Are you looking for a reliable torrent client to download files online? To help make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the best free torrent clients.
Apr 06, 2021 BitLord for Mac. BitLord is a free torrent client for Mac that’s easy to use and has some cool features. It’s sort of a middle-of-the-road Mac torrent downloader that can be utilized by anyone from beginners to “professionals”. Built-in browser to easily search for and download torrents. Visit: BitTorrent Web. Next on our list of the best torrent clients for Mac, we have Folx. This is a highly interesting download manager that also handles torrents with ease. As such, it acts as the central place for all your downloads. First, you need to know that Folx brings a highly polished interface.
In case you’re in a hurry, these are our picks for the best free torrent clients:
Also, always make sure you stay safe when using a torrent client. A good option for this is a VPN (such as NordVPN). A VPN will protect your data and keep you anonymous. That being said, always check to see that you’re only downloading files you’re allowed to download in your country, or else you will risk getting fined or worse. We do not support the illegal downloading of copyrighted files.
For more information about these torrent clients, or to learn more about torrent clients in general, continue reading the full article.
When you download or upload files or folders through a torrent network, that’s called torrenting. What makes torrenting different from other types of downloading is that you download files from another users’ device on the network rather than from a central server. Also, users upload files from their devices for other people to download.
Torrenting is the leading form of peer-to-peer file-sharing online. If you want to download or upload files through this sort of system, you need to download a torrent client. These downloads are referred to as torrents and contain metadata about the files and folders, as well as information about the network location of trackers.
A torrent client is software that lets you download files and folders from other people who are sharing those files from their devices. People who are sharing the files are called seeders. The more seeders that are available, the faster the download will finish.
For more information about torrenting, check out our article on what torrenting is.
In the current article, we’re going to go over our top 10 best free torrent clients you can use to download and upload torrent files. We’ll also go over some of the most common questions you have about torrents and the legal-side of downloading or uploading files through the peer-to-peer network.
Is Torrenting Legal?
Torrenting itself is not illegal. However, downloading copyrighted files can be illegal. What this means is that the act of peer-to-peer file sharing through torrenting is perfectly legal but where you can get in potential trouble is when the file you download is unsanctioned copyright material. While torrenting isn’t illegal, it’s your responsibility to make sure the torrent file you download is legal.
Copyright is a type of intellectual property that gives the owner of the material the sole right to make copies of the work for a set period of time.
Figuring out what content is illegal to download because of copyright laws can be difficult. That’s why there are so many grey areas when it comes to downloading files through torrent clients. Even within a single country, there are different laws in place depending on what you’re downloading. If you’re unsure if you can legally download a file, make sure you do the proper research first.
The Top 10 Best Free Torrent Clients
Below are our picks for the top 10 free torrent clients. While some are best for new users, others have advanced features more experienced people may want to explore. There are also some that are only available on Windows or macOS which could be an issue if you use a Linux-based operating system.
Without further delay, let’s get into the pros, cons, and features of the best free torrent clients you can download today.
1. qBittorrent
Website: https://www.qbittorrent.org/
Features
- Integrated torrent search engine
- Media player
- Torrent and file prioritization
qBittorrent is a free, open-source torrent client that provides you with an easy way to download torrents without having to deal with aggressive ads and bundled bloatware. The interface is simple to navigate and use, with more advanced settings available if you need them. A potential limitation of qBittorrent is that the advanced features take some getting used to in order to have them set up properly. Some of the benefits of using qBittorrent include scheduling computer resource limits on downloads and watching videos while they’re downloading.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No ads taking up the interface space | Lack of extensions |
| No software bundled with the torrent client | Additional features can be challenging for beginners |
| Extra tools are useful |
2. BitTorrent
Website:https://www.bittorrent.com/
Features
- Set priority levels for downloads
- Schedule downloads for different times
- Built-in search feature
BitTorrent is a torrent client that you can use on various operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, as well as iOS and Android devices. This free torrent client is one of the longest-running options on this list that’s still being supported today with new updates. The downsides of this torrent client are that they bundle bloatware into the download and the free version has ads built into the software. Bloatware refers to software you don’t need to download to use the program but is bundled into the download process. Some of the most useful features of this client include built-in search functionality, magnet link support, and encrypted connections.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight software | Includes ads with the free version |
| Easy to set up and use | Bundled software can be annoying |
| Option to schedule downloads |
3. uTorrent
Website:https://www.utorrent.com/
Features
- Schedule speed cap for different times of the day
- Set a cap on maximum bandwidth for downloads
- Manage downloads remotely using a smartphone
With millions of downloads across Android and desktops, uTorrent is the most popular torrent client on this list. This torrent client has a number of useful features included in its free plans such as speed cap scheduling, bandwidth limiting, and remote client management. Some of the biggest limitations of uTorrent include bundled software during the initial download, invasive advertising on the application, and being resource-heavy despite the company calling the program lightweight.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Download scheduling | Security concerns |
