BitTorrent vs. uTorrent: Which One is Better? – IPBurger
Torrenting has become one of the most widely performed activities in the Internet world. The peer-to-peer upload or download of files is not only convenient, but also considerably faster and easier than buying music CDs, concert, movies, films, or even TV series.
In the market, there are two notable torrent clients that most people use: one is BitTorrent, and the other one is uTorrent. As it turns out, they are closely related and have similar roots and origins. However, there are differences, and the discussion about which one is faster, better, and more secure is still wide open.
uTorrent: Open Source Prowess
The uTorrent client is an open source software that was created 13 years ago and was later acquired by BitTorrent, Inc. It is extremely popular outside of China’s borders and is now one of the most used clients.
The uTorrent service is free, although you can access the Plus version with a payment involved. The uTorrent client is bundled with the Bing Toolbar.
BitTorrent: Peer-to-peer Excellence
Like uTorrent, BitTorrent is one of the most popular torrent clients available on the Internet, and it lets people use BitTorrent peer to peer protocols to upload and download all kinds of files.
It is a rebranded version of uTorrent. A notable difference is that it is not an open source project, and can be found on several operating systems, such as Android, Mac, and Windows devices.
Similarities between BitTorrent and uTorrent
Both websites show the status of files, information, download speed, tracker and peer in a similar style.
Both sites show news about RSS in the news feed in the left pane.
Both projects are administrated by BitTorrent, Inc.
Differences between uTorrent and BitTorrent
When it comes to security, BitTorrent has the edge as it doesn’t support third-party ads on its websites, whereas uTorrent’s webpage is full of annoying ads that can compromise your online security and data privacy. Therefore, ad-blocking solutions are needed when browsing in the uTorrent site.
Which one is better Performance-wise?
When deciding on a torrent client, performance and speed should be near the top of aspects to look for. In this department, BitTorrent is significantly faster than uTorrent, with average rates of nearly 75 kbps. The latter hovers in the range of 10 kbps, although both results may vary according to several factors.
One of the main reasons for the sizable difference in speed is the amount of spam and advertising present in the uTorrent client. It can throttle the speed of download, thus affecting the performance.
For Mac OS X users, the BitTorrent client is especially recommended because it can enable numerous P2P file downloads at the same time, whereas uTorrent usually downloads one and puts the other files on hold.
For Android devices, both clients work just fine, but the notable speed difference between BitTorrent and uTorrent in the former’s favor gives it the edge.
When it comes to language, uTorrent has the slightest of edges: it is available in 67 languages and dialects, with BitTorrent a little behind in the area with 66. Both clients cover a lot of ground in this particular area, though.
Regarding size, uTorrent takes another point for being lighter than the BitTorrent client. uTorrent installer takes 1 MB of hard drive space, whereas BitTorrent installer takes up 3 MB in space.
In platform compatibility, uTorrent is available on desktop and mobile devices, with the bonus of being accessible via online. On the other hand, BitTorrent can be obtained in desktop and mobile gadgets.
Regarding safety and reliability, BitTorrent is much less prone to keep and share data logs and cookie to third parties or governmental authorities that may, down the road, accuse you of piracy or copyright infringement. It is, therefore, more secure than uTorrent.
VPN for torrenting: A great way to protect your privacy
The act of torrenting may seem extremely convenient, and it is: as the fastest and smoothest way to download and upload songs, music, movies, series, games, software, and other things, no one can deny that it brings so many positive things to the table.
However, distracted owners may incur in copyright infringement practices, and more alert ones can take advantage of the technology and use it for criminal activity, such as piracy. That would be an inconvenient scenario because governmental surveillance agencies and copyright holders team up with Internet Service Providers to have access to people’s activity and data logs.
However, if you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you will be able to protect your content and data logs from the claws of the “big brother. ” You may torrent in peace knowing your online privacy is protected.
The market is full of reliable options, but since you deserve the best, you should try IPBurger VPN. With shared and dedicated IP addresses, you will be able to use either BitTorrent or uTorrent with privacy and anonymity.
In conclusion, BitTorrent and uTorrent are the most famous torrent clients in the world. Determining which one is better depends on each user’s view, but the former is more secure and reliable, whereas the latter has a broader platform compatibility and available languages.
Either one can be used with a reliable VPN to avoid any unwanted scuffles with the law, and IPBurger VPN is a strong candidate since it has a long track record of success protecting people’s privacy.
