If your Usenet download speed is slow, it usually comes down to a few things. Too many or too few connections, your internet provider slowing Usenet down, a server that’s far away, Wi-Fi, or the Usenet provider itself. Here’s how to check each one, in the order we’d try them.
How Many Connections Give the Best Usenet Download Speed?
Connections are how many downloads your newsreader runs at the same time. More isn’t always faster. Start with 10 and watch your speed. Then add 5 more at a time until your speed stops going up, and back off a couple. Most people end up somewhere between 8 and 20. If you have a really fast fiber line you might need more.
Your provider sets the most you can use. For example, Newshosting allows up to 100 on its unlimited plan and Easynews allows 60. You set the number in your newsreader’s server settings, our SABnzbd review shows where it is.
Use SSL to Get Around Throttling
Some internet providers slow down your Usenet download speed when they see Usenet traffic on the standard port 119. SSL fixes that, because it encrypts your connection so they can’t tell what it is. Most Usenet providers use port 563 for SSL, and a lot of them also offer 443. So if 563 is slow, try 443. Using SSL doesn’t cost you any speed, and it keeps your downloads private too.
Pick the Server Closest to You
You’ll get a better Usenet download speed from a server that’s close to you. If you’re in the US, use your provider’s US server. In Europe, use their European server. Most of the big providers have both, and some let you set up both in your newsreader so it can switch if one is slow.
Use a Wired Connection
Wi-Fi is handy, but it’s often what holds your Usenet download speed back. If you can, plug your computer into your router with a cable, especially for big downloads. Moving closer to the router helps too if a cable isn’t an option.
Check Your Newsreader Settings
A couple of settings in your newsreader can hold you back:
- Make sure there’s no speed limit turned on, or a schedule that lowers it at certain times.
- Give it a bigger article cache if your computer has the memory for it.
- Download to a fast drive. An SSD helps a lot when your newsreader is repairing and unpacking files.
If your newsreader is old or clunky, see our list of the best newsreaders.
Does a VPN Slow Down Usenet Download Speed?
A VPN can slow Usenet down, especially if the VPN server is far away. Since SSL already keeps your downloads private, you may not need a VPN for Usenet at all. If you do use one, pick a server close to you.
Is It Your Provider?
If you’ve tried all of that and it’s still slow, it may be your Usenet provider. Some cheaper providers are resellers that rent space on someone else’s servers, and they can be slower at busy times. The providers we use run fast servers in the US and Europe:
- UsenetServer gives you 55 connections and a free VPN on its yearly plan.
- Newshosting allows up to 100 connections on its unlimited plan and comes with a free VPN.
- Easynews lets you search and download right in your browser, with 60 connections.
You can compare them on our best Usenet providers page.
Test Your Usenet Download Speed
Run a speed test at Speedtest.net to see how fast your internet really is. Then start a big download and compare your Usenet download speed to it. If your newsreader is close to your internet speed, you’re maxed out and there’s nothing left to fix. If it’s a lot slower, go back through the steps above one at a time so you can tell which one made the difference.