| Lots of useful features | Closed source software |
| Some features locked behind a paid account |
4. BitLord
Website: http://www.bitlord.com/
Features
- Play on Chromecast while downloading
- Built-in media player
- Automatic subtitles
Available on both Windows and macOS, BitLord is an easy-to-use torrent client that includes search functionality and intuitive ways to organize downloads. The software also offers you the option to browse torrents by both category and top torrents organized by year, month, week, and day. Unlike some of the other choices on this list, BitLord is 100% free and doesn’t offer additional paid plans for more features. The only real limitation of BitLord is that you can’t use it on Linux.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use interface | Add-ons pushed when downloading |
| Handy download organizer | Doesn’t support Linux |
| Password protection feature |
5. Vuze
Website:https://www.vuze.com/
Features
- Built-in search functionality
- Download subscriptions
- Vuze remote app for Android phones
Vuze is a great torrent client if you’re looking for an option that has a clean interface with built-in search functionality. This application also includes the ability to play or stream videos while they’re downloading by using the built-in video streaming player. The biggest drawback to the free version of this client is that it is ad-supported. You can use an Android app to manage your downloads and uploads, as well as set schedules and pause torrents. Vuze also tries to sneak an antivirus program into the installation process, similar to what some other torrent clients do with the bloatware they bundle into their installations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lots of helpful features | Bundles antivirus trial |
| Easy interface to navigate | Contains ads |
| Not as lightweight as other clients |
6. Deluge
Website:https://deluge-torrent.org/
Features
- Scheduler for downloads
- Unique included plugins from Deluge
- Add-on plugins from other creators for customization
Deluge is an open-source torrent client that offers you a lightweight option for your downloads and uploads. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, Deluge includes features like download scheduling, as well as a plugin-system for customization. The plugins are useful for setting up things like notifications, extractors, IP blocklists, and more. The downside to this plugin system is when you run into compatibility issues based on version numbers and Deluge updates.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Open-source torrent client | Plugin compatibility can be frustrating |
| Available for Linux | Installation can be difficult |
| Lightweight software |
7. Tixati
Website:https://www.tixati.com/
Features
- Encrypted chatroom
- Malware security
- RSS support
Tixati is one of the most feature-heavy torrent clients on this list. The software includes functions like magnet links, download scheduling, and prioritizing, as well as detailed information about the data you’re sharing. This client will also tell you your bandwidth usage and provides you with an event logger so you can keep track of what the client and torrents are doing. The biggest drawback to Tixati is that it’s only available on Windows and Linux.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The tutorial system helps with set up | Initial downloading can be tricky |
| Lots of customization options | Only available for Windows and Linux |
| No ads | Closed-source client |
8. BiglyBT
Website:https://www.biglybt.com/
Features
- Swarm Discovery window
- Device Support plug-in
- Remote control with Android app
BiglyBT is a free, open-source client with a clean interface that’s free from any intrusive advertisements. One of the unique features of BiglyBT is the Swarm Discovery window which recommends torrents based on what you’re downloading. You can also use the Device Support plug-in to convert the videos you download to a format that works for your mobile device. The only thing you need to be aware of when using BiglyBT is that it uses more resources than other clients on this list.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Open-source torrent client | Uses more resources than alternatives |
| No ads | Missing DVD burning option |
| Clean interface |
9. Transmission
Website:https://transmissionbt.com/
Features
- Download scheduling
- IP filtering
- Remote management with app
Transmission is a free torrent client that’s available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This open-source software is packed with useful features while also being one of the most lightweight options on this list. The interface is simple to use while still providing you with advanced settings if you need them. Some of the features of Transmission include support for encryption, remote management, download scheduling, and faster than average download speeds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Open-source | No built-in search engine |
| No ads | Missing proxy server support |
| Available for most operating systems |
10. Bitport
Website:https://bitport.io/
Features
- Downloads are stored in the cloud
- Enhanced security features
- Fast torrent downloads using Bitport server
Bitport is a unique torrent client because it uses cloud storage for your downloads, storing your completed files in the cloud instead of on your computer. The advantage of this is that you can save space on your hard drive by storing your downloads on the cloud instead. Also, if your computer crashes you can still access your files in your cloud account. You also don’t need to download anything to use this service, instead, signing up for the service on their website. The biggest drawback to this client is that you’re restricted to one download a day on the free plan.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No need to download software | One download a day limit on the free plan |
| Cloud storage included for free | No 24/7 live chat support |
| Easy to use the website for downloading torrents | The free plan is limited |
The Importance of Choosing a Safe Torrent Client
When it comes to downloading torrents, you need to make sure you’re taking the proper precautions to protect your computer from malicious files. Due to the nature of peer-to-peer file sharing, it can be hard to know what’s safe to download and what isn’t. This is why it’s so important you choose a torrent client that can protect you from malware and other dangerous programs. It’s also a good idea to only use the safest torrent websites. For more information about the best torrent sites, check out our article here.