BitTorrent vs uTorrent – Which One will Dominate in 2020? – STechies
uTorrent or BitTorrent
Two of the most popular software used for downloading torrents are – BitTorrent and Utorrent. Both of them have similar utilities and user interfaces. However, to make the torrent downloading experience better and faster, let’s examine both to determine which is better.
Torrenting is one of the most popular internet activities. It comprises of more than 3. 35% of the total internet traffic. People use it for downloading movies, games, music, e-books, and much more.
In this method, you need not downloading the entire file from a single point but multiple sources simultaneously. The references will have bits and pieces of the data you need. This way, the network load is shared among the sources, which will faster the downloading.
What is BitTorrent?
Bram Cohen and Ashwin Navin developed BitTorrent in 2001. It is a software that lets you download the software using a peer-to-peer file sharing method. It uses a protocol called BitTorrent clients. This distributes the sharing of files across the users who have downloaded the file. It also connects you with the users who are currently downloading the file.
The software breaks down and distributes the file in many small chunks. So, if a downloading source is slow, there are other sources from which you will get the fragments of your file.
This file distribution process allows the original server to handle multiple file requests.
Furthermore, the process does not need massive bandwidth. As a result, you can download files faster.
The software runs on all major software platforms like Windows and Mac.
What is uTorrent?
Utorrent is a Bittorrent client that is freely available for users. The software released in 2005 and developed by Ludvig Strigeus and owned by Bittorrent Inc. Utorrent has a user base of more than 100 million users. It is the most popular BitTorrent client outside Asia.
It implements the Utorrent protocol. Using the protocol, the Utorrent client can share, download, and distribute files over a network.
Like BitTorrent, this also runs on all major platforms like Mac OX, Windows, and Linux. It is written in the powerful C++ language. Utorrent is available in 67 languages.
So far, you might have got a basic understanding of the two software. Now let us compare the two to understand more about them.
uTorrent vs BitTorrent
There are some similarities between the two. As the same company owns both of them, they are virtually the same product. However, there are some technical differences that you must know:
Pricing:
BitTorrent has four pricing plans. The initial free plan only lets you download a torrent quickly. It offers you with no additional features. The AD-Free plan costs $4. 95 per year and does not display ads during downloading.
The Pro plan offers fast downloading, no ads, virus protection, and file conversion. Additionally, you can watch your downloaded movies on the go. It costs $19. 95 per year.
The Pro+VPN has all the features of the Pro plan along with a Cyber Ghost VPN. This helps you protect your identity online while downloading torrents. This comes at $69. 95 per year.
In the case of Utorrent, the Free version has no additional features. It only offers torrent downloading. It’s Pro version has offers many exciting features. They are:
Virus protection
No ads
Torrent streaming
Playing files in HD
File conversion
The costlier plans of both software offer similar features. But the VPN feature in Bittorrent’s plan makes it far better an option than Utorrent in terms of protection.
Size:
Utorrent is lightweight and is smaller in size than Bittorrent. It has a size capacity of just 1 MB. On the other hand, BitTorrent takes up a little more space and has a size of 3 MB. Due to the size, Utorrent is preferred over Bittorrent.
Downloading Speed:
Download speed is an essential factor while downloading your favorite movies or games. Although both software has a bandwidth management system, BitTorrent is still faster. This is because BitTorrent is better at managing ads. So when the ads pop up, it does not affect the downloading speed of the torrents. As a result, you get an average speed of 76 kb/s while downloading.
On the other hand, Utorrent is not so good at handling ads. So, you might face a significant drop in the downloading speeds when certain ads pop up.
Simultaneous Downloading:
Another important facility that you might yearn for is downloading multiple files together. For example, you might want to download two files at a time using Utorrent. In that case, you have to put the file you are downloading on hold. After pausing it, you can start downloading the other file.
But BitTorrent lets you download multiple files easily. You can open up various torrent links and download them together without pausing any of them.
Updates:
Utorrent is continuously under development. Its alpha and beta versions are released frequently with newer additions. So, you can access new cutting edge features to make your downloading experience better and smoother.
In the case of BitTorrent, it releases only stable versions with mild additions to its features. So, Utorrent has the upper hand in this case.
