NZBGet is one of the most efficient and lightweight NZB downloaders available today. Written in C++, it has long been a favorite among users who want reliable automation without overwhelming their system resources.
In this review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about NZBGet: its features, setup, supported devices, performance, pros and cons, and even details on NZBGet port settings.
Pros
- Written in C++ for high performance and low system resource use
- Available across nearly all devices, from PCs to NAS units and Raspberry Pi
- Remote management through a simple web interface
- Strong automation for downloading, repairing, and unpacking
- Free, open-source, and updated regularly
Cons
- Smaller user base than alternatives such as SABnzbd
- Setup can be more complex than provider-based newsreaders
- Limited strictly to NZB files, with no native Usenet searching
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What Is NZBGet?
NZBGet is a free, open-source Usenet newsreader designed to process NZB files quickly and efficiently. Unlike many Python-based newsreaders, NZBGet is written in C++, giving it a significant advantage in terms of speed and resource consumption.
It works by taking NZB files from Usenet indexers and automating the full process: connecting to your Usenet provider, fetching articles, repairing missing parts, verifying data integrity, and extracting the final results.
Because it uses less CPU and memory, NZBGet is perfect for running on low-power devices like routers, NAS servers, or Raspberry Pi units – making it one of the most versatile Usenet clients available.
NZBGet Performance
Performance is where NZBGet does really well. By using C++ as its foundation, it consistently outpaces many alternatives in benchmarks, particularly on resource-limited systems.
- Low system impact: Uses minimal RAM and CPU compared to SABnzbd.
- High-speed connections: Fully capable of maxing out your Usenet provider’s bandwidth.
- Background operation: Runs as a daemon, so tasks continue even when the interface is closed.
For advanced users automating Usenet with Sonarr, Radarr, or other tools, NZBGet is fast enough to keep pace with multiple NZBs without lagging or stalling your system.
Device and Platform Support
Another reason for NZBGet’s popularity is its wide platform support. It runs on:
- Windows, macOS, and Linux desktops
- Raspberry Pi and other ARM-based devices
- NAS servers (Synology, QNAP, and others)
- Routers and SAT receivers
- Media players and even some smart appliances
This flexibility makes it easy to deploy NZBGet on a central home server or even on lightweight hardware, then access it from anywhere using its built-in web interface.
Automation Features
NZBGet automates nearly every task in the Usenet workflow:
- Downloading NZB files from configured indexers
- Verification and repair of incomplete articles
- Automatic extraction once the process is complete
Its built-in scripting system and RPC API also allow advanced integrations. Many popular Usenet automation tools – including Sonarr, Radarr, Lidarr, Bazarr, and Prowlarr – work easily with NZBGet, making it an ideal hub for automated setups.
NZBGet Port Settings
A frequent question among users is: What port does NZBGet use?
- Web Interface Port: By default, NZBGet uses port 6789 for its web interface. You can access it locally at http://localhost:6789 or configure it to allow remote access.
- Usenet Server Ports: For connecting to your Usenet provider, NZBGet supports both standard and secure ports:
- 563 (SSL) – the most common secure Usenet port
- 119 (non-SSL) – traditional, unencrypted port
- 80/443 – sometimes supported for bypassing ISP restrictions
- 563 (SSL) – the most common secure Usenet port
These settings can be customized in NZBGet’s configuration panel. Most users will want to stick with port 563 to take advantage of SSL encryption.
To get the best results with NZBGet, pair it with a Tier-1 Usenet provider like Newshosting, which offers SSL-secured connections, unlimited speeds, and industry-leading article retention for the best search results and completion rates.
Usenet Search with NZBGet
NZBGet itself doesn’t include a built-in Usenet search. Instead, it relies on external NZB indexers that organize Usenet articles into searchable NZBs.
Once you have accounts with indexers, you can configure NZBGet to automatically grab NZBs via its API. This approach lets you combine multiple indexers, building a powerful and personalized Usenet search solution.
The integration is smooth, and when paired with automation tools, NZBGet can process NZBs hands-free.
Downsides of NZBGet
While NZBGet is a strong choice, there are some trade-offs:
- Setup complexity: New users may find it less intuitive than provider-based newsreaders like the free client included with Newshosting or Easynews’ web-based search.
- Smaller community: SABnzbd has a larger user base. NZBGet’s community is smaller, though still active and growing.
- NZB-only limitation: Since NZBGet only works with NZB files, you’ll need to pair it with external indexers.
Is NZBGet Worth Using?
For most Usenet enthusiasts, the answer is yes. NZBGet remains one of the best free and open-source Usenet clients in 2025. It’s fast, resource-efficient, and highly customizable.
If you’re running automation setups on NAS devices, servers, or even low-power hardware, NZBGet is nearly unmatched. While it may require more setup compared to beginner-focused newsreaders, the performance and flexibility make it well worth the effort.
Tip for Beginners: If you want less setup and a smoother first experience, try NZBGet with Newshosting. Their SSL-secured ports, fast speeds, and long article retention give NZBGet everything it needs to perform at its best.
How to Get Started with NZBGet
Getting started with NZBGet is straightforward:
- Download NZBGet from the NZBGet site for your platform.
- Install and launch the app.
- Configure your Usenet server: Add your provider’s hostname, port (usually 563 for SSL), and login credentials.
- Set preferences: Adjust logging, RSS feeds, security, and automation options.
- Add an NZB file: Use “Add” to select an NZB from a URL or local drive. NZBGet will immediately process it.
For more detailed instructions, see our How to Use NZBGet Guide. If you’re new to Usenet altogether, see this comprehensive beginner’s guide.
FAQs About NZBGet
NZBGet is a free, open-source Usenet client written in C++. It processes NZB files quickly and efficiently with low resource usage.
Yes. NZBGet is completely free and open-source, with frequent updates.
NZBGet’s web interface runs on port 6789 by default. For secure Usenet connections, most providers use port 563.
You can change both the web interface port and Usenet server port in the NZBGet configuration screen.
NZBGet is faster and more resource-efficient, making it ideal for low-power devices. SABnzbd has a larger community and may be easier for beginners.
