Aug 12, 2019 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. Utorrent 64 bit free download - uTorrent, Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard, 32- or 64-bit Kernel Startup Mode Selector, and many more programs.
Downloading torrents might not be as popular as it once was, but you’ll still find a ton of content available online. While many of the torrents available online fall clearly under the umbrella of obvious pirating or copyright infringement, BitTorrent itself is a totally legal file-sharing protocol used for (some) legitimate purposes. If you are a Mac user, here are the best torrent clients for macOS.
1. Transmission
Transmission is definitely the most popular of all the BitTorrent clients for macOS and it’s more powerful than it first appears. Despite a reliably simple interface, it hosts a deceptively large feature set which has made it a popular choice. It runs well on resource-starved machines by occupying minimal RAM and using only system resources it absolutely needs. But it’s more than just a progress bar for torrents. Power users can get their hands on the add-on library or mess with the built-in remote control tools. Casual torrent downloaders can ignore that side of the software completely, simply using the attractive, Mac-style interface and core functionality.
Transmission does just about everything you’d want a torrent client to do, but it doesn’t get in your face about it. It even manages to host some unique features. One of our favorite unique features of Transmission is automatically sorting torrents into different groups based on the content in their titles. It also supports Distributed Hash Tables (DHT) and Peer Exchange (PEX). Transmission is perfect for anyone using torrents for the first time or who is disappointed with their current BitTorrent client for macOS.
2. qBittorrent
qBittorrent is a free and open-source BitTorrent client that runs on everything. It’s not as polished as Transmission or even uTorrent/BitTorrent. However, frequent users of FOSS will be used to that. The interface adopts uTorrent’s approach of throwing everything at you in tabs. This provides the information you want without digging through menus. qBittorrent includes support for major BitTorrent features like DHT, PEX, and magnet links.
It also includes support for UPnP/NAT-PMP port forwarding. In fact, it provides the broadest set of options in any of the BitTorrent clients for macOS that we examined. Knowledgeable power users will find dozens of settings to fiddle with. The downside of this options parade is that basic configuration of the app can sometimes require an unfriendly dive into a monster mash of menus. But if you’re technical enough that you don’t mind that, qBittorrent is awesome.
3. WebTorrent Desktop
WebTorrent Desktop is an interesting supplement to a regular BitTorrent client. It can function as a traditional, if limited, torrent client, but that’s not its core role. If you used WebTorrent that way, you’ll be disappointed. Its true function is as a streaming media application. WebTorrent uses the BitTorrent protocol to stream any media available in torrent form. It works by tweaking the BitTorrent protocol to fetch data in playback order, rather than in whatever order the network makes the data available.
Seeking even works well, if slowly. When you drag the playhead, WebTorrent reorganizes the packet download priority based on the new playhead position. The player is simple and minimal and seems to support a wide range of file types.
Of course, you’ll need a decent Internet connection and a torrent with sufficient seeders for a functional streaming experience. WebTorrent works with any torrent file or magnet link. Just drag and drop a file or link to start buffering. It’s an excellent choice for quickly streaming a movie or TV show with friends. It’s in beta and open-source, so it’s bound to be a little quirky. But users of older torrent apps like Vuze will recognize and appreciate the streaming feature.
4. Deluge
If you’re looking for a heavyweight torrent client for Mac, Deluge might be able to do it for you. Usability-wise, it may not be the best due to its complexity. However, Deluge offers tons of great features such as support for a wide range of plug-ins, cross platforms, and browser integration. Because of its expandability, it’s a great option for advanced users. Deluge also features three primary user interfaces suited for a browser, a desktop, and a command line.
This torrent client can also be likened to uTorrent minus the unwanted software. Deluge also allows customization such as downloading alphabetically, adjusting speed based on the condition of the network, and scheduling each download. You can also integrate it with either Firefox or Chrome if you wish. Deluge has a lot more features that you can check out, which makes it one of the best torrent clients for Mac.
5. Vuze
Touted as one of the most powerful torrent clients available online, Vuze is definitely among the best of its kind today. Previously known as Azureus, Vuze is packed with several features such as its expandability with plug-ins as well as its user-friendly interface. If you can look past the ads, Vuze is certainly a great option for a torrent client for Mac.
There are two types of Vuze that you can choose from: Vuze Leap and Vuze Plus. Both kinds have the same features like torrent downloads as well as media playback. They both support magnet file links as well. However, Vuze Plus also provides integrated virus protection and allows a preview of media files.
One of the primary features that Vuze is famous for is its interface. Instead of loading up on the jargon, it simplifies everything which allows new users to access and understand even its more advanced features. Aside from this, Vuze also features IP filtering as well as bandwidth limiting. It’s definitely an awesome torrent client to boot.
6. Folx
The latest software update on Mac is macOS Catalina. If you’re looking for a torrent client that is already compatible with this update, you can check out Folx. Some of its features include priority setting, download tagging, and upload and download speed regulation. Folx also allows you to download torrent files through magnet links and from trackers as well. This makes for an easier sharing of BitTorrent content.
Folx also has a PRO version that is currently compatible with Mac OS X. It allows torrent content searching from the app itself, which supersedes browsing through several torrent trackers. Whether you are using Mac OS X or Catalina, you can use Folx and enjoy its great features.
7. Xtorrent P2P App
Another great torrent client for Mac users is Xtorrent P2P. Aside from its stability, the interface of this torrent client is also user-friendly and customizable. You can download Xtorrent P2P on your Mac for free but the paid version will enable you to download torrents much faster. Since Xtorrent P2P is a 64-bit application, you should be able to open it on Mac OS Catalina.
8. BitLord
Last but certainly not the least on this list is BitLord. One of the advantages of using this torrent client for Mac is its integrated media player. It allows users to play a wide range of file types without any issues. Its user interface is also quite simple, which enables even beginners to navigate BitLord with convenience and ease.
Another advantage of using BitLord is that it doesn’t have to come with any bundled software that is often unworkable. Hence, users do not need to work through unnecessary programs that prove to be useless anyway. BitLord might seem too simple for users who have been using several torrent clients for a long time, but it’s a great start for people getting introduced to the world of torrents for the first time.
Conclusion
There are so many options to choose from when looking for the best torrent client for your Mac. Some factors to consider include safety against adware and malware, support for magnet file links, web-browser integration, speed regulation, and of course, a user-friendly interface. Download scheduling and torrent searching should also be considered if you don’t want to waste your time while using a torrent client.
In addition, if your Mac is already on macOS Catalina, you should also consider its compatibility with your chosen torrent client. Although some people now prefer streaming online, there are still advantages to using BitTorrent to download stuff. Whichever torrent client you choose, the most important thing is that you enjoy using it with ease and satisfaction. The torrent clients for Mac mentioned above are among the best and guarantee just that.
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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.
Best torrent clients for Mac
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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.
Best Bit Torrent Software For A Mac Pro
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
Bittorrent For Mac 64 Bit
- 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?