The Best Torrent Clients in 2021. Finally, we’re ready to present the 10 best free torrent clients in 2021. Go ahead and check them out below. UTorrent Classic / Web – The Most Popular P2P Client! BitTorrent – Best Pick for First-Timers. Transmission – Highly Polished macOS Client. QBittorrent – Simple & Hugely Powerful Option. This well-known alternative to Frostwire is available for Mac, Windows, and Android. It also has a very helpful Twitter account. BitTorrent had to come first on this list, if only because it was the first name that sprung to mind, and we expect it will be familiar to most of our readers. What is Vuze for Mac. Vuze is the ultimate client for BitTorrent. Mac-native, it's a fast and accessible file sharing solution. It lets you find torrents with a built in search bar, then download them at blazing speeds. Vuze even lets you control your torrent downloads from a web interface. File transfer, with helpful features: Built-in player. Or look for the movie on torrents, and using a safe torrent downloader, download the movie with a vpn and watch it. Torrenting without vpn is not good, always use one. I’ve been using NordVPN and got it really cheap at $2.99 per month on a 3 year plan and I’m very happy with it. Best Torrent Downloader For Windows & MAC. Utorrent is one of the best torrent clients in all torrent downloader for Windows. It is also available for Mac, Linux, and Android. It is lightweight software with easy to use interface. Utorrent also has a free version and a pro version. Pro version is available for only $19.95 yearly.

Are you looking for a reliable torrent client to download files online? To help make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the best free torrent clients.

In case you’re in a hurry, these are our picks for the best free torrent clients:

Also, always make sure you stay safe when using a torrent client. A good option for this is a VPN (such as NordVPN). A VPN will protect your data and keep you anonymous. That being said, always check to see that you’re only downloading files you’re allowed to download in your country, or else you will risk getting fined or worse. We do not support the illegal downloading of copyrighted files.

For more information about these torrent clients, or to learn more about torrent clients in general, continue reading the full article.

When you download or upload files or folders through a torrent network, that’s called torrenting. What makes torrenting different from other types of downloading is that you download files from another users’ device on the network rather than from a central server. Also, users upload files from their devices for other people to download.

Torrenting is the leading form of peer-to-peer file-sharing online. If you want to download or upload files through this sort of system, you need to download a torrent client. These downloads are referred to as torrents and contain metadata about the files and folders, as well as information about the network location of trackers.

A torrent client is software that lets you download files and folders from other people who are sharing those files from their devices. People who are sharing the files are called seeders. The more seeders that are available, the faster the download will finish.

For more information about torrenting, check out our article on what torrenting is.

In the current article, we’re going to go over our top 10 best free torrent clients you can use to download and upload torrent files. We’ll also go over some of the most common questions you have about torrents and the legal-side of downloading or uploading files through the peer-to-peer network.

Is Torrenting Legal?

Torrenting itself is not illegal. However, downloading copyrighted files can be illegal. What this means is that the act of peer-to-peer file sharing through torrenting is perfectly legal but where you can get in potential trouble is when the file you download is unsanctioned copyright material. While torrenting isn’t illegal, it’s your responsibility to make sure the torrent file you download is legal.

Copyright is a type of intellectual property that gives the owner of the material the sole right to make copies of the work for a set period of time.

Figuring out what content is illegal to download because of copyright laws can be difficult. That’s why there are so many grey areas when it comes to downloading files through torrent clients. Even within a single country, there are different laws in place depending on what you’re downloading. If you’re unsure if you can legally download a file, make sure you do the proper research first.

The Top 10 Best Free Torrent Clients

Below are our picks for the top 10 free torrent clients. While some are best for new users, others have advanced features more experienced people may want to explore. There are also some that are only available on Windows or macOS which could be an issue if you use a Linux-based operating system.

Without further delay, let’s get into the pros, cons, and features of the best free torrent clients you can download today.

1. qBittorrent

Website: https://www.qbittorrent.org/

Features

• Integrated torrent search engine
• Media player
• Torrent and file prioritization

qBittorrent is a free, open-source torrent client that provides you with an easy way to download torrents without having to deal with aggressive ads and bundled bloatware. The interface is simple to navigate and use, with more advanced settings available if you need them. A potential limitation of qBittorrent is that the advanced features take some getting used to in order to have them set up properly. Some of the benefits of using qBittorrent include scheduling computer resource limits on downloads and watching videos while they’re downloading.

