If you’re a “techy” then you probably already know that Usenet providers are still a relevant source of information and transferable resources in 2019.
For many, Usenet providers are an easy way to share files, usually with the assistance of a program such as Sabnzbd. These groups carry many useful downloadable files, however you may need to pay to gain access to the Usenet bandwidth involved in collecting these files, because quality bandwidth can be costly. It’s also a good idea to ensure you’re using a good VPN before downloading (or even accessing) anything, not only because you may unwittingly download an illegal file, but also because you want to ensure that your sensitive details are not being shared at the same time.
We have put together a list of the best Usenet providers of 2019, based (among other things) on which providers have the fastest servers and which retain copies of uploaded binary files for as long as possible.
Eweka
- Retention time: 3365 days
- Connected Newsgroups: 125 000 +
- Maximum Connections: 20
- SSL: Yes
- Free Trial: Yes (7 days)
- Cost after Trial: $8.75/month
Eweka runs its own data farm in Amsterdam with a trans-Atlantic backbone which allows for some decent download speeds (especially when you’re on a Webafrica Fibre line). The relatively low number of retentions available is made up for by the sheer speed of the service.
Newshosting
- Retention time: 3390 days
- Connected Newsgroups: 120 000 +
- Maximum Connections: 60
- SSL: Yes
- Free Trial: Yes (750GB)
- Cost after Trial: 1 month @ $9.99 or $8.30/month for 12 months (comes with free VPN)
Newshosting is a solid option if you want a Usenet service that runs its own server farms, has excellent retention, and gives you access to over 120 000 newsgroups. They offer newsreader software on Linux, Windows and Mac. They also tested the fastest for download speeds in TechRadar’s most recent testing.
Supernews
- Retention time: 2357 days
- Connected Newsgroups: 110 000
- Maximum Connections: 30
- SSL: Yes
- Free Trial: Yes (7 days)
- Cost after Trial: $11.99/month
Supernews is border-line geriatric in tech terms as it’s been going since the 1990s (Just like Webafrica!). Supernews has set up a system whereby multiple copies of individual files are available, with the intention of ensuring a 100% completion rate. They also promise no shaping or throttling on their network.
Easynews
- Retention time: 2357 days
- Connected Newsgroups: 110 000
- Maximum Connections: 60
- SSL: Yes
- Free Trial: Yes (7 days)
- Cost after Trial: Classic: $9.98/month; Plus: $14.97/month; Big Gig: $29.95/month
Easynews sports a well-designed user interface which is accessible directly via your browser or mobile device, which means integration across devices is easy and doesn’t require any additional app downloads. Retention rates vary and you get what you pay for across their various plans. If you choose to go with the “Big Gig” option you’ll also have access to a zero-log VPN service.
Newsgroupdirect
- Retention time: 3370 days
- Connected Newsgroups: N/A
- Maximum Connections: 50
- SSL: Yes
- Free Trial: No
- Cost: 1 month: $7.95/month; 6 month: $40 once-off; annual: $75 once-off
Newsgroupdirect maintains its own network, and like Supernews, promises a 100% completion rate. They also promise 100% uptime. Your 50 connections come with SSL encryption and a VPN service comes with your plan via Ghost Path.
