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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Thunder is a free download manager out of China that is similar to other torrent download managers. It allows you to bypass torrent blocking by masking a torrent download as a normal HTTP download. It makes it difficult for ISPs to identify the file’s nature. Moreover, it unblocks ports restricted by ISP. UTorrent Free Download for Windows 10,7,8/8.1/Vista (64/32 bit). Compact BitTorrent free client with expansive capabilities. Download the official µTorrent® (uTorrent) torrent client for Windows, Mac, Android or Linux- uTorrent is the #1 bittorrent download client on desktops worldwide. How To: Install Mac OS X 10.7 Lion Beta How To: Download games with torrents How To: Run a Virtual Machine of Mac OS Leopard on a PC How To: Use uTorrent to download files How To: Create a torrent & upload content in µTorrent 1.8.1.
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? 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.
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?
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If you’ve ever been stymied by a torrent that took ages to finish downloading, Folx is the app you never knew you needed. When you use it to download torrents, you can split large files into up to 20 streams that download simultaneously, speeding up the process.
But it doesn’t end there. The app combines its torrent client with a download manager that lets you download music and videos directly from sites like youtube and vimeo. Plus, it offers a built-in torrent search feature and supports scheduled downloads.
Torrents explained
Back in the days when Netflix was a DVD rental service, torrents were the only way to access any media content. Although the rise of streaming services caused a decline, downloading large video files over the BitTorrent network is still a go. Mainly because it’s free. Plus you don’t have to choose between HBO, Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming kings – BitTorrent gives you a universal access.
So what exactly stands behind torrents? BitTorrent is a P2P-based method allowing to download large media files as well as games and applications. P2P means a torrent file is uploaded and downloaded across multiple computers. Those who are uploading are referred to as seeders and those who download – leechers. The download speed directly depends on how many people seed your file.
A torrent downloader is software that helps transfer a file to your computer. Once you locate a link on a torrent website, a torrent client is used to actually download it.
Why to use torrents
- It’s easy to find almost any video content and will take you less time to download than with direct downloading.
- No fees, except for the cost of the software you use to download and manage torrents.
- Network issues won’t disrupt the download process – it will be resumed automatically once you’re back online.
- The majority of torrent clients support remote downloading and scheduling.
- Since P2P downloading is a decentralized process, you can rely on many sources instead of just one.
Is downloading torrents legal?
Whether it’s legal to download a torrent file or not depends on the content you aim to obtain and how you’ll use it. Think a kitchen knife. While it’s a tool used in food preparation, it could also be a weapon. For example, it’s illegal to download torrent movies before they come out on DVD. But if the copyright holder provides a permission for the file to be downloaded and shared, you’re breaking no laws.
How to choose torrent downloader for Mac
Tons of paid and free torrent apps can be found online. There’s one problem, though. Because you can’t really control what’s inside a torrent file until you download it, scammers often use torrent to infect your Mac with some sort of malware. Plus, there could be issues with converting downloaded files into formats that your Mac can open.
We recommend choosing Mac torrent downloader that manages both the download process and results. From regulating speed and bandwidth to editing the output.
Meet an easy-to-use download manager
Folx fits the query perfectly. This small app combines the functionality of a torrent client and download manager. Torrent search is available right in the app, so you get all available sources brought to you directly. By splitting downloads in up to 20 streams, the app significantly accelerates the downloading process.
Here’s how to make Folx your go-to app for media.
Navigating and customization
The app’s home screen is divided into several sections. To flip between them, just click the gray word next to the downward facing arrow in the top middle of the screen. This will let you choose whether you want to see all your downloads, only those downloads that are paused or finished, or review upcoming scheduled downloads.
You can also filter your downloads by tag by clicking any of the tag filters at left.
Torrent downloading
Folx offers a full torrent client for macOS. To access it, click the blue “+” button on the search bar and select the “Torrent” tab. Then click the three dots at right to select the torrent file you want to download. Then set your preferences using the drop-down menus, add any desired tags, and click “OK”. You can also use the default search bar to search for torrents.
In case you don’t want to start downloading at this very moment, schedule torrents for later. This can be done in the app Preferences.
Optimize download speed
In case it’s going too slow, Folx has capabilities for splitting downloads in up to 20 parallel streams. Plus, the app considers all the active processes that are running on your Mac to cleverly adjust download speed. You can manually tweak speed settings in Folx by accessing Preferences > Smart Speed.
Downloading any content by URL
You can also download content by URL. To do so, select the “URL” tab and paste your selected URL into the bar. Add any tags, then add a name for the new file. You can also select whether you’d like to split the download, which can be helpful for larger media.
Downloading from YouTube
The process is almost identical for video from Youtube. Just click the Youtube tab and enter the link or URL. One extra option you have, however, is a drop-down menu that lets you choose what resolution you’d like to download.
Capturing favorite music
Folx Pro also works with audio – you can capture a song or a playlist with the app and then send it directly to your iTunes. To simplify the search, type in the name of a song right in the app, no need to even open your browser. Just as with video, you can accelerate music downloading by splitting an mp3 file into multiple streams.
How To Use Torrent Download
With Folx by Setapp, you won’t have to wait long to enjoy your favorite media. Whether you want to take your favorite videos on the go or just want a handy tool for keeping track of your torrents, this simple app is the last one you’ll ever need.
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