qBittorrent vs. uTorrent: Which Is Better and Safer in 2024?

qBittorrent and uTorrent are two of the most popular BitTorrent clients. While they share some similarities, they also have key differences.

My team and I left no stone unturned comparing qBittorrent and uTorrent. We rigorously tested their download rates, ease of use, security measures, and privacy features. The results were clear: qBittorrent is the faster, safer, and more reliable choice.

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The Overall Winner is qBittorrent

After a thorough review of each client's speeds, ease of use, safety, and features, I found that qBittorrent offers a better overall experience.

• Speed. Neither client limits speeds, but qBittorrent was faster every time.
• Ease of use. Both clients were easy enough to use, but qBittorrent was more straightforward during download and installation (and it didn't try to sneak in bloatware).
• Safety. Both clients offer several security options, but qBittorrent's open-source code offers complete transparency.
• Features. Both clients have a range of features, but qBittorrent comes out on top for its better (and free) offerings.

For all of its benefits, qBittorrent does have a few drawbacks. Its website was off putting at first because it seemed so outdated, and downloading the program also took longer than necessary due to repetitive pages. I also had to do a little work to determine which version to choose. If it invested in some web design here, I'm sure the process could be greatly improved.

At the same time, I can't say that uTorrent was bad. It’s very similar and just as reliable as qBittorrent. But limiting its features on the free version and displaying ads were uTorrent’s most significant letdowns. It frustrated me that I couldn’t improve my security without paying, and I think it’s unfair that it holds users’ security over them by trying to get them to upgrade to the paid version.

Quick Overview: qBittorrent vs. uTorrent

Both clients offer easy-to-use interfaces, support for magnet links, and essential torrent management features. Other similarities include embedded trackers, DHT, PEX, NAT-PMP, UPnP, LPD, IPv6 protection, built-in search engines, and RSS support. Both are also among the fastest BitTorrent clients in the market.

However, qBittorrent is open-source, free from ads, and highly customizable, making it a favorite for privacy-conscious users. It also supports sequential downloading, so you can stream while downloading. It automatically adds torrents, preloads metadata, and lets you set limits to control things like how much bandwidth you use and the hours the client can operate.

On the other hand, uTorrent, while smaller in size and more resource-efficient, comes with ads in its free version and has raised some concerns in the past over bundled software. You also don't have any access to its code to see for yourself that it's safe. Still, it supports file prioritization, allows for super-seeding, and has an Android app.

Pros and Cons: qBittorrent vs. uTorrent

Now, let's get into a more extensive review of qBittorrent vs. uTorrent and how each performed in various categories.

Speed – qBittorrent Outperforms Every Time

To determine which client offers superior speed, we conducted a series of rigorous tests using both qBittorrent and uTorrent. Our methodology involved downloading identical torrents with varying file sizes and seeders/leechers ratios on the same system and network conditions.

Here's what we found:

Our speed tests consistently showed qBittorrent outperforming uTorrent across various scenarios. qBittorrent completed downloads faster in every test case, regardless of file size or the number of seeders and leechers.

The speed advantage of qBittorrent was particularly noticeable in larger files and those with fewer seeders. On average, qBittorrent completed downloads about 12% faster than uTorrent. Additionally, qBittorrent demonstrated a higher peak download speed of 15.2 MB/s compared to uTorrent's 13.8 MB/s.

I also observed that qBittorrent maintained more consistent speeds throughout the downloads, with fewer fluctuations than uTorrent. This stability contributed to its overall better performance.

It's worth noting that while network conditions and torrent health can affect download speeds, our controlled testing environment allowed for a fair comparison. The consistent results across multiple tests strongly indicate that qBittorrent's superior speed is due to more efficient downloading algorithms and better resource management.

Still, if your overall torrent speed is slow with either client, there are a few things you can do to maintain short download times.

Ease of Use – qBittorrent Wins

When it comes to ease of use, qBittorrent is the clear winner. I easily found the download link for my platform (Windows 11), and the installation process was straightforward. On the other hand, I wasn’t impressed with uTorrent’s attempt to install bloatware I didn't need. I also found that qBittorrent's interface was much easier to work with.

Downloading qBittorrent vs. uTorrent

We never had issues downloading either of the clients, though the download process was slightly different.

qBittorrent

With qBittorrent, the website looked a bit dated, but the home page was clean and easy to navigate, with a well-labeled download page.

You can also click on the download icon to access downloads page

On the downloads page, you'll find information about the client's public key, followed by download links for various operating systems. qBittorrent is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and a few smaller operating systems like Haiku OS and FreeBSD. I liked that there were also mirror links available; this helps ensure there's always a valid download link available.

Use one of the mirror links in case the main link doesn't work

Since I'm a Windows user, I clicked the second link for version 5.0, which I thought would automatically download the right version for my computer. Instead, I was taken to another download page where I had to choose my operating system and version.

It's frustrating that you have to go through 2 pages before real download links appear

μTorrent

I found uTorrent's website to be much more modern-looking than qBittorrent's. I was immediately presented with clearly visible download buttons for uTorrent Web and uTorrent Classic.

