These are the best Usenet block accounts money can buy!
Whether you’re a light downloader, looking for a backup to your main provider, or just want to try Usenet out, you can’t go wrong with a block account.
Here our picks for the best Usenet block plans around.
Best Usenet Block Accounts
We’ve compiled four providers, each from the best Usenet backbones.
BlockNews
Backbone: Netnews
Retention: 3000+ days
Prices Starting at: $1.99
Biggest Block: 3 TB
Takedowns: DMCA
If you’re looking for a block plan, you can’t go wrong with BlockNews. Get it? Because it has block… in the name. Tough crowd.
Anyways, BlockNews is the block-only sister site to FrugalUsenet (which specializes in unlimited plans). Not only does it operate on an independent backbone, they have the biggest server network in the business, including not only the US and Europe, but Asia, Australia, South Africa, and South America.
See our full Blocknews Review for more info.
NewsGroupDirect
Backbone: UsenetExpress
Retention: 5500+ days
Prices Starting at: $6.00
Biggest Block: 2 TB
Takedowns: NTD
UsenetExpress is one of the other top backbones that offers blocks. That being said, UsenetExpress don’t offer blocks themselves; so, we’re recommending NewsGroupDirect.
They’ll provide arguably the highest block retention, which is especially valuable if you’re interested in older files. Plus, NTD takedowns make it a great backup for a DMCA provider.
Check our full NewsGroupDirect Review for more details.
XSNews
Backbone: Abavia
Retention: 4000+ days
Prices Starting at: €9,95
Biggest Block: 5 TB
Takedowns: DMCA
Abavia is the other “top dog” when it comes to Usenet backbones not named Omicron. And while there are a few solid providers with blocks on the backbone, we’re going to recommend XSNews, who offer a good, consistent service at a competitive price.
Our full XSNews Review will help you learn more.
ViperNews
Backbone: Uzo Reto
Retention: 3000+ days
Prices Starting at: $13.99
Biggest Block: 2 TB
Takedowns: NTD
While ViperNews doesn’t boast the same kind of retention you’ll find on the other backbones, it is completely independent and follows NTD (rather than DMCA) takedowns, which can make it an attractive backup/alternative for many setups.
Read our full ViperNews Review for a closer look.
Does Omicron Offer Block Accounts?
Unfortunately, Omicron providers don’t offer standalone block plans, which is why many people combine an unlimited Omicron plan with a block account on another backbone.
Other Block Account Options
If you’d like to keep your options open, here are some of the other providers that sell blocks. Though we can’t vouch for every one of them.
UsenetExpress Backbone
theCubeNet
ThunderNews
Abavia Backbone
HitNews
BulkNews
Independent Backbone
Usenet.Farm
Mixed Backbone
UsenetPrime (UsenetExpress / Abavia)
Usenet Block Accounts: Wrap-Up
Four Usenet block providers, four different backbones. Plus, a handful of other options, in case you want to experiment. Hopefully, that’s enough to keep your covered!
Do you have a favorite block plan? Let us know in the comments.