The last thing we expected to see on NZBMatrix this morning was a notice titled “The End” explaining that NZBMatrix is calling it quits.   They closed the site for a number of reasons outlined in the announcement.  We wish their team the best in any future endeavors.  Just a few days ago we wrote about Newzbin2 closing and recommended some alternatives for searching Usenet.  Now we’ll share the same list for fans of NZBMatrix.

With the closure of so many Usenet indexing sites we’re starting to favor newsreaders with built-in search engines.  Newshosting is our favorite since they have a search feature built into their free client.  The client is available for Windows, Mac and Linux.  Newshosting offers unlimited Usenet access along with the free client for $9,99 a month or $99 a year.  Easynews is another provider that offers all-in-one service..  Members use their web interface to search, preview and download.  Easynews offers new users a 14 day free trial.

You can also look to leading premium Usenet clients that offer search engines.  There’s some added cost for the software and search but they are convenient and easy to use.  Newsbin Pro and Newsleecher are two of our favorites.  Each has good Usenet search features with a cost of around $4 to $5 a month.

There are still some free search engines and indexing sites out there.  The list continues to shorten as more and more sites like NZBMatrix and Newzbin2 close.  You can still access Binsearch, Nzb.cc and Nzbindex.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.