Technology

You might think, given that most ISPs no longer provide direct access to it and the majority of the free providers online have disappeared, that the venerable Usenet service has died a death.
But that's not entirely true; there are still many active discussion areas in the bigger groups.But let's be realistic: the real reason to lean towards Usenet in the current age is for file sharing (made popular by Bittorrent just make sure you remain anonymous using a VPN) the groups below alt.binaries.* are very active, carrying many downloadable files of all kinds.But to gain access to the large amount of Usenet bandwidth you'll need in order to collect these files, you'll have to pay.The key if you're looking at binary newsgroups is, due to Usenet's distributed server architecture, in finding a provider whose servers are fast, and who retains copies of binary files uploaded to Usenet for as long as possible.
So with that and many other considerations in mind, heres our breakdown of the best Usenet providers.1.
NewshostingA top-notch fast and reliable serviceRetention: 3390 days | Newsgroups: 120,000+ | Maximum connections: 60 | SSL: Yes | Free trial: YesIndustry leading retentionFree newsreader with searchFree zero-log VPN750GB free trial!No support for Bitcoin paymentNewshosting is the best Usenet provider as tested and vetted by our experts.
If you want a strong all-rounder of a Usenet service, then look no further than this provider.It sports the industrys best retention, runs its own US and European server farms, and also offers uncensored access to 120,000 newsgroups.
You can also get some high-quality newsreader software that includes search, not just for Windows and Mac, but Linux as well.Through an exclusive TheIndianSubcontinent promo, you will be able to grab a free, albeit rudimentary, zero-log VPN account for extra security and privacy in addition to 256-bit SSL connections already included with the service.Newshosting tested the fastest as far as download speeds go.
It also passed our tests in retrieving old binaries with flying colors as well.
Are there any negatives at all here at all Theres very little to complain about, save for the VPN client being a little basic and for support being only in English, but this doesnt actually reflect on the core Usenet service you get.Newshosting is competitively priced, which you can try for yourself with a 750 GB free trial, exclusive to TheIndianSubcontinent visitors, the largest Usenet free trial offered anywhere.2.
EwekaSpeedy performance and very impressive retentionRetention: 3356 days | Newsgroups: 125,000 | Maximum connections: 20 | SSL: Yes | Free trial: YesFree Newsreader with SearchFast Download SpeedsOnly 20 connectionsNo US serversEweka is an impressive operation indeed, running its own data centre in Amsterdam with its own server farm.
The firm has its own trans-Atlantic backbone which allowed us to get the full download speed offered (although no US servers as yet).Theres a lengthy 3,369 days of retention offered here (growing daily), which is among the strongest Usenet offerings in that respect, and while you only get up to 20 connections maximum, which is less than many rivals, we found performance to be very speedy in our tests.
And really, thats what counts.Theres plenty more to like with Eweka besides, including the fact that the service performed well when it came to our retention testing (grabbing old files).
Eweka users also get free access to the premium Newslazer newsreader, which includes a powerful search tool.Theres also an unrestricted seven-day trial (if you do not signup through the official TheIndianSubcontinent promotion) to give the service a whirl, and this doesnt require you to enter any payment details, either.
Considering what you get here, the service is reasonably priced, too.3.
SupernewsKeeping Usenet simple and slickRetention: 2357 days | Newsgroups: 110,000 | Maximum connections: 30 | SSL: Yes | Free trial: YesServers in US and EuropeTheoretical 100% completion rateNot as much retention as some rivalsIsnt the cheapest providerSupernews is a veteran Usenet provider having been in operation since the mid-90s, and it has servers across the US and Europe.
You get 2,357 days of binary retention and 5,021 days of text retention, and access to over 110,000 newsgroups.Whats more, Supernews keeps multiple copies of articles across its network, and the firm claims that this helps to ensure a 100% completion rate.And on the performance front, you get unlimited speed, with the provider guaranteeing that your connection wont be throttled in any way, shape or form.Supernews keeps things pleasingly simple when it comes to plan choices, as well, because theres only one: a straightforward unlimited plan with a monthly fee.
