10 Best Torrent Clients That Work in 2024: Safe & Free

Torrent clients have different features and characteristics; some are safer options than others. It can become overwhelming to know which is the best option for you.

To help you choose, I shortlisted the 10 best free torrent clients that are secure, fast, and reliable. Whether you’re after a straightforward interface or a full range of customization options, you’ll find the best client for you.

However, these apps don't conceal your IP address, and torrenting can expose your data to cybercriminals. You could also get into trouble for accidentally downloading copyrighted material. So, I recommend investing in security tools to protect yourself when torrenting.

Important. Torrenting itself is not illegal in most countries, but downloading files that are protected under copyright is. My team and I strongly discourage engaging in unlawful torrenting activities. Always respect and comply with the rules and regulations regarding copyright in your country.

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Best Torrent Downloaders That Work Right Now

1. uTorrent — Lightweight Client Prevents Slowdowns While Torrenting

You have to upgrade to the Pro versions to access extra features like malware blocking

You might've heard about μTorrent, sometimes called a micro torrent. It's number one on my list because it doesn't hog your device's resources — minimizing the impact on your device's performance. So, even if your PC or phone isn't high-spec, it'll still run smoothly. I gave it a spin on my MacBook and had it up and running in less than 30 seconds. I was downloading torrents in no time.

The app offers a simple and organized interface, making it great for beginners. But, what I liked most about it is its wide range of customization options. I could schedule downloads to prioritize files, set bandwidth limits, verify seeds, manage the client remotely, and find torrents with its built-in search engine. Also, I was able to install third-party plug-ins and stream torrents while they were being downloaded, thanks to their media player.

You’ll need to download uTorrent Web for Mac Catalina or later versions, as it isn’t compatible with the classic uTorrent client. Download it from the official uTorrent website to ensure you get a safe and legitimate software version.

Unfortunately, both the traditional and updated versions of uTorrent come with ads and bundled software. But there's the option to exclude intrusive apps during installation — when installing additional software, uncheck the checkboxes that are selected by default, like "I agree to install…."

Visit uTorrent

2. BitTorrent — Drag and Drop Feature Makes It Easy to Torrent

With its built-in search bar, you can search for torrents without going to a P2P site directly

BitTorrent is a well-established torrent client that's available in 70+ different languages. I could make my interface as simple or complex as I wanted to. I particularly liked its drag-and-drop functionality, making downloading torrents much easier. Also, it consumes less than 20% CPU at all times, meaning it won't slow your device down. BitTorrent bears a striking resemblance to uTorrent, probably because they're owned by the same company — Rainberry Inc.

Its range of features is impressive. Most notably, it comes with a built-in bandwidth booster that lets you set limits on upload and download speeds. Other features include being able to schedule torrents, support magnet links, queue torrents, and remotely manage paired devices.

For advanced users, it allows IP filtering for added security. It lets you control the IP traffic that runs through your network so you can torrent safely.

Like uTorrent, its free version contains ads and bundled software. However, you can decline the bundled packages, upgrade to the Pro plan, or use an ad blocker to overcome these problems.

Visit BitTorrent

3. Deluge — Highly Customizable Torrent Client With Plenty of Plug-Ins

Some plugins may require specific dependencies to be installed on your system

Deluge’s large number of third-party plug-ins lets you create a highly personalized experience. In my tests, I integrated the NetWatcher plug-in to apply restrictions, like having only 1 IP address online or whitelisting certain IPs. You can further customize the client by adding unique features to boost speeds and security, such as bandwidth adjustments or alphabetical downloading. Other features include encryption, torrent stats, proxy settings, and the ability to discover local peers for faster downloads.

It’s an open-source client that’s both lightweight and easy to use. You can use it as a standalone app or through a client-server, which means you can run it in the background or control it remotely. Notably, it works well on old devices since it only uses a small fraction of CPU resources. As soon as I added a torrent file, it began downloading right away.

It doesn’t come with ads or bundled software, and its built-in encryption offers a degree of protection. However, using this encryption feature isn't enough to protect you against cyber threats. As such, pairing Deluge with a reliable VPN significantly bolsters your privacy when torrenting.

