Obfuscated Usenet. Usenet is a popular distributed messaging service that has been operational since 1981. Over the years, its use and implementation has evolved. Usenet has changed. It has grown to become a stealth, secure, decentralized network where you can download items much faster and much more securely than using BitTorrent. This web-based Usenet service includes unlimited high speed Usenet access, the best file retention with access to the largest Usenet database and a built-in interface that provides better results than any NZB site or Usenet search engine. Easynews is easy to use and can be accessed from any web browser – including mobile and desktop.

Over the last year a number of Usenet apps have been released for iPhone and Android devices. We’ve had the pleasure of testing the new mobile apps and sharing reviews along the way. Today we’d like to present our favorites in a list of the Best Usenet Apps for Android, iPhone and iPad. Each has advantages along with a few shortcomings as you might expect from early app editions. We hope you’ll support the continued growth of the new apps by downloading the latest versions and enjoying the benefit of browsing Usenet on the go.

Best Android and iOS (IPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) Usenet Apps

As we take a closer look at some of the best Android and iPhone apps on the market you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. First of all you’ll notice that some apps are developed for specific Usenet providers while others are tied to specific newsreaders. We’ll make sure to point out the requirements and supported services while presenting each selection. Along with linking to a full review of each Usenet app.

Let’s dive right in and take a look at the best mobile Usenet apps:

1 – EZ Global Search

EZ Global Search (full review) is designed for Easynews web Usenet members. Allowing them to continue the experience of accessing newsgroups while connected from iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Use the app to search Usenet, preview and even add content to Easynews Zip Manager. The EZ Global Search app is available on iTunes for $2.99. You’ll need Easynews web access to use EZ Global Search. If you’re not already a member you can sign up for a 14 day free trial.

2 – NBRemote

Newsbin Pro users can now enjoy mobile access with their new NBRemote app (full review). Newsbin Remote Control (NBRemote) is available on iTunes for $2.99 and supports iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. With forum members discussing the possibility of a future Android app. The idea behind NBRemote is simple – control Newsbin Pro remotely from your mobile device. A goal that NBRemote accomplishes well. You’ll need a license for Newsbin to enjoy the NBRemote app. We recommend buying a lifetime key for $20. Newsbin also offers a 10 day free trial.

3 – SABMobile

SABMobile (full review) is a third-party app developed for the popular open-source SABnzbd newsreader. SABnzbd Usenet client is free to download and supports Window,s Mac and Linux. Sabmobile allows you to access SABnzbd remotely and is available for iPhone, iPad nad iPod Touch on iTunes for $2.99. The app is also available for Android on Google Play for $2.99. Grab the latest edition of SABnzbd free from sabnzbd.org. Also check out their other cool add-ons.

4 – EZ Usenet

EZ Usenet (full review) is the first of two mobile apps on our list catered toward Android fans that use Easynews to access newsgroups. The app supports Android and is available on Google Play for $2.49. First you’ll download the free version of EZ Usenet and then purchase the unlock for $2.49 to unlock all the features and remove advertising from the app. Once again you’ll need Easynews web access. If you’re not already a member you can sign up for a 14 day free trial.

5 – Easybrowser

EasyBrowser (full review) is the second mobile app on our list developed specifically for Android fans that use Easynews for Usenet. The app supports Android and is available on Google Play for $0.99. First you’ll download the free version of EasyBrowser and then purchase the unlock for $0.99 to unlock all the features and remove advertising from the app. As you might have already guessed you’ll need Easynews web access. Non-member can sign up for a 14 day free trial.

Best Free Usenet Reader

That concludes our list of the best Usenet apps for Android, iPhone and iPad. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our favorite mobile Usenet clients. We look forward to bringing you the latest news along with hands-on reviews of upcoming releases as mobile Usenet apps continue to gain momentum this year and beyond.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about mobile Usenet. For the latest news follow @NewsgroupRevs.

What’s the difference between a newsgroup reader, newsreader client, and Usenet browser? You will see all three terms used in reference to software that is used to download from newsgroups. Whether you want to use your web browser or a custom newsreader, you will find some great options for Usenet beginners and veterans alike.

Automation tools like Sickbeard, CouchPotato, Sonarr, Radarr, and SickRage extend the capabilities of your newsreader by automating the Usenet downloads. These tools will help take your Usenet experience to the next level so you’ll want to use some of them as well. The combination of the right Usenet client with a good NZB site and automation tools will give you everything necessary to enjoy Usenet to its fullest. The final step is looking at ways to serve the content you download. Most Usenet fans will simply save content to their hard drive, but tech savvy users with a library of content may also want to build a media server. Those who want to get started with a media server should consider some of the hardware and software options available, ranging from Raspberry Pi to higher end NAS devices running Plex.

For all-in-one Usenet access, use Easynews. No newsreader software, NZBs and Usenet search engines are needed since it includes a Usenet search and download web interface plus unlimited Usenet access with the highest file retention/largest database. Easynews also works on any device, including mobile, and you’ll get the best search results with file previews included. A special deal is available for a 50 GB free trial plus a 75% lifetime discount.

Best Newsreaders

Best Usenet Reader Windows 10

Reviews of the Best Usenet Clients

1. Easynews provides everything in one package

Easynews (Easynews.com) provides a complete Usenet package and eliminates any need to download newsreader software or NZBs. This web-based Usenet service includes unlimited high speed Usenet access, the best file retention with access to the largest Usenet database and a built-in interface that provides better results than any NZB site or Usenet search engine.

