Torrenting is the process of uploading or downloading a file’s constituent parts from multiple peers or machines. Due to its shared nature, it’s faster than traditional uploading or downloading a sizable file to a central server.
BitTorrent and uTorrent are considered torrenting titans, with a combined installation surpassing 2 billion. The question now is, which one is the best between the two?
Here’s how each software performed in a nutshell:
In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between the two torrenting clients and what makes one better than the other.
| ⚠️ Legal Note: Countries have different VPN and torrenting regulations. TechJury does not condone any illegal activities, so please ensure you are legally allowed in your country before using the apps and websites in this article. |
Differences Between BitTorrent vs. uTorrent
Some would say that comparing BitTorrent and uTorrent is pointless because they both belong to Rainberry, Inc. (formerly known as BitTorrent, Inc.). They even use the same peer-to-peer (P2P) protocol.
While they may seem similar, you will notice the significant differences between uTorrent and BitTorrent if you look closer.
To put things into perspective, we looked at the popularity, speed, updates, compatibility, features, and security of the two torrenting software.
Here’s how it went:
Popularity and User Base Review
uTorrent has the upper hand regarding popularity and user reviews. It showed a considerable gap in the desktop market share and mobile downloads.
1. Desktop
Finding a comprehensive review for the two software is challenging since they are downloaded from their respective sites with no reviews.
However, using market share as the basis for popularity, uTorrent seems to be the users’ most preferred torrent client. It has a whopping market share of 68.8% compared to BitTorrent’s 6.6. %.
2. Mobile
On mobile platforms, only Android supports torrenting. Here are the number of downloads and user reviews on the Play Store:
Both torrent clients have a rating of 4.7 stars, but there is a disparity between the downloads and reviews.
Speed is also an essential factor to consider in torrenting. Read on to see how they did in our speed test.
Speed Test
Download speeds on BitTorrent and uTorrent would depend on your internet connection and the seeders of the torrent file. On the test conducted on a desktop and mobile, uTorrent was faster than BitTorrent.
Here are the results:
1. Desktop
A file was downloaded from a legal torrent site (Vuze StudioHD Network) to check the download speed using a desktop. The file used in the test was 35.64 MB.
With uTorrent, the average speed was 3 Mbps. It only took less than 15 seconds to download the file.
On the other hand, the download took almost 20 seconds with an average download speed of 2.1 Mbps using BitTorrent.
2. Mobile
Applications on mobile are more straightforward and less flexible than on desktop. We used the same test for mobile. uTorrent was still faster than BitTorrent.
The same file was downloaded in less than 25 seconds with uTorrent.
While on BitTorrent, the download took more than 30 seconds.
Other than speed, we also looked at the update frequency and stability of the two torrenting clients.
Updates
Both apps receive updates relatively often. BitTorrent puts out more stable versions, while uTorrent always releases Alpha and Beta versions. In short, uTorrent gives you access to new features when they come out, but the versions are unstable.
Most users would prefer stability over new features. A stable application that performs its core functions well is better than a buggy app that claims many functions but fails to accomplish them.
Compatibility also affects the torrenting experience. The following section will discuss the compatibility of BitTorrent and uTorrent.
Compatibility
BitTorrent and uTorrent work with major platforms, but the latter is also compatible with Linux. Both torrent clients are unavailable on iOS because the system does not support torrenting.
Aside from compatibility with significant platforms, BitTorrent and uTorrent are both free.
However, if you have extra cash to spend on premium features, the next part will discuss the premium features of the two torrent clients.
Premium Features
When it comes to premium features, BitTorrent and uTorrent have comparable prices.
Here are their offers:
Although they might appear identical, you’ll notice that BitTorrent is offering more features like AD-FREE and PRO+VPN options upon closer look.
While uTorrent only offers zero ads, BitTorrent offers extra features such as less bandwidth consumption and premium support. Its PRO+VPN feature offers CyberGhost VPN for an extra five devices.
Safety and Security
Torrenting is not inherently illegal. However, it is prohibited in certain countries due to its close association with pirated content and distribution of copyrighted material.
Moreover, while uTorrent and BitTorrent are considered generally safe, they do not provide anonymity and protection from various malware.
Finally, while both are under the same company, only one has been the subject of controversy that the average torrent user would find worrying.