Some of the best torrent clients when it comes to safety are BitPort and Tixati. Both of these options can detect malware automatically, protecting your device from unwanted software or harmful files.
It’s also always a smart idea to use a good antivirus program when you’re downloading files from the internet to protect your computer. Check out this link to learn all about antivirus software and why it’s so important.
Using a VPN with Your Torrent Client
First off, always make sure that you only download files that you are allowed to download. That being said, using a VPN is essential when it comes to extra protection and security when using torrent clients. While it doesn’t make you untouchable from legal action if you download files you aren’t allowed to, a VPN will hide your activity from your ISP. This is beneficial because some ISPs will throttle your internet speed if you download a lot of large files online on a regular basis.
The best VPN to use with a torrent client is NordVPN. The reason we choose this VPN as the top option for torrenting is that it has a large number of specialty servers and comprehensive privacy policies. NordVPN also openly supports peer-to-peer file-sharing through its provided infrastructure. They also have a proven no-logs policy and strong DNS leak protection.
- Excellent protection and a large network of servers
- Nice and pleasing application
- No logs
The Legal Implications of Using a Torrent Client
While using a torrent client isn’t illegal, downloading copyright files is against the law. Some of the legal implications of using a torrent client to download movies, music, TV shows, or programs that you didn’t pay for include potential fines and legal action.
In a lot of countries, governments work with ISPs to catch users who distribute copyrighted material through torrenting. Your ISP can be forced to hand over your personal information if they get a subpoena or court order from the government.
If you’re caught downloading illegal files, you could receive a letter from a party (person or company) that enforces copyrights. These individuals or companies hunt down users who torrent on behalf of Hollywood production companies and threaten legal action if a small settlement isn’t paid.
Sometimes the government will try and block torrent websites. While this is becoming less common, there are ways around these blocks. The best way to still access blocked websites is by using a VPN. You can read more about using a VPN to access sites like Pirate Bay in our article.
We do recommend that you don’t download any files that are illegal so that you don’t break copyright laws in your country.
Conclusion: The Best Torrent Client for You
Finding the best free torrent client isn’t easy to do when there are so many options. We’ve gathered what we feel are the top clients for the widest number of users. From Linux to macOS and Windows, these torrent clients should cover all the bases when it comes to finding an option that works for you.
These are our picks for the best free torrent clients:
- qBittorrent (Best for new users)
- BitTorrent (Best for advanced users)
- uTorrent (Best for users who want more control over downloads and uploads)
- BitLord (Best for users who want to search for torrents in the client)
- Vuze (Best for Android users)
- Deluge (Best for Linux users)
- Tixati (Best for Windows users)
- BiglyBT (Best for users who want download recommendations)
- Transmission (Best for users who want a lightweight option)
- Bitport (Best for users with limited storage space)
Are you unsure what the best torrent client is for your computer? Do you have concerns or questions about downloading torrents? Check out our FAQ for all the answers to your questions about torrenting!
A torrent client is a program that lets you share files using a peer-to-peer network. You can both download and upload files and folders through a torrent client. The most popular torrent clients include download managers and streaming options through the program.
The best overall torrent client is qBittorrent. The reason we like this client the best is that it’s lightweight, it doesn’t bundle extra software during the initial installation, it isn’t ad-supported, and it has an easy-to-use interface. The extra features are also useful for more advanced users.
To read more on the best free torrent clients, check out this article.
