The 15 Best Free Torrent Clients in 2024

Have you ever encountered issues while downloading popular series like Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad because of their sizes? Or you couldn’t get the album of your favorite artist that was just released? It could even be that you just got a new PC and are looking for where to get some cracked versions of other software.

Torrent sites are the solution to these problems. You can get tons of files on these platforms, no matter how large they can be. However, you need a torrent client to download files. In this article, we’ll discuss the 15 best and free torrent clients you can explore in 2024.

The Best Free Torrent Clients – Quick List

Running late? Here is a short list of the top 15 working torrent clients for 2024:

What is a Torrent Client?

Torrent clients are application software that allow you to download large files of different types from popular, well-known torrent platfroms. They can be videos, music albums, academic content, video games, anime, and cartoons.

Unlike a typical site where you download these files from a single source, torrent clients use a peer-to-peer model to transfer them. That is, the file is in smaller bits that can be easily transferred from one person to another (peers).

All the individuals involved in a single file make up a swarm. So, each peer in a torrent swarm is responsible for uploading and downloading bits of a file simultaneously.

It doesn’t matter if anyone in a swarm doesn’t have the complete file. They connect you to a P2P network to find and connect with other peers who have the file you want to download. After getting the file complete, it arranges it in the order it should be as a single document for easy use.

The 15 Best Torrent Downloaders – Detailed List

1. uTorrent

If you’re just learning about torrent clients from this post, uTorrent might be the best place to start. It is a beginner-friendly app with an easy-to-use platform for everyone. It requires a small amount of data to install, and you can download any file as quickly as possible.

It allows you to install the app on Windows 7, 8, 10, XP, and Vista. There’s also the uTorrent web version that lets you play files as you download. With this web version, you can use a safe torrent scanner, download any file type, and set download and upload speed limits.

uTorrent became popular because of its tiny file sizes and the small memory footprint required to run on Windows. It is the most used torrent downloader worldwide outside China.

2. BitTorrent

BitTorrent is a great application for downloading extremely large video games or educational materials quickly. It allows you to send and receive files over the internet by connecting to a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. That’s basically what torrent clients do.

With BitTorrent, you don’t have to worry about the time it’ll take to download large files. It does that easily in no time. The software can download files in about 3 MB, which is faster than other downloaders.

If you want to download more than one file, you can do that simultaneously. Another interesting thing? BitTorrent allows you to download them by assigning different bandwidths to them. You can choose to give a particular file more bandwidth than the other to download it quicker.

Before or during file downloads, you can check the health of a torrent. A 100% health doesn’t mean that the file is safe or legal; rather, it means that the file is complete. If it’s less than 100%, then know that the file is incomplete.

3. Deluge

Deluge is one of the most versatile torrent clients. It can be as simple or as powerful as you want it to be, and it has extendable plugins. This is its greatest strength because you can customize it any way you want with these plugins. You can integrate Deluge with browsers like Chrome or Firefox. It works well on Windows, Linus, BSD Unix, MacOS, and many others.

Its services are free and open-sourced, and you don’t have to worry about ads interrupting your downloads. Deluge is a reliable and safe torrent client because it doesn’t harbor malicious software or malware on its servers.

However, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of using a VPN. Even if an app is sure to be safe from phishing attacks, you should still use a strong VPN like ExtremeVPN.

4. qBittorrent

Are you looking for a good balance between speed and simplicity? Try checking out qBittorrent. qBittorrent allows you to watch or listen to any file while you’re still downloading them. It meets your needs using as little CPU and memory as possible. If you have the app, you don’t need a browser to search for torrents. You can search directly on the server.

Thankfully, it has features like encryption to keep your torrenting safe. Its IP blocking system also prevents anyone from detecting your IP address. You can control how fast your downloads go and choose which files to download first. The interface is simple to navigate, and it operates as an open-source app. Therefore, anyone can check its code, which shows transparency and safety.

5. Vuse

Vuse is the only torrent client that lets you access regular torrents downloaded on a browser on 12P and vice versa. 12P is a private and secure network that hides your online activity. This makes Vuse unique because other torrent clients don’t allow switching between these two networks.

