Torrents are an easy way to download files, but you need a good torrent client to do so.
If you are using macOS. You might find difficulties to find a working BitTorrent client for you MAC PC. Since the release of macOS Catalina, several torrent software stopped working.
May 26, 2021 Best Torrent Websites for macOS Rahul Verma May 26, 2021 Other / Software Apps Get the Apps with this Best Torrent Mac Sites and Clients to Download Softwares for Free making them the utmost choice for the majority of users. Torrent clients are applications that use the metadata stored in torrent files to download media files, ebooks, games, programs, and other data types varying in size using the BitTorrent protocol. While there are several applications that you can use to download torrent files on your mac, we have decided to compile for you a list of the best. Jun 11, 2021 The PRO version of this top torrent client Mac OS X lets you search for torrent content directly from the app, so there is no need to browse through multiple torrent websites. Just enter a search word in Folx, and it will go through the vast list of torrent trackers and display the relevant results. For the guy who don't like the Zoom icon on Big Sur: I didn't like it ether, so here's the one I made for y'all to use. Download link in comments.
Luckily, there are many feature-rich torrent downloader for Mac that still works, and hopefully, by the end of this article, you will be able to choose the best BitTorrent client for your Mac.
What Is A Torrent?
Torrent is a computer file that contains metadata accommodating various information. A torrent file generally comes with the extension .torrent, and it’s hardly a few KB in size. The BitTorrent technology can use the information stored in a Torrent file.
Using Torrent files, you can download movies, music, games, programs, and much more of larger file size. But to do so you will need a torrent client.
What Is A Torrent Client?
A torrent client is a program or application that can initiate or terminate the downloading and uploading process of data using the BitTorrent file-sharing protocol.
In simple words, a torrent client is intended to facilitate peer-to-peer file sharing through the BitTorrent protocol.
Or, You will need a torrent client to download any files using torrent. For that, you will need to open the downloaded file using the BitTorrent client or add a magnet link directly into the torrent client.
Best Torrent Client For MAC (macOS Catalina Compatible)
1. BitTorrent
BitTorrent’s official torrent client is an ideal torrenting software for Mac. This Mac torrent client offers automatic bandwidth management, and you can even set the download/upload speed limits as per your preference.
BitTorrent is completely free to use, but you can upgrade to the Pro version of BitTorrent to unlock features like protection from viruses & malware, ability to watch your torrents without waiting and remove annoying Ads from the program.
Lastly, BitTorrent is a light software, and it doesn’t consume much system resources for its proper functioning. Overall, BitTorrent is an ideal torrent program for macOS Catalina.
2. uTorrent
uTorrent is another feature-rich Mac torrent client, and it’s also a perfect alternative to BitTorrent.
The UI and features of uTorrent are mostly similar to that of BitTorrent. uTorrent comes with a built-in bandwidth booster, and it also allows users to search for torrents right inside the app.
As for downsides, the free version of uTorrent is full of annoying advertisements. However, you can upgrade to the pro version to remove ads and secure your PC from all sorts of threats. uTorrent supports magnet links, and you can even use it to open torrent files.
Surprisingly, uTorrent is only 1.13 MB in size, and it consumes very fewer system resources. Overall, uTorrent is one of the best torrent downloaders for Macs.
NOTE: If you face any issue in installing the desktop version of uTorrent on your Mac, then you can use the web version of this torrent client.
3. Transmission
The next trustworthy Torrent client for MAC on the list is Transmission. This free MAC torrent client sports a clean and easy to navigate UI. In fact, due to its simplicity, Ubuntu has made Transmission it’s default torrent client.
Similar to the Torrent clients mentioned above, Transmission consumes very less RAM, and it works properly even on low-powered computers.
Transmission also offers a plethora of add-ons and plugins for power users. It is worth noting that, Transmission is presently not compatible with macOS Catalina. However, the developers might soon update the program.
The last useful feature of Transmission is its ability to automatically classify torrents into different groups and assign a download location based on the category of file.
4. Vuze
Vuze is a renamed and updated version of the popular torrent software for MAC, Azureus. Similar to uTorrent, Vuze allows users to search for torrents and magnet links right from the app. This popular BitTorrent client features a visually impressive interface.
In addition to being a Torrent client, Vuze doubles up as a full-fledged video player. Vuze supports every mainstream video format like AVI, XVID, Quicktime and you can even add subtitles to your videos.
Overall, Vuze is a reliable torrent client for macOS and its web remote makes it easier to manage torrent downloads on the go.
5. qBittorrent
The last best torrent file-sharing software for Mac on the list is qBittorrent. The UI of this free and open-source BitTorrent client is similar to that of uTorrent.
This feature-rich torrent manager supports all BitTorrent extensions like Magnet/BitComet, Peer Exchange, DHT, and many more.
While downloading a torrent file qBittorrent displays its size, status, seeds, peers, download and upload speed, and ratio.
In addition to macOS, qBittorrent is also compatible with Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD.
As for downsides, the settings UI of qBittorrent is a bit clunky which makes finding and changing a particular setting a difficult task.
Is It Legal To Download Torrents?
It is completely legal to download torrent files using a torrent client. Unless you are downloading a copyrighted content that you don’t own or doesn’t have rights to download.
Igo 8 gratis. Downloading any copyrighted content without the permission of the copyright holders is illegal.
Is It Safe To Download Torrents?
Torrenting is always risky as torrent files downloaded might be infected with viruses or malware. Some of the torrent clients even come preloaded with adware that might harm your PC.
It is strongly advised to use a good antivirus for your MAC PC and even use the premium version of torrent clients for the MAC like Folx Pro torrent app.
Care For Your Privacy While Downloading Torrents:
Users are advised to use a VPN to maintain their privacy online and avoid being tracked while downloading torrents using MAC torrent clients.
Here is the list of best VPN
Also Read-
CONCLUSION
So these were some of the best torrent clients for MAC that are worth checking out.
Do share any of your personal recommendations for the best Torrent clients for macOS Catalina in the comments section below.
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.
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? Netflix serial cracks. 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
- 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.
Best Torrent Client Macos Big Sur
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?