Newsbin has been in the Usenet game for decades. It’s always been a well-respected newsreader, but now they’ve even started offering Usenet search too.
But old doesn’t necessarily mean good, especially in the tech world.
So, how has Newsbin held up? And is it still worth using?
We’ll answer those questions and more in this Newsbin review. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the software.
[+] 'Newsbin Review' contents (select to expand)
Newsbin Review: Top Features
Checklist
Newsbin brings a lot to the table. Let’s look at some of the software’s best features.
Is Newsbin Secure?
Anytime you’re downloading files online, you want to be secure.
And Newsbin manages to provide that security with SSL and TSL encryption, proxy support (SOCKS4, SOCKS5, HTTPS), and advanced spam filtering, as well as password protection for the app itself.
Which, for the most part, is pretty good. Though we would like to see them introduce Bitcoin and/or cryptocurrency payments.
- Related: Why Pay with Bitcoin for Usenet?
Disadvantages of Newsbin
So, let’s talk disadvantages. And for us, the main one for Newsbin is:
- Newsreader only available for Windows
- Can’t read obfuscated Usenet posts
- Usenet search scans headers only, not NZBs themselves
You see, these days, a lot of the hottest, newest content that’s posted to Usenet is “obfuscated”, which acts as a kind of camouflage to help it avoid takedowns. However, to take advantage of this content, you need an indexer that can read these obfuscated files.
And Newsbin can’t. At least not for now.
- Related: Obfuscated Usenet Files & Posts
Plus, Newsbin’s search is not a true NZB search engine. It only searches keywords in the headers of Usenet posts.
Unfortunately, that means you won’t have access to the same quantity and quality of NZB files that you will with a top-quality NZB indexer, like NZBgeek or DrunkenSlug.
Newsbin Review: Pricing and Plans
So, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. You know, pricing.
How much does Newsbin cost?
It’s actually very reasonable. The Newsbin Pro newsreader software will set you back only $20 as a one-time payment.
For an extra ten bucks, you can use Newsbin’s Usenet search feature for a year (allows up to 500 searches per month). Unlimited search packages are also available, but more expensive.
Each plan can be used on up to 3 computers.
If you’re not sure if the product is for you yet, you can try before your buy with their 15-day free trial.
Newsbin Coupon and Deals
No Newsbin deals to report at the moment, friend. But we’ll keep this page updated, so make sure to check back later.
Newsbin Alternatives
There are a few different kinds of alternatives to consider for Newsbin, depending on what it is about the service that you’re trying to replace. Here are some of our favorites.
- SABnzbd – If you just need something that lets you download NZBs, SABnzbd might be the way to go. It’s super easy to use and can be set up to work with multiple providers at the same time. Read our SABnzbd Guide.
- NZBgeek – If you’re looking to replace Newsbin’s search, an NZB indexer, like NZBGeek, is a great bet. Unlike Newsbin, it can handle “obfuscated” Usenet files, making it even more effective at finding the latest content.
- Newshosting – For an all-in-one option with a more traditional newsreader, Newshosting has you covered. It’s one of the best Usenet providers on the market, and its plans come with a free newsreader software. You’ll have everything you need pre-configured to access and download from Usenet, without having to fuss with any messy settings.
How to Configure Newsbin
Installing and configuring Newsbin is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it.
1. Download the installer from Newsbin’s site. Note: The installer is different depending on whether you’re a free trial user or already have an account.
2. When you run the installer, it’ll ask you to set your language, detect whether your system is 32 or 64 bits, and then require you to accept the license agreement. You can go through these steps without changing much.
3. Eventually, you’ll reach a screen that lets you name the server that Newsbin will use on your computer. Pick any name you like – or just leave it on the default ‘My_Server’.
4. Next, you’ll have to enter the server address for your Usenet provider. For example, “news.newshosting.com”. If you don’t already have a provider, you can find our top picks here.
We’d recommend checking the ‘Use SSL’ box too, since it’ll improve your privacy and security when downloading files.
5. After that, you’ll be asked for the username and password associated with your provider. We recommend Newshosting as the best all-around Usenet provider.
6. From there, Newsbin will install. You’re now ready to start searching and downloading! Check Newsbin’s site for tutorials on using the software itself.
Newsbin Review Wrap-Up
So, that about does it for the Newsbin review.
What’s the final verdict?
Newsbin is a solid, time-tested newsreader that now offers Usenet search to boot, giving you lots of functionality in a lightweight package. It’s got good security, fast download speeds, and can be used to automate your Usenet experience.
However, as Usenet continues to evolve with things like obfuscated NZBs, Newsbin falls a bit short. To get the most out of Usenet, you ought to use an NZB search engine too.
That being said, Newsbin is still a very useful and affordable option for the time being.
What do you think about Newsbin? Let us know in the comments!