Text Only Usenet Newsreaders for Linux

Last Updated: Aug 19, 2025

Usenet is a large-scale, decentralized information distribution system. First developed in the early 1980s, it has grown into one of the world’s largest messaging networks, with over 100,000 newsgroups at its peak covering nearly every topic imaginable.

Because Usenet is distributed, there are many ways to access its content. While Google Groups is one option, it is not always the best solution for browsing Usenet on Linux. This article highlights better alternatives for reading Usenet text newsgroups on Linux.

Why Not Use Google Groups?

When Google acquired Deja.com’s Usenet archive, it launched Google Groups—a web-based interface for newsgroups. While Google Groups is easy to access and only requires a Google account, it has several drawbacks:

• No Threaded Discussions: Google Groups does not support proper threading, making it hard to follow complex Usenet conversations.
• Poor Formatting: Posts are formatted for the web, which can cause display issues for non-Google users.
• No Spam Filtering: There are no built-in filters, so users cannot easily block spam or unwanted messages.
• Spam and Abuse: Google Groups is frequently abused by spammers, and many Usenet users filter out Google accounts, making participation more difficult.

Modern Usenet Text Newsreaders for Linux

In the past, most people accessed Usenet through accounts provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP). Today, most ISPs no longer offer Usenet access, but there are several free and low-cost services available for text-only newsgroups.

AIOE

AIOE offers free text-only Usenet access, including the Big 8 hierarchies and many regional groups. No account registration is required, but there are daily usage limits and a short retention period for posts.

Mozilla Thunderbird

Mozilla Thunderbird is a versatile email client that also supports Usenet newsgroups and RSS feeds. It is available in most Linux distributions. To install on Debian or Ubuntu, use:

sudo apt install thunderbird

To add a Usenet account, go to “Account Settings” > “Account Actions” > “Add Other Account” and select “Newsgroup Account.” Enter your name, email, and the Usenet server address. Once set up, you can manage newsgroup subscriptions from Thunderbird’s interface.

Eternal September

Eternal September is a free Usenet provider offering access to all Big 8 hierarchies and many local groups. Registration is simple—just visit the website, sign up, and use the provided connection details to access Usenet.

Individual.NET

Individual.NET is a premium Usenet provider for text-only newsgroups, offering unlimited access for 10 Euros per year. It features automatic spam filtering and a long retention period (over 1,100 days). Registration is straightforward—just follow the website instructions and choose your payment method.

The following Linux Usenet newsreaders are recommended over Google Groups for a better experience:

Claws Mail

Claws Mail is a lightweight graphical email client that supports newsgroups. It is ideal for older or low-powered machines. To install on Debian or Ubuntu:

sudo apt install claws-mail

After installation, add your Usenet server by going to “Configuration” > “Create New Account.” Select “News (NNTP)” as the protocol, enter your server address, and provide authentication details if required. You can subscribe to newsgroups by right-clicking the “news (nntp)” folder and choosing “Subscribe to Newsgroup.”

Pan

Pan is a dedicated graphical newsreader for Linux, designed specifically for Usenet. It offers features like post queuing, article header caching, and scorefiles for advanced filtering. To install Pan on Debian or Ubuntu:

sudo apt install pan

When you launch Pan for the first time, it will prompt you to create an account. Enter your server address and any required credentials. Pan will then download the list of available newsgroups. To subscribe, right-click a group and select “Subscribe.”

Additional Tips

• Try Multiple Newsreaders: Different clients offer unique features and interfaces. Experiment to find the one that best fits your workflow.
• Check Retention and Spam Filtering: Free providers may have shorter retention and less spam filtering than paid services.
• Consider Security: Always use secure connections (SSL/TLS) when possible to protect your privacy.
• Explore More Options: Other Linux newsreaders include KNode, SLRN, and Tin for command-line users.