BitComet

Overview

BitComet is a download client that handles BitTorrent alongside HTTP and FTP transfers. It suits people managing several downloads at once who want per-task controls and ways to draw on different protocols. Its breadth is useful, but the free license is limited to private, personal, non-commercial use.

Magnet links, selective downloads and a web interface round out its torrent-client basics. Long-term seeding, cross-protocol sources and remote desktop access are the more distinctive reasons to consider it over a simpler client.

Key features

Finding and finishing sources

BitComet supports Magnet Link, HTTP seeding, DHT and UDP tracker Protocol v2. DHT can locate peers without a tracker, while Long-Term Seeding Technology looks for additional seeds when a download stalls near 99%. That can help with an incomplete transfer, but does not ensure that one will finish.

Cross Protocol Downloading can use HTTP, FTP and eMule sources during a BitTorrent download. It is a practical advantage when those sources exist; it does not mean every torrent has them. Selective download lets users choose which files in a task to retrieve.

Managing activity

Global and per-task upload and download limits, bandwidth scheduling and automatic shutdown give users control over a busy queue and when it uses bandwidth. Intelligent Disk Caching uses memory to reduce hard-drive reads and writes, a targeted benefit for disk activity rather than a general performance guarantee.

Video preview prioritizes a video's header and tail so it can be previewed before the download completes. Remote access lets the BitComet Mobile app connect to a desktop installation behind NAT or a firewall, with end-to-end encryption. The client also supports Windows ICF and ICS configuration and UPnP router port mapping.

The license says data exchanged with trackers and other users is anonymous, contains no personal information, and that BitComet does not collect or reveal user privacy. That statement is limited to the data and practices it describes.

Pricing

BitComet costs nothing. The plan is for private, personal use only and excludes commercial purposes, so it is not a fit for business use. No paid tier is needed to use the free plan.

Platforms

BitComet supports Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. Its download page also lists Docker images for GUI and WebUI, and the client offers a web interface. It supports 53 languages and provides a help wiki, support forum and email contact.

Who it's for

BitComet is best for private users who juggle multiple downloads and value torrent tasks supplemented by HTTP, FTP or eMule sources, plus scheduling and remote control. Users who only need a basic BitTorrent client may not need this wider toolkit. Its non-commercial license makes it unsuitable for commercial work.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Cross Protocol Downloading can draw on HTTP, FTP and eMule sources during BitTorrent transfers.
• Per-task and global speed limits, scheduling and automatic shutdown help manage simultaneous downloads.
• Encrypted remote access works through NAT or a firewall, and video preview is available during downloads.

Cons

• The free license excludes commercial use, limiting who can use it for work.
• Long-Term Seeding and extra protocol sources can help only when suitable seeds or sources are available.

Alternatives

BiglyBT is another free option, with support for Android, Linux, macOS, web and Windows. Deluge may suit users who want a BitTorrent client whose project publishes its source repository on GitHub; it supports Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web and Windows use. qBittorrent is a free, open-source option with no ads, for users who prioritize those terms.

Resilio Sync offers a free personal, non-commercial license with no expiration date, but requires a license to activate. Transmission includes all features in its free plan and has no ads or tracking. WebTorrent is free, open-source software under the MIT License. Tixati is a free BitTorrent client with optional donations.

Vuze has a free tier with one trial DVD burn, Play Later, ads and offers; its $3.99 a month Plus plan removes ads and offers unlimited DVD burns and Play Sooner. Choose it if those DVD and playback features matter more than BitComet's download controls.

Browse more options in Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Software or Download Manager Software.

Verdict

Choose BitComet if you want a free, private-use client that combines torrent transfers with other download sources, detailed task controls and encrypted remote access. Its main reason to look elsewhere is the non-commercial restriction; its extra ways to find sources also cannot promise completion when those sources are absent.