The best free torrent clients are perfect for quickly downloading and efficiently managing exceptionally large files, such as a video or large piece of software.
With such large files, downloading directly from a host server is likely to result in a slow experience, especially when other people are trying to get the same file. But with a free torrent client, you can download parts of the files you want from different people. They already have, resulting in faster download times. It will also do all the hard work for you, putting those files together like a jigsaw puzzle.
All best torrent free customers have their own fortresses with variable functions to manage these great files. With this in mind, we’ve collated the best torrent clients on the market would best suit your needs.
Using a VPN for torrenting is the only way to keep yourself safe and anonymous. A VPN encrypts all your internet activity and passes it through a secure tunnel so that no one can see what you’re reading or downloading – not even your ISP.
1. qBittorrent
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux
Besides the integrated torrent search engine, media player, encryption and prioritization of torrents and files within them, IP filtering and torrent creation, it is the closest open source, junk-free alternative to uTorrent.
qBittorrent is a great torrent client for those who are looking for a cross-platform client that covers the essentials without getting too complicated.
Pros:
- No advertisements
- Handy extra tools
- No bundled software
Cons:
- Fewer extensions than some
2. Deluge
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux
Deluge has been around forever, and it can be as simple or as powerful as you like, making it one of the most versatile torrent clients around. That’s because you can extend it via plug-ins, so you can create what works best for you.
Pros:
- Cross platform
- Expandable via plugins
- Browser integration
Cons:
- Interface is a little sparse
3. BitTorrent
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Android
Perhaps you are wondering why BitTorrent has its own torrent client when it also maintains uTorrent – especially since the BitTorrent app is just a rebranded version of uTorrent.
However, there are a few key differences between the apps: BitTorrent offers web-based seeding, commenting, and reviewing, and you might find that private trackers prefer BitTorrent over uTorrent.
You might find it useful if you’re new to torrenting and want a client that will allow you to get started quickly.
Pros:
- Simple to configure
- Download scheduling
- Very small
Cons:
- Contains ads
4. Vuze
Operating system: Windows
Vuze (formerly Azureus) claims to be the most powerful BitTorrent client on the planet.
You can choose between two versions: the stripped-down Vuze Leap and full-featured Vuze Plus. Both offer torrent downloads, media playback, and magnet file support, but Vuze Plus also includes integrated virus protection.
Vuze’s interface is one of its key selling points, which cuts through jargon and makes even the more advanced features accessible to new users.
Pros:
- Clear, well designed interface
- Expandable via plugins
Cons:
- Contains ads
- Bundled antivirus trial
5. uTorrent
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Android
uTorrent is useful, effective and doesn’t gobble up too much of your system’s resources: the entire app mainly runs in your web browser. Although it isn’t the official BitTorrent app, it’s been maintained by BitTorrent for the last decade.
It’s worth noting that uTorrent has a record of security problems, the most recent of which had the potential to let hackers control key functions of the client and spy on users’ downloads. BitTorrent has since released a patch for the vulnerability.
Pros:
- Download scheduling
- Very small
- Runs on the web