Update
A new version of this post is available: The Best NZB Search & NZB Sites - Feb '10
With the invention of the nzb file format by Newzbin - .nzb files have gained torrent like status within the Usenet industry. They allow a user to retrieve specific files from specific groups without first downloading all the headers from within the group. Here are a few sites where you can download the files for free.
If you're not sure what nzb files are yet, we'll be doing an article on how to use them soon. Till then, for all those in the know, here is a compilation of the latest usenet search and nzb sites split into 2 categories: those that require registration and those that do not.
No registration required
- Binsearch [Search]
- BinTube [Search]
- TVNZB [Posts]
- MegaNZB [Search]
- NewzBox [Search/Posts]
- Newzleech [Search]
- NZBIndex.nl [Search]
- NZBMovieSeeker [Posts]
- NZBTvSeeker [Posts]
- NZBs(dot)org [Posts]
Registration Required
- Merlins Portal [Posts]
- Nzbmatrix [Posts]
- Nzbsrus [Posts]
- NzbNation [Posts]
Payment Required
There's no doubt there are good free versions around, but for a tiny amount a week with Newzbin you can get a really quality service with lots of added features. Sign up is closed however, so if you get a chance to get an invite in to Newzbin - make sure you jump on it.
If you know any more or indeed better sites, please leave a comment and we'll update this list accordingly (will be posted every few months, so subscribe to our feed/twitter).
Want to try out these NZB sites for free?
You'll need a usenet provider for that, lucky for you the 3 quality providers below are all offering free trials:
- Binverse (14 days)
- Giganews (14 days)
- Newshosting (14 days)
18 Comments
Could add too as it’s close to newzleech.
And there are also a really big difference in search results.
I’m using FTD a lot and search by file name. Binsearch really sucks when it comes to searching partial names. Like when you have releaseCD1.rar/releaseCD2.rar binsearch often fails showing both sets even if you only search for “release”.
Thanks Oscar, we’ll be updating the list soon for September so your recommendations soon — there’s so many out there now it’s hard to keep track :) We’re planning to be a bit more descriptive about them next time round — rather than just clumping them in to two different categories.
Newzbin isn't all it is cracked up to be. I just use the free part of my account. Everything on there could be found with free services. Don't bother wasting your time.
Indeed, but you're paying for the ease of use. And at 25p a week or whatever pitiful amount it is, it's well worth it.
@ usenetshack
"...it's well worth it."
I have found that using a free service like Merlins Portal actually has more releases and are usually posted before they show up on newzbin.
Yup, and it has more retention than Newzbin which only has 200-240 days at the mo.
It's just the fact that Newzbin is programmed well, it's a custom written bespoke site which is brilliant to use and not piggybacking of some rubbish forum software which makes everything hell to get through. I am severely biased being a programmer myself but if I was going to code an NZB site, it would end up exactly like Newzbin.
@usenetshack
Yea their interface is really well done. I would agree with you there. I really think they should go the donation route though and open up the site to everyone.
Newzbin is great for automating things with it's superb search and rss but it's impressing me less and less as reports take longer, the amount of passworded content appearing and the good content that disappears due to takedowns. Also the totally stale retention. 240days is bad nowadays, and I really hope they upgrade that soon. That will be what kills newzbin for me. Still, it's pretty great and I'm hoping that after the whole court thing is over things will change a bit.
For free indexing sites I really like nzbindex.nl and nzbclub.com Both return great search results for me, They also have retention over 300days. I end up using nzbindex most because i prefer it's interface.
I think, in your next post like this you should include some more info about retention and your own findings regarding spam results and partial name searches, etc.
Btw I love this site. You provide valid info seemingly without bias. Oddly i havn't seen anything so 'good' in regards to usenet before
Preview comment is broken.
Thanks, Me
I have to agree with the current state of Newzbin, they seem to currently be stuck between a rock and a hard place and I have noticed lots of reports going "missing". Luckily the raw search is still incredibly powerful. Here's hoping the court case will sort things out once and for all, we'll definitely be covering it.
This post was meant to be a monthly thing but unfortunately time has evaded us recently, I will be sure to update it soon and stick some extra data in here and there.
Cheers for the kind words by the way, really makes it worthwhile; I have to say staying thoroughly unbiased is one of the hardest things to do, especially when the bills still have to be paid but we sincerely do our best and will always say if we feel this has been compromised in anyway.
As for the comment preview, it's working for me, I'm going to test in other browsers later, what error do you receive? Thanks for letting us know, for future things like this I've just added a feedback tab on the left where you can report issues, put in requests etc.
Cheers honcho.
Check out v4.newzbin.com It's not finished yet but it looks like newzbin are about to release there raw and condensed search for free.
I use nzbuse.net. It a wicked site.
Hi, i see that you use nzbuse.net. I tried to log on but see it is on invite only. If you are still a member, would you mind sending me an invite pls.
e-mail [email protected]
Tx in advance Cheers
Need to update your site. Merlin's has been gone for over a month and today NZBMatrix has also gone done.
Merlins is closed but NZBMatrix is still alive here.
http://www.rssnzb.com/ lets you generate an RSS feed based on search criteria which you can then load in Sabnzb+ or any other program that supports downloading based on a RSS feed (or just if you want to keep track an manually add the NZB's whenever the RSS feed gets updated)
Personally for me findnzb.net is the best. It has all the functionality and the best feature I like there, is that you can donload files after search directly from nzblord.com with web browser. You don't have to download and store all those NZB files.
If you want to sample the delights of usenet for free I suggest you visit nzbLeecher.com
No CC or crap, just free downloads.
Hi, I hope you dont mind me posting this? I just thought you may all wish to know about this so you can get in early :)
I hope you can take the time to register your NZB site on the all new NZBVote site. Don't get left behind others have already registered and are getting ahead on there votes.
Its very quick and easy to register just click here and add the few details required: http://www.nzbvote.com/index.php?page=join
Thanks and i hope to see you on there soon :)