Best Free Torrent Client For Mac Catalina
All you need to do is search for a torrent file from either the browser or the client itself and download that file. Once the download is complete, the file will be placed in the directory of your choice on your computer. Some torrent clients allow you to play the file directly in the program while others only let you download and upload files.
Torrent clients are legal to use for downloading and uploading files online. The legal implications come if you’re downloading or uploading files that are copyright-protected that you don’t have the rights to share.
All of the torrent clients on this list work with Windows 10. These include qBittorrent, Bittorrent, uTorrent, BitLord, Vuze, Deluge, Tixati, BiglyBT, Transmission, and Bitport. In most cases, any torrent client you decide to use will be compatible with Windows 10.
The best torrent client for macOS is Transmission. This program offers a wide range of features and power-user options for you to explore. Transmission also runs well on less powerful machines by using less RAM and only the resources it needs.
You have to start by making sure the VPN you want to use support torrenting. Once you’ve confirmed this, you need to start your VPN and verify that you’re connected to a different server from your own. After you’ve checked the server you’re connected to, you can start your torrent client like you normally would.
Download Old Version of uTorrent for Mac Skip Development Versions tead. UTorrent 1.8.4 build 30291.
Torrent, named after BitTorrent, is a file sharing protocol which allows files to be fragmented and downloaded from multiple sources called peers. Although the word “torrent” has been long associated with illegal piracy and forbidden files, the torrent file itself is simply an instruction set of where to find those file fragments, so they can come together to form a whole. All the fragments are hosted by other computer users connected to the torrent network, such as yourself.
Best torrent clients for Mac
- UTorrent for Mac is a basic, free, and fast BitTorrent client that makes it easy for you to download torrent files. It's a bit thin on features, but it's lightweight and lets you download files.
- Download utorrent 1.7 for mac for free. Internet & Network downloads - uTorrent by BitTorrent, Inc. And many more programs are available for instant and free download.
- Download the latest version of uTorrent for Mac. One of the best choices to download torrents. UTorrent is a light client from BitTorrent that uses fewer resources.
Get a huge set of downloaders for your Mac. Best utilities in one pack, give it a go!
It might sound complicated, but peer-to-peer is actually a very smart and efficient way to share files that don’t rely on single servers or private storage. Mac Torrents are no different to their PC or Linux counterparts. The only thing that isn’t the same is the choice of torrent clients themselves.
What is a Mac torrent Client?
As torrents became popular, the stigma around their use was diminished. Users worldwide were surprised at how quickly they could download files without experiencing the paywall or slowdown of traditional file-sharing systems.
To start downloading files through torrent, you just need to download and install a torrent client (software). The torrent client will then follow the instructions given in the torrent file to complete your download. Think of it like a download manager, specifically built for torrent files.
Torrent Mac clients come in different shapes and sizes, but all ultimately do the same thing — download files (called leeching) or upload files (called seeding). The right torrent client for you depends on your needs. You can opt for small and simple, or look for something more complex boasting advanced features. Downloading and installing a torrent client isn’t illegal per se, but all users should be wary of some nuances.
Is a torrent downloader for Mac legal?
Although torrents have historically been seen as illegal file-sharing systems, they are not inherently illegal at all. Torrent clients have many legitimate uses, including the sharing of open-source software or publically available files. The advantage of using a torrent client in these situations is potentially faster download speeds, especially if you use the best torrent downloader available.
Assuming the files you’re downloading aren’t subject to copyright or distribution laws, there should be no cause for concern. Conversely, if you’re using the torrent client to download files that you’d normally have to pay for, you may be breaching legislation, depending on the jurisdiction you reside in.
What to look for in a torrent Mac client
When it comes to reviewing a torrent downloader for Mac, there are a few considerations to take into account. At a high level, a basic user who runs the torrent client to download files infrequently will be happy with the most basic, lightweight app, and they don’t necessarily need the best torrent software. Those who wish to contribute and share their own files, or spend a lot of time downloading and uploading, might want to enjoy some of the advanced features available. For example:
- Bandwidth limiters allow you to throttle your download or upload speed to ensure your internet connection remains available for other tasks, or to ensure you don’t use all of your internet data.
- Magnet URI functionality lets you begin your Mac torrent download from a link rather than physically downloading a torrent file first.
- Encryption helps to mask the torrent activity to throw off your ISP monitoring and enjoy full-speed downloads in the case of ISP throttling.
