For us the question of who offers the best Usenet value goes beyond newsgroup access.  That wasn’t always the case but now some leading providers are offering bundled services (newsreaders, Usenet search, online storage, VPN, etc.) along with unlimited Usenet access for less than $10 a month.  While we highly recommend both UNS and Astraweb these other services offer more value-added features for the same low price.

Let’s take a look at some of the best Usenet values and the free add-on features offered by each provider.

Newshosting : Unlimited Usenet + Newsreader + Usenet Search

Newshosting is our pick for the best Usenet value.  Along with unlimited Usenet access they offer members a great newsreader (Windows, Mac, Linux) and Usenet search engine.  Not to mention high retention, free SSL and excellent performance.  All for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year.  Unlimited Usenet along with a newsreader and built-in search engine for $9.99 is quite a value!

NewsDemon : Unlimited Usenet + Newsreader + Online Storage

NewsDemon is another outstanding Usenet value.  Offering members unlimited Usenet access, a free copy of News Rover and 30 GB of online storage.  Along with high retention, free SSL and excellent performance.  All for just $9.99 a month.  Unlimited Usenet downloads along with News Rover newsreader and free online storage is an amazing value for just $9.99 a month!

Newshosting and NewsDemon top our list of the best Usenet values.  With each offering unlimited Usenet and excellent add-on features for less than $10 a month. Some other good Usenet values include Easynews (Usenet + web interface for $9.98 a month), ThunderNews (Usenet + newsreader for $10.49 a month), Ngroups (Usenet + storage + VPN for $9.99 a month) and NewsgroupDirect (Usenet + online storage for $16 a month).

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest promotions.

Here’s a sample of what the NewsDemon Super Unliimited special offers:

• Unlimited Usenet access
• 1,260+ days of binary retention
• Free newsreader (News Rover)
• 30 GB of secure online storage
• Up to 50 SSL connections
• US and European servers
• 24/7 technical support

We don’t normally recommend introductory offers but the NewsDemon promotion combines a really low intro price with 50% recurring savings.  This offer is similar to their Demon Deal except you get the first month for $7 rather than $9.99.  Giving a little extra incentive to sign up during their $7 Super Unlimited promotion.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.

You’ll notice that we celebrate the accomplishments of multiple newsgroup services with our Editors Choice Awards.  The reason is we enjoy a number of Usenet providers and feel each offers an advantage over the others.  With criteria to include extra features, high retention & completion, performance, reliability and value.

Congratulations to all of our 2012 NGR Editor’s Choice Award winners.  We would like to thank each provider for their ongoing efforts in supporting the continued growth of Usenet.  The list of award recipients starts with UseNetServer followed closely by Newshosting, NewsDemon, Astraweb, Easynews and ThunderNews.

Let’s take a closer look at our 2012 NGR Editor’s Choice winners for “Best Usenet Providers“:

UseNetServer – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

UseNetServer provides an excellent mix of quality and value.  Since releasing their $10 unlimited Usenet special in the Summer of 2009 the service has grown rapidly.  The service was always a staple in the industry but at $10 a month or $95.40 a year it’s really hard to pass up.  In addition to value, UseNetServer offers high retention and UNS Global Search.  Having a built-in Usenet search engine makes finding newsgroup content much easier.

UseNetServer offers 1,250+ days of binary retention along with two years of text posts.  Subscribers enjoy unlimited Usenet access, 256-bit SSL, 20 connections, uncapped speed and 24/7 live support.  Take advantage of the UNS $10/mo. and $95.40/yr. unlimited Usenet specials.

Newshosting – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

Expect the best performance and premium features for a value from Newshosting.  Including unlimited Usenet downloads with access to their recently released Newshosting Usenet client.  A very nice addition!  Along with uncapped speeds and free 256-bit SSL encryption.  Connect to their North American or European servers and enjoy unlimited Usenet.  All for just $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year via our Newshosting NGR special.

Newshosting offers 1,250+ days of binary retention along with 1,400 days of text posts.  Subscribers enjoy unlimited Usenet access, Newshosting Usenet client, 256-bit SSL, uncapped speed and 24/7 support.  Take advantage of the Newshosting $9.99/mo. and $99.99/yr. unlimited Usenet specials.