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4. qBittorrent — Open Source Torrent Client That's Ad-Free

qBittorrent is currently available in 70+ languages

qBittorrent is an open-source client that is free of ads and malware. You can see exactly how it's built, meaning you don't have to worry about dangerous code such as embedded malware or trackers. Its interface isn’t complex, so it can serve most needs without consuming many resources. It’s also updated frequently to prevent any bugs or glitches.

I found its customizable features to be handy, too. It enables RSS feed support, extensions, sequential downloading, torrent creation, media playback, IP filtering, bandwidth scheduling, SOCKS5 connections, UI lock, and more. These features help you download torrents faster and manage them better. Another neat touch is that it has a built-in search engine. Plus, it supports integration with external search engines that can help you find torrents directly within the app.

But even with all these features, your activity will still be visible to unwanted users. I recommend using qBittorrent with a top-tier VPN to maintain your privacy. You can even configure it to exclusively use the VPN connection for all its network traffic. Unfortunately, it doesn't support iOS and Android devices. But this shouldn’t be a problem as it offers customizable apps for Windows, Linux, and Mac.

Visit qBittorrent

5. Vuze — Built-In Search Engine Saves You the Hassle of Visiting P2P Sites

By upgrading to Vuze Plus, you can watch videos and torrent simultaneously

Vuze, formerly known as Azureus, gains an edge with its powerful search engine that makes it effortless to find precise torrent files. I found the exact torrent files I wanted within seconds by entering simple tags and titles. There's also the option to change your user proficiency to "intermediate" or "advanced," should you want increased functionality.

You can also enhance its performance by installing plug-ins. It provides bandwidth scheduling, IP filtering, media playback, magnet link support, and the ability to manage torrents from your mobile. Vuze goes beyond the standard torrent client functionalities by incorporating a chat function, built-in forums, and Wiki. You can read more about this in our detailed Vuze review.

Unfortunately, it has ads and bundled apps and uses a lot of resources on your device. You shouldn’t use it if you have an older computer because it’ll make it much slower. It's geared toward power users, so consider it if you’re seeking a powerful torrent client. Upgrading to a Vuze Plus unlocks additional features and helps mitigate the problem of bothersome ads.

Visit Vuze

6. Transmission — Clean Interface to Quickly Find Your Favorite Torrents

The client also doesn’t serve any ads

Transmission offers a balance of simplicity and functionality. It keeps its interface uncluttered by encapsulating all the sophisticated features. Plus, it takes up as little resources as it does screen space and runs smoothly in the background. I downloaded it on my PC in under a minute and customized it effortlessly without needing external guidance. It comes as no surprise that Ubuntu chose it as its default BitTorrent client.

The client can also automatically download files from folders and RSS feeds, eliminating the need for manual control. This feature allows you to effortlessly obtain content from your preferred sources as soon as it becomes available. Plus, it doesn’t come with bundled software, ensuring a streamlined user experience.

Among its array of features, the downloader offers encryption for enhanced security and remote management for convenient control. It also supports magnet links, web seeds, and the ability to find more peers or block them. You can even set global and per torrent speed limits too. The only issue is that it lacks a built-in search engine.

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7. BitComet — Expedite Torrents Downloads With Advanced Seeding Technology

It also ensures the continued availability of each individual file within a torrenting network

BitComet harnesses the power of Long-Term Seeding technology to significantly boost your torrenting speed. This advanced technique expedites the download process by sourcing data from peers who possess the complete torrent file. I liked how it maintained short download times during my tests. You can even overcome ISPs throttling your speed using BitComet with a VPN.

It also offers an intelligent disk caching feature that further accelerates downloads by minimizing the hard drive's read and write operations. This not only enhances download speeds but also preserves the life of your hard drive by reducing wear and tear.

Beyond that, it’s equipped with an impressive array of handy features. You'll appreciate its support for DHT networks and HTTP, the convenience of magnet links, and the capacity to preview files while they're being downloaded. However, I found it to be too basic and less intuitive than other clients. It didn't help that it looked really old, either.

