Best Simple Download Manager For Mac

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The free version is loaded with tons of features and is perfect for those who don’t download content from the Internet on a regular basis. Upgrading to Folx PRO, however, will offer you a ton of awesome features.

Folx Pros:

  • • Folx allows you to assign each of your downloads with “tags” that identify the type of content you’re downloading and then save that content into a specific folder on your harddrive.
  • • Folx is one of only two download managers for Mac that offers full torrent client compatibility. You can assign Folx as your primary torrent downloader, and it will open every time you download a new torrent. Folx also allows you to use magnet links to download torrents.
  • • Folx PRO allows you to set automatic speed control on your downloads, based on the priority of the downloads.
  • • Folx PRO lets you schedule downloads at specific times. If you work from your computer during the day, you probably don’t want Internet downloads slowing down your processor and using up your Internet bandwidth. Folx PRO allows you to schedule downloads to begin when you’re away from your computer.
  • • Folx PRO has the capability to split your downloads into multiple threads, which can significantly improve the speed at which they download.
  • • Folx PRO is fully compatible with Apple Music (formerly iTunes).
  • • Folx PRO can save your login credentials for multiple torrent trackers and websites you use on a regular basis.
  • • Folx PRO also has an awesome built-in torrent search option. No more scouring the internet for reliable torrent websites that don’t inundate your computer with ads. Just do a search in the Folx app and it will find the highest quality, most seeded downloads for you!

Hi, My internet provider is poor at the best of times an I am unable to download any more than 20 to 25 meg of data before it freezes. I would like to know if it possible to download itunes updates and iphone updates through a manager that can resume downloading once the connection is restored. Xtreme Download Manager is the next best free download manager on the list. Well, if you are a person who doesn’t appreciate the complex menu system or the concept of plugins then the simple and intuitive UI of XDM will definitely impress you. The older 32-bit Free Download Manager was more customizable and consistent, however the current 64-bit version, 5.1.20.5362, has lost the ability to show download progress, and there is no way to prevent accumulating download history, AFAIK (the setting is ignored). Xtreme Download Manager is the next best free download manager on the list. Well, if you are a person who doesn’t appreciate the complex menu system or the concept of plugins then the simple and intuitive UI of XDM will definitely impress you. Folx for mac is no doubt the best download manager for mac housing all the features once can ask for. It is the IDM for mac users. IGetter for mac iGetter is a powerful, full featured download manager and accelerator. IGetter can greatly improve the speed of your downloads using segmented downloading. Internet Download Manager also known as IDM is probably one of the most popular download managers for Windows out there. The biggest feature and probably the USP of Internet Download Manager is its easy integration with all the major browsers out there.

Download Manager For Mac


Folx is also fully compatible with Mac’s latest operating system — Catalina. And for this reason, and the many reasons listed above, we think it’s the best download manager for Mac available.


How to manage downloads on Mac with Folx:

  1. Download and install Folx.
  2. Copy link to the file you want to download.
  3. Open Folx and choose New task in File menu or simply press ‘+’ button in the main app window.
  4. Choose where to save downloaded file and assign one or more tags to your download, so you can easily find it later.
  5. Configure additional download settings (for PRO users): select the number of simultaneous download threads, schedule download for later start, set up saved authentication credentials.
  6. Press ‘OK’ and wait until the download is finished.

2. Ninja Download Manager

Another top download manager for Mac to consider is Ninja Download Manager from Knockout Soft. Ninja DM is a download manager that was first designed for the PC user, then reformatted for Mac users, so its interface can be a little “PC-like”. It is, however, reliable, and has some pretty cool features and is currently available on macOS Catalina.


Pros of Ninja DM:

  • • Like Folx, Ninja DM allows you to increase download speed by using multiple threads, or connections.
  • • Ninja DM also allows you to pause and resume downloads.
  • • Much like Folx, Ninja DM also offers a download scheduler, but, again, this option is not free.

Cons of Ninja DM:

  • • Ninja Download Manager does not offer a free version. The cheapest version is $19, and that is if you’re just using it on one computer.
  • • Many Mac users find Ninja DM’s user interface too dark and difficult to navigate. As we mentioned before, it was not initially designed with the Mac user in mind.

3. JDownloader

JDownloader is an open-source Internet downloader that was originally written in Java — a software language that is quickly becoming outdated — but it still has some pretty cool features, which is why we’ve included it in our list of the best download managers for Mac. It’s also available to use on Mac’s newest OS — Catalina.


Pros of JDownloader:

  • • JDownloader is an open-source download manager for Mac that is platform independent. This means it can be modified (via fairly simple coding) to work on any operating system.
  • • JDownloader is especially efficient when downloading from one-click hosters like Rapidshare or Megaupload.