The torrent client provides an easy-to-use interface for everyone, even newbies. You can convert and transfer your downloaded files to different devices like phones, game consoles, and tablets.

It even has a premium version with great features. They include integrated virus protection, no ads, and burning DVDs directly from the app. Vuse also lets you view, share, and publish original HD-quality video content.

6. Transmission

If you are looking for software that won’t bog down your device, you can end your search with Transmission. It is a lightweight torrent client that uses very little of your device’s RAM and processing power. Plus, it runs quietly in the background without affecting your device’s performance.

This client puts an extra focus on your privacy which makes you rest assured while you’re downloading files. It also supports embedded systems (devices that handle specialized tasks) like NAS, HTPCs, personal servers, and Raspberry Pi.

You can manage your downloads from any device using a web browser, even if you’re not near the one running the download client. The transmission even has command-line tools for automating tasks and a wide range of add-ons to improve its feature set.

7. BitComet

BitComet is the first torrent client to solve the problem of hard drives getting damaged by large amounts of read-and-write data. It does this by temporarily storing downloaded files in your device’s RAM instead of constantly saving them to your hard drive.

BitComet can download files from different sources simultaneously without interrupting one another. It also has an embedded Internet Explorer window where you can search for files seamlessly.

The app supports Webseeding. That is, you can download files directly from web servers and not just from other people who share the torrents. Webseeding helps to get files from these websites for faster and more reliable downloads.

Before you download a file, you can choose to preview the first and the last part of the media file to get a sneak peek into it.

8. Tixati

Tixati is a new and powerful P2P file downloader. It is 100% free, simple, and easy-to-use and doesn’t have spyware or adverts that can affect your torrenting experience. The torrent downloader is available for Windows and Linux Native versions.

With the ultra-fast downloading algorithms, you can be sure to get files as quickly as possible. Tixati utilizes RC4 connection encryption for security purposes that protect your identity while using the app. It also has IP filter support, which helps hide your IP address from an intruder.

The software works out of the box, and to be fair, it best manages the network traffic, especially when you set the download and upload limits.

9. BitLord

BitLord is a freeware program that’s known for being powerful, and fast. It’s fully compatible with BitTorrent, a popular peer-to-peer (P2P) protocol for sharing files over the internet.

The software supports many features, such as simultaneously downloading more than one file. You can also select all the documents you want to download and queue them for one-by-one downloads.

Another interesting feature is that you can chat with a seeder or anyone else. There are also other features like fast resume, disk cache, speed limits, port mapping, proxy, and IP filter.

10. WebTorrent

WebTorrent is a browser-based app, so you don’t need to install anything extra like extensions or plugins. You can use it directly in your web browser. It is free and doesn’t have commercial ads.

You can also instantly stream video and audio before you start downloading. The client links people’s web browsers directly to each other to share files without needing a central server. So, everyone downloading or sharing is connected.

This makes the network stronger and more efficient because it doesn’t rely on one main device. WebTorrent uses WebRTC for P2P communication. This cuts out the middleman and allows you to communicate directly with each other.

11. BiglyBT

BiglyBT is among the torrent downloaders that have unlimited customization options. It has flexibility in its user interface. You can customize the themes, layout, and colors to your preferences.

The app excels at torrent management and has advanced features for organizing downloads. It also manages bandwidth effectively. You can group files, control download speeds, and prioritize downloads.

BiglyBT makes it easier and faster to find files by gathering results from various search engines and showing them in one place. This approach promotes accessibility to the torrents on the server.

12. FrostWire

FrostWire allows you to post your content as an artist, filmmaker, software developer, or any kind of content creator. The app can distribute your work to millions of people without paying for centralized hosting bandwidth. You simply upload the content on your device from the comfort of your home.

It is a joint effort of hundreds of open-source and freelance developers all over the world. If you’re also looking for where to find the rarest media file anyone can come across, FrostWire is the only platform you need.

13. Folx

Folx is a top-rated torrent client you can use if you have a Mac device. It gives you full control over download and upload speeds by letting you adjust it manually. It can also manage your bandwidth automatically without stress.

