pyLoad

Web · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · Self-hosted · API

Freedom report

Three barsScore 6.7

  • Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
  • Open codeNo open-source code on record
  • Runs widely5 of 6 device platforms
  • DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

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 plans
Free and open-source Free No price or usage limits stated github.com · 4 Oct 2026

Compared 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

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