SABnzbd

SABnzbd has been the leading open-source Usenet downloader for over a decade, providing a reliable foundation for automated media management workflows. Unlike browser-based Usenet access that requires manual file handling, SABnzbd processes NZB files automatically, downloading articles from multiple servers in parallel, reassembling files, verifying integrity with PAR2 repair, and extracting archives without user intervention.

Common Use Cases

Media enthusiasts pair SABnzbd with automation tools like Sonarr for TV shows and Radarr for movies, creating fully automated systems that download new releases as they become available, process files, and organize them into media libraries ready for streaming through Plex or Jellyfin. Power users configure multiple Usenet providers with priority ordering, ensuring downloads complete even when primary servers have incomplete files by automatically failing over to backup providers. Linux ISO collectors and software archivists use SABnzbd to manage large downloads with resume capability, bandwidth scheduling, and organized output folders. Home lab operators run SABnzbd as part of containerized media stacks, integrating with reverse proxies for secure remote access.

Key Features

• Automated NZB file processing with queue management
• Multi-server support with priority and fill server configuration
• SSL/TLS encrypted connections to Usenet providers
• PAR2 verification and automatic repair of incomplete downloads
• RAR, ZIP, and 7z archive extraction
• Post-processing scripts for custom automation
• Categories with separate output folders and settings
• Bandwidth scheduling and speed limiting
• RSS feed monitoring for automated downloads
• API for integration with Sonarr, Radarr, and other tools
• Watch folder for automatic NZB processing
• Notification support via email, Pushover, and other services
• Mobile-friendly web interface
• Download history and statistics

Integration Ecosystem

SABnzbd's robust API makes it the preferred download client for the popular *arr stack of media automation tools. Sonarr monitors for new TV episodes and sends NZB files to SABnzbd automatically, which downloads, processes, and notifies Sonarr when complete for library import. Radarr provides the same automation for movies, while Lidarr handles music. This ecosystem enables fully hands-off media management where new content appears in your library without manual intervention. SABnzbd also integrates with indexer aggregators like NZBHydra2, download managers like NZBGet as a secondary client, and notification services for mobile alerts on download completion.

Why deploy SABnzbd on Hostinger VPS

Running SABnzbd on a Hostinger VPS provides dedicated bandwidth and storage for Usenet downloads without impacting home network performance or consuming local storage. VPS deployment enables 24/7 operation for RSS monitoring and automation workflows that would otherwise require a constantly running home computer. The datacenter connection often provides faster speeds to Usenet servers than residential connections, and downloads complete to VPS storage for later retrieval or direct streaming.

For users with Usenet subscriptions, centralizing downloads on a VPS simplifies multi-device access and integrates cleanly with other self-hosted media management tools running on the same server. The containerized deployment allows SABnzbd to run alongside Sonarr, Radarr, and media servers like Jellyfin or Plex, creating a complete automated media pipeline on a single VPS instance.

VPS hosting also provides privacy benefits by keeping Usenet activity separate from your home IP address. The always-on nature ensures RSS feeds are monitored continuously and downloads begin immediately when new content is available, rather than waiting for a home computer to be powered on.