The Internet is filled with articles and posts about the best Usenet providers. So, we decided to take a different approach this time: we’re going to focus on the most underrated Usenet providers.
But don’t get us wrong: these are still top-notch services. They’re just not the typical Omicron providers that you see topping the list of most recommendations.
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Frugal Usenet / Blocknews
Frugal Usenet and Blocknews offer cheap monthly and block plans with servers on five continents.
Benefits:
- Cheap prices
- Servers on five continents
- Monthly and block plans
We included two providers here as a single pick, FrugalUsenet and BlockNews, since they’re both sister sites with different purposes: one offers unlimited monthly plans, while the other offers block accounts. Which one is best for you will depend on your needs.
One thing that sets them apart is their server network, which includes five continents, three of which – Asia, Australia, and South American – aren’t offered by any other provider.
Plus, they’re cheap. Monthly plans start at just $5, with 5GB blocks for only $1.99.
NewsGroupDirect
NewsGroupDirect stands out with three backbones and its unique Triple Play plan.
Benefits:
- Multiple backbones
- Monthly and block plans
- US and EU servers
Perhaps NewsGroupDirect’s most standout feature is that they offer three separate backbones, including UsenetExpress, Giganews (via SuperNews) and ViperNews.
With their “Triple Play” monthly plan, you get access to all three backbones and a free VPN (Ghost Path) for one low price. That’s quite a unique offer, and it’ll give you coverage that you can’t usually get with a single account.
ViperNews
ViperNews delivers extremely cheap monthly and block plans backed by its own independent backbone.
Benefits:
- Very cheap prices
- Independent backbone
- Monthly and block plans
ViperNews may not have the name recognition or retention of bigger providers, but they have the advantage of their own independent backbone. So, if you care about the health of Usenet in the long turn, they’re worth supporting.
Of course, that doesn’t mean their service is second-rate: ViperNews is quality, and they offer a 7-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy with confidence.
Plus, their plans are pretty much as cheap as it gets, without even needing to wait for Black Friday or other deals. And get this, you don’t even have to sign up for a whole year. Even their monthly plans are as low as $1.99 per month.
UsenetPrime
UsenetPrime combines UsenetExpress and Abavia backbones with monthly and block account options.
Benefits:
- Multiple backbones
- US and EU servers
- Monthly and block accounts
UsenetPrime is another provider with multiple backbones, this time UsenetExpress and Abavia (via XSNews). Just keep in mind that their second backbone comes courtesy of blocks only, unlike the triple unlimited service that NewsGroupDirect offers.
That being said, Prime’s combined monthly + block plan is an excellent deal if you’re willing to pay for a year upfront.
Most Underrated Usenet Providers: Wrap-Up
So, hopefully this list has given you some new providers to try. Of course, you can always give our Best Usenet Providers article a look too, if you want to compare and contrast.
Is there an underrated provider that you think we missed? Give them a shout in the comments.