NewsDemon – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

NewsDemon is similar to Giganews in that they present customers with a package of features in addition to quality Usenet access.  All unlimited NewsDemon members receive a free registered copy of News Rover newsreader and 30 GB of free online storage provided by StorageNinja.  All for only $9.99 a month for those who sign up through NGR.  NewsDemon presents subscribers with a very good balance of features and value.

NewsDemon offers 1,250+ days of binary retention along with 1,400 days of text posts.  Members enjoy unlimited Usenet, 256-bit SSL, 50 connections, online storage, News Rover and 24/7 tech support.  Take advantage of our NewsDemon $9.99 deal to save over 50% off unlimited Usenet.

Easynews – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

Easynews has everything you could ask for in a Usenet service including web access.  A feature that sets them apart from our other award winners.  The Easynews web interface allows users to browse newsgroups and stream content without the need for a newsreader.  Simply open your favorite web browser.  With third party apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android mobile devices.  Easynews offers 1,200 days of NNTP retention if you want to connect via newsreader.  Web retention is over 200 days.  Take the new web interface for a test drive.

Easynews offers web Usenet access in addition to iPhone and Android apps.  Especially useful to those new to Usenet and others who would rather avoid the need for additional software.  Take advantage of the Easynews 14 day free trial and $9.95 unlimited NNTP offers.

Astraweb – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

Anyone who has been around Usenet the last few years has undoubtedly heard of Astraweb.  A mix of high retention and value is the service’s claim to fame.  Astraweb was the first major Usenet provider to drop in price to $11 a month.  Since then several provider’s have lowered prices into the $10-$11 range.  Even so Astraweb remains a popular choice for Usenet.  With a very loyal following they continue to grow at a good pace.

Astraweb offers 1,250+ days of binary retention along with 1,095 days of text posts.  Members enjoy unlimited Usenet, 256-bit SSL, 20 connections, uncapped speeds and solid completion for $11 a month.  Take advantage of the Astraweb $11/mo. and $96/yr. unlimited Usenet specials.

ThunderNews – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

ThunderNews made our Editors Choice list in 2011 and continues to impress.  With a mix of high retention, performance, reliability and free Usenet client.  ThunderNews includes a free registered copy of News Rover newsreader.  Customers can download the latest version of News Rover from the ThuunderNews website.  NGR visitors can enjoy unlimited ThunderNews Usenet access for just $10.49 a month, a 50% savings.

ThunderNews offers 1,250+ days of binary retention and 1,265 days of text posts.  Subscribers enjoy unlimited Usenet access, 256-bit SSL, 50 connections, News Rover and 24/7 support.  Take advantage of our ThunderNews 50% discount and enjoy unlimited Usenet for $10.49.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our 2012 Editor’s Choice Awards for the best Usenet providers.  Please help us recognize and congratulate the winners through your patronage.  Also make sure to check out our Editor’s Choice Awards for ”Best Usenet Deals“, “Best Free Usenet Trials“and “Best Usenet Clients“.

• UseNetServer – $10 a month or $96 a year
• Newshosting – $9.99 a month or $99 a year
• NewsDemon – $9.99 a month
  
• Astraweb – $11 a month or $96 a year
• Easynews – $9.95 a month
• ThunderNews – $10.49 a month

November 25th update: it’s finally time for this year’s Black Friday fun.  Enjoy the deals!

• NewsDemon – mystery specials – Sign Up
  
• ThunderNews – multiple discounts – Sign Up
• NewsgroupDirect – mystery deals – Sign Up
  
• UseNetNow / BlockNews – Sign Up
  
• theUsenet – multiple discounts – Sign Up
• theCubeNet – multiple deals – Sign Up

November 24th update: UseNetNow, BlockNews and Frugal Usenet are offering fans a sneak peak of their Black Friday and holiday specials.  You can see the account types and quantities available but the prices won’t be shown until each deal goes live on Friday.  See our UseNetNow / BlockNews / Frugal Usenet Black Friday deals post for more details.

