10 Fastest BitTorrent Clients in 2023 That Are Safe & Working

Most BitTorrent clients claim to have the best speeds but fail to deliver fast torrent uploads and downloads. Aside from being slow, many need to be more safe and simple. Luckily, there are BitTorrent downloaders that you can customize for smoother torrenting.

After testing 50+ clients, I shortlisted the 10 fastest ones that are secure, free, and easy to use. However, your data might be vulnerable to third parties since your IP address is exposed when using a torrent client. Or you could face legal implications if you accidentally download pirated content. Using BitTorrent clients with a VPN keeps your sharing activity private.

A VPN encrypts your data and changes your IP, helping you stay safe while torrenting. My top recommendation is ExpressVPN because of its impressive torrenting speeds, robust security features, and P2P-friendly servers. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Use BitTorrent Safely With a VPN >>

The Fastest BitTorrent Clients in 2023

I tested each BitTorrent client to determine which delivers the shortest download times and ranked them from the fastest to slowest. All BitTorrent clients on this list are safe and free, plus many offer paid versions with even more..

It’s important to note that different factors can influence torrenting speeds aside from the client itself. Your upload and download speeds depend on your base connection, your ISP, and the number of individual seeders a torrent has. More seeds result in better download speeds since there are many places to connect to download the file.

I ran different tests by downloading the same 125.3 MB MKV file with each client. While they delivered decent download times, uTorrent outperformed the others each time with 52 seconds. Transmission was the slowest — it downloaded the file in 5+ minutes. My base speed was 30 Mbps, and I was connected to ExpressVPN to keep my digital identity secure.

1. uTorrent — Lightweight BitTorrent Client for Fast and Efficient Downloads

Also known as μTorrent or micro torrent, uTorrent delivered the shortest download time in my tests — it was complete in only 52 seconds. The app is also extremely lightweight (less than 2MB in size), meaning it uses hardly any unnecessary computer resources. Currently, it’s managed by the BitTorrent project and is considered the most useful client outside China. This is mainly because of its low CPU usage and overall efficiency.

I liked how I could manage downloads remotely using its dedicated Android app and its support for simultaneous torrent downloads. I didn’t experience any issues when downloading multiple software at the same time. You can schedule large numbers of torrent downloads, set up speed caps, and more in just a few clicks. The neatly designed interface further makes it easy to customize the downloader to your liking.

You can download large movies, songs, or games directly to your mobile device

What I didn’t like is that the free version is ad-supported. Plus, the installer comes bundled with other software. This means you must be careful to avoid unwittingly installing something you weren’t expecting during the initial setup. To access extra features like malware blocking, upgrade to the Pro versions. Alternatively, you can use a VPN to protect your data from hackers and snoops.

There are 2 versions for your computer — uTorrent Classic (the desktop client) and uTorrent Web. The former is built to handle bulk downloads, while the latter lets you download torrents and watch movies in your browser at the same time. You’ll have to use the web version if you have macOS with Catalina 10.5 or later, as there is no desktop application.

Visit uTorrent

2. qBittorrent — Intuitive Interface to Quickly Find Your Favorite Torrents

qBittorrent provides users with a straightforward interface with quick selection options. I liked the program’s simplicity and how it lets you navigate through the settings under a few menus. So finding your way around it and initiating downloads is a breeze. The app clocked a quick 61 seconds in my tests, slightly slower than uTorrent.

I easily accessed all the features I needed to hasten torrent downloads

On top of that, it’s not resource-exhaustive — it eats up very few computer resources. This means you can use the downloader simultaneously with other software on your computer without any performance issues. I just wish it was available for mobile, too.

The program is completely free to use without any distracting ads. It’s currently developed by volunteers and survives solely on donations. It offers regular features you can expect to find from most BitTorrent clients, such as torrent queuing, prioritization, port forwarding, and IP filtering.

qBittorent also has a media player, supports RSS feed, and allows you to open magnet links. Plus, it has an encryption setting to obfuscate your torrenting traffic. Keep in mind that the level of encryption it offers isn’t close to that of a VPN, so your data might be at risk.

