The best torrent client for Mac [2026 update]

What’s the challenge with Mac torrent clients? Most torrent clients are designed with Windows or Linux in mind, leaving Mac users to deal with clunky interfaces, missing features, or worse — apps that simply don't work with newer macOS versions. The ideal client downloads reliably while respecting your Mac's resources, integrating with native features, and maintaining security standards.

This guide breaks down the six best torrent clients for Mac in 2026, with real workflow examples, performance data, and honest assessments of what works and what doesn't. This guide covers which Mac torrent client works best for different scenarios, from occasional downloads like Linux distributions to managing multiple torrents simultaneously.

How to choose the right Mac torrent client for your workflow

Recently, we've reviewed the most popular and safe torrent websites. In this article, we'll take a look at the best torrent downloaders. Ready?

When security is your top priority

When I started torrenting on my Mac, I quickly learned that not all clients handle security equally. If you're downloading anything beyond open-source software, you need a client with built-in protection. Folx stands out here with its integrated security measures and ad-free environment. For free alternatives, qBittorrent's VPN binding feature ensures downloads stop if your VPN disconnects—critical for privacy-conscious users.

For resource-limited Macs

When working with resource-limited Macs like older MacBook Air models, lightweight software becomes crucial for maintaining system performance. Transmission typically uses under 100–130MB of RAM even with multiple active torrents, making it perfect for older Macs or when you need resources for other tasks. Deluge offers similar lightweight performance but requires more technical setup.

When you need advanced features

Power users managing large media libraries or frequent downloads need robust features. qBittorrent excels here with its extensive plugin system, advanced scheduling, and bandwidth management. You can search across 30+ torrent sites directly from the app and automate complex download rules.

For seamless Mac integration

If you value native macOS design and integration, Folx feels like it belongs on your Mac. It supports Spotlight search for downloaded content, integrates with Finder tags, and uses native notifications. The interface follows Apple's design guidelines, making it intuitive for long-time Mac users.

Quick comparison: Mac torrent clients at a glance

Here's a roundup of top torrent downloaders for Mac, designed to efficiently pull files using the torrent P2P protocol. First – a quick overview, then – a detailed analysis.

App Name	Best use case	Key differentiator
uTorrent Web	Casual downloading on newer macOS	Browser-based, works on Catalina+
Folx	Daily use with security focus	Native Mac design, no ads
Transmission	Lightweight occasional use	Minimal resource usage (<100MB RAM)
qBittorrent	Power users needing features	VPN binding, search plugins
Deluge	Technical users wanting control	Extensive plugin system
FrostWire	Media-focused downloading	YouTube/SoundCloud downloads

Tip: When downloading torrents, watch out for viruses or malware. It's easy for bad stuff to get hidden in these files since anyone can upload them. Stick to downloads from places you trust and use torrent software that checks for safety. Always scan your Mac for viruses, too. CleanMyMac is a great app for this. It scans for malware, cleans your Mac, and helps with privacy settings.

Complete guide to 6 essential torrent clients for Mac users

uTorrent web for casual Mac torrenting

uTorrent remains one of the most recognized names in torrenting, though Mac users face a unique challenge — the desktop version doesn't work on macOS Catalina 10.15 or newer. The solution? uTorrent Web, which runs directly in your browser — Chrome, Safari, or Edge. You can "install" uTorrent as an app-like experience for easier access.

uTorrent is best for: Casual users on newer Macs who download occasionally and don't mind browser-based interfaces. Perfect for students downloading course materials or users grabbing the occasional Linux distribution.

Problems uTorrent solved:

• Compatibility issues with newer macOS: uTorrent Web works on any macOS version since it's browser-based
• System resource drain: Uses minimal CPU and RAM, letting you multitask without slowdown
• Complex setup requirements: No installation needed — just open your browser and start downloading

uTorrent’s feature benefits:

• In-app torrent search saves time by eliminating the need to browse multiple torrent sites.
• Download scheduling lets you set torrents to download during off-peak hours when your internet isn't throttled.
• Remote control capabilities allow you to manage downloads from your iPhone or another computer.
• Scripting and automation features enable power users to create custom download rules.

uTorrent strengths:

• Extremely lightweight — won't slow down your Mac even during large downloads.
• Free version includes essential features most users need.
• Familiar interface for anyone who's used BitTorrent clients before.

uTorrent limitations:

• Desktop (uTorrent Classic) version is incompatible with macOS Catalina and newer.
• Web version displays ads that can be intrusive.
• May prompt you to install additional software during setup.

