12 Best Torrent Clients for Mac [Out of 20 Tested in 2023]
Downloading torrent files on Mac seems daunting, but leveraging torrent clients’ power can easily achieve this goal. In this article, we’ll discuss the best torrent clients for Mac with their salient features and technical capabilities.
Before we move on, let’s first discuss what torrenting is. Torrenting is an innovative service for exchanging files via the peer-to-peer protocol between internet users. All it requires is a good internet connection and a good torrent application or cloud torrent. With the latest Mac OS version’s release, it has blocked all torrent apps. Consequently, users could not download torrent files.
Fortunately, many torrent clients for Mac still comply with the latest operating systems. Stay with us till the end of this article, and you’ll find the most appropriate torrent client for Mac.
Best Torrent Clients for Mac
Software | Best For | Top Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. | Folx | Speed adjustment and prioritizing task. | Well-optimized for retina displays. Enable users to download files directly from the magnetic link or tracker. A smart tagging system lets users assign tags to the download tasks. |
2. | qBittorrent | Users seeking an alternative to uTorrent. | Meets all the users’ needs while consuming the least system resources. Enable users to download multiple torrent files at the same time. Packed with integrated torrent search engines. |
3. | uTorrent | Users seeking privacy, speed, and security while downloading torrent files | Detailed file information and download scheduler. Cross-platform synchronization. Assists the users in finding peers using the BitTorrent protocol. |
4. | WebTorrent Desktop | Streaming torrents, whether videos from internet archives or music from the creative commons license. | Supports WebRTC to enable peer-to-peer transport whenever possible. It fetches file pieces from the network when required for instant playback. Non-commercial, ad-free, and 100% open-source. |
5. | Transmission | Full peer communication and tracker editing. | Shows impressive performance on any compatible hardware. Well-suited for media servers and home NAS due to its light overhead. Peer caching allows local clients to share content with other clients from the local cache, |
6. | BitTorrent | New users who aren’t familiar with the torrent software. | Supports download and upload of files between many users. Allow users to assign priority levels to the files while downloading multiple files simultaneously. It provides a hassle-free experience for downloading movies online. |
7. | Vuze | Integrated meta-search for content discovery. | Doesn’t slow the computer while downloading torrent files. Grants access to the plugin library for customization. Robust settings for torrent control. |
8. | Deluge | Handling of all the BitTorrent activities. | Enable users to manage applications from the web remotely. Lightweight application, so it doesn’t burden system resources. Deluge provides users with advanced encryption options to prevent them. |
9. | BitLord | Placing all the downloaded files in perfect order. | Collect torrents from all over the web. Prevent your system from malicious activities while downloading or uploading torrent files. Randomly picked port if selected port is not available. |
10. | Free Download Manager | Splitting files into several parts while downloading them to speed up the process. | Its vast add-ons allow users to download files from any arbitrary site. Support video downloading from popular video streaming sites like YouTube.HTTP/HTTPS/FTP support. |
11. | FrostWire | Searching and downloading files directly from the BitTorrent network. | Ability to play files while downloading. Users can easily download their preferred files or a torrent package with just one click. Users can browse and play all the media files in one place. |
12. | BitComet | Smart disk cleaning | Long-term seeding technology to improve downloading. Highly customizable. Support anonymous downloads. |
- Folx – Best torrent client for Mac overall
Operating System: Mac OS X, Mac OS Classic
Developer: Eltima Software
License: Free
Available Languages: English, German, French, and Spanish.
Folx is arguably the best torrent client compatible with the latest Mac version. With Folx, users can easily download torrent files, specify download and upload speed, and set priority. Above all, it lets the users find downloaded content.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- It is compatible with all the leading web browsers like Opera, Firefox, and Safari.
- It supports multi-threading, so the users can divide the download into 20 threads.
- Since multiple connections emanate from the same server, users will experience an incredibly faster downloading speed.
- With its smart speed control, users can adjust download or upload speed.
Final Thoughts
Folx is the best torrent client for Mac and the preferred choice for users. Its in-built search function allows the users to search the desired torrent files in the app. The utility is fully compatible with the latest Mac versions, but users must migrate to its Pro edition to unleash its advanced features.
2. qBitTorrent – free and authentic BitTorrent client for Mac
Supported OS: Mac, Linux, and Windows.
License: Free
Developer: qBittorrent Project
Unlike other well-known torrent clients, qBitTorrent is free from ads and spyware. By allowing users to download their favorite music, TV shows, and videos with no unnecessary add-ons, this torrent client for Mac saves users considerable time and money while downloading.
qBitTorrent brings to the table these great features:
- Intuitive user interface.