Cryptocurrency Miners:
This is a problem faced by many users of Utorrent. Users have complained that the newer versions come with bloatware called crypto miners. These additional tools may get installed without the user noticing it. It drains the user’s CPU resources and that too without their permission. Therefore, many users have chosen to download the earlier versions of Utorrent to avoid this.
BitTorrent users have not faced any such problem in the recent past.
Portability:
Another feature that requires mentioning is the portability of the two software. The Utorrent portable version lets you store the torrent client in your USB. You can then run it directly without installing it on a system.
BitTorrent does not support this functionality yet. So, Utorrent is a clear winner here.
Conclusion
BitTorrent is faster than Utorrent as it is better at blocking ads during a file download. Moreover, you can download multiple files at once without affecting their downloading speeds. However, in terms of size, Bittorrent is not as lightweight as Utorrent. Additionally, Utorrent can be executed directly from an external drive, which is not possible in Bittorrent.
In terms of popularity, Utorrent is the primary choice for beginners in the world of torrent downloading. The developers frequently update the product. So, you can access the latest features. But the primary reason Bittorrent surpasses Utorrent is security. Bittorrent’s Pro+VPN plan comes with the Cyber Ghost that makes your downloading activities secure. Utorrent does not offer this feature.
10 Best Torrent Clients That Work in 2021 (Safe and 100% Free)
Torrent clients all have different features and characteristics and some are safer options than others. It can become overwhelming to know which is the best option for you.
To help you choose the best one, I shortlisted the 10 best free torrent clients that are safe, fast, and reliable. Whether you’re after a basic interface or a full range of customization options, you’ll find the best client for you in this article. But torrenting can expose your data to cybercriminals, which is why it’s best to use a trusted VPN with your torrent client.
My favorite is ExpressVPN because it effectively hides your IP address, encrypts your data, and prevents bandwidth throttling on a torrent client. On top of that, it has world-class security features and fast speeds. The best part is you can test ExpressVPN out yourself completely risk-free because it’s backed by a money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with it, you have 30 days to claim a full refund.
Important! Torrenting itself is not illegal in most countries, but downloading torrent files that are protected under copyright is. My team and I don’t condone illegal torrenting, so be sure to check the rules and regulations in your country before you download anything that might be protected under copyright.
Torrent Safely With ExpressVPN!
Short on Time? Here Are the Best Torrent Clients in October 2021
uTorrent — Lightweight app, easy-to-use interface, and excellent features.
BitTorrent — Drag and drop feature and customizable interface, but shows ads
Deluge — Open source client and plenty of plug-ins for extra customization, but not the easiest to use
qBittorent — Doesn’t display ads and has customizable features, but no plug-in support
Vuze — Simple interface and powerful search engine, but slows your device
5 more great torrent clients | Best VPNs for safe torrenting
The Best Torrent Clients in 2021
1. uTorrent — Lightweight Torrent App That’s Easy to Download and Use
Year founded: 2005
Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Price: Free or $19. 95/year (Pro plan)
Pros: Lightweight app, plenty of customizable features, simple interface
Cons: Contains ads and bundled software
uTorrent was developed by BitTorrent in 2005 and is the most widely-used torrent client. Its app is lightweight and uses a simple and organized interface, making it great for beginners and advanced users. When I downloaded and installed it on my MacBook, it only took me about 30 seconds, and I could download torrents straight away.
Just note that you’ll need to download uTorrent Web for Mac Catalina, as it isn’t compatible with uTorrent Classic. uTorrent Web runs entirely off your web browser, which means it won’t consume a lot of your resources. When I used uTorrent Web on my MacBook Pro, I noticed it was much faster than the uTorrnet client on my old Windows laptop.
But what I liked most about it is its wide range of customization options. I could schedule downloads to prioritize files, set bandwidth limits, verify seeds, manage the client remotely, and find torrents with its built-in search engine. Also, I was able to install third-party plug-ins and stream torrents while they were being downloaded, thanks to its media player.
Keep in mind, though, that uTorrent contains ads and comes with bundled software. But it’s possible to opt out of the bundled software when you download and install the app. In addition, you can block ads by using a VPN with an ad-blocker like CyberGhost.
