Best 5 Streaming NZB Downloaders
Last Updated: Aug 17, 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 robust and continually evolving Usenet downloader that has seen significant improvements since its launch.
The most recent version has been actively maintained, with updates rolling out regularly.
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.
- Leading NZB Downloader
- Cross-Platform Compatibility
- Intuitive Web Interface
- Advanced Automation Features
#2 - SABnzbd

SABnzbd is a widely recognized binary newsreader and NZB downloader that operates seamlessly across multiple platforms.
It is entirely free and boasts a range of impressive features designed to enhance your 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 User-Friendly Binary Newsreader
- Leading NZB Downloader in the Market
- Intuitive Web Interface
- Advanced Automation 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 versatile Usenet newsreader that enables users to stream NZB files as they download.
It offers SSL encryption and is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions for Windows.
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.
- Advanced streaming newsreader
- Robust SSL Support
- Comprehensive Multi-Server Support
- Full RAR and ZIP file Support
#5 - Sonarr

Sonarr is a leading tool for automatically downloading video content from Usenet.
It effectively reads RSS feeds configured within the application, ensuring you receive the latest content related to those feeds.
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.
- Advanced PVR for seamless video file downloads
- Fully compatible with NZB downloaders
- Efficiently reads and processes RSS feeds
- Robust automatic handling of failed downloads
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.