Choose uTorrent Web if you want a lightweight client that works directly from your browser

I clicked uTorrent Classic, and instead of heading to a download page, I had to choose which version I wanted. There were three paid versions offering extras like no ads to malware blockers, premium support, and even a VPN, but I went with the free version.

uTorrent also offers a lite version that lets you stream torrents directly on your browser

Once I clicked the download button, the next page promised that my download would start automatically, and it did. uTorrent automatically downloaded the right installation file for my operating system (it's compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux), so I didn't have to choose myself.

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Installing qBittorrent vs. uTorrent

qBittorrent is the obvious winner for its streamlined installation process. It took only a couple of minutes, and there were no devious tactics. Utorrent, on the other hand, took longer to install and tried to install bloatware.

qBittorrent

Installing qBittorrent was very straightforward. After choosing my installation language, I had the option to choose what components to install. Everything on the list was standard, and I didn't see anything sneaky that I had to uncheck.

I like that qBittorrent had already unchecked the two options I would have done myself: creating a desktop icon and launching the program on Windows startup. I prefer when apps don’t create desktop icons so they don’t clog up my home screen. Similarly, I prefer launching torrent clients myself only when I need them and only when I'm protected by a VPN.

All of these components are exactly what I expected to see

From there, I only needed to choose my installation location. The program requires just 137MB of space and took about 15 seconds to finish the installation process. When it was done, I could click to launch the app immediately.

μTorrent

The installation process for uTorrent was a bit different. The first screen was a warning about scammers charging for the company's free torrenting client. I'm not sure how this warning was supposed to help me, as I would have already paid for the free version had I downloaded the client elsewhere.

This warning would be more helpful on the uTorrent homepage

The next two screens prompted me to agree to uTorrent's terms and conditions. This was normal and expected, but the next screens weren't. I was dismayed to see uTorrent trying to sneak in bloatware under the guise of an optional companion.

Click decline to avoid installing unnecessary apps

At this point, I felt that the installation process had already taken too long, so I was not happy to see further installation options broken up into two screens. Nonetheless, these options were safe, and the installation was finally completed 20 seconds later. Once I launched the app the first time after installation, it redirected me to a crypto website, which I found concerning.

Using qBittorrent and uTorrent

Both clients offered clean interfaces and loads of features, but qBittorrent was better because it was ad-free. uTorrent's GUI was clogged with ads, and it tried to make me pay to remove them.

qBIttorrent and uTorrent provide similar experiences when it comes to adding torrents and monitoring their progress. Neither was laggy, but I felt that qBittorrent was easier to use since its functions were more prominently displayed, and the interface looked cleaner without ads.

Whether you're a beginner or experienced with P2P, both clients offer lots of customization options. You can have the clients launch when you start your computer, enable automatic updates, and set bandwidth limits.

You'll find qBittorrent's list of settings by clicking Tools > Options (or clicking the cog icon on the control bar), while uTorrent's can be found by clicking Options > Preferences (or clicking the cog at the far end of the control bar).

I like qBittorrent's large icons

A nice feature you'll find with qBittorrent that its competitor lacks is email alerts when torrents finish. This is helpful for tracking torrent progress when you're away from your computer.

One place where uTorrent comes out on top is its inclusion of a tutorial button for torrenting newbies and a link to its forums under the Help menu. Forums are an easy and convenient way to get help and interact with other users. qBittorrent has its own forums, too, but you won't find a link for them in its client.

qBittorrent

I was pleased to see that qBittorrent has a lightweight and minimalistic interface. If you're new to P2P sharing, you're not going to be overwhelmed by too many buttons or commands.

The pane on the left has multiple categories for tracking your torrents

At the top of the window, you'll find a control bar to add, delete, play, pause, and prioritize torrents. On the left side, you can quickly locate and sort torrents using the status, categories, tags, and trackers menu. The center of the screen is where you'll find your torrents list. When you click one, you'll see stats populate in the area below it. This is helpful for seeing how large a torrent is, how fast it's downloading, and how much longer it will take to complete.

μTorrent

I found uTorrent to have a similar clean feel, and it also had a handy control bar and various menus. However, it was hard to ignore that uTorrent also had two large ads at the top and side of the screen.

Aside from being unsightly, ads can be dangerous because hackers can easily inject them with malicious programs that download in the background without your knowledge. While you can disable ads by upgrading to a paid plan, a better solution is to use an ad blocker.

In addition to the ads, uTorrent constantly reminds you that it has paid options with a link nestled into its menu on the left. If you're wondering whether a paid version is worth it, take a look at what you'll get with the various paid versions:

Don't pay to remove uTorrent ads — use a VPN with an ad blocker instead

Personally, I'd suggest that you stick with the free Basic plan and purchase a VPN on your own. You won't enjoy instant streaming, but you won't need it if torrents download in minutes. (Also qBittorrent includes this feature for free).

Safety – qBittorrent is More Trustworthy Overall

As an open-source client, qBittorrent is regularly examined by the community, so that any potential security vulnerabilities are quickly identified and addressed. This level of scrutiny is simply not possible with uTorrent's closed-source model.