Visit uTorrent
2. BitTorrent — Drag and Drop Feature That’s Great for Torrent Beginners
Year founded: 2001
Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, FreeBSD,
Pros: Small file size, plenty of customizable features, simple configuration
BitTorrent is a well-established torrent client that’s available in 70+ different languages. I could make my interface as simple or complex as I wanted to. I particularly liked its drag and drop functionality, which made it much easier to download torrents. Also, it consumes less than 20% CPU at all times, meaning it won’t slow your device down.
Its range of features is impressive. Most notably, it comes with a built-in bandwidth booster that lets you set limits on upload and download speeds. This means you can download torrents faster. Other features include being able to schedule torrents, stream torrents, support magnet links, and remotely manage paired devices.
For advanced users, BitTorrent allows IP filtering for added security. It lets you control the IP traffic that runs through your network so you can torrent safely. While this is great for security, it’s still best to pair BitTorrent with a VPN so your own IP remains anonymous to other users.
You can also search for torrents without going to a torrent site, thanks to its intuitive search bar. This reduces your chances of downloading malware or spyware from a dangerous site.
But like uTorrent, its free version contains ads and bundled software. Again, you can decline the bundled packages, upgrade to the Pro plan, or use an ad blocker to overcome these problems. Unfortunately, Mac Catalina users can only use its web client.
Visit BitTorrent
3. Deluge — Highly Customizable Torrent Client With Plenty of Plug-Ins
Year founded: 2006
Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox
Price: Free
Pros: Supports lots of plug-ins, open-source software, no ads or bundled software
Cons: Takes time to learn how to use it properly
Deluge is an open-source client that’s lightweight and easy to use. It can be used as either a standalone app or through a client-server, which means you can run it in the background or control it remotely. It also works well on old devices since it only uses around 25% CPU. As soon as I added a torrent file, it began downloading right away.
What really impressed me with Deluge is its large number of first and third-party plug-ins. This means you can fully customize your client by adding unique features to boost speeds and security, such as alphabetical downloading, bandwidth adjustment, and IP blocking. Other features include robust encryption, torrent stats, and the ability to discover local peers for faster downloads.
Just keep in mind that using the torrent app’s encryption feature doesn’t protect your entire device. Using a VPN with military-grade encryption adds an extra layer of security that helps keeps your internet connection as a whole anonymous, even in the app.
But having lots of plug-ins means that it can take a fair bit of time to get used to it. On the other hand, it’s a free client and doesn’t come with ads or bundled software, which is a big plus.
Visit Deluge
4. qBittorrent — Open Source Torrent Client That’s Ad-Free
Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, freeBSD
Pros: Open-source software, no ads or bundled software, user-friendly interface
Cons: Limited to simple customizations
qBittorent is an open-source client that is free of ads and malware. This means that it’s transparent with its coding, so you can see exactly how it’s built. Its interface isn’t too simple or complex, so it can serve most needs without consuming many resources. There are also frequent updates, which prevent any bugs or glitches.
I found its customizable features to be handy, too. It enables RSS feed support, extensions, sequential downloading, torrent creation, media playback, IP filtering, bandwidth scheduling, a UI lock, and more. These features help you download torrents faster and manage them better. Another helpful feature is its search engine, which made it easier for me to access and search for files.
But even with all these features, your activity will still be visible to unwanted users. Since this can leave you open to online threats, I recommend using qBittorrent with a top-tier VPN (like ExpressVPN) to stay anonymous. It adds extra encryption to your connection, too.
Where qBittorent falls short is that it doesn’t support any plug-ins, so you’re customization is limited. But this shouldn’t be a problem if you only want to download torrents.
Visit qBittorrent
5. Vuze — Simple Interface and Advanced Search Features
Year founded: 2017
Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Price: Free/ $9. 99 per month (Vuze Pro)
Pros: Clean interface, powerful search engine, customizable features
Cons: Contains ads and resource-heavy
Vuze is a new torrent client that descended from Azureus, which is now defunct. It’s mainly focused on providing a clear and easy-to-use interface. Additionally, its powerful search engine gives it an edge. By entering some simple tags and titles, I found the exact torrent files I wanted without having to search through hundreds of similar files. There’s also the option to change your user proficiency to either “intermediate” or “advanced”, should you want increased functionality.
You can also expand your Vuze client by installing plug-ins that add extra features. It also provides bandwidth scheduling, IP filtering, media playback, magnet link support, and the ability to manage your torrents from your mobile. To maximize your safety while using Vuze, it’s best to use it alongside a trustworthy VPN service.
