You'll need a free torrent client if you want to download files over the BitTorrent network. Once you've located a torrent file from a torrent website, you'll need some way to download it—and that's where a torrent client becomes necessary.
- Best Torrent Client For Mac
- Best Bittorrent Streaming Client For Mac Os X
- Vmware Horizon Client For Mac
There are several different kinds of free torrent clients. Some torrent clients have more features than others and some even run from a website, meaning you don't need to install any software at all.
Below is an updated list of the best free torrent programs and web services available online. Use any of these clients with your torrent files to download content over the BitTorrent network.
Clients A torrent client is a piece of software that allows you to download torrents. Clients are made for managing torrent files, including handling the downloading and uploading, connecting to peers and providing statistics about the torrent. Magnet Links Think of them as a torrent ISBN. The torrent file tells your torrent client the names of the files being shared and a URL for the tracker. Remember when uTorrent was great? The upstart BitTorrent client was super lightweight and trounced other popular BitTorrent clients. But that was long ago, before BitTorrent, Inc. Bought uTorrent and crammed it full of crapware and scammy advertisements.
While these programs are free and legal to use, it doesn't mean the actual content you're downloading via the torrent is legally available in this way. You should be familiar with the copyright laws in your country before using a torrent client to download movies, music, software programs, etc.
If you're not sure about the legality of downloading movies or music via torrents, or you keep running into fake torrents, please know that there are plenty of places where you can download movies for free, legally. There are also legal methods to getting free music, like with free music streaming services, free online radio stations, and websites that offer free music downloads.
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uTorrent
What We Like
- Uses very little in the way of system resources.
- Most commonly used client.
- Simple interface.
What We Don't Like
- Ad-supported.
- Comes with bundled software.
- Lacks search function.
uTorrent is one of the more popular free torrent clients. The installer size is tiny and only a fraction of system resources are used when the program is running.
You can subscribe to RSS feeds in uTorrent to automatically download new torrent items that are pushed through the feed.
uTorrent Remote is a feature that comes built-in that allows remote monitoring and administration of your uTorrent client. You can add, pause, and delete torrents from any browser or Android device.
This free torrent client can be installed on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, as well as Android devices.
Android
Mac
![Bittorrent Bittorrent](/uploads/1/2/6/1/126156132/139323138.png)
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FileStream.me
What We Like
- Keeps IP addresses private.
- Mobile versions available.
- Secure file transfer.
- Queued downloads.
What We Don't Like
- No protection against viruses.
- Access to features like dedicated servers, speed boosts, and conversions requires premium membership.
FileStream.me is another online torrent client that works by entering torrent links or uploading torrent files into your account and then having FileStream.me upload the files for you so you can then download them through your browser.
The free version of FileStream.me is ad supported, limits torrents to 200 MB for each file, gives you three days to download your torrents, can hold up to 200 GB of data, can fetch two torrents at once, and might restrain your download speed if you're downloading lots of files.
However, it does hide your IP address, let you resume downloads, allows streaming video and audio files, offers an Android client, and doesn't limit your monthly access.
![Best Bittorrent Streaming Client For Mac Best Bittorrent Streaming Client For Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/1/126156132/844168380.jpg)
Since FileStream.me runs from a browser, you can use it to download torrents on any OS that supports a modern web browser.
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ZBIGZ
What We Like
- No software required.
- Easy signup, with no personal details collected.
- Available in mobile version.
What We Don't Like
- Severely limited compared to premium memberships.
- Not ideal for private torrents.
ZBIGZ is similar to Filestream in that it downloads and seeds torrents for you and then lets you download the files as regular HTTP data. Because it works this way, it may be preferred if your ISP is restricting your access to torrent downloads.
Among other limitations, ZBIGZ allows your torrents to be no larger than 1 GB. Plus, your download speeds are topped off at a mere 150 KB/s.
The ZBIGZ online torrent client works for any operating system that can load the web page, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
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BitLord
What We Like
- Easy-to-use search function.
- Yahoo mail client for mac. Can play downloads on Chromecast before download completes.
- Helpful download organization features.
- Channel subscriptions.
What We Don't Like
- Website sometimes flagged as hosting harmful software.
- Installer makes changes to computer configuration and adds software, unless user explicitly opts out.