Visit BitComet

8. Tixati — Completely Ad-Free To Download and Upload Torrents Without Interruptions

The embedded forum and chat tools are invaluable aids for resolving any potential issues

Tixati is a full-featured, ad-free torrent client with everything you need. Its toolkit encompasses torrent prioritization, magnet links, IP filtering, drag-and-drop capabilities, and event scheduling. It also has its own peer selection system, so I could select local peers to increase my download speeds. Plus, it has no unnecessary installations, ensuring optimal functionality right from the get-go.

This software is completely open-source, offering transparency and inviting users to delve into its construction if they wish. It also prioritizes your security through the implementation of encrypted connections. Plus, its website is a treasure trove of comprehensive resource guides that you can refer to at any moment.

It stands out from other torrent clients with its unique layout, featuring tabs positioned along the top instead of the conventional left-aligned menu. It also provides the flexibility to customize the interface to align with your personal preferences. Unfortunately, my biggest issue with it is that no versions of it are available for macOS.

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9. BitLord — Chromecast Feature To Watch Videos on Your Big Screen

Chromecast maintained a rock-solid connection during my streaming sessions

BitLord comes with a built-in media player but also lets you view movies and TV shows you download on a big screen. I really liked how its Chromecast feature worked well for me — it let me stream several movies without buffering. What’s more, it auto-generates subtitles for you and organizes your content into a convenient playlist.

Like Vuze, it comes with a built-in search engine that takes your torrent exploration to new heights. Other features include a password protector, download organizer, speed limits, and bandwidth management.

But be careful when you install it as it sometimes contains unnecessary software. Plus, it took a long time to download, and I found its user interface old, not regularly updated, and clunky.

Visit BitLord

10. WebTorrent — Built-In Player to Stream Torrents as They Download

Every video I watched on the platform played back without buffering

WebTorrent sets itself apart with a dedicated emphasis on streaming capabilities, allowing you to indulge in media consumption while downloading files. Not only could I play the file, but I could control the volume, adjust playback speeds, add subtitles, and more. I also found its interface visually pleasing, and its lightweight nature ensures optimal performance without burdening system resources.

It enhances your viewing by offering an ad-free user experience. Plus, it provides a wide range of suggested torrents for immediate download and streaming upon opening the app. Downloading files is also a breeze – just paste the magnet URL or torrent file, and the download process will commence right away.

The client also offers the convenience of a built-in torrent creator, empowering you to effortlessly generate torrents from individual files or entire folders. But its downside is that it’s more focused on streaming than torrenting. Plus, its limited customization options restrict you from creating your own personalized version.

Visit WebTorrent

How to Stay Safe When Using Torrent Clients

Torrent clients can be a breeding ground for malware and spyware, so you need to use them cautiously. Several torrent apps have infected whole devices with malware in the past, but luckily this isn't common these days. You can be assured that all the torrent clients in this article are tried-and-tested and safe to use.

A similar risk is when you download a torrent file that's infected with malware or viruses. Even the best torrent downloaders can't protect you from this threat, so I recommend only downloading verified torrents from trusted and well-known torrent sites.

Torrenting often requires substantial amounts of bandwidth, particularly for large files. This could slow down your internet speed considerably, especially if you have bandwidth caps on your internet plan. Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can throttle or limit your internet speed if they detect torrenting activity, leading to slower download and upload speeds.

A torrent app's biggest risk is to do with privacy. Whenever you download or share a torrent, others downloading or sharing the same file can see your IP address. This allows them to track you, uncover your identity and location, and target you with malicious attacks.

The best way to protect yourself is to use a reliable VPN, like ExpressVPN, to hide your real IP address while torrenting. By concealing your IP address, your ISP also can't slow you down.

Here are a few more ways to protect yourself when using torrent clients:

• Use reputable torrent clients. Stick to well-known and reliable torrent clients from trusted sources. All the torrent clients on this list have good reputations and are regularly updated to address security vulnerabilities.
• Check ratings. Before downloading a torrent, read the comments and check the ratings. These can give you a good idea of the file's quality and whether it contains any potential threats.
• Use antivirus software. Keep your antivirus software updated and active. It can detect and remove malware or other harmful files that might get downloaded with the torrent.
• Avoid copyrighted material: Downloading copyrighted material is illegal and could result in legal consequences. Always ensure that the content you're downloading is free to share and not protected by copyright laws.
• Use Peerblock. Software like Peerblock can block IP addresses known to monitor torrent downloads, adding an extra layer of security to your torrenting activities. However, this method is not foolproof and should be combined with other safety measures, like a VPN.
• Update your software. Keep your torrent client, operating system, and antivirus software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and protect you from potential threats.

