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Compare the features, prices, and performance of the top Usenet clients for downloading from newsgroups. Learn how to use web-based, browser, and desktop newsreaders with automation tools and media servers.
- Overview
- The best NZB and Usenet clients of 2024 in full:
- 1. Easynews
- 2. Newsleecher
- 3. SABnzbd
- 4. Newsbin Pro
- 5. NZBGet
- Which NZB and Usenet client is best for you?
Best
By Mike Williams
Contributions from
Brian Turner
last updated 9 January 2024
NZB and Usenet clients to make it easy to access newsgroups
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Reasons to buy
+ EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get 3 FREE Months + #1 recommended for Usenet search + Handy file previews + High-speed Usenet access included + Mobile-friendly + 30-day money-back guarantee
Reasons to avoid
- Basic VPN client - No Bitcoin payment option Easynews is our top choice for searching, finding and accessing Usenet posts. In fact, the service takes care of all three of these functions, which is unique as you would traditionally need a newsreader, Usenet indexer, and Usenet access -- all typically separate services. Also, Easynews outperforms with its speed and search accuracy. No extra software needed. Access Usenet through any web browser, including mobile devices, is a unique feature because Usenet access has historically been limited to desktops. In our testing, Easynews gives the best Usenet search results with a built-in file thumbnail previewing feature to pinpoint the posts you are looking for. You can also apply a quick video, image, or audio file filter to narrow your search parameters. For hard-core users, Easynews has the most customizable Advanced Search filters: quite a handy tool given the billions of files available on Usenet. You can specify file extension, audio codec, video codec, file size range and FPS range, among other filters. Easynews owns and manages its own network and has redundant server farms worldwide which provide good speeds and excellent retention (the number of days Usenet posts are stored and available). More retention means your search results will generally be more accurate. Easynews has now reached 5,000+ days of retention on all newsgroups – one of the first Usenet providers to reach this milestone. They also continue to add more storage and are growing retention day by day. You can also either download posts or access them directly through your browser - no download needed, which is great if you have limited storage or you are using a mobile device. Read our full Easynews review. •^ Back to the top
Reasons to buy
+ Reliable NZB support + Speedy Usenet search
Reasons to avoid
- No software-only purchase option Newsleecher is a popular Windows Usenet reader with many timesaving technologies and extras. The program's SuperSearch is a speedy Usenet search tool with handy wildcard support. The SuperLeech service can be set up to regularly check Usenet for the files you need, downloading copies almost as soon as they've been uploaded. And if you're tired of wasting time on spam files, there’s more good news: NewsLeecher can detect and avoid password protected files, RAR-in-RAR files, and anything containing an executable (EXE or SCR). NewsLeecher was the first Usenet client to support NZB files, and its latest version provides many ways to work with the file type. You can create NZBs directly from articles or search results, import them manually or set the program to monitor folders, import anything new and automatically download the specified files. All this is presented in a handy tabbed interface. You can manage servers in one tab, browse articles in another, and there are tabs to run searches, check the transfer queue, even access downloaded files via an embedded Explorer window. It's a great way to keep track of all your ongoing tasks with minimal on-screen clutter or hassle. Read our full Newsleecher review. •^ Back to the top
Reasons to buy
+ Free and open source + Multiple languages + Integrations available SABnzbd is a cloud-based binary newsreader, which means it can be used by any device through a browser connection, and is also mobile-friendly. It's also currently available in sixteen languages, covering many from Europe as well as Russian, Ukrainian, Hebrew, and simplified Chinese. As well as reading and processing RSS feeds, it can also work with custom scripts, and integrates with a number of programs for improved downloads, such as Sonarr, Sickrage, and Radarr. Features include managing individual files, night mode, speed limiting, and drag and drop interface. You can also customize the interface, see active connections, and a tabbed mode is available. Even better is that SABnzbd is open source software that is free to use. A live support chat feature is available on the website, as well as user support forums. •^ Back to the top
Reasons to buy
+ Easy-to-use + Loads of essential features
Reasons to avoid