Easynews is easy to use and can be accessed from any web browser – including mobile and desktop. The default search engine is as simple as running a Google search. An Advanced Search engine is also available that lets you fully customize your search. Search results include thumbnail previews, file details and options to either download the post or access the post from inside your browser window without any software needed. Get a 50GB free trial and 75% off (lifetime) here.

2. Newshosting browser lets you search, preview, download, repair, and unpack content.

Newshosting (newshosting.com) is our favorite Usenet provider. One of the big reasons the service won our Editor’s Choice Award is the inclusion of a all-in-one custom newsreader. You can use the Newshosting client to search for Usenet content, preview, and download. The software will take care of any necessary file repairs with the available PAR files and unpack your downloads. The client is pre-configured so you can get started right away. Give Newshosting a try for free.

3. SABnzbd integrates with CouchPotato, Headphones, Radarr, Sickrage, and Sonarr.

SABnzbd (sabnzbd.org) hardly needs an introduction as the popular open-source Usenet browser has been downloaded millions of times over the years. SABnzbd runs in your web browser. It is available in 16 languages for Windows, Mac, and Unix. It is also a good choice for Synology NAS devices. In addition to integrating with popular Usenet automation tools, SABnzbd has a lot of third party addons including nzb360 for Android and SABmini or nzbUnity for iOS. SABnzbd can take some time to set up but the results are well worth the effort.

4. NZBGet is programmed in C++ which makes it the fastest Usenet browser.

Best Usenet Reader Windows

NZBGet (nzbget.net) isn’t quite as well known as SABnzbd, but the similarities make it a great alternative for those who need more speed. NZBGet is built with C++ which makes it faster by using less system resources. If you plan to run your own media server then we highly recommend starting with NZBGet on your Raspberry Pi or NAS device. Combining NZBGet with your favorite NZB indexer will help you automate Usenet downloads. The Usenet browser will automatically download, repair, and unpack content from multiple Usenet servers.

5. TweakNews offers members a full-featured newsreader with servers in The Netherlands.

TweakNews (tweaknews.eu) is one of the best kept secrets in Usenet. While Usenet veterans are well aware of the service, many new users haven’t taken the opportunity to try it yet That will surely change as more Usenet fans learn about the advantages of using TweakNews. For starters, the service offers high completion through their own backend servers in The Netherlands. The TweakNews Usenet browser is available to all members free of charge. Use it to find, download, repair, and extract content from your favorite newsgroups.

Here are a few simple guidelines you can follow to help find the best newsreader to meet your needs.

Usenet Reader

7 Tips for Comparing Newsgroup Readers

• Price: Consider how much the software costs. Within the last couple years most of the Usenet clients we recommend have decided to offer free software. Some of top Usenet providers including Newshosting, TweakNews, Easynews, and Giganews provide custom newsreaders to their members. Others like SABnzbd and NZBGet are open-source. There are still a few premium third-party newsreaders. The best known are Newsbin and NewsLeecher. These options come with a price tag for usage of the software and Usenet search features.
• Operating System Compatibility: This one is pretty straight forward. You should consider what platforms you plan to download from Usenet on. Windows users will find a wider range of newsreader options. The list of Mac and Linux Usenet clients is more limited. Mobile access for Android and iOS devices is even more rare. We’ll cover all of these along with Usenet browsers that are well suited for media server installs.
• Usenet Client Features: In the past we would show you how to use tools like WinRar, 7-Zip, and QuickPar to repair and unpack your Usenet downloads. Fortunately newsreaders like Newshosting and TweakNews take care of these tasks for you. That means you won’t need to download a separate batch of Usenet tools and take the time to manage your files. This will save you a lot of time and frustration. If you’re researching a Usenet browser that isn’t on our list then we would suggest testing a download in multiple clients to see how each one performs.
• Set Up Time: It can take some time and technical expertise to configure some Usenet browsers. You will find that SABnzbd and NZBGet take longer to install and configure than the other options we recommend. This is mainly due to the ability to interface with popular Usenet automation tools. If you have some experience with Usenet and want to automate the process then the trial and error is well worth the time. Otherwise we recommend using a newsreader that has more built-in features to help you get started.
• SSL Connections: All of our recommended Usenet clients and top Usenet providers support SSL encrypted connections. Whether or not you choose to connect via SSL, we would recommend selecting a Usenet client that supports it. There are very few that don’t support SSL so if you’re looking at one that doesn’t its likely a sign that the software hasn’t been updated in years. While you can connect using as many connections as your Usenet service allows, we recommend only using the minimum number necessary to max your desired download speed. Using any more will put undue stress on your system and can actually slow it down.
• Multiple News Servers: You will want to set up multiple news servers for the best Usenet experience. This will help you pick up missing parts and also act as a backup in case your primary server or provider goes down. For example, you might set up all three Newshosting servers (US, NL, DE) so that the newsreader will hit all three servers. You could also add a block account from a service like TweakNews or UsenetExpress and add those servers to your client setup. Make sure whatever Usenet browser you choose supports multiple news servers if you plan on using more than one service. Usenet services that offer their own newsreader often hard code their own servers and do not allow you to add servers for other providers. This is fine for some users but can pose a challenge for others.
• Usenet Automation Tools: We recommend SABnzbd and NZBget for those who want to integrate automation tools. They are both open-source and well suited for the task of automating your Usenet downloads. There is some work involved in getting everything set up but the results are worth it. Some of the most popular Usenet automation tools include Sonarr, Radarr, SickRage, Sickbeard, and CouchPotato.

Best Usenet Reader For Mac

Want more options? Here’s a complete list of newsreaders.