Many people only think of torrenting on Windows devices, although there are many who use Macs.
With torrent clients, you can download torrent files, or you can use torrent magnet links. Each of them can be used to download and share files via the internet, and each of the Mac BitTorrent clients offers something different. A good BitTorrent application needs to be easy to use, reliable, and fast, and download files from fellow computer users.
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The downloading of torrent files is easy, provided you have the best torrent client that fits your needs. Some of you may consider this a very simple program, which automates the process of steering P2P traffic. However, more advanced users would like to customize everything.
Here you can learn more about torrents, which the best BitTorrent for Mac is, and how you can use them safely.
What Are Torrents?
Torrents are small files, which you can download, and from these, they give a torrent client the instructions of how to go about downloading the full file. A key example is a movie.
The BitTorrent protocol enables users to share large files using a peer-to-peer network. In use, portions of the files can derive from thousands of users rather than one person. As you download this file portions, the client also uploads them from your PC or Mac in what they call ‘seeding.’ (Read our Torrent Downloads Guide)
To download a torrent, you must have a torrent client. It is this, which connects to the network, and from there, the most of the intervention you need to do is find the right torrent sites that have the torrent links for files you want to download.
Magnet links were an improvement over the small torrent files because you don’t have to download these files to your desktop. The client checks all the information and will then go about automatically downloading the file you choose.
Is Torrenting Legal?
Torrents and BitTorrent technology are 100% legal, although many use this delivery method to download files that have links hosted on such sites as The Pirate Bay and Kickass Torrents
Many shared files like the latest movies or TV shows are often subject to copyright laws. It is here that downloading them is subject to copyright law infringement.
Movie studios and music companies often monitor torrent activity. In severe cases, they can bring court cases against torrent sites to have them shut down, or even individuals they suspect of infringing copyright.
What is the best BitTorrent client for Mac?
Here we have some of the best torrent clients for Mac you can use to download torrent files quickly.
1. Folx
Pros
- Built-in search – Pro version only
- Ad-free client for Mac
- Highly customizable
- Deals with high numbers of torrents
Cons
- Not as lightweight as some other apps
- Many features only in PRO version
Folx ranks high on our list of torrent applications for Mac because it is currently; one of the only torrent clients that are completely compatible with macOS Catalina.
Folx makes downloading torrent files very convenient: it allows you to set the priority, control the download and upload speed, and tag your downloads for quick content searches.
Folx allows you to download torrents from both trackers and magnetic links.
You can sign up for the Pro version of this torrent downloader for Mac.
It will enable you to search for torrent content directly from the application. This makes it easier than browsing torrent trackers to find the file you want.
All you have to do is enter your search term into Folx’s search bar, and it will search the massive list of torrent trackers to present you with the results.
2. qBittorrent
Pros
- Search many torrents at the same time
- Familiar uTorrent appearance
- Ad-free Mac BitTorrent client
- Small install footprint
Cons
- Torrents can freeze
- Can consume large amounts of RAM
Due to the non-advertising nature of qBittorrent, this makes it arguably one of the best torrent clients for Mac. Additionally, the familiar interface of qBittorrent to uTorrent makes it one of the best torrent clients for Mac to get to know and use.
The client application is designed to give you the flexibility of downloading files with no unnecessary hassle. It is simple to use, it is free and open-source, and nevertheless, it is loaded with features.
It supports private torrents and magnetic links, includes its built-in search and provides download prioritization. It is no surprise most users consider it one of the best torrent applications for Mac.
qBittorrent is compatible with macOS Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave and Catalina.
3. Transmission
Pros
- Minimalistic interface
- Free and no ads
- Lightweight RAM use
Cons
- No built-in torrent search
- Lacks tracker exchange
- No customer support
Transmission is a further free and open-source torrent client. It’s very RAM, lightweight and fast. It also requires fewer system resources, has support for magnetic links and may even find local systems, which are connected to your system.
Transmission is worthy of its title as one of the best torrent client applications. It’s easy to use, as proven with the fact Ubuntu has elected it to be their standard bit torrent client.
With the Transmission app, you will have standard functions, such as web interface, exchange peers, encryption, DHT with tracker editing and lots more.
For the moment, Transmission is functioning well on Catalina, although there have been user reports of it being buggy at times. If you already upgraded to Catalina, share your experience using the Transmission app.
4. Vuze
Pros
- Built-in torrent search
- Works with large numbers of torrents
- Built-in media player
- Fast and easy to use
Cons
- Adware during installation
- Too many ads in free version
- Built-in torrent search is not the best
Vuze is one of the best download Bittorrent for MAC you can make and has been for a few years. It comes with plenty of useful features. Torrent search is available directly from inside the app, and you can use the Web Remote function to manage your torrent downloads from remote locations.
Vuze can play the video directly with the media player, and the possibility of playback from a device connected to your Mac.
If you sign up for Vuze Plus, you can automatically locate torrents, which are similar to ones already subscribed. You can also get rid of the annoying ads that pop up as you use the app.
Using Vuze Plus as an HD video player lets Vuze offer smooth playback with a handful of formats like QuickTime, AVI, XVID, as well as adding various language subtitles.
Vuze hasn’t officially been given the green light for full Catalina compatibility, although many users state the apps work okay on macOS 10.15.
An honourable mention is Deluge, which was a close tie for the number four spot. It is open-source, yet can be complicated and heavy on resources.
FAQ
Is uTorrent safe for Mac?
Fxfactory News
At one stage, uTorrent began bundling extensions for features that were unwelcome by most users who just want to download torrents and magnet links. However, these were annoying more than harmful to the torrent client.
Fxfactory Torrent
Like any of the other best MAC torrenting client here, uTorrent is safe to use so long as you uncheck boxes during installation for add-ons you don’t want.
Does uTorrent work on Mac?
While uTorrent could have a place on the list here as one of the best torrenting client, MAC updates have stopped it working.
The desktop version doesn’t support macOS Catalina, and users will need to swap to the uTorrent web version or use one of the clients from the list above.
Fxfactory Pro Torrent
The web version may be the way forward and has many features. It may be the best BitTorrent client out of them all. It is easy to use, very light on your system and allows you to stream video.
Fxfactory Free
With the new BitTorrent client, you can watch a movie before you finish downloading, other features comprise changing formats to play files on mobiles, and as it is web-based, and you have the best search features possible.
While uTorrent may be the best, and the PRO version is very affordable, you still need to make sure your identity is hidden. A Mac may not be prone to as many viruses, yet your IP will be seen using any of these Mac clients.
Once you find the best torrent client for MAC, you need to check out the best VPN for MAC to keep you safe while using any torrent clients.
It does not matter where the torrent storm comes from; your IP will be exposed. With the movie and recording studios watching, it does not take long for them to find out the whereabouts of every person downloading torrents.