Visit qBittorrent

3. FrostWire — A Huge Library of Links and Files to Torrent Without Interruptions

FrostWire (a fork of LimeWire) offers a built-in search engine with a huge library of files and links. Aside from magnet links, it also offers private torrent links, which often have faster downloads, better content quality, and a strong community behind them. This makes it easy to get good speeds — it downloaded my test file in 63 seconds. When I searched for a torrent, it displayed results within seconds.

There is even a Turbo-Charged feature that shows you when you should download for optimum speeds. It displays your connection’s strength, making it easy to tell when you should start torrenting.

With this feature, you can easily detect and fix internet connection problems

While its app is lightweight, it comes bundled with many unnecessary apps. However, this isn’t a big issue, as there are options to uncheck the applications you don’t want.

I also found its interface user-friendly. All the options are nicely positioned, so you can start right away. Best of all, you won’t be disrupted by any ads.

Visit FrostWire

4. BitTorrent — A Built-in Speed Booster to Expedite Torrent Downloads

BitTorrent is another popular client with great features, including the BitTorrent Speed that lets you increase torrent download speeds. This should be enabled by default, but you can find it under Preferences/BitTorrent/Protocol Enhancements. On top of that, the app supports magnet links and remote management via a mobile or web browser. It also lets you schedule downloads.

You can earn more tokens if you continue to share files after your downloads finish

I was impressed by its beginner-friendly interface, which has a lot of useful options. The notable ones are the drag-and-drop functionality and smart search feature, which make it easy to find torrents. More advanced features and less used options are hidden out of sight but can be easily accessed when needed.

Like uTorrent, the app is filled with ads and bundled with extra software — but you can decline it. You can also upgrade to remove ads. The Pro+VPN option includes 1-year of CyberGhost, but it works out cheaper if you purchase the VPN separately. Plus, this way, you can use CyberGhost on 7 devices simultaneously, and not just 5 as in the Pro Plan.

It permits private (invitation-only) trackers for higher quality and faster downloading experience. These trackers come in handy in boosting your speeds because only specific torrent users (who maintain an excellent download-to-upload ratio) use them. On top of that, the application supports web-based commenting and reviewing.

Visit BitTorrent

5. Deluge — Excellent Choice for Advanced Users Because It’s Customizable via Plug-Ins

Deluge has been around for a long time and can be customized via plug-ins to enhance performance. I personalized my experience by enabling the high-performance-seed preset using the ltconfig plug-in without any problem. It also lets you adjust speed according to network conditions, move torrent files to specific directories, and add alphabetical downloading.

Deluge will automatically save your downloads to the "Downloads" folder for easy access

Even though it comes with a range of features, it doesn’t take much RAM and system space. This means it can run smoothly on your old devices. During testing, I installed it on my old Lenovo T410, initiated multiple downloads, and didn’t experience any problems.

Its many plug-ins can be confusing if you haven’t used the client before. However, they come in handy in helping you build your own personalized version of Deluge. Besides, I found its user interface clean and informative — it nicely displays the key features on the main menus. I easily accessed the commonly used options such as add, remove, pause and resume, so you can use the program immediately.

Deluge

6. BitComet — Hasten Torrents Downloads With Long-Term Seeding Technology

BitComet is another powerful BitTorrent client that increases your torrenting speed using Long-Term seeding. This technology helps you finish downloads faster by getting data from peers who have 100% of the torrent. During my tests, the downloader finished downloading the same 125.3 MB file in 1 minute and 17 seconds. There’s even an intelligent disk caching feature that expedites downloads by reducing the need to read and write on your hard drive.

Get data from peers who have already have the torrent content you need

Like BitTorrent, BitComet is bundled with unnecessary programs. However, the client allows you to uncheck or decline their installation, which is what I did. Still, I recommend using it with a reliable VPN that can protect you against malware, like CyberGhost.

BitComet supports magnet links and lets you preview your files while they are downloading. Also, it’s an HTTP client, which means it allows file sharing via the HTTP protocol and supports DHT Network. DHT boosts your torrenting speeds by managing trackers load when using public trackers.

Visit BitComet

7. Vuze — Built-in Search Engine Makes It a Breeze to Find the Content You Need

Formerly known as Azureus, Vuze stands out because of the built-in search engines that make it easy to find the content you need. While testing this application, this feature helped me find the files I needed without visiting any torrent sites.

