Best 5 Streaming NZB Downloaders
Last Updated: Aug 19, 2019
USENET is about as fast as it gets for downloading. To speed things up even more, some NZB downloaders allow you to stream video and audio before a binary has completed, which makes content even more readily available.
Some of these features are so advanced that you can skip forward and back in the files you’re downloading, making it essentially no different than having the complete file on your hard drive, almost instantly.
You’ll need a fast Internet connection to stream from NZBs.
If you have that, here are five of the best options out there for streaming binariesas you’re downloading them.
Top 5 Streaming NZBDownloaders
#1 - NZBGet
NZBGet is a popular and solid piece of Usenet downloader that has constantly been improved since its inception.
Its most recent version was released in 2019.
Configuring NZBGet can be a bit more complicated than some of the other options on this list. That being said, it’s lightweight, powerful and very easy to use once you get the hang of it.
Add an HTPC plugin to NZBGet and you’ll be ready to go. This downloader is a popular alternative to SABnzbd.
- Popular NZB Downloader
- Supports Multiple Platforms
- Web Interface
- Automatic Download Features
#2 - SABnzbd
SABnzbd is a popular binary newsreader and NZB downloader that runs on multiple platforms.
It is completely free and has several impressive features that improve your whole Usenet experience.
SABnzbd is one of the most popular NZB downloaders around. It’s also one of the most flexible and user configurable options. You’ll need a media player to stream NZB files while they download. VLC is a popular option for that purpose. It will play just about anyformat.
You’ll find the setting that enables streaming in the sabnzbd.ini file, located in the [misc] section. Look for “allow_streaming” and set it to 1.
- Free and Easy Binary Newsreader
- Popular NZB Downloader
- Responsive Web Interface
- Automated Features
#3 - Easynews
Easynews makes it very convenient to stream video. Their newsreader assembles the parts of your binary for you and allows you to stream video in MP4 format.
All you have to do is find the file you want in the search screen and click on it. You can send the video to Chromecast, play it on VLC or any other compatible media player.
If you want to make streaming from an NZB as easy as possible, Easynews is a great option.
- All-In-One
- Usenet Search
- Usenet Access
#4 - NZBDrive
NZBDrive is a Usenet newsreader that allows users to stream NZB files as you download them.
It supports SSL encryption and comes in a 32 and 64-bit Windows version.
NZB Drive is a popular solution for streaming directly from NZB files. The program allows you to mount the NZB as if it were a drive on your computer, and you can stream away.
After you start an NZB download in NZB Drive, you can open the incomplete file and it will stream it for you, complete with seeking features enabled. NZB Drive has a lot of fans.
- Streaming newsreader
- SSL Support
- Multi Server Support
- RAR and ZIP file Support
#5 - Sonarr
Sonarr is a highly regarded product that allows you to automatically download video content from Usenet.
It is able to read RSS feeds that you set up in the program and download the latest content related to that feed.
While this solution for streaming NZB files actuallys works in conjunction with NZBGet, Sonarr is an excellent media organizer and if you do get this setup you will be happy.
- PVR that automatically downloads video files
- Fully Integrable with NZB downloaders
- Reads RSS Feeds
- Automatic Failed Download Handling
Summary
Any one of these downloaders provides a great option. These are all such common NZB downloaders that many of the people reading this likely have one of them already. If you didn’t know about the ability to stream from NZBs, it’s worth trying out. It makes USENET even more convenient.
There are other options out there, as well, and more coming along all the time. With Internet connections and USENET providers offering more bandwidth than ever, expect streaming while downloading to be a more common feature in the future.