IDM is a popular download manager for Windows. It helps control and speed up file downloads by pausing, playing, and restarting them. However, it has some drawbacks. Firstly, it only works on Windows. Secondly, you need a subscription to access all its features. Many people find these problems frustrating. If you’re looking for alternatives to IDM, this article provides a list of the best options for Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac.
10 Best IDM Alternatives
There are several excellent alternatives to IDM that work similarly or even better on Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS devices. These alternatives provide similar functionalities and features to IDM.
1. Free Download Manager (FDM)
The top IDM alternative on our list is called Free Download Manager (FDM). What sets FDM apart is its built-in support for torrent clients. This means you can download torrent files as well as other types with FDM.
The software is compatible with Windows, Android, and macOS, making it cross-platform. Another great feature of a good download manager is the ability to preview files before downloading them, and FDM offers this feature as well.
Features of Free Download Manager (FDM)
- FDM offers a download acceleration system that divides files into sections and downloads them sequentially. Unlike regular browsers or software, FDM can resume downloads from the point of failure.
- A noteworthy feature of FDM is the ability to schedule downloads for a later time. Additionally, the software’s interface supports various languages such as English, Macedonian, Serbian, Albanian, Croatian, Korean, Arabic, and more.
- FDM is a completely secure and open-source download manager available for free.
2. FlashGet
Another excellent download manager to consider is FlashGet, a free and fast alternative to IDM, specifically designed for Windows. FlashGet stands out with its impressive download speed, which is ten times faster than other managers.
Even better, once the download is finished, the software automatically runs an antivirus program to safeguard your system. With FlashGet, you can enjoy swift downloads and added protection for your files.
Features of FlashGet
- FlashGet is a download manager that offers seamless integration with various popular and lesser-known browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera.
- Formerly known as Jet Car, FlashGet includes a built-in antivirus program that shields your system from threats and viruses.
- Like any reliable download manager, FlashGet allows for batch downloading of multiple files simultaneously.
- However, one drawback of FlashGet is its lack of cross-platform compatibility, as it is exclusively available for Windows devices.
- One of its notable advantages is its support for multiple protocols without straining the processor.
3. Ninja Download Manager
For Mac users, the Ninja Download Manager is an excellent alternative to IDM. This program is compatible with both Windows and macOS and offers a wide range of features and customizable settings.
With Ninja Download Manager, you can easily pause and resume downloads, as well as schedule them according to your preferences. What sets it apart is its exceptional download speed, which can be up to 20 times faster compared to similar software options.
Features of Ninja Download Manager
- One advantage of the Ninja Download Manager is that it lets you preview files before initiating the download, ensuring you confirm your choice.
- Furthermore, NDM offers a convenient drag-and-drop feature, allowing you to easily select and add files for downloading. You can also download multiple files in a batch with just a single click.
- For users with limited data, NDM enables queuing and scheduling of downloads, providing flexibility according to your preferences.
- A distinctive feature of NDM is the ability to limit the download speed for individual downloads, giving you control over bandwidth allocation.
4. JDownloader 2
JDownloader 2 is an excellent download manager, particularly suitable for new users. It serves as a fantastic alternative to IDM for Linux and other operating systems, offering a unique download search feature.
With JDownloader 2, you can easily search for and download specific content from websites. Another advantage is that the base of JD 2 is open source, allowing you to modify its code as desired.
Furthermore, it supports multi-stream compatibility, enabling simultaneous downloads of multiple files from various sources. JDownloader 2 is a versatile and user-friendly option for efficient downloading.
Features of JDownloader 2
- JDownloader offers a convenient solution for websites that require captcha inputs by including a built-in captcha reader, allowing for hassle-free file downloads.
- What makes JDownloader 2 even more appealing is its cross-platform compatibility, allowing users to install and use it on various operating systems. It serves as an excellent alternative to IDM for Ubuntu users as well.
- A standout feature of JD 2 is the ability to download multiple files simultaneously in a batch, streamlining the downloading process.
- For platforms like YouTube, JDownloader 2 provides multiple format options, giving you flexibility in choosing the desired file format.
- Moreover, the software automatically extracts the downloaded files, making them readily available for your use.
5. Motrix
Another top-notch alternative to IDM is Motrix, a download manager that offers a similar experience but with added benefits. This user-friendly and straightforward software encompasses all the necessary features for effective download management.
Motrix stands out with its exceptional ability to map UPnP & NAT-PMP Ports, ensuring smooth connectivity. Whether you’re downloading regular files, torrents, or magnet links, Motrix can handle it all efficiently.
Features of Motrix
- Motrix boasts a clear, intuitive, and user-friendly interface suitable for all types of users.
- Similar to BitTorrent apps or software, Motrix enables selective file downloads within torrents or ZIP files.
- An appealing aspect of Motrix’s interface is the graphical representation of download status, a feature not commonly found in other software.
- Real-time notifications are provided whenever a download is completed, keeping you informed.
- Additionally, Motrix supports over 15 languages, allowing users to select their preferred interface language.
