenet access – no software required on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android.
Fast, accurate search that scans all newsgroups and returns clean, organized results instantly.
Works on phones, tablets, and desktops, making it the easiest way to use Usenet anywhere.
Full VPN included, adding privacy, IP protection, and throttling resistance across all devices.
Ideal for users who want the simplest, NZB-free way to search and access Usenet directly.
UsenetServer
Fast global backbone with strong retention and completion, supporting consistent, stable NZB retrieval.
UNS Global Search included, allowing full Usenet searches directly inside your account dashboard.
Create NZBs instantly from search results and send them to NZBGet, SABnzbd, or any newsreader.
Solid option for users who want a free Usenet search tool to simplify the NZB workflow.
FAQ
1. What folders do I need for NZBGet in Docker?
You need /config for settings and /downloads for completed/intermediate work.
2. Which Docker image should I use?
The nzbgetcom/nzbget official image is now recommended.
3. What port does NZBGet use?
Port 6789 for the web interface.
4. Can I use NZBGet with Sonarr, Radarr, or Lidarr?
Yes. NZBGet integrates perfectly with all *Arr automation apps.
5. How do I update NZBGet in Docker?
Use docker pull (CLI) or docker compose pull and recreate the container.
6. What’s the easiest Usenet provider to pair with NZBGet?
Newshosting, Eweka, Tweaknews, and UsenetServer integrate cleanly.
Easynews is best if you want zero NZB management (browser-based).