Cons of JDownloader:

  • • This application was written in Java (a mostly outdated software language), which makes it pretty slow on startup.

4. Leech

Leech is another contender among the best download managers for Mac. The main focus of Leech is to smoothly integrate with your Internet browser. Its interface is simple — drag and drop a URL into the app and you’re good to go. You also have the option to set a username and password for corresponding servers. E.g. if you have a premium account on uploaded.net for high downloading speed, you can set up an automatic login to your account whenever Leech catches the link from uploaded.net. No need to have any extensions for web browsers in order to use automatic download link catching.


Pros of Leech:

  • • Lightweight — meaning it won’t take up much space on your harddrive.
  • • Very simple to use, appealing user interface.
  • • Available on Mac’s newest OS — Catalina.

Cons of Leech:

  • • Some users complain that Leech does not offer enough options when it comes to setting up “rules” for your downloads.

5. Free Download Manager

Another top download manager for Mac to check out is called Free Download Manager. FDM does everything a download manager for Mac should do: resumes broken downloads, increases download speed, adjusts available bandwidth, schedules activity and even supports BitTorrent protocol. All these features for zero price make FDM a solid choice. It’s also fully supported on Mac’s latest OS — Catalina.


Pros of Free Download Manager:

  • • It’s completely free!
  • • Like most download managers, FDM increases download speed, adjusts available bandwidth.
  • • One of only two download managers for Mac that combine torrent with regular downloading.

Cons of Free Download Manager:

  • • One thing to note about FDM is that it was originally released as an open-source software, so older versions are susceptible to malware. Be sure to download this program from the original vendor.

6. iGetter

iGetter is a very popular choice among Mac users when it comes to download managers. It’s known as one of the best download managers for Mac because it is completely free and has been around for a long time.

iGetter provides Mac users with high speed downloading by using segment downloaded for boosting up the speed. With the possibility to resume broken downloads unstable network connection is not a problem anymore.


Pros of iGetter:

  • • Completely free!
  • • Easily integrates with most Internet browsers.

Cons of iGetter:

Best Simple Download Manager For Mac
  • • As of now, iGetter does not support the latest versions of Chrome, nor is it compatible with Mac’s newest OS — Catalina.
  • • Many complain that its user interface is dated and confusing to navigate.
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7. Maxel

Maxel is a download manager for Mac that prides itself on being user friendly and streamlining downloads using the most reliable file transfer protocols — namely, HTTP, HTTPS, and SFTP. The “s” in these acronyms stands for “secure”, meaning that, if you’re worried about viruses or malware, and protecting your privacy, you should always utilize HTTPS or SFTP. The only reason you might utilize non-secure protocols, such as FTP or HTTP is if your browser doesn’t support SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), which is very uncommon in most modern Internet browsers.


Pros of Maxel:

  • • Maxel offers the option to use browser plugins.
  • • Maxel has the ability to optimize your download speed by breaking your download into over 100 segments.
  • • Currently available for macOS Catalina.

Cons of Maxel:

  • • Navigating through the menus on Maxel’s app can be somewhat complicated.
  • • Limited features on the free version.

8. Progressive Downloader

Progressive Downloader is among the best download managers for Mac because it offers a wide variety of features. It can resume interrupted downloads, offers multi-threaded downloading, browser integration, etc. Progressive also has a built-in mirror search option to help find mirrors (copies of the same file you’re downloading, but in different locations) for large files.


Pros of Progressive Downloader:

  • • Tons of features — this is a great piece of software for those Mac users who download multiple files every day.
  • • Compatible with Mac’s newest operating system — Catalina.

Cons of Progressive Downloader:

  • • The download speed acceleration leaves a lot to be desired, as Progressive is only capable of splitting downloads into three threads.

9. Xtreme Download Manager

We consider Xtreme Download Manager to be among the best download managers for Mac because of its pleasing user interface and its lightweight size. This program also boasts that it can increase your download speed by up to 500%, but we’re not so sure about that. It does, however, offer a ton of features — including download scheduling — so you can set up your Internet downloads to begin at times when you’re away from your computer.


Best Simple Download Manager For Mac 2018

Pros of Xtreme Download Manager:

  • • Clean and intuitive user interface makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
  • • Has the capability to automatically identify the type of file you’re downloading and sort it into an appropriate category — i.e., documents, movies, music, etc.

Cons of Xtreme Download Manager:

  • • Xtreme DM does not currently have the capability to automatically resume interrupted downloads.
  • • Not currently supported by some popular Internet browsers, including Firefox.
  • • Xtreme DM is currently not available on Mac’s latest OS: Catalina.

