NZBGet vs SabNZBD
Last Updated: Jan 25, 2025

Which NZB downloader Is Right for You?
If you’ve spent time in Usenet forums or read reviews of NZB software, you’ve probably come across the ongoing debate: NZBGet or SABnzbd? While SABnzbd has been around longer and is a very popular NZB downloader with a loyal fanbase, NZBGet has steadily risen in popularity thanks to its speed, efficiency, and lightweight design.
Still, there’s a reason why SABnzbd remains one of the most, if not the most, popular options. Familiarity breeds loyalty, and many users stick to what they know and trust—especially when it has consistently worked for them—even if alternatives like NZBGet offer compelling advantages.
But how do we determine which NZB downloader is better? What criteria should we use to evaluate them?
How NZB downloaders Work
An NZB downloader is a type of Usenet client designed to download and assemble Usenet articles referenced in .nzb
files. These NZB files act as maps, pointing the downloader to the specific newsgroup locations on Usenet where the articles are stored. Since Usenet’s protocol imposes limits on message sizes, larger files must be split into smaller parts and distributed across multiple posts.
The downloader’s job is to locate, retrieve, and reassemble these pieces into the original file. Many of these files are compressed to optimize the download process, with RAR archives being the most common format. This not only makes downloads faster but also helps reduce storage and bandwidth requirements. NZB downloaders streamline this complex process, making it easy to access large files efficiently through Usenet.
A Simplified Breakdown of How NZB downloaders Work
- Locate and Download: The downloader retrieves all Usenet posts specified in the NZB file from Usenet servers.
- Reassemble: It stitches together all the posts to form a complete file.
- Repair: Using tools like PAR2, it identifies and fixes any damaged or incomplete files.
- Decompress: Finally, it extracts the file, usually from compressed RAR archives.
Once the process is complete, the file is ready.
Modern NZB downloaders automate this entire process, making them incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is load an NZB file into your preferred Usenet downloader, sit back, and let it do the rest. In just a few minutes—depending on your internet speed—your file is downloaded, repaired, reassembled, and ready to use.
Comparing NZB downloaders
When it comes to the NZB downloading process, both NZBGet and SABnzbd excel. Both are widely regarded as top choices within the Usenet community, and for good reason. But when you have two great programs, how do you determine which is best?
SABnzbd has earned its reputation as a user-friendly, well-maintained NZB downloader with a long history of reliability and frequent updates. Meanwhile, NZBGet has gained traction by outperforming SABnzbd in key areas like speed and efficiency.
Let’s break down a few important criteria to properly compare the two and see which one has the edge.
1. Speed and Efficiency
- SABnzbd: Written in Python, SABnzbd is easy to use but lags behind NZBGet in speed, efficiency, and resource usage.
- NZBGet: Written in C++, NZBGet is lightweight, faster, and better optimized for multithreading. It uses fewer system resources, making it ideal for older PCs, laptops, or low-powered devices like Raspberry Pi and NAS systems.
- Winner: NZBGet, especially for users on hardware with limited processing power.
2. Features
- SABnzbd: Known for regular developer updates, SABnzbd offers a wide range of features, including mobile-friendly interfaces and seamless integrations with popular tools like Sonarr, Radarr, and Headphones.
- NZBGet: While major updates were sparse after 2019, development has picked up again with recent updates and feature additions. NZBGet excels in providing advanced settings and customization options.
- Winner: SABnzbd, due to its consistent history of ongoing development and support.
3. File Transfer Notifications
- SABnzbd: Uses the iNotify protocol to detect new files in watch folders without constant rescanning, allowing devices to enter sleep mode when idle.
- NZBGet: Uses periodic folder rescans to detect new files, which can prevent devices from entering power-saving modes.
- Winner: SABnzbd, for its energy-efficient monitoring.
4. User Interface and Experience
Both NZB downloaders have clean, user-friendly interfaces, but their designs cater to different preferences:
- SABnzbd: Provides a straightforward, no-frills interface, perfect for users seeking simplicity.
- NZBGet: Features customizable widgets, offering more flexibility and appeal to advanced users.
- Winner: Subjective. SABnzbd suits those who prefer simplicity, while NZBGet appeals to those who want more customization.
5. Compatibility with Indexers
Both NZBGet and SABnzbd integrate seamlessly with most NZB indexers, making it easy to find and load NZBs.
- Winner: Tie. Both offer simple and effective indexer compatibility.
Where to Download SABnzbd and NZBGet
SABnzbd
You can download SABnzbd directly from its official website: sabnzbd.org. It supports a wide range of platforms:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- NAS devices (Synology and QNAP)
- Docker containers

NZBGet
NZBGet is available for download at its official website: nzbget.com. Like SABnzbd, it supports multiple platforms, including:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- NAS devices (Synology and others)
- Docker containers
Its lightweight design makes NZBGet particularly well-suited for lower-powered devices like Raspberry Pi and NAS systems.


The Verdict: NZBGet vs SABnzbd
A few years ago, SABnzbd would probably have been the clear winner in this debate. Its long-standing reputation as a reliable, easy-to-use program has earned it a loyal user base that continues to trust and rely on it today. However, NZBGet has also carved out its own devoted following, thanks to its impressive speed, efficiency, and lightweight design.
- Choose NZBGet if you prioritize speed, efficiency, customization, and minimal resource usage—especially if you’re running lightweight devices or older systems.
- Choose SABnzbd if you want a more polished, user-friendly experience and value software that benefits from consistent updates and long-term support.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your preferences and specific use case. Interestingly, some users opt to use both downloaders for different scenarios, demonstrating that there’s no need to pick a definitive “winner.” Instead of framing the discussion as a competition, it’s worth recognizing that both NZBGet and SABnzbd are excellent NZB downloaders.
Rather than choosing one over the other, why not celebrate both?