What Are Torrent Clients?

Software applications known as torrent clients allow users to download files via the BitTorrent protocol. This is a P2P file-sharing protocol that enables users to share and transfer files across the internet in a distributed, non-centralized way.

When you download a file using a torrent client, you are not downloading it from a single server or website. Instead, you are downloading small bits of the file from multiple sources (other users who already have the file). These sources are referred to as "peers" or "seeds." The more seeds available for a particular file, the faster the download speed can be.

Torrent clients act as the interface between you and the BitTorrent network. They allow you to download and upload files by connecting to trackers (servers that keep track of available peers for a particular file). The torrent client communicates with the tracker to find peers with the desired file and initiates connections to download it in small pieces. Once the download is complete, the client then combines the pieces into one file.

While torrent clients make sharing and downloading large files easy, some risks are associated with their usage. They come with privacy concerns and the risk of downloading malware and copyrighted material. A VPN is the best way to stay anonymous using a torrent client.

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Quick Comparison Table: Best Torrent Downloader Features

The table provided offers a concise comparative overview to aid in determining the most suitable torrent app for your needs. Observe how these choices stack up against each other.

Tips on Choosing the Best Torrent Clients

When embarking on the quest for the best torrent app, it is crucial to take into account a range of essential features:

• Resource usage. Some torrent clients are lightweight and consume fewer resources, while others can be pretty heavy on your system. If your device has limited processing power or memory, you'll want a client that's efficient and doesn't slow down your machine.
• Interface and usability. A clean, intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface is crucial. Some clients are packed with advanced features, but it can be overwhelming for beginners. Choose a client that suits your skill level and comfort with technology.
• Added features. Different clients come with various features. Some support things like magnet links, peer exchange, web seeding, or scheduling options. Consider what features are important to you and choose a client that offers those.
• Ad intrusiveness. Many free torrent clients come with ads. Some ads can be intrusive and annoying, while others are barely noticeable. Look for reviews or user experiences that mention the ad situation for the client.
• Security. Ensure the client has good security features, such as encryption and a kill switch. Remember, torrenting can expose your IP address to others, so security is crucial.
• Device compatibility. A client that works across multiple operating systems allows you to manage torrents seamlessly across different platforms.

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FAQs on the Best Torrent Clients

Is it legal and safe to use a torrent client?

Yes, torrenting downloaders are legal to use in most countries. You'll be safe as long as you use a VPN and download the app from a trusted source. It becomes unlawful when you use a torrent client to download copyrighted files. But even if you’re downloading legal files, other users can still see your personal info in the client itself. A premium VPN keeps your torrenting activity anonymous by concealing your IP address. Plus, a VPN protects you from trackers and other potential threats that can be present in some torrent files or apps.

Which torrent client is the fastest?

uTorrent was the fastest torrent client during my tests. But many factors determine the speeds of a P2P app, including your internet connection, the health of the torrent, and the number of seeders and peers. You'll want to try out a few torrenting clients to determine the fastest one for you.

But if you want fast speeds while torrenting, using a VPN with your torrent client might be a good idea. It’ll prevent bandwidth throttling by hiding your IP address so that you can download torrents faster. This works because your ISP won’t be able to cap your speed since it won’t see you performing high-bandwidth activities.

What are the best torrent clients for iOS and Android?

The best torrent clients for iOS and Android are uTorrent, BitTorrent, and qBittorrent. These clients are renowned for their lightweight nature and come with stellar features that enhance the user experience. Just note that you can’t download and install torrent software on iOS, so you’ll need to use the web-based version for these clients.

Are there any torrent clients with built-in VPNs?