2. BitTorrent

Website:https://www.bittorrent.com/

Features

• Set priority levels for downloads
• Schedule downloads for different times
• Built-in search feature

BitTorrent is a torrent client that you can use on various operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, as well as iOS and Android devices. This free torrent client is one of the longest-running options on this list that’s still being supported today with new updates. The downsides of this torrent client are that they bundle bloatware into the download and the free version has ads built into the software. Bloatware refers to software you don’t need to download to use the program but is bundled into the download process. Some of the most useful features of this client include built-in search functionality, magnet link support, and encrypted connections.

3. uTorrent

Website:https://www.utorrent.com/

Features

• Schedule speed cap for different times of the day
• Set a cap on maximum bandwidth for downloads
• Manage downloads remotely using a smartphone

With millions of downloads across Android and desktops, uTorrent is the most popular torrent client on this list. This torrent client has a number of useful features included in its free plans such as speed cap scheduling, bandwidth limiting, and remote client management. Some of the biggest limitations of uTorrent include bundled software during the initial download, invasive advertising on the application, and being resource-heavy despite the company calling the program lightweight.

4. BitLord

Website: http://www.bitlord.com/

Features

• Play on Chromecast while downloading
• Built-in media player
• Automatic subtitles

Available on both Windows and macOS, BitLord is an easy-to-use torrent client that includes search functionality and intuitive ways to organize downloads. The software also offers you the option to browse torrents by both category and top torrents organized by year, month, week, and day. Unlike some of the other choices on this list, BitLord is 100% free and doesn’t offer additional paid plans for more features. The only real limitation of BitLord is that you can’t use it on Linux.

5. Vuze

Website:https://www.vuze.com/

Features

• Built-in search functionality
• Download subscriptions
• Vuze remote app for Android phones

Vuze is a great torrent client if you’re looking for an option that has a clean interface with built-in search functionality. This application also includes the ability to play or stream videos while they’re downloading by using the built-in video streaming player. The biggest drawback to the free version of this client is that it is ad-supported. You can use an Android app to manage your downloads and uploads, as well as set schedules and pause torrents. Vuze also tries to sneak an antivirus program into the installation process, similar to what some other torrent clients do with the bloatware they bundle into their installations.

6. Deluge

Website:https://deluge-torrent.org/

Features

• Scheduler for downloads
• Unique included plugins from Deluge
• Add-on plugins from other creators for customization

Deluge is an open-source torrent client that offers you a lightweight option for your downloads and uploads. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, Deluge includes features like download scheduling, as well as a plugin-system for customization. The plugins are useful for setting up things like notifications, extractors, IP blocklists, and more. The downside to this plugin system is when you run into compatibility issues based on version numbers and Deluge updates.

7. Tixati

Website:https://www.tixati.com/

Features

• Encrypted chatroom
• Malware security
• RSS support

Tixati is one of the most feature-heavy torrent clients on this list. The software includes functions like magnet links, download scheduling, and prioritizing, as well as detailed information about the data you’re sharing. This client will also tell you your bandwidth usage and provides you with an event logger so you can keep track of what the client and torrents are doing. The biggest drawback to Tixati is that it’s only available on Windows and Linux.

8. BiglyBT

Website:https://www.biglybt.com/

Features

• Swarm Discovery window
• Device Support plug-in
• Remote control with Android app

BiglyBT is a free, open-source client with a clean interface that’s free from any intrusive advertisements. One of the unique features of BiglyBT is the Swarm Discovery window which recommends torrents based on what you’re downloading. You can also use the Device Support plug-in to convert the videos you download to a format that works for your mobile device. The only thing you need to be aware of when using BiglyBT is that it uses more resources than other clients on this list.

9. Transmission

Website:https://transmissionbt.com/

Features

• Download scheduling
• IP filtering
• Remote management with app

Transmission is a free torrent client that’s available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This open-source software is packed with useful features while also being one of the most lightweight options on this list. The interface is simple to use while still providing you with advanced settings if you need them. Some of the features of Transmission include support for encryption, remote management, download scheduling, and faster than average download speeds.

