Jun 01, 2020. May 04, 2019.

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? 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:

1. Use the top search bar to type in your keyword and hit Return
2. Wait for all results to show up
3. 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:

1. Open the app and navigate to Malware Removal tab under Protection in the sidebar
2. Click Scan and wait for the process to finish
3. 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?

Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.

Utorrent Ipad App

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iPhone users typically need to jailbreak or use a convoluted method to get torrent files on their devices, but now, there is a much easier way. An app called iTransmission, designed exclusively for mobile devices, allows you to find and download torrent files straight to your iPhone. No jailbreak is needed, and it is a completely free app.

iTransmission Features:

When you download iTransmission, you get these features:

• Completely free
• No jailbreak required
• Works on all models of iPhone/iPad
• Easy to add new torrents
• One tap to stop or start your downloads
• Download via Wi-Fi or data
• See torrent information at a glance
• Easy to use
• Lots more cool features

Note: Torrenting itself is legal but downloading copyrighted material results in an illegal way of using it. The iTransmission app is here to let you download legal and free content only.

Download iTransmission on iPhone:

iTransmission is not available in the official iOS app store because it is not an official app, offering a service that Apple does not typically allow. There are two ways to get it though; either download a third-party app store called TopStore or download the iTransmission file onto your iPhone:

Method 1: With TopStore

1. Download TopStore app onto your device
2. Go to Settings > General and go into Profiles
3. Find and trust the profile for TopStore
4. Now open TopStore from your home screen and search for iTransmission
5. Tap it, tap Get and wait for it to be installed to your iPhone

Method 2: Sideloading the iTransmission IPA File

Cydia Impactor is the top-rated app for sideloading files onto your iPhone using your Mac or PC. You can only install a maximum of three apps using it, but it is an easy way of getting an unofficial app onto your iPhone. You are going to need your iPhone, computer, official cable, and you will need to create an app-specific password (you can do this by signing into Apple.com online):

1. Download the iTransmission IPA file to your computer
2. Download Cydia Impactor
3. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open Cydia Impactor
4. When you see that the tool has recognized your iPhone, you can proceed in two ways – drag and drop the IPA file into Cydia Impactor or click on Device>Install Package and choose the iTransmission IPA file
5. Next, type your Apple ID and app-specific password and wait
6. When Cydia Impactor has signed and loaded the file onto your device, close the tool down
7. Open Settings on your iPhone
8. Tap on General>Profiles and trust the iTransmission profile
9. The app is now ready for use

Note

iTransmission is an unofficial app, and, because of that, when you use Cydia Impactor, it will crash every seven days. Simply follow the instructions from step three each time. Alternatively, opt for method and use TopStore third-party app store to install the app.

You do not need to jailbreak your iPhone to use iTransmission, but it can be installed on a device that already has a jailbreak. Simply launch Cydia, find and download and app called ReProvision – this works in the same way as Cydia Impactor to sideload files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you can find the answers to the common iTransmission questions:

What is iTransmission for?

It is a BitTorrent client that makes it easy for you to install your favorite torrent files straight onto your iPhone

Is it safe?

Yes, provided you use the official links provided to download it. It is updated regularly and, with no need to jailbreak, you don’t compromise Apple’s device security and keep your own data safe.

iTransmission has stopped working

Because it is an unofficial app, Apple revokes the app certificate every seven days. Simply follow the download steps again or, if you still can’t get it to work, delete the file entirely from your device and start again, Don’t forget – if you opt for method 2, you must do this every seven days.

Where will I find my downloaded torrents?

iTransmission will put all your downloaded torrents into one location – var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/iTransmission(bundle)/Documents/Downloads

What about jailbreaking?

It isn’t necessary to jailbreak your iPhone to use iTransmission, but you can install it on a device that is already jailbroken, using a Cydia app called ReProvision.

Apple Torrent Sites

Download iTransmission onto your iPhone today and enjoy an easy, free method of installing torrent files directly to your device. You won’t find an easier or better method anywhere else.