UsenetStorm
UsenetStorm is a US Usenet provider (Pensacola, Florida) operating since 1999. Three plans starting at $4.25/month — all with 50 connections and a free Newsbin Pro license — offer access to 100,000+ newsgroups, three geographic server locations (Eastern US, Western US, Europe), and 256-bit SSL. Peak tested speed: 1.8 Gbps.
Go to Provider →Backbone
A Usenet backbone forms the physical "backbone" of the Usenet infrastructure, on which the actual newsgroups and files (binaries) are stored.
Backbone
Omicron
Server Location
Choose the server location closest to you. Users in the USA get the best speeds when the provider also has servers in the USA. For users in Europe, European servers are recommended.
Server
EU, USA
Jurisdiction and Privacy
Not only technical encryption protects your data, but above all the laws at the provider's location. There are massive differences here:
The US Risk (CLOUD Act & FISA): US companies are legally obligated to grant US authorities access to data. This applies even when servers are located in Europe. Many US providers advertise that they don't store logs. However, in the USA, authorities can force companies to activate surveillance for specific users retroactively – the company's promise is overridden by law.
The Advantage of EU Providers: In these countries, strict data protection laws (GDPR) apply. Government access is subject to high barriers and court orders. There is no automatic "reach-through" by intelligence agencies.
Privacy
Insecure
Abuse Procedure
A DMCA Notice is the formal notification from a rights holder to a platform that content infringes their copyright. Takedown refers to the subsequent action of the platform operator to promptly remove this content to avoid liability. The Notice is the trigger, the Takedown is the result.
Abuse
DMCA
Payment Methods
Whether PayPal, credit card or other options: Especially for international providers, the available payment methods differ. In the comparison, you can filter by this directly.
Payment Methods
CreditCard
Retention Time
Retention indicates how long posts remain available on the servers. Depending on the provider and backbone, this can vary greatly. If you value the longest possible availability, this filter is particularly useful.
Retention
5+ Years
Protection
If you want to try a provider first, plans with a trial period or money-back guarantee are ideal. This reduces the risk and makes getting started easier.
Protection
not available
Trustpilot Ratings
Trustpilot is an independent platform where users submit real reviews. This score shows how satisfied users are with a provider.
Trustpilot
Plans & PricingPlans & Pricing Compared
Starter 20 GB/mo
Speed: Unlimited
Data: 20 GB
Connections: 50
Protection: Money-Back Guarantee
Starter 20 GB/mo
Speed
Unlimited
Data
20 GB
Connections
50
Protection
Money-Back Guarantee
monthly
Standard 50 GB/mo
Speed: Unlimited
Data: 50 GB
Connections: 50
Protection: Money-Back Guarantee
Standard 50 GB/mo
Speed
Unlimited
Data
50 GB
Connections
50
Protection
Money-Back Guarantee
monthly
Unlimited
Speed: Unlimited
Data: Unlimited Data
Connections: 50
Protection: Money-Back Guarantee
Unlimited
Speed
Unlimited
Data
Unlimited Data
Connections
50
Protection
Money-Back Guarantee
monthly
All About UsenetStorm
Operating as Information Couriers, Inc. in Pensacola, Florida, UsenetStorm has been in the Usenet business since 1999 and merged with AltBinaries in 2017. The provider claims to be among the top 5 worldwide in peering throughput and pioneered the NZB web-based download service.
Plans
- Starter | $4.25 | 20 GB/mo | 50
- Standard | $8.95 | 50 GB/mo | 50
- Unlimited | $12.95 | Unlimited | 50
All plans include 50 simultaneous connections, unlimited speed, and a free full Newsbin Pro license (~$30 retail value, Windows only).
Infrastructure
Servers in Eastern USA (Virginia), Western USA (Arizona), and Europe (Amsterdam). SSL encrypted servers available (ssl.usenetstorm.com, europessl.usenetstorm.com). Peak speed: 1.8 Gbps (30 streams). Retention: 4+ years. Completion: 99.9%+. Newsgroups: 100,000+.
Payment
Visa, Mastercard, Discover, mail payment. No PayPal, no cryptocurrency. No free trial; no documented money-back guarantee.
Who is UsenetStorm for?
UsenetStorm is suited to Windows users who want the included Newsbin Pro, and users with moderate or unlimited download needs who value 50 connections, high throughput, and three geographic server locations. Less suitable for users requiring PayPal/crypto payment, annual plans, or maximum retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What newsreader is included with UsenetStorm?
All plans include a free full version of Newsbin Pro (Windows, ~$30 retail value). Compatible with SABnzbd, NZBGet, NewsRover, Hogwasher, and any NZB client.
How many connections does UsenetStorm offer?
All three plans — including the entry-level Starter — include 50 simultaneous connections.
Does UsenetStorm offer a free trial?
No, UsenetStorm does not offer a free trial or a documented money-back guarantee.