10. Bitport

Website:https://bitport.io/

Features

• Downloads are stored in the cloud
• Enhanced security features
• Fast torrent downloads using Bitport server

Bitport is a unique torrent client because it uses cloud storage for your downloads, storing your completed files in the cloud instead of on your computer. The advantage of this is that you can save space on your hard drive by storing your downloads on the cloud instead. Also, if your computer crashes you can still access your files in your cloud account. You also don’t need to download anything to use this service, instead, signing up for the service on their website. The biggest drawback to this client is that you’re restricted to one download a day on the free plan.

The Importance of Choosing a Safe Torrent Client

When it comes to downloading torrents, you need to make sure you’re taking the proper precautions to protect your computer from malicious files. Due to the nature of peer-to-peer file sharing, it can be hard to know what’s safe to download and what isn’t. This is why it’s so important you choose a torrent client that can protect you from malware and other dangerous programs. It’s also a good idea to only use the safest torrent websites. For more information about the best torrent sites, check out our article here.

Some of the best torrent clients when it comes to safety are BitPort and Tixati. Both of these options can detect malware automatically, protecting your device from unwanted software or harmful files.

It’s also always a smart idea to use a good antivirus program when you’re downloading files from the internet to protect your computer. Check out this link to learn all about antivirus software and why it’s so important.

Using a VPN with Your Torrent Client

First off, always make sure that you only download files that you are allowed to download. That being said, using a VPN is essential when it comes to extra protection and security when using torrent clients. While it doesn’t make you untouchable from legal action if you download files you aren’t allowed to, a VPN will hide your activity from your ISP. This is beneficial because some ISPs will throttle your internet speed if you download a lot of large files online on a regular basis.

The best VPN to use with a torrent client is NordVPN. The reason we choose this VPN as the top option for torrenting is that it has a large number of specialty servers and comprehensive privacy policies. NordVPN also openly supports peer-to-peer file-sharing through its provided infrastructure. They also have a proven no-logs policy and strong DNS leak protection.

• Excellent protection and a large network of servers
• Nice and pleasing application
• No logs

The Legal Implications of Using a Torrent Client

While using a torrent client isn’t illegal, downloading copyright files is against the law. Some of the legal implications of using a torrent client to download movies, music, TV shows, or programs that you didn’t pay for include potential fines and legal action.

In a lot of countries, governments work with ISPs to catch users who distribute copyrighted material through torrenting. Your ISP can be forced to hand over your personal information if they get a subpoena or court order from the government.

If you’re caught downloading illegal files, you could receive a letter from a party (person or company) that enforces copyrights. These individuals or companies hunt down users who torrent on behalf of Hollywood production companies and threaten legal action if a small settlement isn’t paid.

Sometimes the government will try and block torrent websites. While this is becoming less common, there are ways around these blocks. The best way to still access blocked websites is by using a VPN. You can read more about using a VPN to access sites like Pirate Bay in our article.

Safest Torrent Downloader For Mac 2021

We do recommend that you don’t download any files that are illegal so that you don’t break copyright laws in your country.

Conclusion: The Best Torrent Client for You

Finding the best free torrent client isn’t easy to do when there are so many options. We’ve gathered what we feel are the top clients for the widest number of users. From Linux to macOS and Windows, these torrent clients should cover all the bases when it comes to finding an option that works for you.

These are our picks for the best free torrent clients:

1. qBittorrent (Best for new users)
2. BitTorrent (Best for advanced users)
3. uTorrent (Best for users who want more control over downloads and uploads)
4. BitLord (Best for users who want to search for torrents in the client)
5. Vuze (Best for Android users)
6. Deluge (Best for Linux users)
7. Tixati (Best for Windows users)
8. BiglyBT (Best for users who want download recommendations)
9. Transmission (Best for users who want a lightweight option)
10. Bitport (Best for users with limited storage space)

Are you unsure what the best torrent client is for your computer? Do you have concerns or questions about downloading torrents? Check out our FAQ for all the answers to your questions about torrenting!

A torrent client is a program that lets you share files using a peer-to-peer network. You can both download and upload files and folders through a torrent client. The most popular torrent clients include download managers and streaming options through the program.

