• Year founded: 2005
• Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux
• Price: Free or $19.95/year (Pro plan)
• Pros: Lightweight app, plenty of customizable features, and simple interface
• Cons: Contains ads and bundled software

You may have come across μTorrent, also known as a micro torrent. It tops my list because it doesn’t consume a lot of your device’s resources, thus minimizing the impact on its performance. This means it can run smoothly even on lower-spec PCs or phones. I tested it on my MacBook and had it running in under 30 seconds, allowing me to start downloading torrents quickly.The app has a user-friendly and well-organized interface, making it ideal for beginners.

What stood out to me the most were its extensive customization options. I could prioritize file downloads, set bandwidth limits, verify seeds, remotely manage the client, and search for torrents using its built-in search engine. Additionally, I could install third-party plug-ins and stream torrents while they were being downloaded, thanks to its media player.

To download uTorrent Web on Mac Catalina or later versions, you should head to the official uTorrent website and download it from there. It is important to note that the classic uTorrent client is not compatible with these versions of Mac. However, both the traditional and updated versions of uTorrent come with ads and bundled software. During installation, make sure to uncheck the checkboxes that are selected by default if you do not want any intrusive apps installed along with uTorrent Web. This way, you can ensure that your download is safe and legitimate without any additional unwanted software cluttering up your system.

2. BitTorrent — Drag and Drop Feature Makes It Easy to Torrent

• With its built-in search bar, you can search for torrents without going to a P2P site directlyYear founded: 2001
• Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and web version
• Price: Free or $19.95/year (Pro plan)
• Pros: Small file size, plenty of customizable features, and simple configuration
• Cons: Contains ads and bundled software

BitTorrent, a widely used torrent client, is accessible in over 70 languages. Users have the flexibility to customize the interface to their preference, with the added convenience of drag-and-drop functionality for easier torrent downloads. This client consumes minimal CPU, ensuring that device performance is not compromised. Notably, it shares similarities with uTorrent as they are both owned by Rainberry Inc. BitTorrent offers an impressive range of features, including a built-in bandwidth booster for managing upload and download speeds, the ability to schedule torrents, support for magnet links, queue management, and remote device pairing.

Advanced users can take advantage of IP filtering to enhance their security while torrenting. This feature enables users to manage the IP traffic that flows through their network, ensuring safe and secure downloads. The free version of this software, similar to uTorrent, includes ads and bundled software. However, users can opt-out of these packages or upgrade to the Pro plan for an ad-free experience. Additionally, using an ad blocker can also help overcome these issues. Overall, this software offers a range of features and customization options that make it a popular choice among torrenting enthusiasts.

3. Deluge — Highly Customizable Torrent Client With Plenty of Plug-Ins

• Some plugins may require specific dependencies to be installed on your systemYear founded: 2006
• Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox
• Price: Free
• Pros: Supports lots of plug-ins, open-source software, and no ads or bundled software
• Cons: Takes time to learn how to use it properly

Deluge, an open-source client, offers a highly personalized experience by providing a wide range of third-party plug-ins. The NetWatcher plug-in is an excellent addition to restrict access to specific IPs or allow only one IP address online. You can further enhance the client’s functionality by adding unique features like adjusting bandwidth and enabling alphabetical downloading, which improves both speed and security. Other capabilities include encryption, torrent statistics, proxy settings, and the ability to locate local peers for faster downloads.

This lightweight and user-friendly client can be used as a standalone application or via a client-server setup for remote control or background operation. It performs exceptionally well on older devices due to its minimal CPU resource usage. Upon adding a torrent file, it promptly begins the download process, making it an efficient option for users seeking fast downloads. Deluge’s flexibility and customization options make it one of the best torrent clients available in the market today.

Deluge is a torrent client that offers users several advantages. Firstly, it does not come with ads or bundled software, making it a clean and straightforward option for torrenting. Moreover, its built-in encryption feature provides some level of protection against cyber threats. However, relying solely on the encryption feature may not be sufficient to ensure complete privacy when torrenting.

Therefore, pairing Deluge with a trustworthy VPN can significantly enhance your online security while torrenting. A VPN will encrypt all your internet traffic, making it difficult for anyone to intercept or monitor your activities online. Additionally, it can also help you bypass geographical restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region.