10. Download Shuttle

Download Shuttle is one of our top download managers for Mac, as it is a simple solution for managing multiple downloads and accelerating transfer speeds. This application can split your downloads in multiple segments and download them all at once, handle links with authentication, and includes basic, but effective, link management options.

In the main window of the app you can see the list of your downloads, and the top toolbar has the buttons for basic functions, including the option to add or remove links. Download Shuttle also offers an inspector window with the detailed info about the status of each segment, and supports QuickLook (access data about the downloaded file). It’s also compatible with macOS Catalina.


Pros of Download Shuttle:

  • • Many users praise Download Shuffle for its ultra-fast download speed, especially when downloading very large files, such as HD movies.
  • • Pleasing user interface that offers features for those Mac users who are doing multiple tasks at once.

Cons of Download Shuffle:

  • • Does not work with YouTube.
  • • Does not allow the users access to their download queue.

11. iNetGet

iNetGet is another download manager for Mac that is worth a mention here. This application was originally developed as a tool for Mac users with some programming experience, but it’s come a long way since its release. Like most download managers, it supports HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP protocols, and has the capability to resume interrupted downloads. It can also split downloads into multiple threads to increase download speed.


Pros of iNetGet:

  • • iNetGet is fast and fully integratable with most Internet browsers.
  • • Offers a great user guide for newcomers to the downloading scene.
  • • Compatible with macOS Catalina.

Cons of iNetGet:

  • • Some complain that iNetGet’s interface is not very intuitive and can be challenging for newcomers. Perhaps this is why they offer such a thorough “help” guide.

12. Neat Download Manager

We consider Neat Download Manager to be among the top download managers for Mac because it is a lightweight, simple to use application. Neat is a newcomer to the download manager scene and it is quickly making a name for itself, but its developers are still working through some kinks. We’re looking forward to seeing Neat’s developers improve upon its features, though, as it is a promising app, and it’s available on Mac’s newest OS — Catalina.


Pros of Neat Download Manager:

Best Download Manager For Mac

  • • Offers Internet browser extensions so you can easily download audio and video content from a variety of websites.
  • • Uses a dynamic segmentation algorithm that increases your download speed significantly.
  • • Only takes up 1 MB of space on your harddrive.

Cons of Neat Download Manager:

  • • As we mentioned, Neat is a relatively new software, so bugs are not uncommon.
  • • Not a lot of features yet. Currently only has basic downloading capabilities, such as acceleration and segmentation.

13. Persepolis Download Manager

Persepolis is a bit different from the top download managers for Mac we’ve listed above. While it can be used on its own, as a stand-alone download manager, it was also designed as a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for a program called aria2. Aria2 is a download manager that is designed to be used on your Mac’s Terminal application — Terminal is a command line program that most Mac users, unless you’re a software engineer, will probably never see or use. So, Persepolis offers a more user-friendly interface through which to download files via aria2, as well as being a stand-alone download manager.


Pros of Persepolis:

  • • Persepolis is an open-source software — meaning that users can download the application and re-write the code to better suit their needs.
  • • Persepolis is compatible with macOS Catalina.

Cons of Persepolis:

  • • Persepolis is only downloadable from a website called GitHub, where users can upload anything they want. This means it’s much more prone to viruses and malware.
  • • Unless you’re a software developer who wants to seriously customize your downloading experience, this app is just not worth the risk of downloading from an “untrusted” site.

14. FlareGet

FlareGet is primarily known as a download manager for Linux. Linux is by far the most popular open source operating system but it’s not a commonly used download manager for Mac. Again, “open source” means that the actual code that runs FlareGet is available for anyone to use and customize. But, FlareGet operates on macOS Catalina just fine, too. It’s interface is simple, if a bit dated.


Pros of FlareGet:

  • • FlareGet offers full Metalink support — meaning that you can use FlareGet to replace your chosen Internet browser’s default download manager.
  • • FlareGet is fast. It has the capability to split files into 32 threads.

Cons of FlareGet:

  • • Most of FlareGet’s most helpful features are only available on the Pro version, which will set you back 20 bucks.
  • • Again, unless you’re a software developer or code guru, FlareGet is just overkill for the average Mac user.

Tips on Choosing the Best Download Manager for Mac:

  • • Download manager has to be safe, not to contain any malware or adware.
  • • To be present in the top-list download manager should be compatible with the latest macOS - Catalina.
  • • Any of download managers that are worth your attention should have an option of splitting downloads.
  • • Possibility to schedule downloads is also a must have for any download manager.
  • • To be named the best download manager, this app should also have an option of Web-browser integration.
  • • Speed control - one more great feature for download manager.
  • • Compact and user-friendly interface.