November 23rd update:  it’s almost time for this year’s Black Friday fun.  Last year the deals started early evening EST time Thanksgiving night.  We look forward to covering all the best Black Friday offers again this year.  Remember when time comes we’ll list all the Black Friday deals at the top of this post as they launch.  So the list will change as the hours roll on.  They will also be present on the Newsgroup Reviews home page.

It’s almost time to launch the 2011 Black Friday Usenet deals again this year.  Last time around was a lot of fun and we plan to cover all the Thanksgiving / Black Friday / Holiday newsgroup specials right here again this year.  Enjoy some of the best deals of 2011 courtesy of top Usenet providers.  We’ll have some great holiday specials along with a few surprises.  Make sure to keep an eye on this post as we will begin to drop in the Black Friday deals Thanksgiving night.  From what we’ve heard so far this year will be fun as always.

We will start from the top and cover the top 10 Black Friday / Holiday Usenet deals of 2011.  Remember the list will change as Black Friday deals launch so please check back for the best deals of 2011.  Click on any provider below or visit the Newsgroup Reviews home page for sign up details.

1.  UseNetServer – $10 unlimited Usenet access for life

UNS offers high retention, free SSL and Usenet search for $10 a month or $95 a year.  All included with 20 connections and unlimited newsgroup downloads.  Read our UNS review to learn more about the service.

2.  Newshosting – $9,99 unlimited Usenet access for life

Newshosting is offering unlimited Usenet downloads, a free newsreader with built-in search, 30 connections and SSL  for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year.  Read our Newshosting review for details.

3.  NewsDemon – $9.99 unlimited Usenet for life

NewsDemon offers unlimited newsgroup access along with a newsreader, 30 GB of online storage, SSL and 50 connections for just $9.99 a month.  Read our NewsDemon review to learn more.

4.  Astraweb – $11 unlimited Usenet access for life

The deal that started it all.  Astraweb is still offering $11 a month / $96 a year unlimited Usenet access with 20 connections, SSL  and high binary retention.  Read our Astraweb review for more details.

5.  Easynews – $9.95 unlimited Usenet for life

Easynews is offering unlimited NNTP Usenet access along with 1,130 days of binary retention and 20 SSL connections for just $9.95 a month.  Read our Easynews review to learn more.

6.  ThunderNews – $10.49 unlimited Usenet for life

ThunderNews includes unlimited Usenet access with secure (SSL) encryption, 50 connections and a free newsreader for $10.49 a month.  Read our ThunderNews review to learn more.

7.  Ngroups – $9.99 unlimited Usenet access

Ngroups NGR special includes unlimited Usenet access with 20 SSL connections and free unlimited Livedrive online storage for just $9.99 a month.  Read our Ngroups review for more details.

8.  MaximumUsenet – $9.99 unlimited Usenet access

MaximumUsenet offers NGR visitors unlimited access to newsgroups along with free SSL encryption and 50 connections. for just $9.99 a month.  Read our Maximum Usenet review for more details.

9.  UseNetNow – $10.39 unlimited Usenet access

UseNetNow offers NGR visitors unlimited Usenet downloads along with free SSL encryption and 50 connections. for just $10.39 a month.  Read our UseNetNow review for more details.

10.  Fast Usenet – $9.95 unlimited Usenet access

Fast Usenet is offering unlimited newsgroup downloads along with 50 connections and secure SSL encryption for just $9.95 a month.  Read our Fast Usenet review to learn more.

A sincere thank you to all the Usenet providers offering holiday specials.  We  appreciate your efforts and consideration in making the deals available.  To our NGR visitors we hope you enjoy the Black Friday / holiday Usenet deals.  Save some money and enjoy the best premium newsgroup access!

The NewsDemon Black Friday specials will be rolled out each hour between 7:00 AM EST and noon EST.  Each deal will last one hour.  With the final discount ending at noon EST.  So be sure to visit the NewsDemon Black Friday page each hour to catch the latest deal.