4. qBittorrent — Open Source Torrent Client That’s Ad-Free

• qBittorrent is currently available in 70+ languagesYear founded: 2006
• Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, OS/2, and FreeBSD
• Price: Free
• Pros: Open-source software, no ads or bundled software, and user-friendly interface
• Cons: Doesn’t work on iOS and Android devices

QBittorrent is a free and open-source client that is free from advertisements and malicious software. Its transparent construction ensures that users are not exposed to harmful elements such as embedded malware or trackers. The user interface is simple, making it resource-efficient and suitable for most requirements.

Regular updates are provided to prevent any technical issues.Additionally, its customizable features, including RSS feed support, extensions, sequential downloading, torrent creation, media playback, IP filtering, bandwidth scheduling, SOCKS5 connections, UI lock, and more, are practical. These features enhance torrent downloading speed and management. The software also includes a built-in search engine and supports integration with external search engines for seamless torrent discovery within the application.

Although torrenting platforms like qBittorrent offer multiple features, your activity may be visible to undesired users. To maintain your privacy, I suggest using qBittorrent with a top-tier VPN service. You can also configure it to utilize the VPN connection solely for all its network traffic. However, it’s worth noting that qBittorrent doesn’t support iOS and Android devices. Nevertheless, it offers customizable apps that are compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. By using a VPN service while torrenting, you can prevent third-parties from tracking your online activity and safeguard your personal information.

5. Vuze — Built-In Search Engine Saves You the Hassle of Visiting P2P Sites

• By upgrading to Vuze Plus, you can watch videos and torrent simultaneouslyYear founded: 2017
• Compatible with: Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Price: Free or $3.99/year (Vuze Plus)
• Pros: Clean interface, powerful search engine, and customizable features
• Cons: Contains a lot of ads and is resource-heavy

Vuze, formerly known as Azureus, outperforms other torrent clients thanks to its strong search engine, which makes it easy for users to find specific torrent files. With simple tags and titles, I located the files I wanted in seconds. Vuze also lets users switch between “intermediate” and “advanced” user proficiency levels to access more advanced features. In addition, you can improve Vuze’s performance by installing plug-ins for bandwidth scheduling.

IP filtering, media playback, magnet link support, and mobile torrent management. Unlike other torrent clients, Vuze includes a chat function, built-in forums, and Wiki for easy communication within the Vuze community. Furthermore, the client offers extensive customization options for a tailored experience, including different themes and setting up notifications for specific events like downloads or errors. Overall, Vuze is a versatile torrent client suitable for both beginners and advanced users, offering a wide range of features and customization options.

Although it is a powerful torrent client, using Vuze comes with some downsides. It contains ads and bundled apps that can be quite intrusive. Furthermore, it consumes a lot of resources on your device, so it isn’t suitable for older computers as it may significantly slow them down. That being said, if you’re a power user seeking advanced features, Vuze might be worth considering.One way to mitigate the issue of bothersome ads is to upgrade to Vuze Plus.

This unlocks additional features while also removing the ads. Additionally, Vuze offers various customization options to enhance your torrenting experience, such as bandwidth management and remote control via mobile devices. However, before deciding whether or not to use Vuze, it’s important to consider your device’s specifications and whether the client is compatible with them.

6. Transmission — Clean Interface to Quickly Find Your Favorite Torrents

• The client also doesn’t serve any adsYear founded: 2005
• Compatible with: Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Price: Free
• Pros: Optimized for Mac, easy to use, and an appealing user interface
• Cons: Lacks an integrated search engine

Transmission provides a blend of simplicity and functionality, maintaining an uncluttered interface while incorporating sophisticated features. It consumes minimal resources and screen space, operating smoothly in the background. I effortlessly downloaded and customized it on my PC within minutes, without requiring external assistance.

It’s no wonder that Ubuntu selected it as its default BitTorrent client. The client can automatically download files from folders and RSS feeds, eliminating the need for manual control. This feature enables users to easily obtain content from their preferred sources as soon as it’s available. Additionally, it offers a streamlined user experience by not including bundled software.

The downloader is a feature-rich tool that offers encryption for enhanced security and remote management for convenient control. It supports magnet links, web seeds, and allows users to find more peers or block them. Additionally, you can set global and per torrent speed limits to optimize your download speeds. However, the only downside is that it doesn’t come with a built-in search engine. To find torrents, you have to use a third-party website or search engine and then copy and paste the link into the downloader. Despite this limitation, the downloader remains a popular choice among many users due to its robust features and ease of use.