Workflow example: 

I use uTorrent Web when downloading large open-source projects on my MacBook Air. I'll search for Ubuntu distributions directly in the app, queue several versions, then schedule them to download overnight when my ISP doesn't throttle speeds. The browser-based interface means I can check progress from any device without installing software.

Using uTorrent in your workflow:

uTorrent Web integrates surprisingly well with macOS despite being browser-based. Downloads appear in your Downloads folder like any browser download, Spotlight can search the files, and you can use Automator to move completed downloads to specific folders. For better security, always run it in a private browser window with your VPN active.

Pricing info:

• uTorrent Web: Free with ads
• uTorrent Web Ad-Free: $6.95/year (uses less bandwidth and has a larger video window).
• Pro: $19.95/year (includes malware protection and support).
• Pro+VPN: $69.95/year (includes CyberGhost VPN for up to 5 devices, blocks malware and viruses, prevents online tracking). 

Folx for ad-free downloads and enhanced security

Folx is the paid torrent client that Mac users have been waiting for — designed specifically for macOS with the polish and integration you'd expect from a native app. After switching from various free clients, I found Folx's ad-free environment and built-in security measures worth the investment.

Folx is best for: Daily torrent users who value security, privacy, and a native Mac experience. Ideal for creative professionals downloading large asset libraries, developers grabbing repositories, or anyone tired of ad-cluttered free clients.

Downloading with Folx 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.

Problems Folx solved:

• Time wasted searching for torrents: Integrated search across multiple torrent sites from one interface.
• Cluttered download list: Assign tags to your downloads (e.g., “Apps”, “Videos”), and they will be saved into the relevant folders.
• Ugly, non-native interfaces: macOS-inspired design feels at home next to your other Mac apps.

Folx’s feature benefits:

• Smart speed adjustment allocates bandwidth based on your activity — full speed when idle, throttled when working.
• Built-in password manager helps store your passwords for different websites and FTP servers.
• Split downloading divides files into multiple threads for faster completion.

Folx’s strengths:

• Zero ads create a distraction-free downloading experience.
• Native macOS integration, including Spotlight search and Quick Look support.
• Built-in torrent search eliminates risky browsing on torrent sites.

Folx’s limitations:

• Paid software when many free alternatives exist
• macOS exclusive — can't use on Windows or Linux machines

Workflow example with Folx: Folx is great for anyone who downloads regularly — just like video editors, YouTubers, and more. Use Folx to download royalty-free footage collections: search for content directly in Folx, tag downloads with project names, and use the scheduling feature to download during your breaks or at night. The password protection keeps client projects separate and secure.

Pricing info:

• Folx has a free limited version
• Folx is available with a Setapp subscription from $9.99/mo
• Personal license for one Mac: $19.95 one-time purchase
• Family Pack (3 Macs): $39.95

Transmission for reliable lightweight downloading

Transmission is the torrent client I recommend to Mac beginners — it's free, incredibly lightweight, and just works. The minimalist interface might look too simple at first, but that's exactly what makes it perfect for users who want torrenting without the complexity.

Transmission is best for: Occasional torrent users with older Macs or limited RAM. Perfect for students, casual users downloading open-source software, or anyone who values simplicity over features.

Problems Transmission solved:

• Torrent clients hogging system resources: Uses under 50MB RAM even with multiple active torrents.
• Overwhelming interfaces with unused features: Clean, minimal design shows only what you need.
• Complicated initial setup: Works immediately after installation with sensible defaults.

Transmission’s feature benefits:

• Label-based organization of downloads for grouping and filtering.
• Web interface lets you control downloads from any browser on your network.
• Blocklist support automatically blocks known malicious peers for safer downloading.
• Magnet link association makes Transmission your default handler for quick additions.

Transmission’s strengths:

• Completely free with no ads, upsells, or hidden costs
• Minimal RAM usage makes it perfect for older Macs
• Active open-source development with regular updates

Transmission’s limitations:

• Interface is intentionally minimal, which may feel limited for power users seeking advanced features like built-in search or complex automation
• Being open-source means occasional bugs between updates
• No built-in torrent search — you'll need to find torrents elsewhere

Workflow example with Transmission:

On my 2015 MacBook Air with limited RAM, Transmission is my go-to for downloading things I need. I've set up automatic categorization rules that move completed downloads to specific folders — media files go to ~/Movies, and documents to ~/Downloads/Documents. The web interface lets me add torrents from my iPhone when I'm away from my Mac.