It displayed torrents after a few seconds during my tests

On top of that, the intuitive interface makes it easy to personalize the downloader by adding extra plug-ins. There’s even a playback feature that you can use to stream the content in your Vuze library.

To unlock more features, you can upgrade to Vuze Plus. For example, the paid version lets you watch files while downloading, and it comes with a built-in antivirus.

There is even a mode that lets you adjust the complexity of this client. If you are new to Vuze, I recommend you set your user proficiency to beginner. Other features include IP filtering, remote pairing, plug-ins, and speed limits.

The only thing I didn’t like about this client is that its free version is ad-supported, and its installer comes with bundled applications. So be careful during installation not to add programs you don’t need.

Visit Vuze

8. BitLord — A Built-in Player That Lets You Play Videos While Downloading

BitLord is an ad-free BitTorrent client that lets you use its player to stream torrents while downloading them. Plus, a Chromecast feature allowed me to watch movies from my laptop on a big screen. Even better, it auto-generates subtitles for you and organizes your content into a playlist for instant access.

It also has a clean and easy-to-navigate interface, so it is a great option for both newbies and experts. Simply use its built-in search engine to quickly find the content you need.

Click the down-pointed arrow to download your favorite torrents

Additionally, it offers cool features such as a password protector and download organizer. The client can be downloaded in both mobile and desktop versions, but you need to be careful during installation as it comes with apps that may not be of any help.

Visit BitLord

9. Tixati — Ad-Free to Torrent Without Any Interruptions

Tixati is completely free to use and does not push any ads to users, as it relies solely on donations. In my tests, I enjoyed downloading torrents without the hassle of dealing with any distractions.

On top of that, it offers a chat room that you can use to engage or share links with other users. To start a conversation with anyone in the channel, type in a message at the bottom of the chat window and hit enter. Plus, it features powerful functionalities such as magnet links support, IP filtering, and event (download) scheduling.

On the home screen, click “Channel” and then “Chat” to engage with other torrent users

Tixati is quick and easy to install because it’s a lightweight program. Some users consider it to be considerably faster than other BitTorrent clients, but it was somewhat slow in my tests. It took 3 minutes and 30 seconds to download a 125.3 MB MKV file. For now, there are no versions for maccOS, iOS, and Android.

Visit Tixati

10. Transmission — Torrent on More Devices, Including on Embedded Systems Like Routers

Unlike other BitTorrent clients, Transmission supports embedded systems like Raspberry Pi, home theater PCs, NAS, and routers. This gives you the flexibility of using it on as many devices as you want. For example, I quickly installed it on my Windows laptop and downloaded multiple torrents. However, it took the longest time in my tests — more than 5 minutes to download a 125.3 MB file.

I installed it on my Windows PC in under 4 minutes

The application has a simple interface with no ads, meaning you can torrent without any disruptions. Plus, its code is open-source, so you can review it to ensure the program doesn’t pose any danger to your device and privacy. It also supports IP filtering, remote management, encryption, and download scheduling.

Another benefit is that it uses very little system memory — considered to consume the least of all major BitTorrent clients. So you can use it simultaneously with other applications without any issues.

Transmission is donation-supported — you can channel your contribution by clicking “donate” on its website. At the moment, it doesn't have a built-in search engine, so you have to use your web browser to access the torrent files you need.

Visit Transmission

Tips on Choosing the Fastest BitTorrent Clients

When it comes to finding the fastest BitTorrent client, there are several features that you should consider:

• Lightweight. For optimum speeds, a BitTorrent client should be designed to use a limited amount of the system’s resources. That way, you can run more programs simultaneously without sacrificing the performance of your device.
• Bandwidth allocation. Look for a client that allows you to allocate your available bandwidth to maximize download and upload speeds.
• Connection speed. The client should have fast connection speeds, which can significantly impact your download and upload rates.
• Customization within the app. Pick a torrent downloader that allows you to tweak the settings to manage speed.

Warning! The Risks of Using a BitTorrent Client

BitTorrent clients can sometimes expose you to cyber threats. Malware and spyware can be disguised as harmless downloads when torrenting. Unfortunately, more often than not, you won't know that until it's too late.