The download client is also considered one of the fastest torrent clients available. It has a built-in torrent search feature, a downloads scheduler, and a tagging system, which makes it easy to use. You can integrate Folx with any browser of your choice, such as Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.

If your internet goes down and your downloading process interrupts, you can resume automatically when the connection is stable. Also, to boost your download speed, Folx can split them into two threads.

14. Tribler

Tribler is popular for its simple user interface. It is an open-source and decentralized platform that allows anonymous peer-to-peer. Interestingly, the software has its social side. It has a community group that lets you chat with other users.

Tribler also uses an overlay network for content searching, so it doesn’t require an external website or indexing service. Through its improved search functionality, you can look for content from other users and big video web portals, such as YouTube and Liveleak.

15. TorrDroid

TorrDroid is unique in its own way. It is known for its ability to download torrents based on your search preferences. It offers a built-in search bar, and if you enter a file type in there, it finds it for you in no time, and you can download it immediately.

TorrDroid is secure and it prevents you from accidentally downloading fake files and common viruses. On the server, you can download any file free of charge and they’re all open source content. It provides a neutral browser and downloader for torrents.

How Can I Stay Safe While Using Torrent Downloaders

Since you know that torrent clients’ apps allow users to upload and share files freely, you have to be careful when using them. These sites are the best places viruses and malware thrive and can destroy your device.

Also, whenever you share or download a file, your IP address becomes known to everyone on the platform. They can track you, get your location, and attack you with malware. Fortunately, there are ways you can protect yourself when using these platforms. They include the following:

• Choose the right client torrent: When choosing a torrent client, safety and security must be the top priorities. Find one that is legally downloaded and promises protection, among many other benefits.
• Check the ratings: You probably know the comments and ratings under the files or media you download. Such ratings and comments may guide you on whether to download the files. Low ratings also say a lot about the quality of content you want to download, which you should not take lightly.
• Use antivirus software: If you have one, and it’s always on when using these torrent clients, it can detect any dangerous file or malware about to attack you. However, always ensure your antivirus software is frequently updated to be effective against these threats.
• Steer clear of copyrighted materials: Know how to recognize copyrighted material, as it will save you from legal troubles. This content isn’t free to share, so if you see a file not tagged as free, stay away. Instead, pay attention to labels like open source, public domain, or creative commons, indicating they’re not copyrighted.
• Use a Peerblock: When you torrent, your IP is visible to all people online on the site at that instant and can attack you. Installing a Peerblock prevents them from doing this because it blocks them from accessing you.
• Keep your application software updated: Regularly updating apps and antivirus software provides you with the latest versions and new features. It also comes with security patches that reduce your chances of getting hacked or infected with viruses. Set a timer to update them periodically and avoid suspicious links while using torrent clients.
• Get a VPN: No software online is 100% safe to use. Therefore, you must invest in a robust, premium VPN like ExtremeVPN. A VPN prevents your IP address from leaking, thus it keeps you secure while accessing any website or platform.

Quick Comparison Table: Torrent Clients and their Features

This table compares the 15 top torrent clients in terms of their features and what they offer. It will guide you in choosing the best one that suits your needs and preferences.

	Size	Compatibility	Customization	Cost Plans
uTorrent	Super lightweight	Windows, Linux, Android, and macOS	Excellent	Free with ads; Offers a premium plan for advanced features
BitTorrent	Very lightweight	macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and a web version	Excellent	Free with ads; Offers a premium plan for advanced features
Deluge	Very lightweight	Firefox, Linux, Windows, Chrome, and macOS	Excellent	Free only
qBittorrent	Lightweight	OS/2, Linux, FreeBSD, Windows, and MacOS	Good	Free only
Vuse	Lightweight	OS/2, Linux, FreeBSD, Windows, and macOS	Good	Free. Also offers a premium plan (Vuze Plus)
Transmission	Medium	Linux, Windows, and macOS	Good	Free only
BitComet	Lightweight	Windows	Good	Free only
Tixati	Heavy	Linux and Windows	Good	Free only
BitLord	Heavy	Android, Linux, Windows, and macOS	Poor	Free with ads
WebTorrent	Very Lightweight	Linux, macOS, and Windows	Poor	Free only
BiglyBT	Medium	Android, Linux, Windows, and MacOS	Excellent	Free only
FrostWire	Medium	Windows, Android, macOS, and Linux	Poor	Free but offers optional paid features
Folx	Lightweight	macOS	Good	Free with ads; Offers a premium plan for advanced features
Tribler	Super lightweight	Windows, macOS, and Linux	Good	Free only
TorrDroid	Very Lightweight	Android and Windows	Poor	Free with ads; Offers a premium plan for advanced features

