Usenet is making a comeback as a popular way to access content online. With major ISPs dropping their free Usenet servers, you now need a paid subscription to a third-party Usenet provider.
Two of the biggest names are UsenetServer and Newshosting. But which one is better in 2023?
I’ve tested both services extensively. Here’s an in-depth comparison of UsenetServer and Newshosting, including pros, cons, features, and who each provider is best suited for.
A Brief Comparison Table:
| Feature | UsenetServer | Newshosting |
| Pricing | $10/month unlimited | Tiered plans from $10-$20/month |
| Speed | Uncapped | Capped based on plan |
| Connections | 40 | 8-24 based on plan |
| Retention | 3000+ days | 3000+ days |
| Apps | Web browser, Android app | Web browser, Windows & Mac apps, VPN |
| Customer Support | Very fast response times | Slower but still good |
| Payment Methods | PayPal accepted | No PayPal |
| Ideal User | Budget users, max performance needed | Flexibility of plans, prefer extras like VPN |
Overview Of UseNetserver And Newshosting
First, a quick rundown of both services:
UsenetServer is one of the oldest and most well-known Usenet providers. They offer unlimited access and 40+ connections for a flat monthly fee. Speeds are fast and retention is over 3000 days.
Newshosting is owned by the same parent company as UsenetServer (Omicron). But they market themselves separately with some key differences in plans and features. Newshosting also has a large server network and over 3000 days retention.
Both services give you full access to binary and text-based newsgroups. This includes anything from ebooks, movies, software to niche discussion groups.
Now let’s dig into the details on how UseNetserver and Newshosting compare.
UsenetServer And Newshosting : In-Depth Comparison Of Key Features
- Usenet Plans and Pricing
UsenetServer offers simple all-access pricing. There’s no speed throttling or download caps. Their plans include:
- $10/month – unlimited speed and 40 connections
- $96/year – same features but billed annually
Newshosting has tiered plans based on speed:
- Lite – $10/month – 8 connections, max 10 Mbit/s
- Unlimited – $15/month – 16 connections, max 50 Mbit/s
- Pro – $20/month – 24 connections, max 100 Mbit/s
The annual pricing for these Newshosting plans is $96, $144, and $228 respectively.
So UsenetServer gives you full access for the lowest price. Newshosting requires stepping up to higher tiers if you want more connections and speed.
Another difference – UsenetServer allows PayPal while Newshosting does not.
- Speed and Performance
In my tests, both providers delivered max download speeds throughout the day. Even at peak times, I could saturate my home internet line.
UsenetServer technically has no speed limit. Newshosting caps your speed based on the plan. But even their “Lite” plan was fast enough to max out my connection.
The number of connections allowed makes a difference too. I was able to fetch files significantly faster with 40 connections on UsenetServer versus just 8 on Newshosting’s base plan.
Retention is a key aspect for performance. If your provider doesn’t have a post stored, you can’t download it. Both UsenetServer and Newshosting offer exceptional retention of over 3000 days.
Overall the speed and performance was excellent on both services. UsenetServer gets a slight edge for unlimited speed and more connections.
- Content Availability
The content you can access is virtually identical between UsenetServer and Newshosting. They pull from the same Omicron server network.
During my testing, any binary or text-based content I searched for was available on both services. This included obscure items over a decade old.
The only time you might hit an unavailable post is if it expired from the retention window. Again, both providers keep over 3000 days (8+ years) of history available.
Bottom line – you’ll have no problem accessing content with either service. UsenetServer and Newshosting are evenly matched for content availability.
- Software Support
Usenet works best when you have a dedicated client like Sabnzbd or NZBGet to handle and optimize downloads.
Both UsenetServer and Newshosting support all popular Usenet clients and integrations. Some options include:
- Web browser – access Usenet via web portal
- Sabnzbd – desktop Usenet client for Windows, Mac, Linux
- NZBGet – similar desktop client alternative
- Newsleecher – full-featured Windows Usenet client
- Newsbin – longtime Usenet client with macros
- NZB 360 – Android app for managing Usenet
Additionally, both providers offer browser extensions to simplify accessing Usenet via the web.