The best overall torrent client is qBittorrent. The reason we like this client the best is that it’s lightweight, it doesn’t bundle extra software during the initial installation, it isn’t ad-supported, and it has an easy-to-use interface. The extra features are also useful for more advanced users.

To read more on the best free torrent clients, check out this article.

All you need to do is search for a torrent file from either the browser or the client itself and download that file. Once the download is complete, the file will be placed in the directory of your choice on your computer. Some torrent clients allow you to play the file directly in the program while others only let you download and upload files.

Torrent clients are legal to use for downloading and uploading files online. The legal implications come if you’re downloading or uploading files that are copyright-protected that you don’t have the rights to share.

All of the torrent clients on this list work with Windows 10. These include qBittorrent, Bittorrent, uTorrent, BitLord, Vuze, Deluge, Tixati, BiglyBT, Transmission, and Bitport. In most cases, any torrent client you decide to use will be compatible with Windows 10.

The best torrent client for macOS is Transmission. This program offers a wide range of features and power-user options for you to explore. Transmission also runs well on less powerful machines by using less RAM and only the resources it needs.

You have to start by making sure the VPN you want to use support torrenting. Once you’ve confirmed this, you need to start your VPN and verify that you’re connected to a different server from your own. After you’ve checked the server you’re connected to, you can start your torrent client like you normally would.

The world might be gravitating to online streaming, but peer-to-peer file sharing through torrents remains ever-popular. It's important to stay safe while torrenting by using a virtual private network (VPN), even when sharing something entirely legal, but which clients are the best for the job?

ProPrivacy has compared several BitTorrent clients out there to find the cream of the crop, so you don't have to! Keep reading to discover which one is best for you.

What are the best BitTorrent clients?

There are many BitTorrent clients out there to choose from and not all of them were built equal. Take a look at what ProPrivacy considers the best of the best to torrent with:

qBitTorrent

qBitTorrent is the best torrenting client out there, being both open source and full of features

PROS

• Open source
• Lightweight
• Efficient
• Can bind to VPN
• Fully featured

CONS

• Can't think of any

As a long-term Vuze fan, it took quite something for this lightweight open source BitTorrent client to replace Vuze on my desktop. One reason I stuck with Vuze for so long is the ability to bind the torrent client to my VPN interface.

Although not strictly necessary if your VPN software features a kill switch, I have always appreciated this extra layer of security. It prevents the client downloading torrents when the VPN is not active.

qBitTorrent not only supports this feature, it makes it much easier to implement. This was a big factor in me making the change, as was qBitTorrent’s lean-and-mean 100 MB or less install size (exact size depending on platform). There is no bloat with qBitTorrent!

Despite this, qBitTorrent features just about everything most torrenters will need. This includes BitTorrent protocol encryption, torrent prioritization, torrent querying, selective content download, torrent creation, remote access, and RSS subscription. You can search for torrents from within the client, and the built-in media player is handy.

Best Bittorrent Client Windows

qBitTorrent is 100% free and ad-free. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. For a more detailed look at this excellent software, including instructions on how to bind qBittorrent to your VPN interface, please check out 5 Best VPNs for qBittorrent.

Transmission

Transmission has overcome older problems to build a reputation for itself as a great torrent client

PROS

• Open source
• Lightweight
• Tons of features
• Pretty
• Available natively on many obscure OSs

CONS

• Not much (vulnerability should be fixed by the time most of you read this)

Transmission started life as a Mac and Linux-only BitTorrent client, where it built up a formidable reputation. Windows users can now also get in on the act. Although a very capable BitTorrent client, the main draw of Transmission is its beautiful user interface, complete with Growl notifications for Mac users.

But it’s not all about looking pretty. Transmission features webseed support, BitTorrent protocol encryption, watch directories, tracker editing, global and per-torrent speed limits, and more. It also supports optional add-ons that can expand its feature-set. These include RSS subscription tools and a Kodi plugin.

Transmission has recently hit the headlines thanks to a vulnerability that can be exploited by hackers. I discuss this a little later in the article, but a patch is available, and the issue is very easy to fix yourself, anyway. I have therefore decided to not let this problem affect Transmission’s ranking in this 5 Best guide.

Transmission is 100% free and open source. It is available for Windows, Mac OSX/macOS, Linux (many distros), FreeBSD, Gentoo, and more.

