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We’ll go over the pros and cons of our top five torrenting clients as well as the best VPNs to use while torrenting.
How we selected the fastest torrenting clients
qBittorrent
Deluge
uTorrent
Vuze
BitTorrent
How to torrent safely
Best VPNs for torrenting
Fastest torrenting clients FAQs
Bottom line: The fastest torrenting clients
The fastest torrenting clients
Choosing the right torrenting client can significantly impact your experience while downloading torrents.
To select the best torrent clients for speed, we considered factors like user interface, download speed, software features, and overall popularity among users. Our research is based on the latest analyses and user reviews of these clients:
- qBittorrent: Best a no-frills, ad-free experience and minimal CPU usage
- Deluge: Best for a highly customizable platform with numerous plug-ins
- uTorrent: Best for beginners who need a lightweight torrent client with easy navigation
- Vuze: Best for advanced users who require powerful search capabilities and comprehensive features
- BitTorrent: Best for beginners wanting a reliable, user-friendly client with rapid file-sharing capability
Top 5 fastest torrenting clients compared
Client | qBittorrent | Deluge | uTorrent | Vuze | BitTorrent |
Free version | |||||
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Android |
How we selected the fastest torrenting clients
To select our top five torrenting clients for this article, we focused on a blend of performance, functionality, and user reviews.
A significant part of our research was determining ease of use. We looked for clients with a user-friendly interface to enhance the overall experience, especially for those who may be new to torrenting.
Security features like encryption and support for VPNs were taken into account to ensure users can experience safe torrenting practices. We also considered the stability, customization options, and support for different platforms.
qBittorrent
qBittorrent stands out amongst the many torrenting clients due to its blend of performance, simplicity, and range of features. The client appeals to those who seek an ad-free, cost-free solution. It’s a common drawback for free torrent clients to contain ads.
It offers support for encrypted connections and a variety of advanced settings for detailed control over torrents along with remote management. That way, you can control your downloaded files from different devices, queue items, and prioritize content.
However, qBittorrent is not without some drawbacks. Although the interface works, it’s somewhat dated compared to more modern clients. This is really only an issue for those who prioritize aesthetics over functionality.
Some of the advanced features may also be challenging to navigate and use effectively for those who are new to torrenting.
qBittorrent specs
- 100% free and open source
- Good performance
- Supports encryption
- Dated default interface
- Advanced features can be difficult to use
Deluge
Deluge is recognized as a highly flexible and feature-rich BitTorrent client. It’s licensed under GNU GPLv3 and is valued by users looking for customization.
One of its biggest strengths is its design to run as a standalone desktop application or as a client-server. This allows you to operate headless machines and connect remotely from any platform you wish.
Deluge’s modular design allows it to be transformed from a basic interface to a powerhouse of torrenting features with a rich collection of plug-ins. That way, you can create your own personalized version of Deluge.
However, Deluge's strength in customization also brings a certain level of complexity. The basic initial setup may appear too plain or even daunting to new users, and unlocking its full potential requires some time and effort to explore and implement its various plug-ins. This learning curve can be a drawback for beginners or those who prefer a more straightforward, out-of-the-box experience.
Deluge specs
- Expandable via plug-ins
- Supports Chrome and Firefox integration
- Community support and regular updates
- Requires time to learn
- Basic initial interface
uTorrent
uTorrent is a widely recognized client due to its simplicity and effectiveness in downloading. It has a user-friendly interface on both desktop and mobile and has gained popularity with many users.
A significant draw to uTorrent is its ability to download torrents in bulk. You can manage your downloads, prioritize them, and schedule downloads all with ease. On top of this, uTorrent offers the ability to auto-adjust bandwidth to ensure fast downloads.
Although it sits as one of the most popular torrent clients, it has faced some criticism for its approach to updates and software. Concerns have been made, albeit several years ago, in regard to the inclusion of crypto-mining software in past versions, which severely impacted user trust.
The free version of uTorrent also includes ads, which are unavoidable unless you sign up for at least the ad-free version and pay an annual fee.
uTorrent pros and cons
- Wide platform compatibility
- User-friendly interface
- Sequential downloads (pro version)
- Free version contains ads
- Concerns with past crypto-mining incidents
Vuze
Vuze, previously known as Azureus, is a BitTorrent client known for customization.
One of Vuze’s key selling points is its built-in media player. This allows you to stream and play files, with access to a wide spectrum of content thanks to its meta-search function. These features are complimented by the torrent’s support for magnet links and its plug-in library.
Vuze offers both a free and a paid version. Unfortunately, the free torrent client includes ads and has been reported to attempt to bundle other software during installation. Some have noted this as being quite intrusive and unnecessary.