So, whether you prefer a dedicated app or web access, UsenetServer and Newshosting have you covered.
Also Read: Comparison Between Direct Energy And Constellation.
- Security and Privacy
Usenet downloading is inherently more secure than torrents and file hosts. There’s no uploading and swarms – just direct downloads from the provider’s servers.
UsenetServer and Newshosting use SSL encryption. So, your login credentials and download activity are secure. This protects you from snooping ISPs or anyone spying on the network.
Both services also allow payment via anonymous methods like gift cards. This adds an extra layer of privacy if you’re concerned about billing info.
In terms of legal: Usenet is predominantly used for pirated material. However, there are legitimate uses like discussion groups. Usenet providers aren’t responsible for how users utilize the service. They simply give you access to newsgroups.
Overall, UsenetServer and Newshosting offer equivalent security and anonymity. Usenet itself provides better privacy than most filesharing methods.
- Customer Support
I tested the customer service for both providers by submitting a few tickets.
The support from UsenetServer was quick and effective. I received replies within an hour and my issues were resolved immediately.
Newshosting’s support was a bit slower in my experience. I waited up to 24 hours for responses. But they were still knowledgeable and able to address my questions.
Both UsenetServer and Newshosting also offer ticket support and live chat options. There’s solid documentation on their sites as well.
Overall, support was slightly better and faster with UsenetServer compared to Newshosting. But both providers ultimately got the job done.
- Extra Features
Here’s a rundown of some bonus features offered:
UsenetServer
- Free SSL
- Access via web browser
- Server-side malware protection
- Block account sharing
- Android app
Newshosting
- Free SSL
- Access via web browser
- Server-side malware protection
- Block account sharing
- PC & Mac apps
- Limited VPN service
The core apps and features are very similar. Newshosting does include a basic VPN only for Usenet activities. UsenetServer has the edge with a dedicated Android app.
These extra perks add some nice convenience, but aren’t essential. Both provide the key options most Usenet users need.
- Who Each Provider is Best For
With the similarities and differences covered, here’s a summary of ideal user types for each service:
UsenetServer is a better fit for users who:
- Want simple access without speed limits
- Need maximum download performance
- Prefer lower flat-rate pricing
- Plan to exclusively use desktop clients
Newshosting suits those looking for:
- Flexible tiered plans by speed
- Integrated VPN service
- their Windows/Mac apps
- An alternative to UseNetserver
Casual users on a budget are better off with UsenetServer . Power users who want more speed may value Newshosting’s higher plans and extras.
Either provider ultimately delivers speedy access and great performance. It comes down to pricing and plan preferences.
Also Read: Comparison Between Tracfone And Simple Mobile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Newshosting is one of the largest Usenet providers. They offer full access to the entire Usenet network and newsgroup system.
The “best” newsgroups depend on your interests. For binary files, the alt.binaries.* hierarchy has the most content. For discussions, groups like misc.kids offer active communities.
You need a paid account with a Usenet provider like UsenetServer or Newshosting. Free access is no longer widely available. A Usenet client like Sabnzbd simplifies downloading.
Top providers like UsenetServer and Newshosting offer virtually identical access to binary newsgroups. Retention over 3000+ days ensures max availability.
Also watch the video about Usenet!
The Bottom Line
Overall, UsenetServer and Newshosting both provide excellent Usenet access and strong performance. For most users, UsenetServer is the better value with unlimited speed and flat rate pricing. But Newshosting offers more flexibility if you need varying tiers.
The content availability is identical across both services. Speed is fast and reliable as well. It comes down to the ideal plans and pricing for your needs.
Hopefully this guide has helped summarize the key differences and who each provider is best suited for. Either service is a great option for getting back into Usenet downloading.