For tens of millions of BitTorrent users, uTorrent is the immediate client of choice. However, a recent decision by its creators to include adware in the client prompted some users to question their loyalty to the product. After numerous reader requests for an overview of other BitTorrent clients, here is a rundown of ten possible alternatives. Following the last week that uTorrent will become ad-supported and despite the subsequent on forced ads , some BitTorrent users have been reconsidering their options. In response to reader requests for information on other clients, here are ten alternatives to µTorrent for windows in alphabetical order. BitComet has been accused of many negative things in the past, but most were. However, the one universally annoying aspect of BitComet — — is still there, and is the default setting when creating torrents. For torrent downloads it is an acceptable client but by no means the best. On one of our test torrents BitComet could not find or connect to any peers, so your mileage may vary in everyday usage. On the plus side, the optional eMule integration could help resuscitate some torrents, assuming you can find a working eMule server that is. On the downside it was one of the heaviest clients on our test system. BitComet also serves advertising links. Some features such as VIP mode and downloading are pay services, which is not always made clear. Older BitLord clients were based on an old version v0. Installation includes a Conduit toolbar, and the client opens to a browser window containing more adverts through the integrated Chrome12 browser. As a modified Deluge, it offers very little in the way of worthwhile additions to the basic Deluge client. In addition to all the adverts it also managed to ignore the global settings and left a Conduit installer behind when removed. A clear case of where the modifications are all for the worse. Despite the age of the client this version was released in October 2006, and predates TorrentFreak! However, it has no DHT facility, so magnet links are not usable. BitTornado is best for power users who release torrents periodically and can make good use of the super-seed function. Various independent front-ends are available for the BitTornado engine such as ABC and TorrentFlux , but use them at your own risk. It covers all the basics and has a clean interface, the simplicity of which is only underscored after seeing how BitLord butchered it. There is also currently no support for as the client uses an older version of libtorrent-rasterbar. However, its simple competence coupled with overall lightness on the system means that this is a recommended client for the regular user. While there are no toolbars included, RealPlayer is offered during install. Music is definitely the focus of the client, with downloads being offered since 2008 along with iTunes integration. Additionally, in tests it was the only client to detect a local peer on the same network, and use it. On the downside, initial settings are a little high, and the layout is a little cluttered. If your torrenting revolves around music and iTunes integration is a bonus, then FrostWire is a good option. Likewise if you torrent on a large local network, the local peer discovery may improve things for you. The overall design of the client is, like FrostWire, aimed towards music users, with an integrated media player. However, unlike Deluge, it uses v0. Installation is simple and quick, with no adverts or premium options. System resource usage was the lowest of all clients tested, and handled all standard torrent tasks with quiet competence. On the downside, initial settings are again rather poor and will need to be corrected on installation. Like Deluge, this is a worthy alternative client to uTorrent. The layout is clear and uncluttered, with bold primary colors evoking memories of WinMX but getting the job done. It was easy to set up and run and is more customizable than most. On the downside the homepage has some misleading adverts and you have to agree to the license twice, once when installing and again when first run, which can be annoying. Worth a try, but may not be for everyone. The downside is that the installer is massive in comparison to the other clients listed here, and it also ends up being the most system-intensive, with some functions taking several seconds to respond. While uTorrent prides itself on its small size and speed, Java-based Vuze focuses on capability and the sheer. It was the first client to feature DHT, albeit on its own network a plugin is available to use the mainline DHT network and with the enhancements offered by the plugin system it gives power users the ability to do things not possible with any of the other clients listed here. On the downside, the client is Java-based and so is one of the heaviest consumers of system resources, and the layout is not intuitive to those coming from other clients. Additionally, the installer contains not one, but three pieces of software — a toolbar, WinZip registry optimizer, and WinZip driver updater. Conclusion If you are looking for a straight alternative to the uTorrent client, there are a few alternatives. If you are a torrent releaser, working on one or two torrents at a time, then BitTornado may be for you. The Tribler client offers promise for the future and is certainly one to keep an eye on. Did we miss a good client? Do you disagree with the above? Feel free to add a comment! Likewise with rTorrent, not available for windows. We will be checking out clients for other operating systems soon.