- Superseeding enables you to become an uploader much faster after a download, but carries a risk of failing the upload if there’s only one downloader on the other end.
- Pricing can either turn on some advanced features, extra security, and ensure no advertising, or offer you a basic torrent client for free.
As you can see, most of the features separating various torrent clients are generally of a more pro-level nature. For the majority of basic users, they are less important than the look and feel of the torrent app. So what’s the best torrent client for Mac? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the most popular Mac torrent clients so you know where to pull the trigger.
BitTorrent and uTorrent
BitTorrent for Mac is one of the original torrent clients designed to implement the BitTorrent protocol. It comes with the advantage of many years of experience and updates under the hood.
Strangely, BitTorrent also owns and operates uTorrent, another leading client. At face value, they are essentially the exact same software, right down to the user interface.
The key difference between the two apps is that BitTorrent for Mac only releases stable, tested versions, whereas uTorrent releases alpha and beta versions for those who wish to test out the latest features before everyone else. The early releases can beg the question: Is uTorrent safe? When it comes to subscribing to alpha and beta builds, it’s a matter of buyer beware — best for advanced users.
Another key difference is that uTorrent is slightly smaller than BitTorrent, and therefore easier to launch and less taxing when running a Mac torrent download.
Generally speaking, uTorrent still might be the better option for basic users who download torrents infrequently, simply because of its simplicity and lightweight build. Just hope those betas are stable enough!
Pros:
- Small and lightweight
- Ability to schedule downloads
- Long history of reliable updates
Cons:
- Contains ads (!)
- Both clients are susceptible to some security issues
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Vuze and Vuze Plus torrent for Mac
If BitTorrent and uTorrent are the small, lightweight clients that get the job done — Vuze is created for the more advanced user who wishes to enjoy extended functionality.
The key difference here is the ability to add plugins for new features. Vuze comes in two versions. The first is Vuze Leap and the second Vuze Plus, which is essentially the same except for professional virus protection and the ability to preview files as they are downloading. Vuze Plus is also a paid client with all ads removed.
Vuze in general is likely a more suitable candidate for tech-savvy users who wish to take full advantage of the expandable plugin functionality. When set up correctly, it can be a top candidate for the best torrent downloader for Mac.
Pros:
- Expandable functionality through plugins
- Simple interface that borrows from the best
- Vuze Plus features added security
Cons
- Contains banner ads unless in paid version
- Two versions can lead to confusion
Folx Pro – the best torrent client for Mac?
Folx Pro is a paid torrent client, which means there are no ads and it comes with some great security measures right out of the box. Folx covers all of the basic features you would want in a torrent client, including scheduling. You can even search for new torrent files to download from within the client, instead of having to browse the web.
Additionally, Mac users will appreciate the look, which takes after macOS and feels right at home. The interface is beautifully simple — refreshing after the added visual noise of competing Mac torrent clients.
Downloading with Folx Pro is thus even simpler than with other apps:
- Use the top search bar to type in your keyword and hit Return
- Wait for all results to show up
- Choose the appropriate file and click Download on the right-hand side
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Pros:
- No ads whatsoever
- Built-in security measures
- macOS-inspired design
Cons
- Paid version only
Maintain your security at all times
One of the most important considerations to keep in mind when downloading torrent files is the risk of viruses or malware. Because there’s no single owner or distributor of the file at hand, it’s very easy to upload malicious files and escape the liability or consequences of doing so. Often, hackers will hide malicious software or scripts in popular torrent files. In these cases, it’s best to try to download torrent files that are distributed from a trustworthy source. Additionally, the best torrent software should come bundled with some security measures.
In any case, it’s a good idea to always scan your Mac for viruses. Thankfully, there’s an easy to use app called CleanMyMac X which will not only scan your system and quarantine malicious files but also optimize your Mac and help you properly configure your privacy settin
To quickly check your computer after every torrent download with CleanMyMac X:
- Open the app and navigate to Malware Removal tab under Protection in the sidebar
- Click Scan and wait for the process to finish
- Remove any malware found
Now that you know what Mac torrent clients are and some of the features to look for, you’re ready to get started with your unlimited file sharing. It’s recommended that you lean on the side of caution though, so a paid torrent client is your best bet.
Thankfully, you can try both Folx Pro torrent app and CleanMyMac X virus scanner for free during a seven-day trial with Setapp — a subscription service for Mac that grants you access to more than 150 indispensable apps to enrich your digital life. What are you planning to download now?
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
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