The Transmission Vulnerability

A security researcher discovered a flaw in Transmission that could allow hackers to execute malicious code on targets’ computers. In theory, this could allow them to completely take over the infected system.

The flaw took advantage of lax security in Transmission’s remote web access feature. Note that this is a proof of concept attack, and there has been no evidence of it being exploited in the wild. The current version of Transmission has already implemented a fix.

Alternatively, if you wanted to be sure, the flaw is easy enough to fix for yourself. If you don’t use the remote web access feature, simply turn it off! Go to Preferences -> Remote and uncheck 'Enable remote access.” If you do use the remote web access feature, then change the default password to something secure. Easy!

Note that the security researcher who discovered the flaw has hinted that other BitTorrents clients may also be vulnerable. It is probably a good idea to check similar settings in whatever client you are using.

Vuze

Vuze might not be as lightweight as others in this list, but its feature-packed approach will appeal to some

PROS

• Ridiculously fully featured
• Can bind downloads to VPN
• Lots of plugins available to increase functionality
• Built-in video player
• Great Android apps

CONS

• Somewhat bulky and resource-heavy
• Ads
• Tries to install crapware
• Only partially open source
• Interface could be prettier and more intuitive

Vuze is a granddaddy of BitTorrent clients. It is no longer open source, and it creaks somewhat under the weight of its myriad features. It is, in other words, the polar opposite of lightweight clients such as qBitTorrent.

But who said a shed load of features is necessarily a bad thing? Most torrenters will never use all the tools available, but there is really almost nothing Torrent-related that Vuze can’t do. This includes being able to bind Vuze to your VPN adapter, but also loads more funky stuff such as content discovery through automated subscriptions, having an integrated media player, remote management, and much more.

You can convert files to multiple formats using Vuze’s drag-and-drop interface and analyse your downloads using a wealth of statistics and visualizations. Vuze is a power user’s dream.

On the downside, Vuze is resource-heavy and rather ugly (especially when compared to Transmission!) Its clunky interface is also showing its age. This situation is not helped by the inclusion of ads in the free version, or by the fact that you need to be careful during installation if you do not want to also install a load of crapware.

Although Vuze is primarily free, a premium version is also available for $29.90 USD per year. A Vuze Plus subscription removes the ads and provides built-in anti-virus scanning, a DVD burner, and 'play now' support. It is, admittedly, pretty funky!

This also brings me to the point that, despite its open source roots, Vuze is now closed source proprietary software. It is worth noting that reports of Vuze’s demise appear to be very premature. Vuze 5.7.6.0 was released in October 2017 and is fully functional.

Unlike the desktop client, the excellent Android app is lightweight and ad-free. A pro version is now available via in-app purchase (about $4), but I have been unable to determine what features this adds (and am too skinflint to shell out the money necessary to find out!).

Vuze Remote is a handy app for Android that allows you remote control your desktop torrent downloads.

Vuze is available for Windows, Mac OSX/macOS, Linux, and Android.

Popcorn Time

Popcorn Time has taken a leaf from Netflix's streaming book to present a video-only torrenting service

PROS

• Instant streaming of high quality BitTorrent content!
• Open source
• Very smart interface
• Chromecast, Airplay and DLNA support
• Available on just about every platform

CONS

• Only for video content

All the other programs on this list are BitTorrent clients. You download a .torrent file or click on a magnet link, and the content downloads to your computer where it is stored locally.

Popcorn Time is different; It is an open source app that uses BitTorrent technology to stream high quality video content to all major platforms. This means that unlike with traditional BitTorrent clients, you can watch a film or show without waiting for the download to complete. You might be thinking 'is Popcorn time safe?' While it can be dangerous for your computer, using a VPN can keep your machine secure.

It is notable for having a very slick and intuitive interface, and for providing access to a huge library of up-to-date content.

Although primarily a streaming platform, content can also be downloaded locally (and some content is always cached). Various versions (forks) of Popcorn Time are available, but I strongly advise only using one of the forks recommended in Best VPN for Popcorn Time guide.

Specific features vary a little depending on which fork you use, but steaming to your big-screen TV via Chromecast, Airplay and DLNA is pretty standard.