Of course there is so much more about every download manager listed and you can always download the ones you think will suit you best and try them out to make sure you've got the best download manager of 2020.

If you’ve ever been stymied by a torrent that took ages to finish downloading, Folx is the app you never knew you needed. When you use it to download torrents, you can split large files into up to 20 streams that download simultaneously, speeding up the process.

But it doesn’t end there. The app combines its torrent client with a download manager that lets you download music and videos directly from sites like youtube and vimeo. Plus, it offers a built-in torrent search feature and supports scheduled downloads.

Torrents explained

Back in the days when Netflix was a DVD rental service, torrents were the only way to access any media content. Although the rise of streaming services caused a decline, downloading large video files over the BitTorrent network is still a go. Mainly because it’s free. Plus you don’t have to choose between HBO, Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming kings – BitTorrent gives you a universal access.

So what exactly stands behind torrents? BitTorrent is a P2P-based method allowing to download large media files as well as games and applications. P2P means a torrent file is uploaded and downloaded across multiple computers. Those who are uploading are referred to as seeders and those who download – leechers. The download speed directly depends on how many people seed your file.

Free Download Manager For Mac

A torrent downloader is software that helps transfer a file to your computer. Once you locate a link on a torrent website, a torrent client is used to actually download it.

Why to use torrents

  1. It’s easy to find almost any video content and will take you less time to download than with direct downloading.
  2. No fees, except for the cost of the software you use to download and manage torrents.
  3. Network issues won’t disrupt the download process – it will be resumed automatically once you’re back online.
  4. The majority of torrent clients support remote downloading and scheduling.
  5. Since P2P downloading is a decentralized process, you can rely on many sources instead of just one.

Is downloading torrents legal?

Whether it’s legal to download a torrent file or not depends on the content you aim to obtain and how you’ll use it. Think a kitchen knife. While it’s a tool used in food preparation, it could also be a weapon. For example, it’s illegal to download torrent movies before they come out on DVD. But if the copyright holder provides a permission for the file to be downloaded and shared, you’re breaking no laws.

How to choose torrent downloader for Mac

Tons of paid and free torrent apps can be found online. There’s one problem, though. Because you can’t really control what’s inside a torrent file until you download it, scammers often use torrent to infect your Mac with some sort of malware. Plus, there could be issues with converting downloaded files into formats that your Mac can open.

We recommend choosing Mac torrent downloader that manages both the download process and results. From regulating speed and bandwidth to editing the output.

Meet an easy-to-use download manager

Folx fits the query perfectly. This small app combines the functionality of a torrent client and download manager. Torrent search is available right in the app, so you get all available sources brought to you directly. By splitting downloads in up to 20 streams, the app significantly accelerates the downloading process.

Here’s how to make Folx your go-to app for media.

Navigating and customization

The app’s home screen is divided into several sections. To flip between them, just click the gray word next to the downward facing arrow in the top middle of the screen. This will let you choose whether you want to see all your downloads, only those downloads that are paused or finished, or review upcoming scheduled downloads.

You can also filter your downloads by tag by clicking any of the tag filters at left.

Torrent downloading

Folx offers a full torrent client for macOS. To access it, click the blue “+” button on the search bar and select the “Torrent” tab. Then click the three dots at right to select the torrent file you want to download. Then set your preferences using the drop-down menus, add any desired tags, and click “OK”. You can also use the default search bar to search for torrents.

In case you don’t want to start downloading at this very moment, schedule torrents for later. This can be done in the app Preferences.

Optimize download speed

In case it’s going too slow, Folx has capabilities for splitting downloads in up to 20 parallel streams. Plus, the app considers all the active processes that are running on your Mac to cleverly adjust download speed. You can manually tweak speed settings in Folx by accessing Preferences > Smart Speed.

Downloading any content by URL

You can also download content by URL. To do so, select the “URL” tab and paste your selected URL into the bar. Add any tags, then add a name for the new file. You can also select whether you’d like to split the download, which can be helpful for larger media.

Download Manager For Mac Osx

Downloading from YouTube

The process is almost identical for video from Youtube. Just click the Youtube tab and enter the link or URL. One extra option you have, however, is a drop-down menu that lets you choose what resolution you’d like to download.

Capturing favorite music

Best Simple Download Manager For Mac Reddit

Folx Pro also works with audio – you can capture a song or a playlist with the app and then send it directly to your iTunes. To simplify the search, type in the name of a song right in the app, no need to even open your browser. Just as with video, you can accelerate music downloading by splitting an mp3 file into multiple streams.

With Folx by Setapp, you won’t have to wait long to enjoy your favorite media. Whether you want to take your favorite videos on the go or just want a handy tool for keeping track of your torrents, this simple app is the last one you’ll ever need.

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