- Supports different BitTorrent extensions like encrypted connections, distributed hash table, peer exchange protocol (PEX), private torrents, and many more.
- Lightweight application.
Final Thoughts
qBitTorrent intuitive interface makes it the best torrent client for Mac users. It is 100% free, easy to use, and packed with a host of great features. Although it is considered safe to use, it is vulnerable to viruses and bugs because it is an open-source utility.
3. uTorrent – Best proprietary adware BitTorrent client
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Developer: BitTorrent Inc.
uTorrent is a lightweight application and is the leading BitTorrent client. It is the preferred choice for Mac users to download music, TV shows, and copyright-free software. This P2P file-sharing platform is easy to use, free, and efficient.
Here are some additional features of uTorrent:
- It supports batch processing; therefore, users can download multiple files simultaneously.
- Users are not required to acquire specific technical skills to navigate this application.
- Equipped with plenty of configuration settings to delight tech-savvy users.
- Quick installation process.
Final Thoughts
uTorrent has garnered substantial industry acclaim since its inception due to its complete interface and host of useful features. You can choose the free option or upgrade to the paid subscription if you don’t want to view irritating apps. However, don’t forget to use VPN to protect your downloaded files.
4. WebTorrent Desktop – The best streaming torrent client for Mac
Supported OS: Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Developer: WebTorrent
License: MIT
WebTorrent is an exceptional Mac torrent client. It doesn’t only allow users to download torrent files but also stream files like movies and audiobooks. As a result, users can access the files without downloading them. Moreover, the torrent client is easy to use and seamlessly integrated into the Mac OS environment.
Let’s look at the impressive features of WebTorrent Desktop:
- It connects the users to Transmission or uTorrent peers.
- Lightweight and fast torrent client.
- Open-source and free to use.
- Its drag-and-drop features allow users to add new torrent files easily.
Final Thoughts
WebTorrent Desktop has a simple and easy-to-use interface. Since the utility requires a minimum setting, it is not difficult for even novice users to navigate the software. Above all, no browser plugin, extension, or installation is required to embrace this fantastic software.
5. Transmission – Tree and easy-to-use BitTorrent client
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux OS.
License: Free
Developer: Transmission Project
Transmission is a fast and less resource-intensive torrent client that can easily identify local systems connected to the users’ system. With Transmission, users can embrace a host of excelelnt features like web-like interface peer exchange and integration with an existing OS. Transmission seamlessly works on the latest Mac OS, but few users have reported bugs.
Let’s look at Transmission’s key features:
- Faster and extremely lightweight application.
- It lets the users configure some advanced settings like blocking bad peers and watching directories with just a few clicks.
- Its simple and sleek interface emulates the Apple UI standards while embracing native features.
- Open-source and privacy-focused app.
Final Thoughts
Transmission is a free, open-source, and volunteer-based project. With the free version, users can use almost all of its features. It best suits users who don’t want their activities to be tracked.
6. BitTorrent – The most trusted torrent downloader
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Developer: Rainberry, Inc
License: Free
BitTorrent is an official client for Mac and offers plenty of great features. It is 100% free, consumes fewer system resources, and downloads at the normal speed. Users can stream torrent files from the app without actually downloading them into their system.
Other key features include:
- Allows users to download multiple files at the same time. Thereby saving considerable time for the users.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface with a built-in media player.
- Enable users to share gigantic files over the internet.
- Comes with an in-built VPN to prevent others from eavesdropping on your web surfing.
Final Thoughts
BitTorrent is a well-known torrent client and the oldest among all other torrent clients. It comes in three versions: Free, Pro, and Pro+ VPN. With Pro+ VPN, you can stop others from spying on your activities.
7. Vuze – The easiest and safest torrent downloader
Supported OS: Windows, Android, Mac, and Linux
Developer: Azureus Software, Inc.
License: Free
Vuze is a feature-rich torrent client for Mac that is equipped with in-built torrent search and Web Remote so the users can handle torrent downloads from a remote location. Vuze’s built-in video media player can play downloaded media, add subtitles in different languages, and playback media from a device connected to Mac.
Before downloading Vuze, you need to know these impressive features:
- Vuze is a lightweight torrent application so it doesn’t slow down the computer.
- It allows users to view the status of each BitTorrent download.
- Allows users to upload original DVDs and HD-quality content.
- Supports I2P (Invisible Internet Project) to prevent you from government surveillance and online monitoring.
Final Thoughts
Vuze is one of the earliest torrent clients for Mac that has been around for almost six years. Although it is completely free, you can avoid irritating ads if you switch to the Pro version.