7. BitComet — Expedite Torrents Downloads With Advanced Seeding Technology

• It also ensures the continued availability of each individual file within a torrenting networkYear founded: 2003
• Compatible with: Windows, macOS, and Android
• Price: Free
• Pros: Regular updates, files previews, and intelligent disk caching
• Cons: Very basic and annoying user interface

BitComet is a torrent client that leverages Long-Term Seeding technology to enhance download speeds. This innovative technique quickens the download process by fetching data from peers who already have the complete torrent file. During our tests, we noticed that BitComet delivered short download times, which is quite impressive. Moreover, you can employ BitComet along with a VPN to overcome ISP throttling.

In addition to Long-Term Seeding technology, BitComet also offers an intelligent disk caching feature. This feature optimizes downloads by minimizing the hard drive’s read and write operations, resulting in faster download speeds. Furthermore, this functionality reduces wear and tear on your hard drive, increasing its lifespan. Overall, BitComet provides an excellent torrenting experience with its cutting-edge features that prioritize speed and efficiency.

In addition to its impressive functionality, this particular client offers several other handy features that users are sure to appreciate. For instance, it supports DHT networks and HTTP, making it easy to download files quickly and efficiently. It also boasts the convenience of magnet links and allows users to preview files while they’re being downloaded.

However, despite these useful features, some users may find this client too basic and less intuitive than other options on the market. Additionally, its outdated appearance may be a turnoff for some users looking for a more modern interface. Nonetheless, for those who prioritize functionality over aesthetics, this client could still be a viable option for their downloading needs.

8. Tixati — Completely Ad-Free To Download and Upload Torrents Without Interruptions

• The embedded forum and chat tools are invaluable aids for resolving any potential issuesYear founded: 2009
• Compatible with: Windows and Linux
• Price: Free
• Pros: Simple UI, No spyware or adware, and bandwidth management
• Cons: Not compatible with macOS

Tixati is an all-encompassing, ad-free torrent client that provides users with a plethora of features. It includes tools such as torrent prioritization, magnet links, IP filtering, drag-and-drop functionality, and event scheduling. Its peer selection system allows you to choose local peers and optimize download speeds. Tixati ensures optimal performance right from the beginning by avoiding unnecessary installations.Being open-source software, Tixati prioritizes transparency and invites users to scrutinize its construction if they want to.

The software also emphasizes security by implementing encrypted connections for added protection. The website provides comprehensive resource guides that are easily accessible whenever needed. Overall, Tixati is an excellent choice for individuals looking for a robust and secure torrent client with no ads or unnecessary installations.

One of the standout features of this torrent client is its distinctive interface, which sets it apart from other clients. Unlike the traditional left-aligned menu, this client features tabs positioned along the top for easy navigation. Additionally, users can customize the interface to suit their individual preferences. However, a major drawback of this client is that it is not currently available for macOS. This limitation may be a deal-breaker for macOS users who are looking for a reliable and versatile torrent client.

9. BitLord — Chromecast Feature To Watch Videos on Your Big Screen

• Chromecast maintained a rock-solid connection during my streaming sessionsYear founded: 2004
• Compatible with: Windows, macOS, and Android
• Price: Free
• Pros: Built-in search engine, password protector, and easy-to-share files
• Cons: Outdated UI and lack of updates

BitLord is a torrent client that has several features to enhance your media experience. It comes equipped with a built-in media player and allows you to watch movies and TV shows on a larger screen. The Chromecast feature is particularly impressive, as it enables smooth streaming without any buffering issues. Additionally, BitLord automatically generates subtitles for your videos and organizes them into an easy-to-use playlist.

The software includes a built-in search engine that helps you explore torrents more efficiently than ever before. Other features, such as password protection, download organization, speed limits, and bandwidth management, make BitLord an all-round powerful tool for managing torrents. Overall, BitLord offers an exceptional user experience with its range of features aimed at optimizing media consumption while still maintaining the ease-of-use expected from a torrent client.

While installing this software, one must exercise caution as it may come with unnecessary additional programs. Furthermore, the download process can be time-consuming. Additionally, the user interface of this software may feel outdated and clunky as it isn’t regularly updated. It is important to note these details before deciding to use this particular software.