Best Torrent Client For Mac
You can password protect the BitLord program, stream video/audio before the download is complete, and search for torrents inside the program without leaving the client.
You can also add RSS feeds to BitLord to help keep track of new torrent releases.
BitLord is a free torrent downloader for Windows and macOS.
Mac
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Vuze
What We Like
- Simple, easy-to-use interface.
- Premium version offers virus protection and preview capability.
- Can extend functions through plugins.
- Pause function with automatic resumption after specified time.
What We Don't Like
- Ad-supported.
- Installer adds browser toolbar unless you opt out.
Another free torrent program is Vuze (formerly Azureus). There are tons of awesome features in this program, such as media playback support and a built-in browser for searching for torrents.
Vuze lets you control its functions from a browser or desktop client.
A folder that connects directly to iTunes is included in Vuze so that you can drag downloaded media into it to include them in your iTunes library.
Vuze can automatically hibernate your PC, shut it down, or run a program when downloading or seeding is finished.
For more features, you can get Vuze Plus. It comes with DVD burning capabilities, a built-in antivirus tool, and removes ads.
The Vuze torrent client can be installed for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Linux
Windows
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FrostWire
What We Like
- Lightweight.
- No ads.
- Works on a broad variety of platforms.
- Easy file sharing.
What We Don't Like
- Unnecessary programs bundled in installation file.
FrostWire can search for torrent files on several websites at once, with available filters to narrow down results by file size and seed count.
There are also tons of Internet radio stations included with FrostWire with the ability to add custom streams.
In addition to using it on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu OS, a FrostWire app is available for other devices, too, like Android. If on the web, you can chat with other FrostWire users through their community chat room.
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Deluge
What We Like
- Compatible with variety of platforms.
- Easy to use.
- Highly customizable and expandable.
- Optional encryption.
What We Don't Like
- Sparse interface.
- No in-app search function.
- Infrequent updates.
Deluge is a pretty simple, free torrent client. You can adjust the max upload slots and speeds, as well as download speeds and encryption.
There are plenty of plugins you can grab for expanding Deluge's settings. There are plugins for an email notifier, scheduler, web interface, stats, auto RSS downloader, and many others.
Deluge is available for many Linux distributions along with macOS and Windows.
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BitComet
What We Like
- Highly configurable.
- Familiar-looking, easy-to-use interface.
- Chat function.
Our Review of BitComet
BitComet is a free torrent program with remote access and virus scanning.
There are advanced options like scheduled bandwidth limits, long-term seeding, and CometID VIP Acceleration.
BitComet can be configured to auto shut down, reboot, hibernate, or sleep when all downloads are complete, which is a useful function.
You can install BitComet on Windows computers only.
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qBittorrent
What We Like
- Broad compatibility.
- User-friendly.
- No ads.
- Encryption option.
What We Don't Like
- Not as extendable as some other programs.
Best Bittorrent Streaming Client For Mac Os X
qBittorent has a clean interface with a password protection option, built-in RSS reader and web browser, web interface for remote control, and many detailed advanced options like anonymous mode and defining a particular network interface for transmissions.
Even with the advanced features, qBittorrent is easy to use and isn't confusing in the slightest.
Download qBittorrent
You Need a Mac VPN
There's a dangerous belief out there that macOS is somehow immune to attacks, that Apple's computers need no antivirus, and that Macs are intrinsically protected against spies and hackers. While it's true that Windows machines see more attacks, perpetrators of mass surveillance and online data thieves aren't discerning. That's why virtual private networks, or VPNs, are so important, even for Mac users.
The problem isn't your Mac, per se. It's the fundamental structure of the internet. The first bricks of the web were laid by government and university academics who were interested in making information sharing faster and easier. Privacy and security were secondary concerns. Fast-forward a few decades into the future, and things are quite different.
Today, we use the web for far more than just trading academic papers. We transmit important documents filled with personal information; we file our taxes; we send money to our friends and request money from our enemies; we even exchange incriminating emails and compromising photos. And we do it all over a system that makes finding your location and intercepting your information very easy.
Editors' Note: IPVanish is owned by j2 Global, the parent company of PCMag's publisher, Ziff Davis.
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Who Wants Your Data?