Even the safest torrenting apps can be embedded with malicious software. All my recommended BitTorrent clients were safe to use at the time of writing. However, be sure to check for the presence of anything suspicious before installation.

Another issue is that these programs can get you into trouble if you accidentally download copyrighted content, which is illegal in most countries.

Torrent clients don’t conceal your IP address while you download or share files, meaning third parties like ISPs or hackers can monitor your torrenting activity. Thankfully, a VPN can help you torrent safely on any BitTorrent client. VPNs encrypt your data and mask your IP address by rerouting your traffic through private servers. This makes it difficult for anyone to see what you’re doing online.

Torrent Safely With A VPN >>

Best VPNs to Use With Your BitTorrent Client — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds for Quick Downloads on Any BitTorrent Client

ExpressVPN provides consistently fast speeds for torrenting no matter where you are. I tested ten server locations and got impressive results — averaging 28.3 Mbps against a base speed of 30 Mbps. This allowed me to download a 1.2 GB file in under 10 minutes. I recommend using its Lightway protocol designed to minimize latency and reduce packet loss. This helps improve the speed and reliability of your BitTorrent downloads and uploads.

I tested different-distance servers and only experienced an average 5.7% speed drop

Your data is protected with top-notch security features. AES 256-bit encryption (the strongest available) with Perfect Forward Secrecy (which regularly changes your encryption keys) make your data unreadable to hackers and snoops. A kill switch is also in place to cut your internet connection if the VPN unexpectedly drops while torrenting. My actual location was never exposed and my identity remained hidden thanks to its DNS/IP leak protection.

Split tunneling provides you with more flexibility and control over your torrenting traffic. While using a VPN can help to protect your online privacy and security, it can be unnecessary if you're downloading files from a trusted source. By using split tunneling, you can choose only to route your BitTorrent traffic through the VPN when downloading from untrusted sources while allowing other traffic to use your regular internet connection.

ExpressVPN also follows a strict no-logs policy that ensures your torrenting activities are not monitored, recorded, or stored. RAM-only servers add an extra layer of security by erasing all your data whenever the server reboots. The VPN is also based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the data-sharing alliance of the 5/9/14 Eyes.

My only complaint is that the VPN lacks a built-in ad-blocker. However, its Threat Manager feature protects you from malware and phishing attacks while torrenting. It does this by blocking malicious websites and URLs.

Subscriptions start at $6.67/month, but you can save up to 49% with one of ExpressVPN's regular discounts. I even got 3 months of service for free when subscribing to its long-term plan. You can also pay with Bitcoin for extra privacy.

All plans are backed by a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. If the service doesn't meet your expectations, getting a refund is easy. I submitted my request via live chat and got my money back in my bank account after 3 days.

Torrent With ExpressVPN >>

2. CyberGhost — Torrenting-Optimized Servers for Improved Performance

CyberGhost’s huge network includes P2P dedicated servers for reliable and fast file sharing. These servers are optimized for speed and stability, so you can maintain shorter download times without compromising your privacy. Expand the app view, select "For torrenting" in the left-hand menu, and a list of servers optimized for P2P downloads will appear on the right. For the best speeds, choose a location close to you — you'll see how far (in kilometers) a server is from your location.

You can favorite servers by clicking on the star icon

Although not as fast as ExpressVPN, download speeds are impressive. I averaged 27.3 Mbps testing servers in Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt. I could stream in 4K while torrenting in the background without interruptions. During my tests, I downloaded a copyright-free TV series in less than 45 minutes.

Your online activities, including torrenting, can't be traced back to you, thanks to CyberGhost's no-logs policy, kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. High-level encryption (256-bit) and Perfect Forward Secrecy protect your online information.

The VPN also helps protect your device from malware and other online threats with its malware blocker. You can turn on this feature by selecting the "Block Content" option under privacy settings. Most BitTorrent clients are ad-supported, so I recommend switching on this feature to eliminate those annoying ads.

One snag is that monthly subscriptions are expensive with a short refund period. However, long-term plans are available at just $2.19/month, with an extended money-back guarantee.

So, you can torrent with CyberGhost free for 45 days. You can easily get your money back if it's not the VPN for you. After sending my request via email, it took just 4 days for the refund to reflect on my credit card.

