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Tweaknews Review 2025: Independent Usenet Backbone with Strong Completion

Tweaknews has been serving Usenet users since 1998, making it the oldest continuously operating provider in Europe. Tweaknews runs on an independent Tier-1 Usenet backbone with exceptional article retention, completion rates, and overall performance.

Verdict: 4.2 out of 5

With more than 5,000 days of article retention, consistently high completion, and a free VPN included with its Ultimate plan, Tweaknews has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable Usenet services worldwide. While its servers are based in Europe, the backbone is robust enough that users across North America, Asia, and beyond report reliable speeds and strong completion.

 

Why Choose Tweaknews?

  • Independent Usenet backbone with 5,000+ days of article retention
  • Oldest continuously operating Usenet provider in Europe (since 1998)
  • Excellent completion rates and strong reliability
  • Free VPN included with the Ultimate plan
  • Includes free UsenetWire newsreader with built-in Usenet search

Tweaknews is especially appealing for users who want an all-in-one package backed by high completion. A single subscription provides secure access to independent Usenet server farms, an included newsreader with built-in search, and a bundled VPN. It’s a straightforward option for beginners and a dependable secondary account for experienced users, making Tweaknews a standout for both flexibility and performance.

UsenetServer Category Ratings

Retention 4/5
Performance 4/5
privacy-icon Privacy and Security 5/5
pricing-icon Pricing 4/5
Getting Started 4/5

Pros

Cons

Tweaknews Features

  • Unlimited Downloads – Tweaknews subscription plans have unlimited Usenet access, so they won’t run into data caps while downloading.
  • Uncapped Speeds – Usenet as fast as your Internet connection! Tweaknews doesn’t cap or throttle user connection speeds.
  • Free VPN Included – All Tweaknews connections have the option of SSL protection. Premium VPN access included so all Internet activity at home or on the go stays safe, not just Usenet.
rating-icon Rating 4.2 out of 5
Retention 5,000 Days in all binary and text newsgroups
privacy-icon Security SSL and VPN
Discount 49% savings
pricing-icon Price €6,67/mo
search-icon Usenet Search? Yes, Newsreader with Search included for free.

Retention

Retention Length 5000 Days
binary-icon Binary and Text Retention Full access to over 120,000 newsgroups.

Tweaknews offers more than 13.5 years of article retention, backed by an independent backbone. This means a deep archive across both text and binary groups, with completion rates that rival any major provider.

For users who want the widest possible reach, Tweaknews pairs well with a U.S.-based provider such as Newshosting or UsenetServer to maximize article availability. Still, on its own, Tweaknews provides enough article history and completion to serve as a primary account.

Performance

Graph showing a green line that vacillates a bit near the top of the number line, but shows mostly excellent speeds.

In gigabit Internet speed tests, Tweaknews delivered consistently strong results across all plans. On the Ultimate plan, sustained averages reached 125 Mbps, with no signs of throttling or artificial slowdowns. 

While U.S.-based providers may offer slightly higher burst speeds for American users, Tweaknews performs reliably worldwide. Completion rates were excellent, adding to its dependability for virtually every type of user.

Included Newsreader Software

A Screenshot of the Newshosting Usenet Newsreader User Interface. Somebody has searched for "Ubuntu Linux" and gotten a number of results.

Every Tweaknews plan includes UsenetWire, a lightweight yet capable newsreader.

Key features of UsenetWire:

  • Built-in Usenet search for instant access to articles
  • Bookmarking for groups and articles
  • Automated downloads
  • Support for NZB import

Because UsenetWire is preconfigured with Tweaknews, beginners can start immediately without manual setup. For advanced users, it also supports NZB imports, making it suitable for nearly everyone.

Privacy and Security

Tweaknews VPN. Image of the VPN operating on various devices with the Tweaknews and PrivadoVPN logos at the top.

Tweaknews is based in the Netherlands, which operates under strong EU privacy laws. All Usenet access is encrypted with SSL, protecting your traffic from ISPs and third parties.

On the Ultimate plan, subscribers also receive a premium VPN account, which is based in Switzerland and offers:

  • No-log policy
  • Ad and tracker blocking
  • Secure DNS to prevent leaks
  • Kill Switch to block traffic if VPN disconnects
  • Threat protection against malicious domains

This combination makes Tweaknews one of the most privacy-focused Usenet providers, offering protection both on and off Usenet.

Pricing

Image of the various Tweaknews Usenet plans, including the features of each and prices.

Tweaknews keeps pricing simple with three plans:

  • Fast – €7.95/month – 30 connections, capped at 50 Mbps
  • Lightning – €9.95/month – 40 connections, capped at 100 Mbps
  • Ultimate + VPN – €9.07/month – 60 connections, unlimited speed, and free VPN included

Limited-Time Deal

Considering the included newsreader, backbone quality, and bundled VPN, Tweaknews offers some of the best overall value in the European market.

Getting Started

Getting Started with Tweaknews

Signing up is straightforward:

  1. Choose your preferred plan (use this deal link for 49% off)
  2. Create an account on the Tweaknews website.
  3. Log in to the customer portal and download UsenetWire.
  4. Use the preconfigured settings to connect instantly.
  5. If you selected the Ultimate plan, activate your free VPN via the download link in the dashboard.

New users can also test Tweaknews with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Who Should Choose Tweaknews?

  • Primary or backup account users – An independent backbone, 5,000+ days of retention, and strong completion rates make Tweaknews dependable as a main Usenet service or a solid secondary account.
  • Value seekers – Bundled Usenet access, preconfigured newsreader, and VPN offer more for the price than buying separate subscriptions.
  • Privacy-minded users – EU privacy protections, SSL connections, and a Switzerland-based VPN combine for strong security.
  • Beginners – The included UsenetWire newsreader removes the complexity of setup, making it simple to get started.

Bottom Line

Tweaknews is one of the most dependable independent Usenet providers today. With more than 5,000 days of retention, excellent completion, and competitive speeds, it’s a top choice for both beginners and advanced Usenet users.

The included UsenetWire newsreader makes getting started simple, while the bundled VPN adds significant value for privacy and overall online security. Although all servers are based in Europe, Tweaknews performs well globally and is especially strong in its home market.

Tweaknews FAQ

How long is Tweaknews retention?
Tweaknews currently offers over 5,000 days of article retention across binary and text groups.

Does Tweaknews include a VPN?
Yes. The Ultimate plan includes a free premium VPN account, covering up to 10 devices with unlimited VPN data and VPN apps.

Is Tweaknews fast?
Yes. In testing, Tweaknews averaged 125 Mbps on a gigabit line with no throttling or slowdowns.

Does Tweaknews offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. Tweaknews purchases are protected with a 30 day money-back guarantee. 

Does Tweaknews support block accounts?
Yes. Tweaknews offers block account options for users who want to pay once and use access over time instead of monthly billing.

Where are Tweaknews servers located?
All servers are in Europe, but users worldwide report strong completion and performance.

Does Tweaknews include a newsreader?
Yes. Every account comes with UsenetWire, preconfigured and equipped with built-in search.