Not that I could find during my tests, but some torrent apps have built-in encryption that provides an extra layer of privacy. uTorrent, Vuze, and qBittorrent are notable examples of torrent clients with this capability. However, keep in mind that the level of encryption they offer isn’t close to that of a VPN, so your data may be at risk.

Can I use a free VPN for torrenting?

Free VPNs for torrenting are unreliable and risky. These free services often lack comprehensive security and privacy features, leaving you vulnerable to viruses, hacking, surveillance, or data leaks. A premium VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee is a more reliable alternative to stay safe when torrenting, as it offers advanced protection.

Besides, most free services typically cap bandwidth, throttle speeds, and have limited server locations, making it necessary to upgrade for full functionality. Some even have a reputation for embedding malware on their installers, which can wreak havoc on your devices. Others are known for logging and selling user data to third parties like advertisers.

Can I torrent without a VPN?

It’s possible to torrent without a VPN, but it's risky. It's recommended to use a VPN to keep your personal information safe from snoops and hackers. Without a VPN, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), copyright trolls, or anyone who wants to see your online activity can easily see what you are downloading. This can lead to issues such as targeted ads, throttled bandwidth, or even legal action.

Do I really need to optimize my torrent client’s settings?

The default settings of popular torrent clients are often set to work well for most users. However, depending on your specific internet connection and preferences, you may benefit from making some adjustments.
Here are a few reasons why you might consider optimizing your torrent client's settings:

1. Internet Speed. If you have a high-speed internet connection, you may need to adjust your torrent client's maximum upload and download speeds to maximize your available bandwidth.
2. Bandwidth Allocation. Some torrent clients allow you to allocate bandwidth differently for various torrents or specific files within a torrent. You can prioritize certain downloads to complete faster while limiting the impact on other activities on your network.
3. Connections. Adjusting the number of maximum connections and connections per torrent can impact the speed and stability of your downloads. It's worth experimenting with these settings to find the optimal balance for your specific network.
4. Encryption and Protocol. Enabling encryption and choosing the appropriate protocol (like TCP or uTP) can help improve privacy and performance, depending on your circumstances.

It's important to note that improper settings or aggressive adjustments may negatively affect your download speed or the performance of your network. Making gradual changes and monitoring their impact before making further adjustments is recommended.

What are seeders and leechers?

Seeders and leechers are terms used to describe the status of users participating in a torrent swarm (a group of peers sharing a specific file). The purpose of torrent clients is to handle the communication, data exchange, and management of connections between seeders and leechers.

Seeders are users who have already downloaded the entire file and are actively sharing it with others. When a user finishes downloading a file and continues to share it with others, they become a seeder. Seeders contribute their bandwidth to the swarm, allowing new users to download the file faster. The more seeders a torrent has, the higher the download speed potential.

Leechers, sometimes called "peers," are users who are in the process of downloading a file but have not yet finished. They are actively receiving (downloading) the file from seeders and other peers. Leechers download the file in chunks or pieces from seeders, and as they complete the download, they can become seeders themselves and continue sharing the file with others.

Is BitTorrent better than uTorrent?

Both are owned by the same company and offer many of the same features, but uTorrent is more popular since it offers faster download speeds. Both work with major platforms, but uTorrent has additional Linux compatibility. In terms of premium features, however, BitTorrent offers more options, including AD-FREE and PRO+VPN options. Neither provides inherent anonymity or malware protection, so regardless of the client used, a reliable VPN is recommended for safe torrenting.

Can a torrent client infect my device with a virus?

Legitimate torrent clients like the ones on this list are unlikely to infect your device with a virus. However, the files you download using a torrent client may contain malware or viruses, especially if they are from untrustworthy sources. This is why you need to take precautions when using torrent clients, such as using reliable antivirus software and only downloading files from trusted sources.

Conclusion

Even the most popular torrent apps come with risks. After extensive testing, we found the safest torrent client that can enhance your torrenting experience (and they're completely free). They're easy to use and have varying customization options, making them ideal for all experience levels. However, to keep your torrenting activity anonymous, you need a premium VPN like those on my list.

My top choice for secure torrenting is ExpressVPN because its fast speeds and military-grade encryption keep you safe online without slowdowns. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If you're not happy with it, claiming a full refund is straightforward.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.