Sonarr Review

Last Updated: May 27, 2024

Rating
Price	free
Retention	500 Days
Free Trial	None
Features	PVR That Automatically Downloads Video Files
	Fully Integrable With NZB Downloaders
	Reads RSS Feeds

Formerly known as NZBDrone, Sonarr is a PVR that allows you to automatically download video files from Usenet. Sonarr can be fully integrated with other newsreaders and NZB downloaders, allowing users of programs like NZBGet and SABnzbd to conveniently and automatically get the video files they want. Once you set up Sonarr, you don’t have to do much to get your shows. It will keep looking for them and downloading them as they become available.

Sonarr has several helpful features to help you manage your downloads, monitor upcoming releases, and eventually automate the downloading process.

What we especially like about Sonarr is that it is actively being updated and developed. As of 2024, contributors are still actively making changes and fixes on their GitHub page. According to their website, the latest version, Sonarr V4, is available across multiple platforms and updating instructions from Sonarr V3 to V4 are provided.

Highlighted Features

If you are into downloading video files, then Sonarr would be a very good fit for you. It provides Usenet downloaders the convenience of not having to manually download files and organizing these video contents properly. It has several features that allow you to sit back and relax while the program does its thing:

• Supports Multiple Platforms
  • Windows, macOS, and Linux, including FreeBSD and Raspberry Pi.
• Manual Search Option
  • Manually find releases, choose the one you want, and send it to your download client.
• Automatic Failed Download Handling
  • Automatic blacklisting of password-protected releases or files with missing repair blocks. It continues to try another file until it finds one that works.
• Reads RSS Feeds
  • Downloads the latest content related to that feed.
• Calendar Feature
  • One convenient location for upcoming releases.

In 2015, Sonarr switched to using TVDB from Trakt because of compatibility problems with collecting metadata. Sonarr aggregates data from a number of different sources, including TVDB, TVRage, and TMDB. With these platforms, Sonarr is able to provide its users with sufficient details on a specific video file, including the number of current releases and a synopsis.

To use Sonarr securely with Usenet, enabling SSL encryption is recommended to keep your download activity anonymous. If you are using this software with torrent downloads, it is advisable to use a VPN service.

Plans & Pricing

While Sonarr is completely free to download and use, its developers encourage donations to continue updating the program and provide good support. Donations can be made with Bitcoin or by becoming a financial contributor via Open Collective, with options ranging from one-time contributions of $2 to recurring contributions from $2 a month to $25.

Usage Overview

Sonarr is a straightforward piece of software with a simple and modern-looking interface that can easily be navigated. It contains several features that enhance the Usenet downloading experience. While the installation process varies depending on the operating system, Sonarr can run on popular platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also has several configurable settings that can be customized according to user preferences.

Installation

Sonarr maintains packages for Windows, macOS, and Debian/Ubuntu. It can also work on other systems, including Raspberry Pi and FreeBSD.

For Windows:

1. Download the latest version of Sonarr from the official website.
2. Extract the zip file into your target directory. Avoid using C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86).
3. Run NzbDrone.exe once as an administrator to register the port and URL with Windows.
4. Start Sonarr by running Nzbdrone.exe or ServiceInstall.exe to install Sonarr as a Windows service.
5. Open http://localhost:8989 in your browser.

For macOS:

1. Download the latest version of Sonarr’s OSX package.
2. Open the archive and drag the Sonarr icon to your Application folder.
3. Open Sonarr.app. If it doesn’t open, run chmod +x /Applications/Sonarr.app/Contents/MacOS/Sonarr and try again.

For Linux:

1. Add Sonarr’s repository to your software source.
2. Install or update Sonarr using sudo apt update and sudo apt install nzbdrone.
3. Start Sonarr with mono --debug /opt/NzbDrone/NzbDrone.exe.
4. Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:8989.

You can check Sonarr’s wiki for installation processes for other platforms.

Configuration

Sonarr allows you to customize the profile quality of the video files you are looking for. You can set the resolution and enter the cut-off details.

Scheduling & Automation

Sonarr’s calendar feature provides a convenient way of monitoring upcoming video releases. The “add notification” function can be used for other applications.

Usability

Sonarr has a visually appealing interface enjoyed by users of different platforms. The crisp and clean look of the software provides a pleasant experience for users to explore the program, manually search for files, monitor upcoming releases, and easily automate downloads. Frequent updates keep users in the loop on what’s happening with the software, and ample support is provided for any questions or queries.

Conclusion

Sonarr is an excellent piece of software for finding, organizing, and downloading video files. By integrating it with popular NZB downloaders like NZBGet and SABnzbd, or exploring other top newsreaders and downloaders, Sonarr can significantly enhance your downloading experience. With its robust feature set and active development, Sonarr remains a highly recommended tool for Usenet downloaders.

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