Unfortunately, Vuze comes with ads and uses a lot of resources on your device. Therefore, you shouldn’t use it if you have an older computer because it’ll make it much slower. Also, it’s geared towards power users
Visit Vuze
6. Transmission — Simple Torrent Client for Mac Users
Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, browser
Pros: Optimized for Mac, easy to use, appealing user interface
Cons: Not very customizable
If you’re a Mac user, then consider using Transmission, which is an open-sourced client. As an optimized torrent client for Mac, its lightweight and minimalistic interface resembles the macOS operating system. I downloaded it on my MacBook in under a minute and liked its drag and drop feature. There weren’t any unnecessary toolbars or pop-up ads either, which made using it a pleasant experience.
Its other features include encryption, remote management, magnet link support, webseed support, and the ability to find more peers or block them. You can even set global and per torrent speed limits, too. Another plus is that it doesn’t take up many resources and runs smoothly in the background.
The only issue is that it doesn’t allow much customization, so it’s not suited for advanced users.
Visit Transmission
7. BitComet — Powerful Torrent Client With Intelligent Disk Sharing
Year founded: 2003
Compatible with: Windows, macOS
Pros: Regular updates, files previews, intelligent disk caching
Cons: Very basic and annoying user interface
BitComet is a simple torrent client with a long history. Despite being an old torrent client, it’s very powerful and makes downloading and creating torrents easy.
The main feature of BitComet is intelligent disk sharing. It increases your speed by reducing the need to read and write on your hard drive. BitComet also gives you DHT network support, HTTP support, magnet links, and the ability to preview files while downloading them. Your user experience will also be improved because it enables long-term seeding capabilities.
Even though its interface is simple, I found it to be too basic and annoying to use. It didn’t help that it looked really old either.
Visit BitComet
8. Tixati — Open Source Torrent Client That’s Ad-Free
Year founded: 2009
Compatible with: Windows, Linux
Pros: Simple UI, No spyware or adware, bandwidth management
Cons: Not compatible with macOS
Tixati is a full-featured torrent client with everything you need. These include torrent prioritization, magnet links, IP filtering, encrypted chat rooms, drag and drop capabilities, and event scheduling. It also has its own peer selection system, so I could select local peers to increase my download speeds. I found it straightforward to download, and it didn’t install anything extra when I downloaded it. Also, it’s free of ads and malware, making it a safe choice.
It differs in its ability to provide in-depth data on what you share with your peers and your bandwidth usage. Unfortunately, no versions of it are available on macOS.
Visit Tixati
9. BitLord — Adaptable Torrent Client With Search Engine
Year founded: 2004
Compatible with: Windows, macOS, and Chromecast
Pros: Built-in search engine, password protector, easy to share files
Cons: Outdated UI and lack of updates
BitLord is an old client that still has some neat features. Since it’s highly adaptable, it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Both desktop and mobile versions are available, and it comes with a built-in search engine, download organizer, automatic subtitle feature, and password protector. You can even create torrents, too. I especially enjoyed playing content while my torrent was still downloading. Another plus is that it lists download speeds in the top and bottom menu bars, making it much easier to track.
But be careful when you install it as it sometimes contains unnecessary software. In addition, it took a long time to download and I found its user interface old and clunky.
Visit BitLord
10. WebTorrent — Good Torrent Client for Streaming Media
Year founded: 2013
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS
Pros: Polished AI, watch media while downloading, open-source software
Cons: Too focused on streaming media
WebTorrent has a special focus on streaming, as you can enjoy media while you’re downloading the file. Not only could I play the file, but I could control the volume, adjust playback speeds, add subtitles, and more. I found its interface to be visually pleasing, too, and it’s very lightweight.
The desktop version can connect to other apps like uTorrent, BitTorrent, and Transmission. But its downside is that it’s more focused on streaming than torrenting.
Visit WebTorrent
Tips on Choosing the Best Torrent Clients
While all of the best torrent programs I selected are good options, you’re never fully safe when using them. You should always use a VPN with your torrent downloader to hide your real IP address so that no one can see your personal information and use it to target you. I use ExpressVPN to protect P2P connections since it’s super secure and has fast speeds for downloading big files.
When I tested the best torrent software, I mainly looked at usability and customization. Usability takes into account the app’s interface and considers its appearance and ease of use. Customization refers to the client’s features and the extent to which they can be modified, along with plug-in and extension capabilities.