Its not the cheapest subscription around, but this is a quality service, and you get a three-day trial to test it out first.
Also note that with the TheIndianSubcontinent Pro offer in place at the time of writing, you get your first month at half price.4.
NewsgroupdirectA real retention hog with a bundled VPNRetention: 3370 days | Newsgroups: N/A | Maximum connections: 50 | SSL: Yes | Free trial: NoGreat retention levelsVPN for extra privacy and securityNo free trialYearly subscription isnt much of a savingNewsgroupdirect offers an impressive retention level of 3,370 days, and maintains its own network.
As with the previous provider, it makes a big promise on the completion rate front, guaranteeing users 100% completion.
And furthermore, 100% uptime is also promised.You get a plentiful 50 connections even with the most basic plan, along with SSL encryption, and access to the Ghost Path VPN service for extra security and privacy on top.
Again, the VPN comes bundled with all plans, which is good to see.
Customer support is another strong suit here, as well.While there is no free trial, Newsgroupdirect does offer a seven-day money-back guarantee, so if youre not satisfied in the first week, you dont lose anything although note that you must not have used more than 15GB of bandwidth.Subscription plans are competitively priced, although its slightly disappointing that you dont get much better value for signing up to the annual plan compared to the six-month option.5.
EasynewsDirect Usenet access right from your web browserRetention: Up to 3380 | Newsgroups: 100,000+ | Maximum connections: 60 | SSL: Yes | Free trial: YesStream or download from any web browserWorks on mobileFree zero-log VPNUnlimited data is expensiveEnglish-only supportEasynews is a slick operator that differentiates itself by offering the ability to access Usenet directly from within your web browser as well as supporting mobile access.
Thats obviously a commendably hassle-free way to do things, and the web interface is well crafted, plus it also means you can access the service across all your devices (with no software installation necessary).Retention rates vary, but with the top-end plan you get 2,950 days retention via the web interface (3,364 days retention via NNTP), although considerably less on some of the more basic plans.
That Big Gig Plan also gives you a bundled Zero-log VPN service (albeit with a rather basic client).Theres also good news when it comes to Easynews privacy policy, which is very concise and makes it crystal clear what data is kept by the provider.
Performance is good too, although the range of plans is somewhat confusing, and the basic subscriptions are more suited to those with light downloading needs.Also handy is a 14-day free trial which lets you experience the service before you pay for a subscription (note that there is a 10GB bandwidth limit).
However, this provider isnt cheap, particularly if you want unlimited data, and in that case things get pretty expensive.6.
NewsdemonA newsgroup service thats affordable and user-friendlyRetention: Up to 3,150 | Newsgroups: 107,000 | Maximum connections: 50 | SSL: Yes | Free trial: YesImpressive PerformanceEasy-to-useFree newsreader serviceFragmented pricingResellers are quite common in the Usenet world, and for good reason: by purchasing a large amount of bandwidth from a major service provider, they can negotiate better terms and sell on that access to you for a vastly discounted rate.
One of the biggest providers to resellers is Omicron Media, which counts nearly 30 clients operating from its vast server backbone.Omicron Media reseller NewsDemon is our pick of the bunch, offering 50 simultaneous connections and unlimited SSL-secured transfers from European and US servers for a more-than-reasonable 3.60 ($4.70) per month or perhaps less, we've seen different prices listed during different visits.
There are also block accounts available.There's the bonus of a VPN connection if you're willing to spend a bit more, or transfer-capped block accounts for a little less.
If you're employed in education, charitable work, or certain media outlets NewsDemon will even offer you free access though in the interests of disclosure we should be clear that we've not taken advantage of this offer.7.
GigaNewsA comprehensive Usenet solutionRetention: 2,367 days | Newsgroups: 110,000 | Maximum connections: 50 | SSL: Yes | Free trial: YesFast and secure serviceVPN included with unlimited plansNot cheapOverkill for some usersGigaNews is amongst the most expensive Usenet providers, but its price reflects the sum of its parts.
