Newshosting Review 2024: Pair Usenet Access With VPN Privacy

Newshosting is a leading Usenet provider that gives you access to over 110,000 secure Newsgroups. To sweeten the deal, some plans include free access to PrivadoVPN, a top-rated VPN, which can help strengthen your online privacy even further.

Curious what the Usenet is? You can think of it as one of the first internet chat rooms. Predating even the World Wide Web we know today, Usenet users can post and read messages in categorized groups on a decentralized global network.

As we dive deeper, let’s examine whether Newshosting has balanced its abundant offerings without significant shortcomings enough to contend with some of the best VPN services available.

Newshosting review at a glance

Price	$10.00–$15.83/mo
Free version	No
# of connected devices	30–100
VPN server count	200+ servers in 48 countries
VPN streaming support	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more
VPN no-logs policy	No logs
Encryption	256-bit SSL encryption
Usenet data retention	5,528+ days binary retention
Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Linux
Learn more	Get Newshosting

What is Newshosting Usenet?

Usenet, a precursor to contemporary internet forums, allows users to engage in text-based discussions and access a wide array of information across newsgroups. Newshosting amplifies this, providing a platform where users can access these groups securely and efficiently. It's equipped with a free newsreader, facilitating organized access to Usenet's varied content.

A notable attribute of Newshosting is its substantial retention policy; it stores binary data for over 5,500 days. This means Newshosting lets you access your favorite content for over 10 years. It offers tailored plans catering to different user needs: the budget-friendly Lite and Unlimited plans include PrivadoVPN as a premium add-on, while the XL Powerpack provides PrivadoVPN at no extra charge, presenting a truly unlimited plan.

PrivadoVPN, integral to Newshosting's secure browsing feature, stands strong in the VPN arena. It creates an encrypted tunnel for users, protecting them from potential cyber threats. With servers in 45 countries, it guarantees a smooth and secure browsing experience, allowing users to bypass geographically restricted content. This collaboration between Newshosting and PrivadoVPN ensures users get a secure and expansive browsing experience.

 

Our experience with Newshosting

Stepping into the world of Newshosting is akin to taking a nostalgic journey back to the 90s when digital aesthetics were straightforward, albeit unsophisticated, by today's standards.

The download and installation process is relatively simple with no frills or flamboyance. Once the installation is complete, you navigate through a user interface that might not win awards for sleek design but scores well on functionality. For example, Newshosting includes a built-in search and automatic assembly of NZB files.

Choosing and connecting to a server is a process stripped of modern complexities, so it presents a straightforward approach that veteran internet users will appreciate. While the platform comes with a sense of simplicity, it may be lacking in the refined user experience we've grown accustomed to in recent years.

As for PrivadoVPN, we found it straightforward and easy to use. We like that it comes with Control Tower, which not only provides parental controls and family safety features but also blocks ads, crypto scams, malware, phishing, and ransomware. You can find out more about Control Tower and all other features in our PrivadoVPN review.

Newshosting prices and subscriptions

Newshosting offers a selection of plans that cater to a wide range of preferences. This makes it a versatile choice for many. From the budget-conscious user to the power user seeking comprehensive features, there's something here for everyone.

Looking at the variety of plans, the XL Powerpack stands out as the best value. Priced at $15.83/mo, it offers unlimited Usenet access with top-notch encryption and includes PrivadoVPN at no extra cost, enhancing your online security and privacy manifold.

Moreover, it comes bundled with free access to Easynews search, adding an extra layer of convenience and functionality. Given these comprehensive features and the inclusive Newshosting VPN service, it offers an all-encompassing package that caters to your Usenet and VPN needs.

Newshosting plans comparison

Features	Lite	Unlimited	XL Powerpack
Price	$10.00/mo	$12.95/mo	$15.83/mo
PrivadoVPN	$4.99/mo extra	$4.99/mo extra	Included
Newshosting newsreader
Encryption	256-bit SSL encryption	256-bit SSL encryption	256-bit SSL encryption
24/7 customer support
Free Easynews search

Speaking of Newshosting payment options, we’d like to see additional anonymous payment methods. Currently, you’re limited to Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and PayPal.

Newshosting features

As we dive further into our Newshosting review, we will show a repertoire of features that stand as testimony to its commitment to providing a secure, efficient, and enriched browsing experience.

The synergistic collaboration between Newshosting and PrivadoVPN brings forth a multitude of features that bolster security while ensuring seamless access to a plethora of content. However, as with any service, there might be areas where Newshosting could amplify its offerings.

VPN features

The VPN aspect of Newshosting is facilitated by PrivadoVPN, a secure and reliable VPN service that comes bundled with Newshosting's plans. Here's a closer look at some of the VPN features that you can expect.

