XSnews, a Netherlands-based Usenet service provider, stands out with its variety of subscription options, offering users the flexibility to choose the plan that best suits their needs. The service provides an array of plans, each with different speed limits, catering to different users. All subscription plans at XSnews guarantee 99.5% completion, a substantial 2300 days of retention, SSL encryption for enhanced privacy, and access to over 200,000 newsgroups, ensuring a comprehensive Usenet experience.
Features:
- Location: Based in the Netherlands, XSnews offers a reliable Usenet service with a strong European connection.
- Content Access: With access to over 30,000 terabytes of content and 134,000 newsgroups, it caters to a wide range of interests and needs.
- Retention Period: Offers 2300 days of binary retention, ensuring users have access to a significant archive of Usenet history.
- Completion Rate: High completion rate at 99.8%, indicative of the quality and reliability of the service.
- Security: SSL encryption across all plans, prioritizing user privacy and data security.
- Compatibility: Works seamlessly with most Usenet downloading applications, offering flexibility in software choice.
- Payment Options: Accepts various forms of payment including Credit card and PayPal, catering to a global user base.
Their binary retention policy is competitive, with 2300 days of binary retention, ensuring users have access to a vast archive of content. XSnews also offers block access plans with unlimited speed and up to 20 connections, catering to users who prefer a more flexible approach to Usenet access. However, XSnews does not currently offer a free trial for all countries, limiting the accessibility of their services for some potential users.
The pricing structure of XSnews is diverse, offering four main subscription plans—Basic, Pro, Super, and Elite—each with different speed limits and connection numbers. The plans are available at various subscription lengths, from monthly to annual, providing flexibility in commitment and budgeting. Additionally, XSnews offers block access plans ranging from 100 GB to 1000 GB, suitable for users who prefer a pay-as-you-go approach.
XS News Pricing:
- Subscription Plans:
- Basic: €4.95/month with 8 Mbit speed and 8 connections.
- Pro: €6.50/month for 20 Mbit speed and 20 connections.
- Super: €7.95/month offering 50 Mbit speed and 20 connections.
- Elite: €9.95/month for unlimited speed and 30 connections.
- Block Plans:
- Ranging from 100 GB to 1000 GB, with prices starting from €14.95, suitable for users preferring a pay-as-you-go model.
- Free Trial: 14-day trial available for the Elite plan, though restricted to certain countries.
In terms of performance, XSnews has proven to be efficient in speed tests, although users outside the EU might experience slightly slower service due to geographical location. The number of connections offered varies according to the chosen plan, with the Elite plan offering the most connections. Users are advised to use encrypted ports for enhanced security.
Overall Recommendation:
XSnews is a solid choice for Usenet access, especially for users within the EU looking for a provider with a strong local presence. The diverse plan options cater to different user requirements, whether you need high-speed access or are content with a more economical, lower-speed option. The inclusion of SSL across all plans is a significant advantage, ensuring secure connections and user privacy.
However, the binary retention period of 2300 days, while substantial, may not be as extensive as some of the top-tier Usenet providers. The absence of VPN services and limited free trial availability could be potential drawbacks for some users. The block plans offer a flexible solution for those with sporadic Usenet needs, though the pricing can be a bit steep compared to other providers.
In conclusion, XSnews is a good choice for Usenet service, particularly for users in Europe. While it may not offer the highest retention or the cheapest plans, its reliable service, secure connections, and range of plan options make it a worthy contender in the Usenet market. As always, we recommend evaluating your specific Usenet needs and comparing various providers before making a decision.