I ranked the clients highly if I found them to be suitable for beginners and experienced users. The following is a breakdown of the criteria I used, so you can use it to help you choose the best torrent software for you:
Easy to use ー I made sure that none of the clients had a complex interface. A complex interface is okay if you’re a power user, but most people aren’t. Therefore, each client has an interface that’s either easy to use, visually pleasing or both.
Useful features ー I paid particular attention to the features of each client and how they enhanced the user experience. Most clients have a bandwidth adjuster, download scheduler, search bar, and allow files to be played while downloading.
Easy to customize ー Another plus was if the clients supported first or third-party extensions or plug-ins. The benefit is that it allows you to build a unique client that can do more than just downloading torrents.
Lightweight and powerful ー The best torrent downloaders are simple apps and can be easily downloaded and installed. They don’t use a lot of your system’s resources either, which means you can run them smoothly in the background without diminishing your device’s performance.
Compatible with most devices ー Most clients are compatible with both macOS and Windows or are specially optimized for one. Some of them give you the option of a desktop client or a web client, too, and there are even ones with Android and iOS versions.
Free to use ー Every client in my list has a free version suitable for the large majority of users. But some free clients make money through advertising, so I made sure that none of the clients contain any adware, either.
Torrent Safely With ExpressVPN
Quick Comparison Table: Best Torrent Client Features
Usability
Features
Customization
Plans
uTorrent
Excellent
Free and Pro Plans
BitTorrent
Deluge
Good
Free only
qBittorent
Vuze
Transmission
BitComet
Poor
Tixati
BitLord
WebTorrent
Warning! The Risks of Using a Torrent Client
Torrent clients can be a breeding ground for malware and spyware, which is why you need to use them with caution. Several torrent apps have infected whole devices with malware in the past, but luckily this isn’t common these days. You can be assured that all the torrent clients in this article are tried-and-tested and safe to use.
A similar risk is when you download a torrent file that’s infected with malware or viruses. Even the best torrent downloaders can’t protect you from this threat, so I recommend that you only download verified torrents from trusted and well-known torrent sites.
But a torrent app’s biggest risk is to do with privacy. Whenever you download or share a torrent, other people downloading or sharing the same file can see your IP address. This allows them to keep track of you, uncover your identity and location, and target you with malicious attacks. The best way to protect yourself is to use a reliable VPN to hide your real IP address while torrenting.
Best VPNs To Use With Your Torrent Client
VPN — Enjoy Ultra-Fast Speeds on Your Torrent Client
Lightning-fast speeds for downloading torrents quickly
Military-grade encryption, automatic kill-switch, and DNS leak protection keep you safe while connected to torrent software
Strict no-logs policy to keep you anonymous when torrenting
Split tunneling to conserve bandwidth
5 simultaneous device connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more
ExpressVPN’s superfast speeds will be a great addition to your torrent software. By hiding your IP address from your ISP, your bandwidth can no longer be throttled, which stops your speeds from slowing down. During my speed tests, I downloaded the film Mabel’s Strange Predicament on uTorrent and recorded a download speed of 48. 7 Mbps.
ExpressVPN’s kill switch is great for torrenting
Thanks to its state-of-the-art security features, you can safely use your torrent client. ExpressVPN uses AES-256 bit encryption, which is impossible to penetrate. Meanwhile, its kill switch (called network lock) cuts you from the internet if your connection unexpectedly drops. Therefore, your personal data won’t be exposed through your torrent client.
Another benefit is that ExpressVPN won’t record your activity when torrenting. This is because of its no-logs policy, which ensures that you won’t leave a digital footprint. This means that other people downloading torrents can’t uncover your identity and target you with attacks.
Where ExpressVPN falls short is that it can’t block ads. But you can use it with several ad-blockers that are recommended on its website. And if you head over to its website, then you can get 49% off your subscription.
Since ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test its features risk-free. If you’re not happy with it, you can claim a full refund within the guarantee period. I tested this policy by asking their 24/7 live chat to cancel my subscription after a few weeks. All I had to do was answer 2 questions for their records and I had my money back after 3 business days.
Try ExpressVPN Now!
