Anyone looking to enjoy ad-free and fully uncensored content on the number one Internet alternative Usenet will quickly find a large selection of Usenet providers being advertised all over the web. Their offers can differ wildly, so that just signing up at the first best place you find can often lead to frustrating pitfalls. For this reason, I would like to point out, right here on Alynsmith.com, which providers are among the best in the business – and for what reasons. In the following, I took a closer look at Xsnews, and you can read all about my findings in this review.
– Retention of 1,900 days not very high
At almost any point within the price range, an Xsnews coupon is entirely unnecessary. This is because you can already get into the action with a low-cost plan starting from less than five euros. In my opinion, Xsnews achieved an optimal level of flexibility with the five different subscription options they give you. In addition to those, they also offer prepaid rates, where you pay by the data volume you are planning to actually use, without being subject to any time limits or restrictions. Thus, I would say there’s really something for everyone here.
What’s more is that Xnews offers subscription plans in four different durations. For example, you can choose one month, opt for three, six or a full twelve months of commitment. The longer the selected term, the greater the monthly savings compared to the base price. Saving money is therefore also possible without an Xsnews coupon. By the way: A trial version of the Xsnews software can also be used to see for yourself.
14-day trial period
Anyone who wants to test the software can do so for 14 days completely free of charge. The test period is not tied to data volume, so that the Usenet can be used here indefinitely. Also in terms of speed, you do not have to expect any limitations for 14 days.
But take note: Not all payment options are available for all packages. For example, I have to clarify in this Xnews review that instant transfers can only be used when purchasing prepaid data volume.
How is Xnews different from other Usenet providers? The Dutch company offers access to over 200,000 newsgroups, which puts it well above the industry average. Up to 30 simultaneous connections are possible here – and with SSL encryption, which protects your data all around. As far as data volume and speeds are concerned, you can experience unlimited Usenet fun with the Premium package. However, the provider is also characterized by one major drawback, as I have to mention in my Xsnews review: the retention time of 1,900 days is not quite as up to the standards of other providers. Giganews, for example, can put a whopping 17 years of retention on the line, so Xsnews should still have some catching up to do.The Xsnews website also fails to go into the details of the company’s servers – how many there are, or where they are located for example, is entirely left out.
Xsnews is a company registered in the Netherlands that provides access to Usenet and therefore works similar to an Internet provider. It is therefore by no means an illegal platform, but rather a legitimate provider that has already been able to convince many different customers.
Anyone who has taken out an Xsnews subscription and would like to cancel it should do so in writing and contact customer service directly – for example, by e-mail. It is advantageous to obtain a confirmation of cancellation in order to avoid future disputes or misunderstandings.
Xsnews uses an integrated newsreader, for which no Xsnews download is required. It allows for direct searching and browsing in Usenet and offers particularly easy handling. The newsreader is immediately available right after your initial Xsnews login.
Xsnews works with SSL encryption on all connections. All connections are thus secured in the best possible way as far as your data is concerned. This is especially important with regards to your financial transactions. Only a VPN for added privacy protection is missing here, as I found out.
A VPN has not been integrated into the Xsnews software. The connections are protected all around, but no VPN access can be used. It remains to be seen whether Xsnews will catch up with the top companies in the industry in this respect in the future.
An Xsnews discount can only be used if one settles for a longer subscription period. Otherwise, I could not find any Xsnews coupon that would provide savings on the rate selection, or even a more extensive trial period.
Xsnews clearly still needs improvements in certain areas here and there, and some competitors actually leave it in the dust when it comes to those criteria in particular. The Usenet provider NewsLeecher, for example, has managed to stretch their retention time to a whole 4,650 days – and thus provide access to much more content. Giganews, on the other hand, can trump even this figure: with a proud 17 years of retention and three years of retention time for binaries. What’s more, multiple copies are made of all files so as to keep them available in search results indefinitely.
However, those who prefer to register with a Dutch company could also take a look at Usenet.nl: This provider also allows access to more than 200,000 newsgroups and has made it its business to accommodate newcomers in particular, with easy handling and user-friendly design. This makes it quite similar to Xsnews, in my opinion. Usenet.nl offers several newsreaders both for PCs and mobile platforms, – just select the one that meets your system requirements and personal tastes and you’re good to go! Prepaid Usenet, on the other hand, counts on a unique payment model, where subscriptions are entirely eschewed in favor of the eponymous prepaid plans. For those who would like to exercise full control over their expenses, Prepaid Usenet can be a real lifesaver.
So what can be said in conclusion about Xsnews? And what rating can I give the company in good conscience? Compared to the rest, the Usenet provider definitely scores with unlimited speeds if you opt for the corresponding payment plan. Also, SSL protection on all connections, as well as the wide selection of subscription options certainly help with the overall appeal. Personally, I am impressed that the provider allows access to over 200,000 newsgroups – something that only a few others manage.
However, Xsnews is also associated with some disadvantages, as my research has shown: The retention of 1,900 days is comparatively short. VPN integration would also be desirable, as well as a somewhat more flexible selection of newsreaders. It remains to be seen whether the company will be able to iron out these disadvantages in the future – otherwise, from a price point of view, this is already a very worthwhile Usenet provider. Therefore, I can currently award three out of five stars to the company.
“Xsnews is one of the top providers in terms of price – though unfortunately, the offering isn’t quite as mature as other companies.”
3.0 / 5.0 rated by Alyn Smith
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