UsenetStorm

UsenetStorm was founded in 1999 with a single server and has since developed into one of the established US Usenet providers. The company operates as Information Couriers, Inc., based in Pensacola, Florida. In 2017, UsenetStorm merged with the AltBinaries service — another established name in the Usenet community.

One of its historical distinctions: UsenetStorm claims to have been the first newsgroup provider to introduce an NZB-based web download service — a technology that fundamentally changed how users download binary files from newsgroups. Today, the company describes itself as ranking among the top 5 worldwide Usenet providers in terms of peering throughput.

Plans: Three Data Packages, All with 50 Connections

UsenetStorm offers three plans that differ mainly in monthly download volume:

• Starter | $4.25 | 20 GB/month | 50 | Unlimited
• Standard | $8.95 | 50 GB/month | 50 | Unlimited
• Unlimited | $12.95 | Unlimited | 50 | Unlimited

The Standard plan is marked as "Most Popular" and offers 50 GB and a full 50 connections for $8.95/month. Notably, even the cheapest Starter plan includes all 50 simultaneous connections and unlimited speed — only the monthly data volume is capped.

Annual plans or long-term discounts aren't offered. All plans are cancelable monthly.

Infrastructure: Three Server Locations, High Throughput

UsenetStorm operates servers at three geographic locations:

US East (Virginia):

• Hostname: east.usenetstorm.com
• Port: 119

US West (Arizona):

• Hostname: west.usenetstorm.com
• Port: 119

Europe (Amsterdam):

• Hostname: europe.usenetstorm.com
• Port: 119

SSL servers:

• Hostname: ssl.usenetstorm.com (port 563, 80)
• Hostname EU: europessl.usenetstorm.com (port 563, 80)

This three-location infrastructure lets users choose the nearest server for minimal latency. Real-world speed tests measured a peak of 1.8 Gbps at 30 data streams — a figure that places UsenetStorm among the fastest Usenet providers.

Retention and Completion

UsenetStorm's binary retention is over 4 years — a solid but not outstanding figure compared to some competitors offering 10+ years. Completion rate is stated by the provider at over 99.9%. UsenetStorm lists over 100,000 uncensored and unfiltered newsgroups and claims to carry every known newsgroup. The focus is explicitly on binary newsgroups, which the provider states account for over 96% of Usenet's data volume.

Newsbin Pro: Free Newsreader for Windows

A genuine distinguishing feature of UsenetStorm is the free full-version bundle of Newsbin Pro included in all plans. Newsbin Pro is a Windows newsreader that normally retails for around $30. It's fully integrated into all UsenetStorm plans and ready to use immediately.

Supported newsreaders (no restrictions):

• Newsbin Pro (Windows, included)
• SABnzbd (cross-platform)
• NZBGet (including Android)
• NewsRover (Windows)
• Hogwasher (Mac)
• All NZB-compatible clients

Privacy and Security

UsenetStorm emphasizes a strict anti-logging approach: "User privacy lies at the core of what we do." Only account data necessary for subscription processing is handled. The provider is DMCA-compliant and states it suspends user accounts for repeated copyright infringement.

256-bit SSL is supported on all plans — encrypted connection options are available for both US and EU servers.

Payment and Refunds

Accepted payment methods:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Discover
• Payment by mail

PayPal and cryptocurrencies aren't accepted. This is a drawback for privacy-conscious users, since all transactions go through credit cards. There's no free trial. A formal money-back guarantee isn't documented in the terms of service.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Advantages:

• Newsbin Pro included free with all plans (~$30 value)
• 50 connections on all plans, even the cheapest Starter
• Three geographic server locations (Eastern US, Western US, Europe)
• High throughput: 1.8 Gbps tested peak speed
• Tradition since 1999 — pioneer of NZB-based downloads
• 100,000+ newsgroups, fully uncensored

Disadvantages:

• No annual plans or discounts
• Starter and Standard have data volume limits
• Credit cards only (no PayPal, no crypto)
• Newsbin Pro Windows-only (disadvantages Mac/Linux users)
• No free trial
• Retention of ~4 years below top-tier providers

Who is UsenetStorm for?

UsenetStorm is particularly suited for Windows users who want to use the included Newsbin Pro, as well as users with moderate or unlimited download needs who value 50 connections, high throughput, and three geographic server locations. Less suitable for users requiring PayPal or 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). The service is also compatible with SABnzbd, NZBGet, NewsRover, Hogwasher, and any NZB-compatible client.

How many connections does UsenetStorm offer?

All three plans — including the cheapest Starter plan — include 50 simultaneous connections.

Does UsenetStorm have a trial period?

No, UsenetStorm offers neither a free trial nor a formally documented money-back guarantee.

What payment methods does UsenetStorm accept?

Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and payment by mail. PayPal and cryptocurrencies aren't accepted.

What is UsenetStorm's retention?

Binary retention is over 4 years. Completion rate is stated by the provider at over 99.9%.