uTorrent is a BitTorrent client for downloading files distributed over the BitTorrent protocol. Its defining characteristic has always been size: the classic build is a few megabytes and runs with a small memory footprint, which is why it became the default client for so long.
BitTorrent works by splitting a file across everyone downloading and sharing it. Rather than pulling from one server, your client fetches pieces from many peers simultaneously and uploads the pieces it already has, so a popular file gets faster as more people join rather than slower. uTorrent handles that exchange, along with queue management, scheduling, bandwidth limits and selective downloading of individual files inside a torrent.
Features include remote management through a browser or phone, RSS feeds for automatic downloading, magnet link support, and per-torrent bandwidth priorities. Encryption of peer connections is supported for connections that would otherwise be throttled by an ISP.
Two things are worth knowing before installing. The free version is advertising-supported and the installer has historically offered bundled third-party software, so read each installer screen rather than clicking through. And BitTorrent is a protocol, not a source: it is used for entirely legitimate distribution — Linux distributions, game patches, public datasets — and also for infringing material. What you download through it is your responsibility.
Available for Windows, macOS and Android.