10. WebTorrent — Built-In Player to Stream Torrents as They Download

• Every video I watched on the platform played back without bufferingYear founded: 2013
• Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS
• Price: Free
• Pros: Polished UI, watch media while downloading, and open-source software
• Cons: Too focused on streaming media with limited customization options

WebTorrent is a unique torrent client that stands out from the rest by prioritizing streaming capabilities. With this feature, users can consume media while downloading files and enjoy a seamless viewing experience. Its interface is visually appealing and lightweight, ensuring optimal performance without compromising system resources.

Additionally, WebTorrent offers an ad-free user experience and provides a wide range of suggested torrents for immediate download and streaming upon opening the application. Downloading files is also effortless, requiring users to paste the magnet URL or torrent file to start the process. Overall, WebTorrent caters to the needs of modern-day media consumers who prioritize convenience and customization.

Apart from its other features, the client also offers a built-in torrent creator that allows you to create torrents from individual files or whole folders with ease. However, it is more inclined towards streaming rather than torrenting, which might not be suitable for some users. Additionally, the limited customization options can hinder your ability to create a personalized version of the client that meets your specific needs.

How to Stay Safe When Using Torrent Clients

Torrent clients have the potential to harbor malware and spyware, so it’s important to exercise caution when using them. While there have been instances of torrent apps infecting devices with malware in the past, such occurrences are now uncommon. Rest assured that the torrent clients mentioned in this article have been thoroughly tested and are safe to use. Another risk arises when downloading a torrent file that contains malware or viruses. Even the most reliable torrent downloaders are unable to shield against this threat, so it is advisable to only download verified torrents from reputable and well-established torrent sites.

Torrenting is a data-intensive process that can significantly slow down your internet speed, particularly while downloading larger files. This becomes more problematic if you have bandwidth limits on your internet plan. In some cases, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may also throttle or restrict your internet speed if they detect torrenting activity, leading to slower upload and download speeds.However, as much as the issue of slow internet is important, privacy is an even bigger concern when it comes to torrenting. Torrent apps make your IP address visible to anyone who is downloading or sharing the same file as you.

This puts you at risk of being tracked, and your identity and location could be compromised. You may also become vulnerable to malicious attacks.To safeguard yourself from these risks, it’s highly recommended that you use a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN to conceal your real IP address while torrenting. By doing this, not only will you protect your identity and location but also prevent ISPs from throttling or limiting your internet speed.

Additional methods to safeguard yourself while utilizing torrent clients include:

• Use reputable torrent clients. Stick to well-known and reliable torrent clients from trusted sources. All the torrent clients on this list have good reputations and are regularly updated to address security vulnerabilities.
• Check ratings. Before downloading a torrent, read the comments and check the ratings. These can give you a good idea of the file’s quality and whether it contains any potential threats.
• Use antivirus software. Keep your antivirus software updated and active. It can detect and remove malware or other harmful files that might get downloaded with the torrent.
• Avoid copyrighted material: Downloading copyrighted material is illegal and could result in legal consequences. Always ensure that the content you’re downloading is free to share and not protected by copyright laws.
• Use Peerblock. Software like Peerblock can block IP addresses known to monitor torrent downloads, adding an extra layer of security to your torrenting activities. However, this method is not foolproof and should be combined with other safety measures, like a VPN.
• Update your software. Keep your torrent client, operating system, and antivirus software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and protect you from potential threats.

What Are Torrent Clients?

Torrent clients are software applications that facilitate file downloads via the BitTorrent protocol. This P2P file-sharing protocol enables users to share and transfer files across the internet in a distributed, non-centralized manner. When you download a file using a torrent client, you are not downloading it from a single server or website but instead downloading small bits of the file from multiple sources known as “peers” or “seeds.” The availability of more seeds for a particular file means faster download speeds. However, it’s essential to note that while torrenting is legal, some files may be copyrighted, and downloading them could result in legal consequences. Therefore, it’s vital to exercise caution and avoid sharing such files on torrent networks.

Torrent clients serve as the intermediary between users and the BitTorrent network, enabling the downloading and uploading of files by connecting to trackers. Trackers are servers that maintain a record of available peers for a specific file. The torrent client communicates with the tracker to locate peers with the desired file and establishes connections to download it in small segments. Upon completion of the download, the client consolidates the segments into a single file. While torrent clients simplify the sharing and downloading of large files, they pose privacy risks and the potential for downloading malware and copyrighted material. Using a VPN is the most effective method to maintain anonymity when using a torrent client.

Best Torrent Downloader Features

The table given presents a brief comparative summary to help decide on the most appropriate torrent app for your requirements. Take note of how these options compare with each other.