- Windows-only Newsbin Pro is a full-featured commercial Usenet client for Windows. After more than 20 years of development, it's probably no surprise that the program is absolutely crammed with high-end functionality. But despite that, it manages to be straightforward and user-friendly. The installer prompts you to enter your Usenet server details, then you can search for the files you need and download them right away. Newsbin Pro uses multiple techniques to boost its performance. XFeatures header compression support can download headers up to 10 times faster. You're able to set up multiple servers for simultaneous use, and the program can block RARs which are password-protected or contain executable files, hopefully reducing the time you'll waste downloading spam and malware. Heavy-duty Usenet users might still find their downloads take a while, but Newsbin Pro can help there, too. You're able to limit the program's bandwidth use, allowing it to run in the background without hogging your connection, or you can use the scheduler to download files while you sleep. All this runs smoothly, with full support for all the standards you would expect. Newsbin Pro can handle SSL encryption, and supports per-server SOCKS 4, SOCKS 5, and HTTPS proxies. Smart NZB handling can automatically download the files you need, and the AutoPAR feature repairs or replaces missing or corrupted RARs, then expands the contents. •^ Back to the top
Reasons to buy
+ Very fast + Highly configurable + Open source NZBGet is a lightweight open source NZB downloader which runs almost anywhere: desktops (Windows, Linux, Mac), routers, NAS devices, media players and more. The package works this magic by running as a background process which is largely accessed from a browser-based interface. This allows NZBGet to be used from mobiles and tablets, as well as its host hardware, and ensures you get a consistent interface everywhere. Operations are mostly very easy. Add one or more NZB files from the interface, copy them to NZBGet's incoming folder or just point the program at a URL and it'll download the files you need. NZBGet is highly optimized for speed, even on low-end devices (the developer says you can run it with less than 32MB of RAM). The focus on performance continues elsewhere with intelligent PAR file verification, smarter retries and a multi-core repair process ensuring damaged files are recovered as fast as possible. While NZBGet could be used by newsgroup novices without too much difficulty, the real value here is for more expert users. Automation features include support for powerful RSS filters, plus there are a huge number of low-level options and settings, and every aspect of the program can be controlled via an RPC API and your own scripts. •^ Back to the top We've also listed the best NZB indexing managers.
When deciding which Usenet client to download and use, first consider what your actual needs are, as different Usenet providers offer different download limits, speeds, and retention rates. Although discount options are available, you may find higher-priced options deliver better for what you need, depending on what exactly you are looking for.
Compare the top five newsgroup newsreaders for USENET, with features, ratings, and compatibility. Learn how to choose the best newsreader for your needs and preferences.
List of Usenet newsreaders. Usenet is a worldwide, distributed discussion system that uses the Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP). Programs called newsreaders are used to read and post messages (called articles or posts, and collectively termed news) to one or more newsgroups.
- Newshosting. Cost: Free with Newshosting Subscription. Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, Linux. : Yes. Why we like Newshosting: Newshosting has combined the ability to search newsgroups and the ability to download from Usenet indexers to create a robust, hybrid newsreader.
- SABnzbd. Cost: Free. Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, Unix/Linux, NAS Devices. : No. SABnzbd is a free and reliable newsreader that specializes in binary files.
- NZBGet. Cost: Free. Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, BSD, Android. : No. NZBGet is another web-interface Usenet newsreader that bills itself as “the most efficient Usenet downloader.”
- Newsbin. Cost: $30/year with Usenet Search, or $20/year without Usenet Search. Compatibility: Windows Only. : Yes. Newsbin Pro is one of the best all around Usenet newsreaders for the power Usenet user.
Feb 29, 2024 · Infrastructure. Internet. Six of the best Usenet newsgroup readers. Buying Guides. By Paul Maplesden. last updated 29 February 2024. When it comes to Usenet newsgroup readers, there's a wide variety to choose from - we outlined our top six picks and explain why they're the best.
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Windows 64 bit. Download. Mac 64 bit. Download. Linux 32 bit. Download. Linux 64 bit. Download. V 3.1.2 (Released June 01, 2021) Newslazer is a free Usenet newsreader available for Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. Lightning fast search is included free of charge.