Transmission’s pricing info:

• Completely free and open-source
• No premium version or paid features

Tip: When you use torrents, everyone can see your IP address, which could get you into legal trouble. Many torrent downloaders don't hide your IP on its own. So, it's really important to always use a VPN or proxy with torrents to stay safe. Using a VPN hides your actions, including torrent downloads, from your ISP, preventing any throttling and keeping your torrenting invisible.

The VPN I recommend is ClearVPN. It combines a beautiful and straightforward interface with top-notch protection. The app lets you choose a country to connect to, find the fastest or most secure servers, or access geo-restricted content. In short, it's the only VPN your Mac will ever need.

qBittorrent for power users needing advanced features

qBittorrent stands out as a volunteer-driven, open-source project that offers more features than many commercial alternatives. qBittorrent is my recommendation for power users who need advanced control without the cost.

qBittorrent is best for: Technical users managing large torrent libraries, privacy-conscious downloaders using VPNs, and anyone who needs advanced automation features. Perfect for data hoarders, media server operators, and users comfortable with configuration options.

Problems qBittorrent solved:

• VPN disconnection exposing your IP: qBittorrent can connect directly to your VPN interface. This ensures that all downloading or uploading happens exclusively over your VPN, safeguarding your activities.
• Searching multiple torrent sites manually: Installable search plugins enable searching dozens of torrent sites/trackers directly in the app (e.g., 1337x, YTS, TorrentGalaxy). Add as many as needed for comprehensive coverage from one interface.
• Managing hundreds of torrents: Advanced filtering and categorization handles large libraries

qBittorrent’s feature benefits:

• Network interface binding locks qBittorrent to your VPN adapter for bulletproof privacy.
• RSS feed automation automatically downloads torrents matching your criteria.
• Sequential downloading lets you preview media files before they finish downloading.
• IP filtering blocks entire countries or specific IP ranges for enhanced security.

qBittorrent’s strength:

• Completely free with no ads or premium versions
• A comprehensive feature set
• Cross-platform with identical features on all operating systems

qBittorrent’s limitations:

• Interface feels dated compared to modern Mac apps
• Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
• Open-source development may mean slower bug fixes

Using qBittorrent in your workflow:

qBittorrent's web API enables deep integration with automation tools. Connect it to Shortcuts for voice-controlled downloads, use the API with Python scripts to build custom workflows, or integrate with media servers for automated content management. The watch folder feature triggers downloads when you drop torrent files in a designated directory.

Pricing info on qBittorrent:

• Completely free and open-source
• No paid version exists

Deluge for technical users wanting complete control

Deluge stands out as an exceptional open-source torrent client that rivals premium options — if you're willing to invest time in configuration. It's the Linux of torrent clients: infinitely customizable, incredibly powerful, but requiring technical knowledge to unlock its potential. However, macOS receives limited developer attention, so builds may lag behind those on other platforms.

Deluge is best for: System administrators, developers, and technical users who want granular control over every aspect of torrenting. Ideal for users running headless servers or managing torrents remotely.

Problems Deluge solved:

• Need for remote torrent management: Thin client architecture allows control from anywhere.
• Inflexible torrent clients: The plugin system adds any feature you can imagine.
• Resource waste on simple downloads: Daemon mode runs without a GUI for minimal overhead.

Deluge’s feature benefits:

• File prioritization within torrents lets you download specific files first.
• Thin client architecture separates the interface from the daemon for flexible deployment.
• Plugin ecosystem (official and community) adds extensive features like bandwidth scheduling, auto-extraction, label organization, execute scripts on events, RSS auto-download, and more — allowing significant customization.
• Console interface enables management via SSH for server deployments.

Deluge’s strengths:

• Extremely lightweight core with features added via plugins
• True cross-platform consistency across macOS, Windows, and Linux
• Powerful scripting capabilities through plugins

Deluge’s limitations:

• No built-in search requires finding torrents externally
• Steeper learning curve than consumer-focused clients
• Some interface quirks that may confuse new users

Using Deluge in your workflow:

Deluge's plugin architecture enables powerful Mac workflows. Use the Execute plugin to trigger AppleScripts when downloads complete, integrate with Keyboard Maestro for macro-based automation, or connect to home automation systems through webhooks.

