This article will provide you with a list of the Best Free Torrent Clients available today. This list is a great resource, especially for those who are new to torrenting and want to use the best tool to download content.
The list below provides users with torrent clients for all their download needs. By installing a client, users can download movies, TV shows, games, and more fast and efficiently.
What is a Torrent Client?
In a traditional file download, a user requests information from a server through a web browser. The server responds by sending the entire file. You depend solely on the server to source the file.
However, this differs when downloading files through a peer-to-peer file sharing (P2P) network. In this case, a BitTorrent protocol allows the distribution of files across all users who have completed the download or are downloading a particular file.
In other words, a user sends a request for the file that he wants to download and a P2P file-sharing software searches from other users’ computers that are running the same or compatible software. Once the file is found, it begins downloading from the source’s (also called a “seed”) hard drive.
Large files are shared by breaking down the entire file into small chunks and distributes it in tiny “pieces” from (ideally) many seeds. This makes it possible to receive the file at a faster rate compared to downloading directly from a website.
What makes it possible to request a torrent download from seeds? You guessed it – a torrent client.
That’s why it’s important to use only a reliable torrent client that allows you to connect to other seeds so you can download files without a hitch.
To get to know more about how torrents work, I recommend you use the TROYPOINT Best Torrent Sites page. This page is constantly updated with the Best Torrent Sites and explains in detail how to download and use torrents.
Is it Legal to use a Torrent Client to Download Files?
Similar to our previous post on the legality of Kodi, it all depends on how you use the tool. By itself, the tool can be used to download files that aren’t protected by copyright.
However, downloading content that infringes on copyright is illegal. TROYPOINT does not endorse such practice and only recommends files that are allowed to be shared.
Certain films and motion pictures have entered the public domain for many different reasons. Whether they were released without copyright notices, did not register with the Library of Congress, or failed to renew copyright licensing, these movies are now available for the public to stream or download for free.
You can also download open source software provided that you observe its legitimate use.
And if you’re looking for movies and TV shows that are in the public domain, here are my recommendations:
How to Hide Your IP Address when Downloading Torrents
When downloading torrents, TROYPOINT recommends always using aVPNor Virtual Private Network.
A VPN will protect your privacy from ISPs, the government, MPAA, and other watchdog groups.
TheBest VPN for Torrentingis IPVanish as it is available for use on up to 10 devices simultaneously and does not store traffic logs.
IPVanish masks your IP Address and protects your identity when downloading torrents. It prevents you from publicly broadcasting your IP address so you will remain anonymous to your ISP, government, and other organizations.
Best Torrent Clients in 2020
qBittorent
Dubbed by its creators as an open-source software alternative to µTorrent, this torrent client is guaranteed ad-free. Even more, it packs additional features such as RSS feed support, extensions (magnet links, DHT, PEX, LSD, private torrents, encrypted connections), sequential downloading, bandwidth scheduler, IP filtering, and is compatible with Windows, Linus, macOS, FreeBSD and OS/2.
It features a clean, minimalist design for users who want a no-frills interface. This client receives updates often so you don’t have to worry about bugs or glitches.
Finally, qBittorent sets itself apart from other torrent clients because it requires minimal CPU and memory when downloading.
Deluge
One of the oldest torrent clients developed, Deluge is still a heavy favorite among users. In fact, I’ve had no issues running it with my old laptop when I re-installed the software. The platform has been recently updated to better allow users to build their own torrent client from scratch. In addition, the software is still the most lightweight torrent client available today so it won’t take much of your limited hard drive space.
Some of its features include numerous plugins to improve its functionality, cool and simplified UI, capability to run as a standalone desktop application and as client-server, and high similarity to BitTorrent client’s features.
Vuze
This torrent client was designed for advanced users who want a software with powerful search capabilities. Coming from the original Azureus software, Vuze features media and device playback, magnet link support, access to its torrent bundles and plug-in library, and remote control via web or mobile app.
I’ve tried typing in just about everything from titles to tags and there are always plenty of options generated in only a few seconds. Its integrated meta search also allows for a more intelligent discovery process.
And for an additional fee, users can upgrade their free version and add extras such as built-in antivirus, ad-free interface, direct DVD burning, and media play during downloads.
µTorrent
µTorrent (or uTorrent) is one of the most popular torrent clients today. Users can search torrents and downloads easily, stream torrent files and magnet links, set download and upload speed limits, add more bandwidth to specific downloads, verify the total seeds available, and customize the application.
For users like me who want a more organized UI, I was able to setup my preferred info on this torrent client. The ads that appear are less vexing compared to other ad-ridden platforms too.
The µTorrent Classic version works on most OS except for Mac OS Catalina Version 10.15 and above.
BitTorrent
One of the most reliable and popular torrent clients available, BitTorrent is still a favorite option among new torrent users. Boasting very rapid file sharing capability, this platform is powered by a built-in bandwidth booster. This means that users can continue what they’re doing without having to worry about the download process consuming a lot of bandwidth.
I personally recommend this to anyone who’s just starting out in the torrenting process because of the customizable UI that can be made through its simple drag-and-drop feature.
If you want to get rid of the annoying ads, play media in HD while inside the torrent client, and secure your device with antivirus protection, the BitTorrent Pro is available for a minimal fee.
Transmission
If you’re a Mac user, then this torrent client is perfect for you. I’ve had no issues downloading it, which took me less than four minutes to complete the entire process.
The simplicity of Transmission’s UI is reflective of Apple’s minimalism. There are no annoying pop-up ads, flash content, and unnecessary toolbars. The developers made sure that configuring the platform requires just a few clicks.
And because it’s an open source project, it does not offer a payware alternative for users to take advantage of its other features.
WebTorrent Desktop
Usually, content streaming and torrent downloading are done separately. However with WebTorrent Desktop, users can play videos, music and audiobooks without having to complete the download first. Users can stream videos, for example, to Chromecast, DLNA and AirPlay.
Although this lightweight platform is still in beta version, its performance is pretty decent considering that it is able to connect to WebTorrent, Transmission, µTorrent and BitTorrent peers.
Its other features include ad-free downloading, drag-and-drop customization, and peer discovery via DHT.
BitLord
Like Deluge, BitLord has been around for sometime already but it’s still one of the best tools in file sharing and search discovery today. The UI is clutter-free and serves well for its simplified navigation purpose.
I can also play content instantly on its built-in player or on Chromecast even if the downloading process is ongoing. I haven’t experienced any issues with this feautre.
BitLord edges other torrent clients with its automatic subtitle feature, downloads organizer, torrent feedback list, password protection, and torrent creation.
Tixati
This torrent client features a classic UI and its functionality gets many users approval. With numerous configuration settings, highly detailed interface, encrypted chat-rooms, quick installation process, drag-and-drop torrent management, and detailed bandwidth limits, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be on anyone’s list.
Furthermore, the platform does not post ads, spyware and other distracting content because it’s a closed-source tool. This also protects users from harmful malware.
Tixati, however, is only compatible with Windows computers so Mac folks will have to use another torrent client from this list.
BiglyBT
Despite being an open source software, BiglyBT is 100% ad-free and third-party-software-free. It traces its roots from Vuze and Azureaus so fans of these platforms can take advantage of a number of similar features.
This includes WebTorrent peer seeding, overall capacity management, swam merging (for uncompleted torrents), remote control access via an Android app, as well as highly accurate meta-search and categorized torrent lists.
What I am more impressed with is its better integration capability through VPN detection as well its I2P support so users can download anonymously. Plus, there’s media playback, media conversion and UPnP Media Server and DLNA support so devices can communicate faster.
Tell us which Torrent Client you use in the comments section below.