Here are some details of the NewsDemon Usenet service:
- Unlimited download speeds
- Free licensed newsreader (News Rover)
- Free 30 GB of online storage (with unlimited Plus plan)
- Free SSL encryption
- 1,196+ days of binary retention
- 1,400 days of text retention
- 99%+ completion rate
- 100,000+ newsgroups
- 50 concurrent connections
- News servers in the US and Europe
- 24/7 tech support

Read our NewsDemon review to learn more or visit our NewsDemon Black Friday page to sign up.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Let’s compare the new 200 GB promotion to the NGR Special and Demon Deal:

Demon Deal – Unlimited Usenet + Online Storage for $9.99 a month

The Demon Deal is our favorite NewsDemon special for those interested in unlimited Usenet.  Along with high retention, SSL encryption, 50 connections and a free newsreader, NewsDemon gives Demon Deal members 30 GB of free online storage.  All for just $9.99 a month.

200 GB Special – 200 GB of Usenet downloads for $9 a month

How much do you download each month?  A majority of newsgroup users would answer with a number less than 200 GB.  Most would be far less.  That’s why NewsDemon is offering the new 200 GB special.  Enjoy up to 200 GB of monthly Usenet access for just $9 a month.

NGR Special – 150 GB of Usenet downloads for $8.95 a month

 The NGR Special was the best deal going on metered Usenet access.  With up to 150 GB of newsgroup downloads for $8.95 a month.  While that’s still a great value the new 200 GB special gives you an extra 50 GB a month for a nickel.

Which NewsDemon deal is best?  It depends on your monthly usage and whether or not you want the online storage.  We like the Demon Deal the most and would pay the extra $1 a month for unlimited downloads and online storage.  While those who are just looking for Usenet and download less than 200 GB a month can save $1 each month with the 200 GB deal for $9 a month.

Some of the specials listed above are only accessible through NGRBlog.com and NewsgroupReviews.com.  Meaning if you go to Newsdemon.com directly or through another site the pricing will be different for some accounts.  To share the deals with friends send them to this post or the NewsDemon specials page of NGR.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

When it comes to Usenet + extra features NewsDemon is definitely in the short list of industry leaders.  Starting with a solid newsgroup service – 1,095+ days of binary retention, 1,400 days of text retention, 256-bit SSL encryption, 50 connections and unlimited Usenet for $9.99 a month (Demon Deal).  Then add a free licensed copy of News Rover along with 30 GB of online storage from StorageNinja.  All of which is included.

Congratulations to NewsDemon for passing three years of binary retention.  Read our NewsDemon review to learn more about the service.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for all the latest Usenet happenings.

Along with the summer promotion, NewsDemon has been kind in offering our visitors a recurring special.  Enjoy unlimited Usenet with a free newsreader and online storage for just $9.99 a month.  For the life of your account.  See our NewsDemon $9.99 special page for more details.

NewsDemon is a great value all the time.  Their summer special gives new subscribers the chance to try NewsDemon for $7 a month ($21 for 3 months).  With access to 1,075 days of binary retention, 50 connections, free SSL, a registered copy of News Rover newsgroup client and 30 GB of free online storage.  Read our NewsDemon review to learn more about the service or visit the NewsDemon Summer Special page soon to take advantage of the offer.

The NewsDemon Facebook fans promotion is running right now!  It will only be active for 5 hours.  Starting July 15th at 3 PM EST and ending at 8 PM EST.  So if you’d like to take advantage of the offer then Like NewsDemon on Facebook and send them an email before 8 PM EST.

—————

Here are the full details from the NewsDemon blog post:

For only 5 hours, NewsDemon.com Newsgroups is giving away a FREE 30 day/50 GB account to each new Facebook Fan of NewsDemon.com Newsgroups.

To get your Free 30 day/50GB account, go to our NewsDemon.com Newsgroups Fan Page on Facebook and “LIKE” us. Once you’ve liked the page, send an email to freeusenet@newsdemon.com with your full name (the name that is used on Facebook) and your email address. After being verified as a Facebook Fan, you’ll be sent your username and password with your free account.

No purchase necessary to enter and no credit card to submit! Simply like us on Facebook to get your FREE 30 DAY/50GB account!

The FREE account is valid for either 30 days or reaching the 50GB limit – whichever comes first. You’ll get full access to all 107,000 newsgroups at full speed off of our multiple server locations. You’ll also receive a free copy of the award winning newsreader, NewsRover, which is preconfigured to get you set up and going quickly!