Pricing info:

• Completely free and open-source
• No premium version available

FrostWire for media-focused downloading with extras

FrostWire takes a different approach to torrenting by combining traditional BitTorrent downloads with direct media grabbing from YouTube and SoundCloud.

FrostWire is best for: Media collectors who want one app for all download types,, and users who primarily download audio/video content. Best suited for users comfortable declining bundled software during installation.

Problems FrostWire solved:

• Needing multiple apps for different download types: One app handles torrents, YouTube, and SoundCloud.
• Slow torrent searches: Cached search results make finding content nearly instant.

FrostWire’s feature benefits:

• Universal media downloading grabs content from torrents, YouTube, and SoundCloud in one interface.
• Built-in media player previews content without opening separate apps.
• In-app search delivers fast results from torrent engines and cloud sources, with preview/streaming support for quick access.

FrostWire’s strengths:

• Versatile downloading beyond just torrents
• Integrated media library and player
• Fast search through aggressive caching

FrostWire’s limitations:

• No app for Macs with Intel chip.
• Smaller selection of torrent sites for built-in search.
• Copyright concerns with YouTube/SoundCloud downloading features.

Using FrostWire in your workflow:

If you are creating video projects, you could try FrostWire to grab royalty-free music from SoundCloud and reference videos from YouTube (ensuring proper licensing). The built-in player lets you preview content before adding to Final Cut Pro or another video editing app.

Pricing info: FrostWire is free; donations are welcome.

Security essentials for Mac torrenting

Torrenting may expose your IP address to every peer in the swarm, making privacy protection essential. Beyond privacy, torrented files can harbor malware since anyone can upload content. Personal experience has shown that even legitimate-looking torrents can contain unwanted software, which is why proper security measures are essential for safe torrenting.

Essential security tools

ClearVPN for anonymity: ClearVPN combines a beautiful design with robust protection, automatically selecting optimal servers for torrenting. The Mac app includes a dedicated "Secure Downloading" mode that optimizes your connection for P2P traffic while maintaining anonymity. At $12.99/month or free with Setapp, it's essential for safe torrenting.

CleanMyMac for malware scanning: After every torrent download, I run CleanMyMac to ensure no malware landed on my machine. It catches threats that macOS's built-in protection might miss, especially in cracked software or suspicious media files. The one-click scan takes seconds and has saved me from multiple infections.

Security best practices

1. Always verify torrent sources: Stick to verified uploaders and read comments before downloading.
2. Enable VPN kill switch: Ensures torrenting stops if your VPN disconnects.
3. Use separate user accounts: Download torrents in a restricted account to limit potential damage.
4. Regular malware scans: Schedule weekly CleanMyMac scans for ongoing protection.
5. Keep clients updated: Security patches in updates protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Making your decision: which Mac torrent client is right for you?

For different user types

• Beginners: Start with Transmission — it's free, lightweight, and impossible to mess up. Once you understand torrenting basics and want more features, upgrade to Folx for its Mac-native design and built-in security.
• Casual users: If you download occasionally, uTorrent Web works fine on newer Macs. For older systems or when you want to avoid ads, Transmission offers a cleaner experience without the browser requirement.
• Daily users: Invest in Folx. The ad-free environment, built-in search, and security features justify the one-time cost when you're torrenting regularly. Available on Setapp, you can try it alongside 260+ productivity apps.
• Power users: qBittorrent provides the most features without cost. VPN binding, RSS automation, and extensive search plugins make it perfect for managing large libraries or automated downloading.
• Technical users: Deluge offers ultimate control through its plugin system and daemon architecture. Perfect for headless servers or users who enjoy configuring every detail.

Key decision factors

• Budget constraints: Transmission and qBittorrent offer professional-grade features completely free. Only consider paid options if you need specific features like ad-free interfaces or commercial support.
• System resources: On older Macs or with limited RAM, Transmission's sub-100MB footprint makes it the clear choice. Avoid feature-heavy clients that could slow your system.
• Security priorities: Folx and qBittorrent's. Always pair any client with ClearVPN and CleanMyMac for comprehensive security.
• Feature requirements: Need built-in search? Choose Folx, qBittorrent, or FrostWire. Want automation? qBittorrent's RSS feeds and Deluge's plugins excel here.

If you're looking to explore these options, try Setapp''s 7-day free trial that includes Folx and security tools like ClearVPN and CleanMyMac, and 260+ other productivity apps. This lets you test different combinations to find what works best for your specific workflow.

Torrenting on Mac FAQs