Thundernews, with a decade of experience in the Usenet industry, offers a solid service with competitive pricing. Catering to both US and European markets, Thundernews is known for its variety of subscription plans, including both unlimited and metered options, as well as block access.

Highlights of Thundernews:

• Service Plans: Offers a mix of unlimited, metered subscription plans, and block access options.
• Binary Retention: Provides an impressive 5634 days of binary retention, making them competitive in the market.
• Security and Support: Features SSL encryption and live chat support for immediate assistance.
• Free Newsreader Software: Includes free newsreader software with its plans.

Pricing Structure: Thundernews offers flexible pricing with various plan options to suit different needs. Unlimited plans come with a VPN addon option, and there are block access plans available, both with and without SSL. SSL-protected plans are recommended for enhanced privacy.

Plan Details:

• Unlimited Plans: Start at $8.99/month with 50 connections and SSL encryption. An unlimited plan with VPN is also available.
• Metered Plans: Include options ranging from 30 GB/month to 250 GB/month, all with 50 connections and SSL.
• Block Plans: Offer a range of data limits from 25 GB to 1000 GB, with varying connection numbers and SSL options.

Speed and Server Access: Thundernews boasts very fast server speeds and offers a choice of servers in both the US and Europe. All plans come with up to 50 connections, though most users will likely not require the full number.

Server Details:

• Standard (Non-SSL) Servers: news.thundernews.com with various NNTP ports.
• Premium (SSL) Servers: Include multiple server options with SSL ports for secure connections.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Need for SSL: SSL is highly recommended for privacy protection, particularly on unlimited and block plans.
• Compatibility: Thundernews is compatible with various Usenet automation tools like SANnzbd, Sonarr, and more.
• Usenet vs. Bittorrent: Usenet generally offers more privacy than bittorrent, especially when coupled with a VPN.
• Block Access Explained: Block access allows purchase of a specific amount of data instead of a monthly subscription, a cost-effective option for infrequent downloaders.

Support and Privacy: Thundernews provides robust support through live chat and a well-detailed website, making it user-friendly for both new and experienced Usenet users. The company upholds a strong privacy policy, not sharing user information unless legally compelled.

Our Take on Thundernews: Thundernews stands out for its competitive pricing, extensive connection options, and the inclusion of a VPN add-on. While it may not rank as the best Usenet service in the market, its combination of pricing flexibility and solid VPN service makes it an appealing choice. The block access plans, in particular, offer great value for those who don’t require unlimited downloads. Thundernews is worth considering for users looking for reliable Usenet access with the added benefit of a VPN, especially those who prefer the flexibility of block or unlimited plans.