pyLoad is a free, pure-Python download manager with a browser interface and plugin ecosystem. It automates downloads from one-click hosters, cloud drives, and other sources, and supports premium accounts, captcha-solving services, and link decryption. The project describes hundreds of hosters, decrypters, and add-ons, including notifications, schedulers, and extractors. Downloads can be managed in a browser through a local web interface served on port 8000 by default, or through a REST API with an OpenAPI specification for generating client applications. pyLoad can run headless on servers, NAS devices, or desktops, and Docker deployment is documented. Listed operating systems are Linux, macOS, and Windows, with Python 3.9 or newer required; Android and API are also listed as platforms. The README says there is no stable release yet and that the project is in pre-release. Security guidance recommends changing the default web-interface username and password on first start. The security policy says pyLoad Next releases receive vulnerability patches, while older Python 2 versions receive plugin updates only.
Who it is for
It suits users who want to automate downloads from hosters and cloud drives through a browser interface or API. It can run on servers, NAS devices, or desktops, provided the supported software requirements fit.
What is good
- Plugin ecosystem lists hundreds of hosters and add-ons.
- Browser interface and REST API are available.
- Can run headless on servers and NAS devices.
- Docker deployment is documented.
What to know first
- There is no stable release yet.
- Python 3.9 or newer is required.
- Older Python 2 versions receive plugin updates only.
Verdict
pyLoad offers download automation, plugins, and browser or API control at no stated price. Its pre-release status and the first-start password guidance are important considerations.
pyLoad plans and pricing
All plansCompared on download manager software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, API
- Browser integration
- Yes
- Video downloading
- Yes
- Download scheduling
- Yes
- Remote control
- Yes




