TechRadar Verdict
Our top rated European based Usenet provider for good reasons: Retention, completion, search results, and speed are all best in class.
Pros
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Reliable independent backbone
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High-completion servers
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Lengthy 5,412+ days retention
- +
Fast download speeds
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Free newsreader with search
Cons
- -
No Bitcoin support
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EU servers only
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Since 2000, Eweka has earned a reputation as one of the best Usenet providers. Eweka manages its own independent infrastructure with fast connection speeds, exceptional completion rates, and reliable service.
Based in the Netherlands, Eweka provides a comprehensive Usenet access package with unlimited Usenet data, unrestricted speeds, a free newsreader equipped with Usenet search functionality, and complimentary unlimited VPN.
Eweka proudly claims to be the "number one Usenet provider in the Netherlands," but does it live up to the standards of the best Usenet providers worldwide?
Features
With an extensive Usenet archive dating back over 5,412+ days for every newsgroup, Eweka offers one of the most comprehensive collections of Usenet articles with quality search results and completion rates. All plans include unlimited access with 256-bit SSL connections. Eweka also recently upgraded to 50 connections and unlimited download speeds, so any user should be able to fully max out their ISP bandwidth speed.
You have the flexibility to choose between monthly, annual, and 15 month packages, with multiple payment methods available.
The included NewsLazer newsreader app is recommended by Eweka, although other newsreaders are compatible. NewsLazer is simple enough to use and has the ability to add backup Usenet providers. Note that the app will not work without Eweka credentials, however.
Eweka offers a 24/7 professional and multilingual support in Dutch, English, German, and French. There is also a detailed support section with an FAQ, a service status page, and contact details.
Retention
When selecting a Usenet service, retention is a critical factor that directly impacts your experience. More retention means access to more articles, meaning better search results and completion rates. Eweka sets itself apart by offering an impressive retention period of 5,412+ days. Furthermore, it offers the same quality retention for all articles in all newsgroups.
Eweka's commitment to expanding storage means their retention increases day by day and no articles ever expire from their server platform. With a nearly 15 year retention archive, Eweka provides access to every text and binary article posted to Usenet dating back to 2008, along with the latest posts made daily. A complete Usenet feed makes Eweka one of the very best Usenet providers.
Security and privacy
Usenet providers, including Eweka, prioritize user security with 256-bit SSL connections to their servers.
Although you can sign up with just an email address and country location, there is no option to pay with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, which may be a consideration for users seeking enhanced privacy.
Fortunately, the Eweka Privacy Policy is clear about activity logging: "We do not monitor which newsgroups you post to or download from or what you put in news articles that you post." It is advisable to read the complete privacy policy to fully understand how your data is utilized. Eweka also ensures compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
For added online privacy beyond Usenet, Eweka includes a free VPN service with their top-tier plans. The VPN includes premium features such as worldwide server locations, SOCKS5 proxy, ad blocker, and threat prevention. It can also be used on up to 10 devices, and native apps are available for various platforms including Windows, Android, AndroidTV, FireTV, MacOS, and iOS.
Performance
Speed is another key aspect of Usenet services; the faster, the better. The less time spent transferring Usenet posts, the more time there is to enjoy them.
Eweka provides an incredibly fast Usenet experience. We first tested using Ookla’s Speedtest, which confirmed a connection speed of 58.10Mbps through a Dutch VPN. During the test, two files were downloaded: a 540MB audio collection that was uploaded the previous day, and a 1.4GB video file that was 700 days old. Both downloaded at an average speed of around 5.2Mbps, with peaks reaching up to 6Mbps. To put it into perspective, the largest file was downloaded in slightly over 3 minutes.
Pricing
Eweka provides several Usenet access packages, all of which offer the following features:
- Access to Eweka's extensive retention
- Unlimited data usage
- Unlimited connection speeds
- 50 SSL encrypted connection
- A free newsreader with built-in Usenet search functionality.
Payment options include credit card, PayPal, iDEAL, Mistercash, Giropay, and bank transfer.
The top-tier plan includes an added bonus of a free unlimited VPN account, which can be used to secure up to 10 devices. This plan offers the highest savings of 52% at a monthly cost of €6,99 (compared to the €14,49 monthly plan) when selecting the 15-month option. Additionally, this plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for signup protection.
For those opting for the yearly plan, which costs €9,00 per month, and the monthly plan, priced at €9,50 per month, the VPN service is not included by default. However, it can be added as an optional feature for an additional €4,99 per month.
With exceptional retention and completion rates, unlimited access, and additional features like the free newsreader and optional VPN, Eweka offers one of the best value Usenet subscriptions available.
Final verdict
It is difficult to find a Usenet provider that ticks all the boxes. Some offer a low price with low retention; others have a great price but poor service, sluggish speeds, and a general feeling of "we'll take your money."
Eweka, as its legacy suggests, is one of the better services. With lightning fast downloads, impressive retention and completion, and a stringent privacy policy, it provides an excellent Usenet experience. While it doesn't offer Bitcoin payment, Eweka gives you everything you need for fast and reliable newsgroup access.
The cookie cutter nature of the recommended newsreader client is something of a surprise, but otherwise Eweka is worth considering as your primary Usenet service.
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