Although not a deal breaker for all, you can only stream torrents while downloading with the paid Vuze+ plan, meaning you’ll have to wait for the download to finish otherwise.
Vuze pros and cons
- Supports a wide range of platforms
- Feature-rich with built-in media player
- Extensive plug-in library
- Free version contains ads
- Bundles additional software during installation
BitTorrent
BitTorrent is probably the most well-known name on our list. It gained a significant user base by offering a straightforward and functional design with fast downloads and advanced customization. Users like the drag-and-drop functionality alongside being able to manage upload and download speeds effectively with a built-in bandwidth booster.
BitTorrent Pro offers more secure torrenting with integrated antivirus scanning and the Pro + VPN version includes CyberGhost’s virtual private network (VPN).
However, most of the advanced features require a subscription of some sort. If you opt for the free version, you'll experience ads, but removing them costs only $4.95/yr.
BitTorrent pros and cons
- User-friendly interface
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Stable software updates
- Free version contains ads
How to torrent safely
Torrenting, while a popular means of file sharing, carries inherent risks such as exposure to malware, copyright infringement issues, and potential monitoring by your internet service provider (ISP) or legal entities.
To mitigate these risks, consider the following tips to torrent safely:
- Use a reliable VPN for torrenting.
- Protect your device from malware and viruses, common in torrent files, using comprehensive antivirus software.
- Only use reputable torrenting sites.
- Opt for torrents with a high number of seeders and positive comments. These are often safer and faster to download. Avoid torrents from unknown sources or with negative feedback, as these might contain malicious content.
- Be mindful of copyright laws in your region. Downloading or sharing copyrighted material without permission is illegal in many countries and can lead to legal repercussions.
- Adjust the settings in your torrent client for enhanced security.
- Ensure your VPN has a kill switch, which will cut off your internet connection if the VPN fails.
- Regularly update your torrent client to the latest version for patches and enhancements that protect against vulnerabilities.
- Avoid torrenting on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks, as these can be easily compromised, exposing your device to cyberthreats.
- Enable IP binding (if available), which restricts downloads to a specific IP address (like your VPN).
- Keep an eye on the files you're downloading. Torrent files may include unwanted software or files that could be harmful to your system.
Best VPNs for torrenting
VPNs play an important role in offering anonymity and security for torrenting. They do so by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic. This keeps all your online activities private from ISPs and helps protect against cyberthreats.
Here are some of the best VPNs for torrenting.
Price | $2.99–$17.99/mo | $4.99–$12.95/mo | $2.03–$6.99/mo |
Max # of connected devices | 10 | Unlimited | 7 |
Torrenting support | |||
Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256 | AES-256 |
No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
Kill switch | |||
Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get ExpressVPN | Get CyberGhost |
Fastest torrenting clients FAQs
What is faster than uTorrent?
While uTorrent is known for its speed and efficiency, some users find that clients like qBittorrent or Deluge can be comparable or sometimes better, especially when optimized correctly. These clients are often praised for their balance between speed, functionality, and lighter resource usage.
However, the actual speed can depend on various factors including your internet connection, the specific torrents, and how you've configured the client's settings.
How can I make BitTorrent run faster?
To make BitTorrent run faster, you can try the following steps:
- Enable port forwarding: If your router supports it, enabling port forwarding can help increase your download speeds.
- Adjust bandwidth settings: Increase the number of maximum connections and active downloads in BitTorrent’s settings.
- Choose healthy torrents: Opt for torrents with a high number of seeders and fewer leechers.
- Use a wired connection: A wired internet connection often offers better stability and speed compared to Wi-Fi.
- Limit other internet usage: Reduce the number of devices or applications using your network while torrenting.
- Use a VPN: Some ISPs throttle P2P traffic; a VPN can help avoid this, though it's important to choose a VPN that supports torrenting.
What is the best uTorrent version?
The best uTorrent version often depends on user preference. The free version is sufficient for anyone looking for access to a torrent client and doesn’t mind ads. The ad-free version suits those looking for no distractions and the Pro version is great for those who seek enhanced privacy.
The Pro + VPN plan is recommended for users who wish to have complete privacy and also want to block malware and viruses.
Bottom line: The fastest torrenting clients
Our top five torrenting clients were selected for their speed and efficiency. Each one has unique strengths, making them suitable for various users depending on their preferences.
qBittorrent stands out as a lightweight torrent client that’s free of ads. Deluge offers a highly customizable torrent with a range of plug-ins. uTorrent is compact and user-friendly, appealing to beginners. Vuze provides a feature-rich experience with multiple advanced playback functionalities. And BitTorrent weighs in with a straightforward interface and a large global audience.
Combining any of these torrenting clients with a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost, will enhance your safety and anonymity. The VPNs provide the necessary added security to protect your data and maintain privacy while downloading torrents.