Torrent With CyberGhost >> 

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Features to Balance Speed With Security When Torrenting

PIA enhances your torrenting experience by allowing you to tweak the security settings. For example, I chose the slightly faster AES 128-bit (fewer layers of encryption) to prioritize speed when downloading files and streaming. However, I prefer 256-bit encryption when accessing my bank account and shopping online. The VPN also offers several protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and PPTP. I used WireGuard to boost my torrenting speeds during testing since it requires much less code.

AES 128-bit encryption allowed me to download huge torrents quickly

The VPN supports P2P traffic across its network, so you have plenty of options for torrenting. On top of that, it doesn’t cap bandwidth, meaning you can download large files without delay. Nearby servers typically give the best speeds, so consider using them with any BitTorrent client. My download speed dropped by only 12%, from 30 Mbps to 26.4 Mbps testing servers in Australia and France. This allowed me to download a 1 GB file from The Pirate Bay in under 10 minutes.

A minor con is that PIA is headquartered in the US, with strict data-sharing laws. However, the VPN follows a no-logs policy that has been proven in court. So, your torrenting activity won’t be collected or shared with third parties.

All subscriptions offer the same features, but PIA’s long-term plans are the most pocket-friendly at $2.03/month. I signed up for the 3-year option to get the most for my money.

You can also try PIA risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this claim myself via the 24/7 live chat. My bank account was reimbursed after 5 days.

Torrent With PIA >>

FAQs on the Fastest BitTorrent Clients

Do I need to optimize my BitTorrent client?

Optimizing your BitTorrent client can improve your download and upload speeds and provide a better overall experience. A premium VPN might boost your torrenting speed if your ISP is throttling you. But the main benefit of a VPN is to protect your privacy and security when using a BitTorrent client.

Other ways to optimize your BitTorrent client include:

• Upgrading your internet connection if it's slow.
• Limiting your active number of torrents.
• Adjusting bandwidth settings.

Many of the BitTorrent clients listed in this article allow you to adjust the bandwidth for downloading and uploading files.

Are BitTorrent clients legal to use?

Yes, they’re legal to use in most countries. However, it becomes unlawful when you use them to download copyrighted content. To avoid getting yourself in trouble, always be careful about what you download, and use your BitTorrent client with a reliable VPN to protect your online privacy.

Is it safe to use a BitTorrent client?

Using a BitTorrent client can be risky, as it shares your data (like your IP address) with other users when torrenting. This can leave you vulnerable to online threats like malware. You can also get into trouble for accidentally downloading copyrighted content. A VPN can help mitigate these risks with military-grade encryption and other robust security features.

What is the fastest BitTorrent client for my device?

uTorrent and qBittorent are two of the fastest BitTorrent clients. However, determining the fastest BitTorrent client for your device depends on various factors. For example, the number of seeds a torrent has and your base speed. UTorrent is lightweight and optimized for fast downloads and uploads. qBittorrent is an open-source BitTorrent client known for low CPU and memory usage.

What is the safest BitTorrent client?

Clients like uTorrent and Deluge enhance your torrenting by offering protocol encryption. However, their protection isn’t robust enough to shield you from online threats that threaten to expose your identity. Fortunately, using your downloader simultaneously with a VPN can help keep your torrenting activity private. Look for a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy to stay safe while downloading files.

Can a BitTorrent client infect my device with a virus?

Indeed, if you inadvertently download a file infected with malware onto your gadget, you may be at risk. Dangers associated with torrenting can mask themselves as regular downloads or ads, and you might remain oblivious to the infection until the damage is done. Thankfully, a VPN that includes malware protection can safeguard your device against a multitude of online hazards.

Get the Best VPN for BitTorrent in Minutes

While torrenting speeds depend on many factors, the fastest clients, like uTorrent and qBittorent, can expedite your downloads. These downloaders let you enjoy fast speeds but don’t protect against torrenting-related threats, such as exposing your identity to hackers and spies. I recommend using a reliable VPN with unlimited bandwidth to enjoy fast and private torrenting.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for BitTorrent clients because its fast global network of P2P servers lets you torrent anywhere. Plus, it offers robust security and privacy features to keep you safe while torrenting. You can test ExpressVPN risk-free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, the best VPNs to use with your BitTorrent client are...