In short, just about everyone wants your data. Your personal information is valuable to hackers because it can be sold and resold on Dark Web marketplaces. Scammers and other criminals can then buy that information in order to commit fraud, which is not something people usually enjoy having done in their name.
In a similar vein, advertisers are keen to get your information so that they can better target you with online advertisements. Special trackers note information about you when you visit a website. When you navigate to a website that hosts another tracker from the same ad company, your movements are correlated across the web.
Even internet service providers (ISPs) are starting to get in on the act, now that Congress has given them the go-ahead to sell anonymized metadata about user activity. The ISPs argue that if advertisers can get a cut of the sweet>
Stay Safe and Private on Your Mac
Apple has polished macOS to a shine, and the company has always paid careful attention to stability and security. But out on the web, anything goes. That's why you need a VPN to provide a critical layer of security and privacy. It's a simple but powerful tool, and you'll be grateful for taking better control of your online experience.
While you're thinking about privacy for your Mac, you should also consider security. If you're not protected yet, you ought to read our roundup of Mac antivirus software.
Best Mac VPN Services Featured in This Roundup:
Vmware Horizon Client For Mac
NordVPN (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $11.95Pros: Largest collection of servers. Specialized servers. Six simultaneous connections. Well designed, consistent user interface. Ad blocking and web protection.Cons: Expensive. Lackluster speed test scores.Bottom Line: NordVPN provides Mac users excellent network security, impressive features, specialized servers, and the largest network of VPN servers on the market, making it one of the best VPNs for macOS.Read ReviewPrivate Internet Access VPN (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $6.95Pros: Thousands of servers across dozens of locations. Good speed test scores. Excellent, advanced tools. No logging. Works with Netflix.Cons: Minimal interface. No free version.Bottom Line: The perfect choice for a security wonk, Private Internet Access is a no-frills macOS VPN with the most robust network we've yet seen, at a very reasonable price. Don't expect much hand-holding from the interface, however.Read ReviewTunnelBear VPN (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $9.99Pros: The best overall speed test scores for macOS. Friendly, charming interface. Blocks ads. Excellent privacy policies. Unique features specifically for macOS. Plays nice with Netflix. Bears.Cons: Few server locations. No P2P or BitTorrent allowed.Bottom Line: TunnelBear has always offered a great experience and excellent protection with its VPN software, and it shines on macOS. With a robust network of servers, a killer interface, strong speed test scores, and unique features for macOS, it's an Editor's Choice.Read ReviewPureVPN (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $10.95Pros: Excellent geographic diversity of servers. Specialized servers. Allows P2P and BitTorrent. Excellent privacy policy. Works with Netflix.Cons: Few servers. IKEv2 and OpenVPN not supported in client. Unfriendly interface.Bottom Line: PureVPN offers robust protection for your web data with an excellent collection of servers and strong privacy protections, but it isn't the fastest Mac VPN we've tested.Read ReviewGolden Frog VyprVPN (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $12.95Pros: Robust features, including split tunneling. Supports multiple protocols. Allows P2P and Bittorrent. Direct control of servers. Geographically diverse server options. Some stand-out speed test scores.Cons: Lacks ad-blocking. Small number of servers.Bottom Line: Golden Frog VyprVPN not only provides the secure encryption of a virtual private network, but it also packs a host of advanced features into a slick macOS app.Read ReviewTorGuard VPN (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $9.99Pros: Numerous advanced settings. Very robust network of some 3,000 servers. Five simultaneous connections.Cons: Unfriendly interface. Does not automatically select best server. Fewer options than Windows version.Bottom Line: TorGuard is meant to be the VPN for BitTorrent acolytes, and it delivers a raft of advanced features confident users will appreciate, but it's not for networking newbies.Read ReviewKeepSolid VPN Unlimited (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $9.99Pros: Affordable, flexible pricing structure. Nifty Touch Bar integration. P2P and BitTorrent allowed. Supports OpenVPN. Specialized servers. Information-dense client.Cons: Lackluster overall speed performance. App Store and downloadable versions offer different features. Small number of servers.Bottom Line: KeepSolid VPN Unlimited is a solid service with unparalleled flexible pricing, and robust security technology, but its interface feels clunky for a Mac app, and its speed tests results were only fair.Read Review