8. Deluge – Lightweight and cross-platform compatible torrent client
Supported OS: Mac, Windows, and Linux
License: Free
Developer: Deluge Team
Deluge is a free and open-source torrent client for Mac that is cross-platform compatible. Since it is built at the top of GTK +, its UI resembles Ubuntu Genome. It’s relatively heavier and more complex software, so the usability might not be ideal. However, it is equipped with myriad plugins that tend to capture the traction of experienced users.
Here are some of its excellent features:
- Deluge is packed with many useful plugins that extend its functionality.
- Incredibly faster performance.
- As a BitTorrent client, Deluge offers a number of options for addressing the users’ queries like emails and FAQs.
- Highly customizable.
Final Thoughts
Deluge is another well-known torrent client designed specifically for the latest Mac OS. It offers some great features to protect the users’ privacy, like BitTorrent Protocol Encryption and proxy support.
9. BitLord – The easiest torrent client for downloading and streaming anything
Supported OS: Mac and Windows
Developer: BitLord
License: Free
BitLord is deemed the best torrent client for Mac due to its built-in media player that supports many file types. It best suits users who are just starting and its intuitive search function allow users to find files to download. Above all, while downloading the application, no unwanted software is automatically installed into your system.
BitLord brings to the table a few great features:
Its easy search feature lets users find audio, video, text, and other torrents conveniently.
- Users have the freedom to add subtitles in their preferred language.
- Enable users to play any video while downloading instantly.
- Allow users to create playlists of their downloaded audio and video files so they can keep their downloaded torrents in perfect order.
Final Thoughts
BitLord’s popularity amongst Mac users can be attributed to its easy-to-use interface and ability to play torrent files before they have been completely downloaded.
10. Free Download Manager – Powerful yet modern download accelerator
Supported OS: Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android.
License: Free
Developer: Free Download Manager.ORG
Free Download Manager is a straightforward but powerful app that has significantly reduced the time spent on downloading files, folders, and archives from the internet. It solely depends on the BitTorrent protocol. Its ability to split files into packets and download them separately makes it a perfect competitor to other software.
Other important features include:
- Fast, secure, and supports fast downloading.
- User-friendly interface with an eye-catching design.
- Free from adware and malware.
Final Thoughts
Undeniably, Free Download Manager is the best torrent client for Mac, designed specifically for those who want to accelerate their download speed. Despite free software, it offers unprecedented customer support via email tickets.
Download Free Download Manager
11. FrostWire – The best video downloader and a torrent client for Mac
Supported OS: Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android.
Developer: FrostWire LLC
License: Free
FrostWire is a free and open-source Mac torrent client with an eye-catching and intuitive interface. It supports different links and files like magnet links, private torrent links, and PEX (peer exchange) to strengthen the BitTorrent file-sharing protocol.
Let’s look at FrostWire’s crucial features:
- Connect users to different search engines so they can easily find millions of downloadable files under the creative commons license.
- Unlike other torrent clients, search results will appear in the app, not in the browser.
- Enable users to stream files from the cloud ahead of the completion of downloading.
12. BitComet – Free, super-fast, and easy-to-use BitTorrent download manager
Supported OS: Windows (32 and 64-bit), Linux, and Mac.
License: Free
Developer: BitComet
BitComet concludes our list of the best torrent client for Mac. It is well-known torrent software and enjoys a good reputation because it allows users to download music, movies, and other downloadable content.
Before you embrace this torrent software, you need to know these features:
- It offers fast downloading without affecting system performance.
- It lets the users prioritize the first and last segments of multimedia files so users can easily preview files before downloading.
- While using BitComet, users can share torrent files via a P2P network.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a high-speed and less resource-intensive torrent client, BitComet best suits you. Unlike other torrent software, it lets the users modify default settings using its wide range of customization features.
Can you get into legal trouble for torrenting?
Although torrents are deemed illegal in many countries, many countries still legalize torrents and permit users to download copyright-free content. Unfortunately, many popular torrent clients are prohibited in many countries. This is where VPN comes into the picture. Consider using the Express VPN to download any torrent files from your favorite torrent client.
What is the Safest Torrent program?
Based on our research and the data available to us, we can say qBitTorrent, FrostWire, and Folx are some of the safest torrent programs.
Conclusion
Selecting the best torrent client for Mac is a formidable task. We sincerely hope this article will provide you with insightful knowledge so you can make an informed decision. An ideal torrent software should have proper technical support and a special focus on the privacy and security of users. Make sure to keep these factors in mind while selecting your torrent application.