This offer is only available for 5 hours starting at 3PM EST. The offer will expire at exactly 8PM EST on July 15th.

Hurry up and like us now on Facebook and get your FREE 30 DAY/ 50GB USENET account from NewsDemon.com Newsgroups.

1. Easynews – 100 Gig Free Usenet Trial

Easynews is going all out this summer.  Offering 100 gigs of free downloads to test their popular web Usenet service.  Better yet you don’t need a newsreader as Easynews is accessible via your favorite web browser or mobile device.  Take advantage of the Easynews free trial and enjoy two weeks and up to 100 gigs of free Usenet access.

2. UseNetServer – Unlimited Usenet for $10/mo. or $95/yr.

The UNS $10 promotion has been very popular since it launched.  UseNetServer continues to deliver an outstanding service for a low price.  With 1,040+ days of binary retention, 20 connections, free SSL and Usenet search engine.  Take advantage of the UNS summer promotion and enjoy unlimited Usenet access for $10 a month or $95 a year.  Saving you up to 55% on UseNetServer.

3. Newshosting – Unlimited Usenet for $9.99/mo. or $99/yr.

We consistently get the fastest speeds from the Newshosting news servers.  With over 1,040 days of binaries, free SSL and 30 connections for $9.99 a month.  Newshosting is quite possibly the best Usenet service on the market.  Take advantage of the Newshosting summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet for $9.99 a month or $99 a year.  Saving you up to 45% on Newshosting.

4. NewsDemon – Usenet + Newsreader + Storage for $9.99/mo.

NewsDemon offers more than just unlimited Usenet access.  With a package of features for their members including a free copy of News Rover newsreader and 30 gigs of free online storage.  Take advantage of the NewsDemon summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet access + News Rover newsreader + 30 GB of online storage for $9.99 a month.  Saving you 50% on NewsDemon.

5. Easynews – Unlimited NNTP Usenet for $9.95/mo.

Easynews is best known for their web interface but they also offer NNTP Usenet access.  With 1,000 days of binary retention, 20 connections and free SSL encryption.  Easynews NNTP access is on par with other leading newsgroup providers.  Take advantage of the Easynews summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet for $9.95 a month.  In addition to 14 days of free web access.

6. Astraweb – Unlimited DSL Usenet for $11/mo. or $96/yr.

Astraweb offers solid newsgroup service at an affordable price.  You can enjoy access to 1,040+ days of binary retention along with 20 connections and free 256-bit SSL encryption.  Access news servers in the US or Europe.  Take advantage of the Astraweb summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet for $11 a month or $96 a year.  Saving you up to 45% on Astraweb.

7. ThunderNews – Usenet + Newsreader for $10.49/mo.

ThunderNews brings members unlimited Usenet downloads along with a free licensed copy of News Rover newsgroup reader.  With over 1,040 days of binary retention, 20 connections and free SSL.  Take advantage of the ThunderNews summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet access + News Rover newsreader for $10.49 a month.  Saving you 50% on ThunderNews.

8. Ngroups – Unlimited Usenet + Storage for $9.99/mo.

Ngroups has partnered with Livedrive to offer subscribers unlimited Usenet access plus unlimited online storage.  With 1,025+ days of binary retention, 30 connections and free SSL encryption.  Access news servers in Europe or the US.  Take advantage of the Ngroups summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet access + Livedrive online backup for $9.99 a month.

9. UseNetNow – Unlimited Usenet for $10.39/mo.

UseNetNow has a reputation for providing quality Usenet service and excellent technical support.  With over 1,000 days of binary retention, 50 connections and free 256-bit SSL encryption for privacy.  Access newsgroup servers in the US or Europe.  Take advantage of the UseNetNow summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet downloads for $10.39 a month.

10. NewsgroupDirect – Usenet + Client + Storage for $16/mo.

NewsgroupDirect offers a wide range of features with their unlimited Usenet account.  Including a free newsreader and 30 GB of free online storage.  Take advantage of the NewsgroupDirect summer special and enjoy unlimited Usenet access + News Rover newsreader + 30 GB of online storage for $16 a month.  Saving you 20% on NewsgroupDirect.