2. IPVanish — Protect All Your Devices that Run Torrent Clients
Unlimited P2P connections mean no restrictions when torrenting
Military-grade encryption and advanced protocols keep you safe on torrent sites
Strict no-logs policy keeps you anonymous when torrenting
Split tunneling to choose which traffic to encrypt
Unlimited simultaneous device connections
You can simultaneously connect as many devices as you want under a single IPVanish subscription. I tested this out by connecting my MacBook Pro, smartphone, Android tablet, and Windows laptop while downloading several torrents with uTorrent and watching Netflix. There wasn’t any difference at all in speed and everything went smoothly.
To increase your safety on a torrent downloader, IPVanish uses military-grade encryption and advanced protocols. Some of these protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec, which are industry standard protocols that keep you safe. OpenVPN is particularly good for torrenting as it balances speed and security. Its kill switch is handy, too, as it stops any exposure of your data.
IPVanish comes with some robust security features
IPVanish’s servers are all P2P optimized so that you can torrent efficiently without any restrictions. Many VPNs put limits on bandwidth, server connections, and the number of accessible servers, but not IPVanish. It lets you use your torrent app as much as you want without any slowdowns or bandwidth limits.
A minor inconvenience with IPVanish is that it doesn’t accept any cryptocurrency payments, which isn’t great for anonymity. But, you can pay by PayPal, credit card, or gift card, which is handy. It’s even having a sale right now where you can save 71% on your subscription.
You can also try IPVanish for free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting my money back was easy — all I had to do was click the “I wish to cancel my subscription” button on my account’s dashboard and confirm. After 4 business days, I was fully refunded.
Try IPVanish Now!
3. CyberGhost — Effectively Blocks Ads on Torrent Clients and Sites
Ad blocker for Windows and Android that block ads on torrent sites and in your torrent client
7, 290 servers in 90 countries, including optimized servers for P2P sharing
AES 256-bit encryption and multiple security protocols to secure your connection
Split tunneling to conserve bandwidth when torrenting
7 simultaneous device connections
45-day money-back guarantee
Compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Roku, gaming consoles, and more
CyberGhost’s ad blocker for Windows and Android easily blocks annoying ads in your torrent client. As soon as I tested it, I immediately noticed that a couple of ads on my uTorrent client had been removed. It also benefits your privacy too, as third parties can’t use your data to target you with specific ads.
CyberGhost has its own ad-blocker for Windows and Android
Its extensive server network of 7, 290+ servers worldwide includes optimized servers for torrenting. The benefit is that it won’t throttle your bandwidth or expose your identity to prying eyes so that you can torrent anonymously and quickly. I noticed a 20% increase in my speeds as I was using a couple of P2P servers with uTorrent.
You’ll also secure your data while you’re using a torrent client, thanks to its robust security features. CyberGhost uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is trusted by leading security agencies to protect sensitive data. Also, its IP leak protection prevents your IP address from being exposed accidentally.
Its only downside is that its short-term plans are expensive. But its longer-term plans are affordable, and you can get 83% off your subscription with its current sale.
You’ll also be able to test CyberGhost out for free, thanks to its 45-day money-back guarantee. I asked customer support to cancel my subscription over 24/7 live chat on the last day, and they only asked me 1 question before proceeding. After 5 business days, I got my money back.
Try CyberGhost Now!
FAQs on the Best Torrent Clients
What is the best torrent client, and is it safe?
The best torrent client is uTorrent — it’s pretty safe to use and it’s free. However, it’s safer to use it with a powerful VPN. Whenever you use uTorrent or any other torrent client, your IP address is exposed, which means third parties can uncover your location and target you with malicious attacks. A VPN will hide your IP address so that you’re protected from such threats.
What makes uTorrent special is its polished interface and lightweight app, which means it can operate without consuming a lot of resources. Its compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, which covers almost any device. Its features are quite advanced, too, as you can schedule torrents, adjust bandwidth, and find torrents through its built-in search engine. And since it’s the most popular torrent downloader with a 68. 6% market share, you know it’s widely trusted and used.
Is it legal to download torrents?
The act of downloading torrents is legal in most places, but it’s what you download that could be illegal. In other words, it’s only illegal to download torrents that are protected by copyright. But even if you’re downloading legal files, you should always use a reliable VPN when torrenting to keep safe since other users can still see your personal info in the client itself. Please note that we don’t condone any illegal torrenting and that you should abide by the laws in your country.
What are the best torrent clients for iOS and Android?