Additionally, qBittorrent is free from ads and malware, which reduces the risk of accidentally installing unwanted or harmful programs. In contrast, uTorrent's free version is ad-supported, which introduces potential security risks. Advertisements can sometimes be vectors for malware or lead users to potentially harmful websites.

qBittorrent also lets you bind it to a VPN to help maintain an encrypted connection while torrenting. uTorrent only allows binding to a specific IP address but not directly to a network interface like a VPN.

qBittorrent's installation is straightforward and free of any unwanted extras. This reduces the risk of inadvertently installing software that could compromise your system's security or privacy.

uTorrent, on the other hand, has had a history of controversy regarding its bundled software. In the past, it has been associated with malware incidents and crypto mining, which raises concerns about its long-term trustworthiness. While these issues may have been addressed, the fact that they happened at all puts uTorrent at a disadvantage.

Both clients offer regular software updates, have embedded trackers, and have IP filters for blocking the IP addresses of users you don't wish to engage with. Additionally, they both use PE and MSE security protocols and support http, https, SOCKS4, and SOCKS5 proxies.

Military-Grade Security Features

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High-level encryption keeps you safe online

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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.

Features – qBittorrent Wins Again

qBittorrent features cater to casual users and power downloaders. While both torrent clients share many core features, qBittorrent's approach to feature implementation and its additional offerings give it a clear advantage.

uTorrent also provides a solid set of features, but many of its advanced options are locked behind a paywall. Additionally, while it does offer a more lightweight experience, the lack of customization compared to qBittorrent means users have less control over how they manage their torrents.

Here’s a breakdown of how the two clients compare in terms of features.

How To Stay Safe While Using qBittorrent or uTorrent

While qBittorrent and uTorrent are powerful tools for file sharing, it's crucial to prioritize your safety and privacy when using these clients. Here are some tips on how to torrent safely:

• Use a VPN. A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for others to track your online activities. Always connect to a VPN before launching your torrent client.
• Choose reputable sources. Stick to well-known, trusted torrent sites. Be wary of suspicious torrents, especially those with unusually high seed counts for new content. Check comments and ratings if available.
• Verify files before opening. Use antivirus software to scan downloaded files before opening them. Be especially cautious with executable files (.exe) as they can potentially contain malware.
• Keep your client updated. Regularly update your torrent client to ensure you have the latest security patches and features. Both qBittorrent and uTorrent frequently release updates to address vulnerabilities.
• Configure your client securely. Enable encryption in your client settings, use a proxy server for an additional layer of anonymity, and disable DHT, PEX, and LPD if you're concerned about privacy. Additionally, set up IP filtering to block known malicious peers.
• Manage your bandwidth. Set upload and download speed limits to avoid arousing suspicion from your ISP. Unusual spikes in internet usage can draw unwanted attention.
• Monitor your downloads. Keep an eye on what's being downloaded. Sometimes, additional unwanted files can be bundled with your intended download.
• Use a firewall. Ensure your computer's firewall is active and properly configured. This adds an extra layer of protection against potential threats.
• Consider using a seedbox. If you’re a heavy torrent user, a seedbox (a remote server for downloading) can provide an additional layer of separation between your home network and your torrenting activities.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on qBittorrent vs. uTorrent

Is qBittorrent or uTorrent better for Mac?

qBittorrent is better than uTorrent for Mac because it’s compatible with a larger number of macOS systems. While qBittorrent is compatible with all macOS versions, uTorrent is not compatible with macOS Catalina and Big Sur. You’ll need to use uTorrent Web for these systems. Additionally, qBittorrent offers more features compared to uTorrent’s free version.

Does Reddit prefer qBittorrent or uTorrent?

On Reddit and similar communities, qBittorrent is generally preferred over uTorrent. This preference is based on factors like its open-source and ad-free nature, better performance, privacy-focused approach, and lack of bloatware. That said, some users still favor uTorrent for its familiar interface and optional paid features.

Do I need to use a VPN with my torrent client?

It's highly recommended that you use a VPN with your torrent client to enhance your online safety and keep your torrenting activities private. The best torrenting VPNs hide your real location and protect your identity so that you can torrent anonymously from anywhere.

Does uTorrent still install crypto miners?

No, uTorrent no longer installs crypto miners. In 2015, an update included a crypto miner, which sparked significant backlash. After receiving widespread criticism, uTorrent removed the miner in later versions and issued an apology. To avoid potentially unwanted apps, it’s advisable to download uTorrent from official sources and be cautious of any additional software offers during the installation process.

Conclusion

Each BitTorrent client has its strengths and weaknesses, but qBittorrent is the best due to its fast speeds, open-source nature, lack of ads, and lightweight performance. Over the years, uTorrent has lost favor due to concerns over bundled software and resource-heavy operations despite its familiar interface and optional premium features.

However, for those looking for a simple, familiar option with streaming capabilities, uTorrent still holds value, particularly in its ad-free paid versions.