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.
Jun 30, 2020 Up to30%cash back While using the best torrent downloader, ensure to take on account the local laws to prevent illegal downloading music, books, etc. 10 Best Torrent Downloader Software 2019 Here, we are explaining briefly about the top 10 torrent downloader/torrent programs/clients, along with their pros and cons as well as URL. Jan 19, 2012 But, discussion of torrent software in NOT breaking any rules. Discussion of pirating copyrighted material is though. Since we do not know how the OP intends to use the torrent software, we do not know if he intends to use it for pirating material, thus his discussion is not breaking any rules. Dec 29, 2019 Best Torrent Client For MAC (macOS Catalina Compatible) 1. BitTorrent’s official torrent client is an ideal torrenting software for Mac. This Mac torrent client offers automatic bandwidth management, and you can even set the download/upload speed limits as per your preference. Aug 12, 2019 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. 13 rows Jun 26, 2020 Top Tips on Choosing the Best Torrent Client. When choosing the best torrent client, there are a few things you’ll want to think about:. No adware or malware: Look out for free, open-source software, as sadly this can often be bundled with adware or malware. Always take time to read reviews to ensure the safety and security of software you’re downloading.
Best torrent clients for Mac
Best torrent software for Mac. Torrents are a great way to download large files from the web. Here's our pick of the best macOS apps you'll need to get the job done. Sep 11, 2017 In this video i show you the best Torrent Client Downloader software which runs on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, OS/2, FreeBSD Operating System. This is awesome torrent downloader client software.
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
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
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?
While your browser’s download manager is good enough in most cases but sometimes you need a little more control. For instance – speed up downloads by breaking files into multiple blocks, pause and resume download whenever you want or bandwidth throttling.
IDM is hands down the best download managers on Windows, but if you are looking for IDM alternative for Mac; well, we got you covered. After trying out more than a few programs, analyzing other reviews and following recommendations, we’ve come down to some of the best download managers for Mac. As always, we have tried to keep the diversity.
Best Download Managers for Mac
1 iGetter
iGetter is one of the most popular download managers for Mac. It’s completely free and integrates in an easy manner with your device. The User Interface of iGetter isn’t the most modern, but it can do the job very well. When compared to the other free download managers for Mac, iGetter offers more features and better compatibility, which is great.
One of the best features about iGetter is the level of customization. From download speed to segment size and from the number of multiple downloads to connection timeout, you can customize almost everything using iGetter preferences. Site Explorer and Download Scheduler are some of the best picks in the feature list.
Pros: Fully-functioning free version, easy integration, Site Explorer and additional features
Cons: Not a very intuitive UI
Supported Browser: Chrome and Safari.
Verdict: For a free download manager for Mac, iGetter is pretty great. You have all the necessary features, in addition to accelerated downloading and scheduling. Thanks to browser and macOS integration, you will find it easy to get used to it. Although not the newest, the UI is also great to start with. iGetter also packs a few out-of-the-box features like File-Avenue support and Site Manager.
Check out iGetter (Free)
2 Download Shuttle
If minimal UI is your thing, Download Shuttle is a must-check-out free download manager for Mac. It packs a lot of features despite the simple UI, though. This minimal-footprint software supports multi-segmented download support, up to 6 segments at a time. The best part is that you can decide the maximum number of segments when you add a download.
According to our experience, segmentation and download acceleration by Download Shuttle are effective in every sense. Not only that, you get options for download scheduling and auto-resume. Last but not the least, the UI is just awesome and you wouldn’t need days to get used to it.
Pros: Free and intuitive UI, Up to 6 Concurrent Connections
Cons: Advanced features like YouTube Download and Bulk Download are missing
Supported Browser: Chrome and Safari.
Verdict: Download Shuttle is not the most feature-rich download manager for Mac. Nevertheless, it manages to pack a lot of features inside a simple, intuitive User Interface. With support for more than 6 segments at a time, the download speeds are also drastically improved. When we count in the support for web browser integration, Download Shuttle becomes the perfect choice for minimalists.
Check Out Download Shuttle (Free)
3 Maxel Downloader for Mac
Maxel is yet another minimal-looking download manager that packs a lot of features. Most importantly, the software can enhance the total download speeds with up to 100 segments. You can really unleash the overall power of your internet connection. Despite the performance, Maxel consumes lower amount of resources as well.
There are some never-seen-before features as well. Apart from browser integration, Maxel brings a built-in browser. You can use this browser to download authenticated files. What I loved most about Maxel for Mac is that it behaves like a native app. Just as you open the package, it would start working. For those who are doubtful, there is a Maxel demo version you can download for free.
Pros: Intuitive UI, lower resource consumption and up to 100 segments
Cons: Navigation isn’t that great.
Supported Browser: Safari, Chrome and Firefox
Verdict: We believe that Maxel Downloader for Mac is a combination of minimalistic UI and best-in-the-class performance. Not only can you enjoy maximum speed — thanks to up to 100-segments support —, but also the native design reduces system resource consumption. Altogether, this is a download manager that we’d recommend buying.