The best torrent clients for iOS and Android are uTorrent, BitTorrent, and qBittorent. All of these clients are lightweight and come with stellar features that enhance the user experience. Just note that you can’t download and install torrent software on iOS, so you’ll need to use the web-based version for these clients.
What is the best torrent client for Mac Catalina?
The best torrent client for Mac Catalina is uTorrent. It comes with a beautiful interface and a wide range of customizable options so that you can make the most of your torrenting experience. It even allows extensions and plug-ins to be installed too. Just note that you’ll need to use uTorrent Web for Mac Catalina because it’s not compatible with uTorrent Classic.
Which torrent client is the fastest?
Many factors determine the speeds of your torrent client, so there isn’t one that’s the fastest. But if you want fast speeds while torrenting, then it’s best to use a VPN with your torrent client. It’ll prevent bandwidth throttling by hiding your IP address so that you can download torrents faster. This works because your ISP won’t be able to cap your speed since it won’t see that you’re performing high-bandwidth activities.
Other factors that make your torrent client faster are the speed of your internet connection and the number of seeders that are assigned to your torrent (the more seeders there are the faster your file will download).
Do I really need to optimize my torrent client’s settings?
Most torrent clients are already optimized by default, but it’s a good idea to set up a VPN before using your torrent software for full protection. You’ll need to optimize your torrent client if your ISP has restricted P2P traffic, even though your client will usually start to download the file when you open it. But if you learn how to customize your settings, you can connect to more peers, enjoy faster downloads, and enjoy a more enhanced experience.
How do I know if I’m protected by a VPN when using a torrent client?
The first thing to do is to connect your VPN to a P2P-optimized server that’s reliable. If you use a top-tier VPN like ExpressVPN, then every server will be optimized for P2P. When that’s done, then head over to and run an IP leak test. This should reveal the server and IP address you’re using, and if everything matches then you’ll be protected.
What are seeders and leechers?
Seeders and leechers are two kinds of sources of a torrent file. A seeder has a full copy of the torrent file and shares it with others. On the other hand, a leecher is someone who only has part of the file and needs the help of the seeder to obtain the rest of it. You can still download part of a file from leechers. But whether you’re a seeder or a leecher, you should always use a VPN when torrenting to stay protected from online surveillance, malware, and malicious attacks.
What is a P2P network?
A P2P (peer-to-peer) network is a group of 2 or more computers that are connected and share resources. This kind of network can be dangerous since all the people that are downloading and uploading the same file can see your personal information. That’s why you should protect your anonymity with a VPN. However, the main benefit of using a P2P network is that you can download large files faster because you don’t need to go through a separate computer that acts as a server.
Stay Safe on Your Torrent Client
Protect Yourself While Using Torrent Software Now
Even the safest torrent clients come with risks. And with so many to choose from, picking the right one can be difficult. After much testing, I found the safest torrent clients that can enhance your torrenting experience (and they’re all completely free). They are easy to use and have varying levels of customization options, making them ideal for all experience levels.
That being said, it’s still important that you use a reputable VPN with your torrent software for protection. It’ll encrypt your data and keep you anonymous when torrenting. My favorite is ExpressVPN because of its fast speeds and robust security features. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN and all its security and privacy features risk-free. If you’re not happy with it, claiming a full refund is really easy.
To summarize, the best VPNs to use with your torrent client are…
Privacy Alert!
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we’ve tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it’s currently offering 49% off.
Visit ExpressVPN
Frequently Asked Questions about bittorrent or utorrent reddit
Which is better uTorrent or BitTorrent?
In this department, BitTorrent is significantly faster than uTorrent, with average rates of nearly 75 kbps. … For Android devices, both clients work just fine, but the notable speed difference between BitTorrent and uTorrent in the former’s favor gives it the edge.Aug 8, 2018
Is BitTorrent safer than uTorrent?
So, you can access the latest features. But the primary reason Bittorrent surpasses Utorrent is security. Bittorrent’s Pro+VPN plan comes with the Cyber Ghost that makes your downloading activities secure. Utorrent does not offer this feature.
Is uTorrent Safe 2021?
The best torrent client is uTorrent — it’s pretty safe to use and it’s free. However, it’s safer to use it with a powerful VPN. Whenever you use uTorrent or any other torrent client, your IP address is exposed, which means third parties can uncover your location and target you with malicious attacks.Sep 23, 2021