Popcorn Time is free, and respectable versions are free from ads and other crapware. It available for Windows, Mac OSX/macOS, Linux, and Android. PopcornTime.to even has an iOS VPN App that can be installed without jailbreaking your device.

Deluge

Deluge has no ads, compared to some of the more popular torrent clients out there

PROS

• Open source
• Lightweight
• Lots of features
• Expandable via plugins (incl. RSS)

CONS

• Less fully featured than some other clients

Like qBitTorrent, Deluge is a fairly conventional but lightweight and open source BitTorrent client. Its feature list is not huge, but should be more than enough to satisfy most users. Features include remote web management and support for magnet links.

Functionality can be further extended with a range of both in-house and third-party plugins. Highlights include plugins for RSS support, Growl notifications, streaming while downloading, and more.

Deluge is completely FOSS, with no ads or crapware. It is available for Windows, OSX, Linux (various distros), and FreeBSD.

Check out our 5 best Deluge VPNs page for a list of the best services to use with this BitTorrent client.

Why not uTorrent or BitTorrent?

uTorrent and its almost-identical sibling, the official BitTorrent client, remain the most popular BitTorrent clients in the world. It is, therefore, reasonable to ask why I have not included it in this best 5 BitTorrent list. Please note the different between BitTorrent as a protocol and the BitTorrent client to avoid confusion.

Both uTorrent and BitTorrent are closed source and supported by ads. These ads can be turned off if you delve deep enough into the software’s settings, but this is still very irritating. It is my personal view that this means uTorrent has all the disadvantages of Vuze, but not as many useful features.

So if you want a slightly clunky closed-source ad-supported BitTorrent client, but one that compensates for this by offering a wealth of features, then use Vuze. Other opinions are available.

What is BitTorrent?

BitTorrent is a popular peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing protocol. Instead of being stored on a centralized server from which you download, torrented files are shared among many other BitTorrent users. Popular files can easily be shared among hundreds of users in this way.

When you 'download” (which is something of a misnomer when it comes to torrenting) a file using the BitTorrent protocol, what you are actually doing is sharing small pieces of it with everyone else who is downloading that same file.

A file is 'downloaded” once you have all the pieces needed to reassemble that file. It is considered good form to 'seed” (continue sharing) the file for a while after it has been downloaded, in order to help others reach 100% completion.

Why use a Client?

Although still very popular, BitTorrent use has declined somewhat in recent years. This is in part thanks to the wealth of legal streaming options available from providers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, hulu, and many more. The popularity of illegal options, such as Kodi and streaming websites, is also a factor. For top tips and the best VPN for Streaming, take a look at the guides below:

The more traditional method of downloading using a BitTorrent client, however, continues to offer some major advantages:

• BitTorrent content is downloaded locally, so it is available forever and can be easily physically transferred between devices.
• Literally, any kind of digital content can be download – not just video content. This includes software, images, eBook, games, and… you name it!
• But when it does come to video content, the quality is often considerably higher than streamed content. This is because there is no need to keep file sizes down to avoid buffering issues, since content is played locally.
• BitTorrent is a very efficient and resource-light way to share and promote your own content with others.

Many Linux distros find torrent links are the best way to distribute their software without having to host it on costly servers.

Use a VPN when torrenting

BitTorrent content is shared among multiple home computers. This is not good for privacy because sharing files with a bunch of other random 'downloaders” on the internet is hardly private.

Using the right software (which includes many popular BitTorrent clients), it is very easy to see the unique Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of every other person also sharing ('downloading”) the same file.

As demonstrated in Vuze above, I can see the IP addresses of every other person who is downloading the same files as me.

Is torrenting legal?

Yes, torrenting is entirely legal, while the content you share might not be. Torrenting is just a protocol that allows you to share things peer-to-peer. Since laws differ around the world, it's difficult to say what is legal and what isn't, although sharing copyrighted material without the express permission of the owner almost always errs on the side of illegal.

It's pretty easy to catch those that torrent illegally shared content, because the nature of torrenting means your IP address is on show to anyone else sharing the file. All the copyright holder, or a third party representing them, would need to do is notify your internet service provider (ISP) to take legal action against you.

This is why it is important to use a VPN to protect yourself online.

