There are a small number free Usenet servers available around the world. They tend to be slower and less reliable than paid services. Also, they typically do not provide SSL connections, and they have a short article/binary retention time (10 – 100 days).
I recommend trying a paid Usenet provider — they only cost about $10 per month.
Here’s my list of the best free Usenet servers:
Newshosting (U.S.)
Newshosting allows a 30 GB download limit on their trial accounts, and they give you access to the same service as a regular account. This includes access to their newsreader that has a built-in index search, and the ability to preview videos if there is a message with video attachments. They offers SSL connections and 2102 Days Retention.
Payment is via Paypal or credit card. Exact terms are “Free Trial is over in 14 days or 30GB used, whichever comes first. Free trial is offered for new customers only, one per customer.”
Link: Newshosting
UsenetBucket (Netherlands)
UsenetBucket is an XSNews provider in the Netherlands. They offer a free trial that lasts “7 days or until you have reached the data-limit”. The data limit is 5GB.
UsenetBucket is a straightforward company, known for fulfilling their promises (in terms of download limits and server speed). They are also known for accepting PayPal.
While testing their sign-up process, I did find that their email and IP check is a bit stringent, probably because they don’t require a credit card.
Comments 15
That was a really helpful post. Thanks!
iLoad – http://www.usenet.eu
Evaluate for free (up to 10 GB or 2 weeks)!
Anonymous, no data except e-mail address!
No forced subscription!
Includes free software client! (EN DE)
Includes free usage of our usenet index and search!
snelNL – http://www.snelnl.com
Fast test (3 days)
Unlimited downloads
180 Mbit, about 22.5 MB/s speed
Includes free usage of our usenet index and search!
Includes free software client! (EN DE NL)
ENJOY!!
snelnl “Privacy” policy:
SnelNL requests certain personally identifiable information about you when you register, purchase services / products from, or otherwise use the SnelNL Website. You always have the right to decline our request for your information and to choose not to continue using the Website. You may choose not to provide your personal information through any of the forms on our Website, with the condition that we may not be able to provide the related service to you. We collect general contact information about you such as your name, address, e-mail address and credit card number. Additionally, we do monitor and collect information about your use of the Website through your IP address, computer settings or most recently visited URL.
What’s wrong with this picture:
Article title; “The Best Free Usenet Servers 2016”
Article date; “April 10, 2014”
Not much. I update the articles every year, sometimes I don’t update the original publication date.
https://usenet.cloud allows downloading binary news from usenet to the cloud.
Service is completly free, no sign up required! All you need is a web-browser 🙂
BETA FEATURES
– All connections are secured trought 256-Bit SSL
– Video and audio streaming (computer, tablet, smartphone)
– Automated verification, PAR2 reparation and ZIP/RAR extraction of files
– 1996 days of binary retention
– 5GB of cloud storage for FREE
– Unlimited data transfer
– Unlimited download speed
– Up to 30 simultaneos download connections
Looks like you no longer exists. G’bye.
prima site ga zo door.
try it
https://Free-Usenet.com
Speed: 1Mb/s
Retention: 1100days
Posting: No
Traffic: Unlimited
Simple registration – no personal info needed
Send me news
I have used both UsenetBucket and XSNews.
UsenetBucket is faster and has English support, while XSNews is a noticeably cheaper.
I think his point is that the article is aimed at binaries and not actually using Usenet as a discussion forum. Hence all the servers have amazing low retention and the article is more focused on bandwidth and # of connections etc. Maybe the article should be titled “Best Free Usenet Servers for Binaries 2014” 🙂
The two mentioned (gmane or eternal-september) are for discussion and not for binaries.
-3j
Your choice seems bizarre, with no mention of gmane or eternal-september .
They are particularly compelling as usenet service providers?
Agreed. No aioe either. Anyone who spends time on Usenet knows this.