Alongside access to newsgroups naturally a $24.99 (19) per month Diamond subscription gets you the use of GigaNews' own Mimo Usenet browser and search engine, SSL access to its servers, and the pro version of Golden Frog's multi-faceted VyprVPN service.Whatever you're using it for and even if you're doing something else online entirely the extra layer of privacy offered by a quality VPN has to be reassuring.GigaNews' server availability is another plus, with multiple redundancy on US and EU servers owned and run by the company itself.
The real question, however, is whether you plan to use all of the features GigaNews offers.
If you're looking to Usenet access for the conversations this is absolutely overkill, and for binary downloads it's still rather expensive, but if quality is your top priority, then its a good choice.8.
AstrawebTwo servers for the price of oneRetention: 3,000+ days | Newsgroups: 90,000 | Maximum connections: 20 | SSL: Yes | Free trial: NoImpressive retention levelsTwo servers (in US and Europe)Question marks over customer serviceOutdated UIAstraweb is another of Usenet's big mainstays, having run since 1998.
Sign up and you're actually gaining access to two distinct services its download servers in the US and the Netherlands are run as separate companies, and one server may contain files that the other does not.
Essentially Astraweb gives you a main server and a backup server for the price of one.Users have reported that its quality has declined over the years.
Whether or not you believe this is up to you, but Astraweb's longevity in the market does earn it some brownie points, and it does not resell its services meaning you should see a consistent download rate from its servers.Retention is one of the highest we've seen at over 3,000 days, with a claimed 99% availability.
Seeing as the 1% that's missing could be the one critical part of a binary you need, Astraweb even with its dual servers is probably best used with a block account on hand.9.
TweakNewsFast, Reliable Access with Exclusive Lifetime DiscountRetention: 2500 days | Newsgroups: N/A | Maximum connections: 40 | SSL: Yes | Free trial: YesSpeedy performanceAffordably pricedRelatively low retention levelsTech support isnt the bestThis is a European Usenet provider which offers solid core features, and its a fairly priced service to boot.
One interesting point to note is that there is a VPN bundled here, although it only comes with the most expensive plan.We found performance to be impressive with TweakNews with fast download speeds, and it was also good to see that the included VPN (which is Omicron Media-based) managed a commendable turn of speed.
In fact, it was comparable to a good specialist VPN provider.On the downside here, retention isnt great, and when we encountered an issue with the service, we found that tech support was on the sluggish side.In terms of cost, theres plenty of flexibility, and if you sign up for annual billing, there are some good value deals to be had and you can benefit from block subscriptions, too, if thats the route you prefer to take.
Theres also a free trial which gives you 10GB of data to play with (but it has a limit of eight connections).10.
UsenetServerA no-frills provider for experienced usersRetention: 3390 days | Newsgroups: 100,000+ | Maximum connections: 20 | SSL: Yes | Free trial: YesGood retention and performanceBundled VPN with annual planFree Zero-Log VPN availableFor heavy usersFree VPN not included with monthlyIf you want a dependable Usenet offering with a good core service, then look no further than this affordable provider although be warned, it isnt for newsgroup novices.UsenetServer gives you plenty of retention at 3,371 days, a promised 99% completion rate, and no restrictions such as data limits or throttling of your download speeds.A slight weak point is that you can only have a maximum of 20 connections, which is less than many services, but that said, in testing we found UsenetServer to offer 150+ Mbps download speeds performance levels anyway, so this likely wont matter.What may matter for beginners is that UsenetServer is rather shaky when it comes to help but offers good tech support, and while it does offer a bundled zero-log VPN for extra security, the Windows client for the latter is a poor piece of work.
But if youre an experienced user who knows what youre doing, all this is likely moot, because youll find your own way around the service just fine anyway.The other strength here is that this is a relatively wallet-friendly provider, particularly when you consider that with the annual plan, the zero-log VPN service is bundled in.
Theres also a free 14-day trial (with a 10GB data transfer limit).9FvSPf6PXgv5owcjqDpAHB.jpg#





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