Neither direct download, nor other P2P networks such as eMule, or IPTV … nothing could end the BitTorrent network and its torrents. We started 2020 with the intact interest in using this type of protocol to share files and download from the Internet at maximum speed. In this article we are not going to focus on talking about torrent download pages, but on the torrent programs, applications or clients necessary to download at maximum speed on both desktop systems such as Windows, macOS and Linux as well as mobile phones with iOS or Android .
The BitTorrent protocol has become the most relevant in the P2P landscape and few technologies have managed to shade it when it comes to downloading from the Internet. It is true that it has had its highest and lowest points, the passage of time has shown that it is capable of resisting everything. However, to get the most out of it, we must have applications, better known as torrent clients, to download files from this peer-to-peer network. Luckily, we currently have many solutions for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android with which to download .torrent files or .magnet links.
The Best BitTorrent Clients to download in 2020
Although we could enter to value more issues, we believe that it is best to go directly to the list of the best BitTorrent clients to download in 2020 for the main operating systems of the market:
qTTorrent
We started the review with my personal recommendation (and that of many on the Internet). In this case, we talk about qBitTorrent , a free and free application with all the necessary functions and the highest performance. It is a perfect balance between the simplest that seek maximum speed and the most complete that offer dozens of functions that we will rarely use.
The qBitTorrent application is available for Windows XP / Vista / 7/8/10, although the 64-bit version only works from Windows 7. We can also download it for macOS Yosemite / El Capitan / Sierra / High Sierra / Mojave and Linux in the different official repositories of the best known distributions.
Web Torrent
If we want simplicity above all, Web Torrent is our application. We will only have to open the torrent file to download or the URL of the magnet in its main window so that the download begins in a few seconds. It is a free client that has gained enough adherents in recent times, especially for being a great option for the less experienced.
We have a web version, but also a desktop client for macOS, Windows and Linux . Experienced users may notice the lack of features, but it is one of the highlights for being free, free, simple and very fast.
Tribler
Now that we are back with privacy, Tribler must be our choice. This torrent client makes use of a private network similar to Tor to keep us anonymous. Its operation involves starting up to three proxy servers chained between the sender and the receiver of the files.
We have the possibility to configure different aspects related to privacy and security, even with integrated VLC to play video that we download from the Internet. Currently, Tribler can be downloaded for Windows 7, 8 and 10, macOS Yosemite or more modern and Ubuntu Linux.
Bittorrent
The official client that belongs to BitTorrent, Inc, owner brand of uTorrent . Basically, it is the uTorrent itself with some modifications, especially in the visual field. There are many who advise against its use, but it should appear in the list because it is the official client. It is free, but they will tempt us with a paid version of $ 19.95 per year without advertising and with exclusive functions such as file converter, antivirus and integrated media player.
This torrent client is available for Windows, macOS and Android , being the option for which many choose their name. However, if only for not having advertising, we have many other options with more to offer.
uTorrent
The most famous torrent client in the world and also the most controversial. In fact, he has experienced his particular fall to hell and has lost user confidence. One of its strengths is to have a uTorrent web application. However, advertising and other aspects related to privacy have alienated users.
uTorrent is available for download on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android . Again, we have a free version, but also a payment for $ 19.95 per year without advertising and with exclusive functions such as file converter, antivirus and integrated media player.
BitComet
This stands out for having remote access and integrated virus scanning tool, but also for advanced options such as programming bandwidth or turning off the computer when the downloads have finished. Its interface is quite traditional, so it will take little to get used to it.
Unfortunately, it has integrated ads and only Windows version. Of course, eMule users can download from this network thanks to a plugin that is not activated by default.
Vuze
One of the greats of a few years ago is Vuze (formerly known as Azureus) . This torrent client was born in 2003 and is possibly the most complete if we focus solely on his functions. Of course, we have Vuze Plus with all functions and Vuze Leap, a cropped version for those who just want to download without complications.
The Plus version has functions such as multimedia support, integrated navigation to search for torrent, a folder that connects directly with iTunes or more common functions such as turning off the PC when completing downloads.
Deluge
Simple interface for a customer who, without making much noise, has been doing things for years. The good thing is that it is available with many systems: Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, OpenSUSE, Arch or Gentoo); Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10), macOS and BSD Unix; In addition to allowing us to fully customize the experience with the use of plugins or extensions.
In the plugins section , we have them of all colors. Without going any further, we have found one to add email notifications when the download is finished, another to schedule the downloads, another to have a web interface, another to automatically download RSS …
Bitord
A free client that can be password protected, streaming video or audio while downloading and searching for new torrent to download without having to leave the program. It also allows you to add RSS to be aware of the news.
It is available for Windows and macOS. Some users have been able to see how the website of the application has been marked as insecure and when we install the torrent client on the PC it is possible that the installer makes changes or ends up casting programs that we have not requested at any time.
Tixati
Free torrent client without advertising with an interface is quite simple with different tabs to see all the details and the information presented in full detail. Supports DHT, PEX and magnet links . Simplicity and transparency is what we need right now, that’s why this client has triumphed.
It is available for Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, macOS Lion, Mountain Lion and Mavericks, Linux.
Transmission
This is one of the minimalist customers par excellence that flees from any type of advertising. Your code is available for anyone to review and confirm that they do not track users.
We can download it on macOS, Windows or several Linux distros such as Ubuntu, Fedora, Mandriva, Debian or Arch Linux. In addition, it has a client for ReadyNAS, Synology, WD MyBook, Drobo and other systems.
TotalD
This client goes one step further to be a download manager that supports Torrents , Direct Download and online videos. It is possible that this decays the balance for many, although we know that others prefer an application focused on doing one thing well instead of one that tries to do many things well.
It has a paid Pro version for € 13.90 with unlimited download of torrents, access to premium accounts. Personally, just by limiting the torrents in the free version, I would look at other options.
JSTorrent
And if we talk about different platforms, this is a torrent client for Google Chrome written entirely in JavaScript. It is downloaded from the Chrome Web Store in exchange for 2.29 euros. It is a good option for customers with Chrome OS , because if we have a Windows PC or other operating system, we have more complete free options.
However, it has good ratings and it never hurts to know about alternatives in case at some point we are forced to embrace Chrome OS as an operating system.
Frostwire
A free client that offers torrent search in the application, file preview or integrated player. We can view files while they are downloading, ideal to avoid downloading what we do not want.
It is available for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista , Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) or later, Linux, Unix, Solaris and Android 5.0 (Lollypop) or later.
PicoTorrent
A really light client for Windows with minimal consumption of RAM . Everything is encrypted with I2P, SOCKS4, SOCKS5 and HTTP (S), works with IPv4 and IPv6, its interface is available in several languages and is open source for our peace of mind.
Its appearance is as if it were a native Windows application because it uses Microsoft‘s own APIs. We have both 32-bit and 64-bit versions for Windows for all users.
LIII BitTorrent Client
A very light and open source torrent client that consumes very few resources . It is available on GitHub from where we can download from its source code to its compiled versions. Their functions are basic, but that is precisely what they intend to minimize the consumption of resources. Very clear, simple and minimalist interface.
As we have said, we have it available for Windows only, although we can install it on the system or opt for a portable version.
Torrex
Torrent client available in the Microsoft application store for Windows 10, therefore, this is a UWP application. This is offered in a free Lite version, but also in a paid version with more features. It stands out for its simple interface, support for Continuum, integrated viewer, filters and connection encryption.
It is available as a UWP application for Windows 10, but we will also be able to install it on Xbox One and Surface Hub.