Epic Scale Controversy on uTorrent
In 2015, uTorrent was accused of automatically installing Epic Scale, a cryptocurrency miner, along with the torrent client.
Most antivirus companies argued that Epic Scale is a riskware. Although it poses no risk, it allegedly slows down device performance by using up a device’s CPU and GPU power.
| UTorrent indeed had installed Epic Scale, and had also began overheating my janky laptop causing frequent crashes, even with cooler — CEO of anarchism (@Kosmogrrrl) March 6, 2015 |
Rainberry Inc. denied all the allegations and argued that no silent installs happened.
| ICYMI, the Epic Scale offer has been suspended as we investigate further. See our blog http://t.co/EbY4oycdQu & forum http://t.co/C7l07cz3G5 |
Claiming that installing Epic Scale was optional, the company asserted that users could skip it if they wanted to.
Regardless, it’s best to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to avoid potential risks when torrenting.
| 🎉 Fun Fact: While torrents are thought of almost synonymously with piracy, they’re used by tech titans like Facebook and Twitter. Governments also use them to give the general public vast amounts of data. Torrenting is affordable and efficient for moving heavy files around the internet. Without it, many companies would likely have to spend a lot more on storage or find other ways for file sharing. |
VPNs for Safe Torrenting
No one can deny the benefits of torrenting. However, if you unknowingly download illegal content or torrent it in a country that bans it, you could be in trouble with law enforcement or your ISP.
VPN comes with a variety of concerns that have long been debunked. Regardless, a reliable VPN can protect you from the following:
- the unwanted attention of the authorities
- Your Internet service provider (ISP)
- Other dangers on the web, like hackers.
Torrenting also requires internet traffic, so your ISP can limit your bandwidth. With a VPN, you can hide your internet usage and have better-downloading speed.
Here are recommended VPNs when using BitTorrent and uTorrent:
ExpressVPN for BitTorrent
| 💰ExpressVPN Subscription Plans | |
| Monthly Plan | $12.95 per month |
| 6-month Plan | $9.99 per month |
| 12-month Plan | $8.32 per month |
ExpressVPN is a superb VPN for uploading and downloading files safely on BitTorrent. With 94 servers from 23 countries, ExpressVPN allows unrestricted P2P file sharing and torrenting without congestion worries.
ExpressVPN has no monthly data limit or bandwidth restriction, unlike other VPNs. You can enjoy unlimited torrenting with no speed restrictions.
NordVPN for uTorrent
| 💰NordVPN Subscription Plans (Standard) | |
| Monthly Plan | $12.99 /month |
| 1-year Plan | $4.59/month |
| 2-year Plan | $3.99/month |
When using uTorrent, many users choose NordVPN because it openly supports and provides infrastructure for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing—combined with robust DNS breach protection, dedicated P2P-optimized servers, and a well-established no-logging policy.
NordVPN does not monitor, acquire, or share users’ private information and data. It also fully supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
| 👍 Helpful Articles: Torrents can be used to share large files with people with decent internet connections to distribute legally: |
Final Verdict
uTorrent outperforms BitTorrent in popularity, user base review, speed test, and compatibility. However, it doesn’t mean that BitTorrent doesn’t have its own merits. It stood out in terms of stability and better premium features.
Both torrent clients are great options for your torrenting needs. Your specific needs and preferences will determine the best option for you.
Remember always to use a VPN when torrenting for anonymity and online safety.
FAQs
Can I get a virus from torrenting?
No, torrents themselves do not carry viruses. However, similar to other types of file-sharing networks, it’s possible that some files that are shared around are corrupted with malicious software.
What happens if I get caught torrenting illegal content?
If you are discovered torrenting illegally, your ISP may issue you a warning letter and throttle your connection. In the US, if you’re caught many times and get convicted, you might face up to five years in prison and be fined $250,000.
How do torrents work?
Torrents work by using the BitTorrent networking protocol for P2P file sharing. Unlike server-to-client file transfers, torrents assemble portions of the file you want and download them simultaneously from others who already have them.
Timeline Of The Article
Sirisha is a networking enthusiast with a bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering. She has developed a keen interest in Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and has gone the extra mile to gain firsthand experience and knowledge.