6. Xtreme Download Manager
Xtreme Download Manager, also known as XDM, is a highly sophisticated and user-friendly software that offers a wide range of services.
Its exceptional download speed sets it apart from other similar applications, providing users with more than a 500% increase in download speed.
Additionally, XDM allows for seamless downloading of streaming videos, making the process effortless and efficient. XDM is a powerful tool for enhancing your download experience.
Features of Xtreme Download Manager
- Xtreme Download Manager, or XDM, offers the convenient ability to resume broken or failed downloads from the exact point where they stopped.
- The software is cross-platform, meaning it can be used on macOS, Windows, Linux, and other operating systems.
- Regardless of whether you’re using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Vivaldi, or any other browser, XDM can efficiently manage all your downloads.
- XDM allows you to adjust the download speed as needed, allowing for faster retrieval of important files.
- Another noteworthy feature of XDM is its effective scheduling and queue management, enabling the efficient organization of downloads.
7. Internet Download Accelerator (IDA)
IDA (Internet Download Accelerator) is a highly regarded download manager that offers a comprehensive set of features, including speed acceleration, broken download resuming, and efficient download management.
Similar to IDM, IDA stands out as a superior alternative. One of its notable strengths is the ability to download audio and video content from various platforms.
Moreover, IDA features an integrated Active Visual Cart system, allowing users to work within the program without the need for additional software or applications.
IDA is a powerful and versatile download manager for enhanced downloading capabilities.
Features of Internet Download Accelerator (IDA)
- IDA offers a standout feature that allows you to preview files, even those within ZIP folders.
- You have the flexibility to change and apply various skins to personalize the appearance of IDA according to your preferences.
- Whether it’s YouTube or any other video service, IDA enables you to download high-quality videos from these platforms.
- The software excels in resuming interrupted downloads, regardless of whether they were from HTTP, HTTPS, or FTP servers.
- With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, IDA caters to both beginners and professionals, ensuring ease of use for all.
8. uGet Download Manager
For Windows, Mac, Linux, and other platforms, uGet Download Manager is a top-notch free alternative to IDM. Its inclusion in this article is attributed to its impressive multi-connection download capabilities.
uGet supports up to 16 simultaneous connections, allowing for enhanced download speeds. Furthermore, uGet eliminates the need for additional websites or apps to download YouTube videos, as it comes equipped with built-in support for YouTube downloads.
uGet Download Manager is a reliable choice for efficient and versatile downloading.
Features of uGet Download Manager
- uGet Download Manager offers seamless integration with popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Opera, Firefox, Vivaldi, and other Chromium-based browsers.
- With uGet, you have access to a wide range of settings options, including UI customization, bandwidth management, media website handling, plug-in configuration, and more, granting you complete control over your downloads.
- The software allows you to add files to the Clipboard Monitor, giving you the flexibility to decide whether to download them immediately or at a later time.
- To accommodate users worldwide, uGet Download Manager supports over 30 different languages, ensuring ease of access for a global user base.
- Additionally, uGet supports multiple keyboard shortcuts, enhancing your workflow and making the downloading process more efficient.
9. aria2
aria2 is a lightweight and efficient download management utility available for Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux. Despite its compact size, the software offers comprehensive functionalities comparable to other similar utilities.
Aria2 stands out with its ability to support multiple protocols simultaneously, resulting in optimal download speeds for your files. If you prefer to avoid download managers that occupy significant storage space on your system, aria2 is an excellent choice to consider.
Features of aria2
- The aria2 download utility provides support for Metalink-enabled downloads, allowing for efficient retrieval of files.
- With its built-in BitTorrent Client support, aria2 enables users to download files from torrent servers seamlessly.
- Despite its powerful functionality, the software is incredibly lightweight, occupying only a few megabytes of storage space.
- aria2 offers remote control capabilities, enabling users to monitor and manage various processes from different locations.
- While being lightweight, aria2 supports multiple languages, including Arabic, English, Hindi, Dutch, Polish, and more, catering to users worldwide.
10. Turbo Download Manager
Turbo Download Manager is a relatively new but rapidly rising star among download managers. It has quickly gained recognition as one of the finest free alternatives to IDM, available for Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, and more.
The software’s effectiveness lies in its ability to divide the downloading file into multiple sections. By downloading these sections individually, it offers the convenient feature of resuming interrupted downloads, ensuring a seamless experience even if the process is disrupted.
Turbo Download Manager is a promising choice for efficient and uninterrupted downloads.
Features of Turbo Download Manager
- Turbo Download Manager offers the feature of refreshing download links automatically if the download fails in between.
- The software provides you with the option to limit your download speed as per your requirement.
- You can use TDM with all the popular browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari, and others.
- The software allows you to organize and categorize your downloads efficiently.
- TDM also supports the download of audio and video files from different websites like YouTube, SoundCloud, Vimeo, and others.
Conclusion
These are some of the best free alternatives to IDM for Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, iOS, and other operating systems. These programs offer similar functionality to IDM and even provide additional features. They allow you to control and set download speed limits while downloading multiple files from various sources. While some of these programs have a commercial version, you can still use them without any cost.
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