Astraweb Review (2025): Flexible Usenet Access with Subscriptions and Block Accounts
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Verdict: 3.9 out of 5
Astraweb is one of the oldest active Usenet providers, founded in 1997. It remains well known for flexible plan options, particularly its pay-as-you-go block accounts. While it doesn’t have the deep article retention or bundled extras of top-tier providers like Newshosting or Eweka, Astraweb remains a dependable choice – especially for users who value flexible billing and no-frills service.
This Astraweb review covers retention, performance, pricing, and security so you can decide whether Astraweb is the right Usenet service for your needs.
Why Choose Astraweb?
- Retention: 4,000+ days of binary and text retention (11 years)
- Connections: Up to 50 SSL-secured connections
- Speed: Unlimited speeds on all subscriptions
- Plans: Both unlimited subscriptions and block accounts available
- Servers: US and EU servers for global coverage
- Security: 256-bit SSL encryption included
- VPN: Not included
- Free Trial: Not offered
Astraweb Category Ratings
| Retention | 3/5 |
| Performance | 4/5 |
Privacy and Security
|
5/5 |
Pricing
|
3/5 |
| Getting Started | 4/5 |
Pros
- Flexible plans: choice of subscription or block accounts
- Up to 50 SSL-protected connections
- Unlimited speed on all subscription plans
Cons
- Retention shorter than top-tier Usenet providers
- No newsreader or search tool included
- No VPN
- No Free Trial
Astraweb is a great choice to get your feet wet with Usenet because it offers a per-byte, pay-as-you-go plan. Overall, though, we still recommend Newshosting and Eweka with their included newsreaders for the easiest start to the world of Usenet.
Astraweb Features
- 50 Simultaneous Connections – Get up to 50 Usenet connections protected with 256-bit SSL security.
- Uncapped Speeds – Available with all Astraweb subscriptions. Browse Usenet as fast as your Internet connection allows.
- Block Accounts Available – As low as $10 for 25GB up to 1000GB for $50.
- US and EU servers – For speedy connections no matter where you are globally.
Rating
|
3.9 out of 5 |
| Retention | 4,000 Days in all binary and text newsgroups |
|
Security
|
SSL |
| Discount | 47% savings |
|
Price
|
$8.00/mo |
Usenet Search?
|
No |
Retention
| Retention Length | 4,000 Days |
Binary and Text Retention
|
Access to over 120,000 newsgroups. |
Astraweb offers more than 4,000 days of article retention, equal to over 11 years of Usenet history. While this trails behind Newshosting (6242+ days) and Eweka (retention-eweka]+ days), it’s still more than enough for everyday use. For most users, an 11-year archive provides solid completion across the majority of newsgroups.
In practice, Astraweb’s completion is good, but users who frequently search for older posts may find gaps compared to Tier-1 providers. For casual access or secondary use, however, Astraweb’s retention length is more than adequate.
Performance
Astraweb supports unlimited download speeds across all subscription plans and offers a 50 simultaneous SSL connections on block accounts and subscriptions. These limits are more than sufficient for high-speed Internet users.
- Subscription plans: Unlimited data, unlimited speed, 50 connections
- Block accounts: 25GB to 1000GB, up to 50 connections, no expiration
On a gigabit fiber test line, Astraweb subscriptions held stable speeds averaging 85–100 Mbps. Its block accounts are a standout – they never expire, making them ideal for occasional users or as a backup account alongside a primary Usenet service.
Newsreader
Astraweb does not include its own newsreader. Instead, it works with all major clients, including:
SABnzbd
NZBGet
Newsbin Pro
Alt.binz
Unison
Setup is straightforward for experienced users but less beginner-friendly compared to services like Easynews or Newshosting, which bundle newsreaders and search.
Privacy and Security
Astraweb includes 256-bit SSL encryption with all accounts. This protects traffic from ISP monitoring or third-party snooping.
Astraweb’s privacy policy states that it does not log user activity beyond basic performance data. However, Astraweb does not bundle a VPN. If you want to secure all Internet traffic in addition to Usenet access, pairing Astraweb with a separate VPN service is recommended.
Pricing
Subscription Plans
- $8/month with annual subscription
- $15/month month-to-month
- Unlimited speed and data
- Up to 50 connections
Block Accounts
- 25GB – $10
- 180GB – $25
- 1000GB – $50
- Up to 50 connections
- Never expire
The block accounts are what make Astraweb stand out. Few providers still offer pay-as-you-go access, and Astraweb’s never-expiring blocks are a good option for occasional users or those needing to backfill missed articles from spotty primary Usenet servers.
Getting Started with Astraweb
Signing up is simple: choose a subscription or block account, create an account, and receive your server credentials. Astraweb provides:
- Server addresses for both US and EU locations
- Port numbers for SSL (563) and non-SSL (119)
- Connection limits (up to 50)
Setup guides are available online for most popular newsreaders. While Astraweb doesn’t provide detailed tutorials like some competitors, the process is quick once you select a client such as SABnzbd or NZBGet.
Who Should Choose Astraweb?
- Casual Usenet users – Block accounts are perfect for occasional access without a recurring bill.
- Backup account users – Astraweb complements a primary Tier-1 provider by filling article gaps.
- Experienced Usenet users – Those comfortable configuring their own newsreader will appreciate Astraweb’s no-frills approach.
Bottom Line
Astraweb is a reliable, no-frills Usenet provider with secure SSL connections, stable performance, and flexible plan types. Its block accounts are a rare advantage, especially for those who don’t need unlimited subscriptions.
That said, retention is shorter than leading Tier-1 providers, and the lack of extras like a built-in newsreader or VPN makes it less appealing for beginners. Power users looking for maximum article retention or bundled privacy tools may prefer services like Newshosting, Eweka, or UsenetServer.
Astraweb FAQ
What is Astraweb?
Astraweb is a Usenet provider founded in 1997. It offers both subscription plans and block accounts, with unlimited speed, SSL encryption, and dual US/EU servers.
How much does Astraweb cost?
Subscriptions start at $8/month (annual) or $15/month (monthly). Block accounts range from $10 for 25GB to $50 for 1000GB.
Does Astraweb include a free trial?
No. Astraweb does not offer a free trial.
How many connections does Astraweb allow?
Up to 50 connections with both subscription and block plans.
What is Astraweb’s retention?
Astraweb provides 4,000+ days, equal to more than 11 years of Usenet history, but less than leading Usenet providers.
Does Astraweb include a VPN?
No. Astraweb does not provide a VPN. Users should pair Astraweb with a standalone VPN for complete privacy.
Where are Astraweb’s servers located?
Astraweb maintains servers in both the United States and Europe, allowing users to connect to the location that provides the best performance.
Which newsreaders work with Astraweb?
Astraweb does not include a newsreader, but works with all major newsreaders, including SABnzbd, NZBGet, Newsbin Pro, Alt.binz, and Unison.