• Server count: Offering 200+ servers sprawled across 48 countries, this feature ensures that users can enjoy optimal connection speeds and bypass geographical content restrictions, opening doors to a global library of content.
• Logs policy: Following a strict no-logs policy, PrivadoVPN ensures that your online activities remain private and inaccessible to external entities, fostering a secure and anonymous browsing environment.
• Headquarters: Being based in Switzerland, a country renowned for its stringent privacy laws, adds a layer of confidence regarding the safety of user data.
• WebRTC and DNS leak protection: This feature safeguards users against potential DNS and WebRTC leaks, fortifying security parameters and ensuring a leak-proof browsing experience where your IP address isn’t exposed to hackers or scammers.
• Streaming support: For those who love to binge-watch their favorite shows, the VPN supports seamless streaming, unlocking access to popular platforms and content libraries across the globe.
• Torrenting support: Catering to the torrenting community, PrivadoVPN supports secure and efficient torrenting, which allows users to download content without the fear of prying eyes.
• Parental controls: A standout feature that allows parents to regulate and monitor the content that is accessible to younger users, parental controls ensure a safe browsing environment for all age groups.

PrivadoVPN also offers some pivotal features such as split tunneling and a kill switch. The inclusion of split tunneling allows users to choose which applications pass through the VPN tunnel, providing a more customized browsing experience. On the other hand, a kill switch acts as a safety net and disconnects the internet in case of VPN failure, thus preventing data leaks.

Learn more about PrivadoVPN here.

Binary and text retention

Understanding binary and text retention is vital when considering a Usenet service provider. Binary retention refers to the duration for which binary files, such as videos and images, are stored on Usenet servers. Text retention, conversely, pertains to the storage period for text posts.

Newshosting takes pride in offering an impressive binary retention period of over 5,528 days, which means users have access to a rich archive of content spanning numerous years.

Privacy and security

Leveraging 256-bit SSL encryption, Newshosting ensures your online activities are shielded from potential threats and creates a secure browsing tunnel.

Delving into its privacy policy, Newshosting does collect some information when you use its service. This includes:

• Your IP address
• Usage data
• Server logs including IP address, date, and time of connection

This isn’t great, and if you want a truly private browsing experience you likely won’t get it with Newshosting. If you’re hoping to surf the web completely anonymously, we recommend Surfshark, ExpressVPN, or Mullvad instead.

Moreover, the bundled PrivadoVPN service maintains a no-logs policy — though it hasn’t been audited. Along with no logs, it uses secure VPN protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard, ensuring that your online activities remain undocumented and protected from potential leaks. It has proven its mettle through rigorous data leak tests by offering a secure and leak-proof browsing experience.

Newshosting performance

To ascertain the performance prowess of Newshosting, we carried out a series of tests encompassing several facets of its service. Initially, we tested the base internet speed without any VPN connection to get a benchmark figure.

Following this, we proceeded to download a file via Newshosting, meticulously noting essential details such as the file size, download duration, and the average speed throughout the process. This approach allowed us to have a comprehensive view of Newshosting's capabilities, considering both its Usenet services and VPN functionalities.

While our speed test results for Newshosting aren’t anything to write home about, keep in mind that several factors, including your baseline bandwidth and the number of Usenet connections you use, can affect your download speed.

Newshosting download speeds

	Newshosting results
File size	2.55 GB
Download time	8 minutes 40 seconds
Average download speed	4.7 MB/s

Newshosting compatibility and customer support

	Newshosting
Operating system compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux
Phone support	No
Email support	Yes
Live chat	No
Knowledge base	Guides, learning center

When venturing into the realms of Usenet and VPN services, compatibility and customer support stand as pivotal factors that can significantly influence a user's experience. Regarding compatibility, Newshosting casts a wide net. It caters to the primary operating systems in Windows, Mac, and Linux, though you won’t find mobile device support for iOS or Android here.

However, the offerings may be a tad limited regarding customer support. While email support is a reliable channel to seek assistance and troubleshoot issues, the absence of phone support and live chat options might be seen as a drawback by users who prefer real-time, instantaneous help.

We understand that comprehensive support can be a deciding factor for many, and the absence of some of these elements might pose potential stumbling blocks in opting for Newshosting plus PrivadoVPN as a preferred Usenet provider and VPN service.

Newshosting alternatives

While Newshosting offers many features, it might only tick some of the boxes for some users. The good news is that the VPN market is rife with alternatives. If you're looking to explore options beyond Newshosting and the antiquated Usenet, here are a few formidable competitors that have made a mark in the industry.

Newshosting FAQs

Bottom line: Is Newshosting good?

Newshosting undoubtedly carves out a niche for itself, especially for enthusiasts exploring the rich terrain of newsgroups and Usenet services. Coupled with PrivadoVPN, it offers a secure, albeit slightly outdated, platform where users can access a vast array of content without fretting about privacy compromises. Its notable strengths lie in significant retention rates and a stringent no-logs policy, which can be a magnet for privacy-conscious individuals.

Nevertheless, it's not without a sprinkle of downsides. The user interface might seem a bit dated, possibly alienating users acquainted with more contemporary setups. Moreover, the small amount of data that Newshosting logs and PrivadoVPN’s lack of an audited no-logs policy might turn those looking for strong security away. (We recommend checking out our guide to the best no-logs VPNs if this is you.)

However, if you're willing to overlook these minor setbacks, Newshosting stands as a competent choice for diving into the world of Usenet with an added layer of VPN protection.