Why should I use a VPN when torrenting?

A VPN will protect you while downloading because:

• A VPN will hide your IP address from other downloaders. As mentioned in the previous section, torrenting puts your IP address on display for others that are sharing the file. Connecting to a VPN server masks your IP address to protect your privacy.
• A VPN encrypts all internet traffic between your computer and the VPN server. This means that your ISP cannot see what you've been getting up to online. Of course, deep packet inspection will reveal that you have been downloading, but they will be none the wiser as to what.

VPNs with robust logging policies will have nothing to hand over to the authorities, no matter what pressure they may come under. A VPN will also unblock websites if they are censored for any reason.

So as long as P2P is permitted, a VPN is very effective at protecting your privacy while downloading.

For a more in-depth look at how VPNs work, please check out VPNs for Beginners – What You Need to Know. For a more in-depth guide to using a VPN while torrenting, check out Best VPN for Torrenting guide.

BitTorrent protocol encryption

Some BitTorrent clients support BitTorrent protocol encryption. These include Transmission, qBitTorrent, and Vuze. It is a feature designed to hide the fact that you are torrenting from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

VPNs also do this, as well as hiding your real IP address from other torrent users and anyone else watching on the internet. Furthermore:

Analysis of the BitTorrent protocol encryption has shown that statistical measurements of packet sizes and packet directions of the first 100 packets in a TCP session can be used to identify the obfuscated protocol with over 96% accuracy.

This means that even the most basic Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) techniques can determine that you are using BitTorrent. Now, it is true that DPI can also easily detect VPN use (unless obfuscated), but while there are many legitimate reasons to use a VPN, there is only one reason to use BitTorrent protocol encryption…

Using BitTorrent protocol encryption is therefore probably better than using nothing at all, but using a VPN provides much better protection while downloading.

How do I use a BitTorrent client?

One reason for the popularity of online streaming services (including via the use of Kodi boxes) is the perception that torrenting is a geeky pastime that requires technical know-how. In reality, however, torrenting is very easy:

1. Download and install a BitTorrent client from the list above.
2. (Optional but strongly recommended) Ensure you have a VPN running. This will bypass censorship of torrent sites, hide your IP from others you fileshare with, and hide your downloads from your ISP. Check out our VPN for Torrents guide for a list of recommended services.
3. Visit a BitTorrent website. These websites host links to torrent files. You can browse for content that interests you, or search for something specific. Many websites include user-reviews of torrents, which can help you pick good torrents.
4. When you have found the content you want, simply click on the torrent link or magnet link. The torrent will open in your BitTorrent client and begin downloading.
5. When the download is 100% completed, enjoy! Some BitTorrent clients have media-players built-in, but VLC will play pretty much any media file you can throw at it.

Seeding

BitTorrent is a decentralized file-sharing platform. In order for it to work, users share files with other users. This happens while you download a file, but it is considered good form to leave your BitTorrent client open after you have finished downloading a file in order to benefit other users.

This is called seeding, and it is considered good netiquette to seed to a ratio of at least 1:1 (i.e. upload the same amount of data you downloaded). Most BitTorrent clients will display the seed ratio of downloaded files.

Other Stuff

You don’t need to know much more about torrenting than the information provided above. If you ever wish to explore the subject further, however, this glossary is a good introduction to the jargon used.

Movie torrents, in particular, have a great deal of jargon associated with them. To make informed decisions about the content you plan to download, it is useful to familiarize yourself with it.

One thing to watch out for on public torrent sites is sponsored links. These are often prominently displayed and are deliberately designed to confuse. They typically point to either commercial direct download sites or Usenet services. Look for a link that specifically says 'Torrent” or 'Magnet Link.”

Find the best torrent sites

Findinf the best torrent sites can be quite difficult these days due to the blocks ISPs imposes on these websites. However, check out our best torrent sites article for a list of our favorite in 2021.

Conclusion

If anything, the torrenting crowd is over-served by great BitTorrent clients! Indeed, this top five list hardly even scrapes the surface of the many that are available. The fact that most of them are free and open source software (FOSS) warms the cockles of my heart!

With such a wealth of options available, I’m sure many of you will have a favorite that is not listed here. If so, do please write in to tell me and other readers why you think it is so great!

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