Check Out Maxel ($9.99, Free demo available)
4 Progressive Downloader
Progressive Downloader is a really feature-rich download management client for Mac. Regardless what type of file you are downloading; Progressive Downloader has got your back. Right after you install and start the program, you can know how advanced it is. When you have multiple downloads to manage, the big-enough UI is going to be quite helpful.
Coming to the features, Progressive Downloader doesn’t disappoint. Standard features like integration with browsers and automated server search are included in the package. It also has an excellent clipboard-based download triggering. Last but not least, you can use the program for managing content over FTP as well. The feature list is so big and convincing, especially for professionals.
Pros: A fully-fledged yet simple interface, easy integration, automatic server search
Cons: Not much of speed acceleration
Supported Browser: Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Opera
Verdict: Progressive Downloader is an amazing choice if you prefer free download managers. It is quite an advanced piece of software that can help you tackle tens or hundreds of downloads. Although it doesn’t get you any promises regarding speed acceleration, the overall speeds offered by Progressive Downloader are surely impressive
Check Out Progressive Downloader (Free)
5 Leech
Leech may look like a no-brainer, but it has a lot of features under the hood. Despite being premium, it has been one of the most popular downloaders for Mac. The reason is simple: it can manage lots of downloads without compromising speed or performance. Although the maximum number of concurrent connections is 5, the overall speed boost of Leech is impressive enough.
Coming to the features, Leech meets the standard expectations. You can simply drag and drop any link for starting downloads, schedule downloads and manage multiple URLs at once. Bandwidth control and Safari integration make Leech easier to use. Last but not least, Leech offers enough room for customization, under the Preferences section.
Pros: Ultimately simple UI, bulk downloads, better speeds
Cons: Almost nothing
Supported Browser: Safari
Verdict: As the official website says, Leech is indeed a lightweight yet powerful download manager for Mac. You can start using the program as you wish and the performance is top-notch. All the features work quite seamlessly, from speed control to multiple connection management. Altogether, if you are looking for a Mac download manager without bells and whistles, Leech is a go-to choice.
Check Out Leech ($6, Free Trial available)
6 Free Download Manager
In case you did not know, Free Download Manager is a popular download manager for Windows PCs as well. Fortunately, the Mac version also is up to the expectations. Apart from all the standard features we’ve seen above, Free Download Manager offers torrent download support. So, you don’t have to find another piece of software to download torrent content — just drag and drop ’em.
One might say that Free Download Manager doesn’t have a Mac-friendly UI, but you can get used to it in no time. Inside this seemingly-simple software, the developers have included many features like speed control, browser integration and network customizations. You can also set up some notifications and triggers, which make the downloading process simple.
Pros: Free and supports torrents, A convenient interface, download categorization
Cons: Lacks a native UI
Supported Browser: Chrome, Firefox and Safari
Verdict: Unlike the other download managers we’ve covered above, Free Download Manager is completely free and effective. It has a different interface, but the number of features should compensate that. You will love Free Download Manager if you want a simple client that can manage HTTP and torrent downloads with same smoothness.
Check Out Free Download Manager (Free)
7 Folx
Folx is not only one of the best download managers for Mac but also my personal recommendation. Although free to use, there is a feature-rich premium version you may want to check out. You can use Folx for normal downloads as well as torrent downloads. It also is one of the minimalist uTorrent alternatives out there. But something that really matters is how smoothly Folx integrates with your Mac.
Once installed, Folx becomes an active part of your Mac. In addition, the free version enhances the download speed by splitting into 2 threads. Standard features like auto-resume, multiple downloads, a torrent client with magnet link support, are also available.
Pros: Support torrents, download YouTube videos, and automatically catch the all the downloads link in a page
Cons: Not a well-organized download list, Advanced features are Pro-only
Supported Browser: You can use browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome and Safari.
Verdict: If you are looking for a free download manager for Mac, Folx is a good option. It has one of the best interfaces and macOS integration we’ve seen. That having said, even if you want the additional features like 20-thread downloads, video downloads, iTunes integration, torrent-search and download scheduling, paid version of Folx seems reasonable too.
Check Out Folx (Free, Pro version available for $19.95)
Wrapping Up: Best Download Managers for Mac
Out of 20+ download managers we’ve tested, these 7 are the ones we loved! As said, you have multiple sets of choices here. If you need a jack-in-all-trades download manager with torrent support, you can go for Folx or Free Download Manager. On the other hand, if you prefer simple programs, Leech and Download Shuttle seem to be good options. Also, if you want some advanced features inside a simple UI, Maxel would be our great recommendation.
Mac Torrent Software
Before you make the selection, go through all the capabilities. For instance, if you’re planning to manage a lot of downloads with maximum connections, you need something powerful. We hope this guide helps you choose one of the best download manager apps for Mac.
Torrent Downloader For Mac
Read: Best Download Manager for Android