Things to Consider While Choosing the Best Download Client for Torrent

There are numerous factors to consider when selecting the best torrent clients. Here are some of the features that are important and you should look out for before making a decision:

1. Use of Resources

Torrent downloading programs vary depending on how heavy or lightweight they are. Their heaviness means that they require more space and resources to operate and download. If you install one on a device that has limited processing capacity, it can slow down the device or even crash it.

Therefore, you should always verify that your device’s processing power can accommodate the client you want to download. Or go for a lightweight app that can greatly increase the efficiency of your device as well as the tasks you want it to do.

2. User Interface and Experience

UI/UX is a critical part of decision-making. If a client promises all great features and the interface is cumbersome and hard to navigate, it’s just a matter of time before you switch to another one.

You don’t have to watch a YouTube video on how to use an app, especially as a beginner, when there are many other options available. Hence, go for an app that’ll ease your mind and still deliver great quality content and features.

3. Added Features

Torrent clients have many cool features you can explore, from basic to advanced. Some of these include plugin extensions, peer exchange, scheduling options, magnet links, or web seeding. Based on your needs and interests, go for an app that offers the features you need the most.

4. Ad Intrusiveness

Ads are the best trade-offs for free torrent clients. These platforms get their operating expenses sorted from the revenue generated from ads. However, some can be excessive. These ads don’t only disrupt your viewing experience but also serve as a means to malware or virus threats.

Therefore, check app reviews or ratings online for comments on ads intrusiveness before you install it. Although some apps have less annoying ads, you can go for those if they have many other great features to make up for the ads.

5. Security

While torrenting, your IP address can be vulnerable to any kind of virus or malware attack if it is visible. However, some clients offer layers of security to protect their users from these threats. These security measures include a kill switch feature and encryption.

Choose an app that has any of these to protect you from getting attacked. Also, use a quality VPN like ExtremeVPN to add an extra layer of protection for your device.

6. Compatibility of Device

Before you install any torrent client, check if your device is one of the compatible devices listed. When the two are compatible, the app will run seamlessly on your device without slowing things down or affecting its performance. You can rest assured that you’ll enjoy using the app on your device.

Why Should I Use a VPN with My Torrent Client

Torrenting comes with many risks, and to avoid regrets, it’s safe to use a VPN. A VPN shields you from all the troubles you can encounter while browsing. Therefore, it is important to get a premium VPN like ExtremeVPN.

Aside from protecting your online privacy and security, ExtremeVPN doesn’t collect or store any of your online activity or data. It has an end-to-end encryption that keeps your internet traffic private and makes it difficult for third parties to locate you. With ExtremeVPN’s smart IP technology, you can bypass internet firewalls and restrictions to access websites that are blocked.

It also has DNS/IPv6 leak protection, which ensures that your DNS or IP address doesn’t leak, giving you complete anonymity every time. If anything disrupts your internet connection, you don’t have to panic because we have a kill switch feature that keeps your data safe and secure.

You can also enjoy the ease of accessing both foreign and local content at the same time by routing between your ISP connection and ExtremeVPN. Enjoy a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee when you sign up.

Is it Legal to Use a Torrent Client?

Yes, torrent clients are legal in most countries worldwide. However, they might contain copyrighted files that can cause legal action for copyright infringement for anyone who downloads them for free.

Also, in some countries, the government can request your data from your ISP if they notice such acts without your consent. The officials can even instruct your ISP not to alert you so they can get you easily. If caught, a settlement can bail you out otherwise, they can charge you to court.

When the government notices that an app uploads copyrighted materials, it can block the site so no one can access it. A VPN, as a smart one, can give you access to geo-restricted apps or files.

FAQs