8 of the Best Download Managers for Windows (2024)

If you are downloading multiple or very large files, they can stall as a result of slower speeds, browser crashes and PC shutdowns. It is faster and more convenient to use a Windows download manager, as you can pause and restart your downloads at any time. This list includes our recommendations for the best download managers for Windows PC.

1. Free Download Manager

Price: Free

Availability: Windows application, Microsoft Store app, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browser extensions

To use this free Windows download manager, click the Add new download button, then copy and paste the download link. Add multiple links, if you’d like, one by one. FDM splits the download traffic into sections and boosts speeds based on file priorities. It’s very easy to schedule the downloads for a later time.

FDM can handle various file formats, like torrents, EXE, MP4, optical images, APK, and ZIP files. However, it no longer supports YouTube video downloads. Keep in mind that it requires at least 150 MB of space on your drive.

Even though there’s a donate button on the website, the app you install won’t have ads or other interruptions. The software has also received multiple awards and five-star ratings for its user-friendly interface and ease of use.

FYI: learn how to download streaming videos on any platform.

2. Xtreme Download Manager

Price: Free

Availability: Windows installer, Microsoft Store app

If you’re seeking a free version of download manager with minimal clutter, Xtreme Download Manager is an excellent choice. The developer has put a lot of heart into creating a user-friendly experience.

There are three download modes supported: single, video, and batch. When you click the New button, the download link is pasted from the Clipboard, leaving you with two options: click Download Now to start the download immediately or Download Later to schedule it for a later time.

This Windows download manager has additional features that complement your downloading experience. There is a well-thought-out Media Grabber that supports streaming media files from multiple browsers. You can also use proxy hosts and ports to get downloads from firewall-restricted devices.

Good to know: check out our list of the safest websites for downloading Windows software.

3. Internet Download Manager

Price: Various premium options

Availability: Browser extension

Even though there are great free Windows download managers, there are some advantages to the paid Windows browser extension, Internet Download Manager.

For one, the high download speeds are not like anything you have seen before. IDM has perfected the art of fast downloads. It employs a “progressive quota system” that accelerates your downloads, even when your Internet speed is intentionally slowed down. Though I have slower ISP speeds, I was able to download a hefty 3 GB Linux installer in just a matter of minutes.

With IDM, you can preview zip files, schedule your downloads in advance, and sync with any VPN so that your downloads remain anonymous. Also, arrange your files according to filters, and use various proxies/SOCKS. Get a generous 30-day window to try out all the features.

FYI: learn whether streaming your music or video files is better than downloading.

4. CocoFetch

Price: Free

Availability: Windows installer, Microsoft Store

Many Windows download manager extensions say they are “all-in-one,” but only a few live up to the promise. CocoFetch is a great downloader that works just as advertised.

Right from your first download, CocoFetch gives very satisfactory results on its tidy status bar. Arrange your downloads according to URLs, torrents, and video tasks (yt-dlp support only). It works exceptionally well for magnet links, HTTP, FTP, ISO, and a range of P2P file extensions.

Promising full control of your download history, this download manager allows you to transfer a huge range of file extensions without any trouble. The best part is that the software doesn’t cost you anything. After installing, check out the first-time user guide.

Good to know: learn how to open a magnet link in any browser.

5. JDownloader 2

Price: Free

Availability: Windows Installer, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browser extensions

JDownloader 2 is another free, open-source tool. The dashboard is minimalist, allowing you to download files quickly. If you want the full set of features, it’s better to go with the Windows installer.

This Windows download manager specializes in capturing video links from supported websites. To enhance its functionality, you may need to install additional extensions, such as FFMPEG. It also supports unique file extensions related to cryptocurrency and other encrypted systems, including DLC, JDC, CCF, and Metalink.

See Also

FDM Speed Up: Free Download Manager Slow Download Speed

One thing we really love about JDownloader 2 is how it supports several third-party plugins for a massive collection of websites and streaming services. Its connection manager can rotate several proxies to avoid IP wait times. There is a Captcha solver to bypass the captcha restrictions imposed by certain sites.

FYI: in Ubuntu, you can download torrents from the command line.

6. DownThemAll

Price: Free

Availability: Browser extension

DownThemAll is a no-frills, minimalist download manager that completely integrates with all major browsers like Chrome and Firefox, and has some really intuitive features: adding all download pages with a single click, filtering the files and renaming them on the go.

Install the extension mentioned on the website for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox. Then, when you find something you want to download, hover near the extension, and click on the DownThemAll button.

We aren’t a big fan of extension downloaders, as they lack full functionality. However, among all the free downloaders for Windows, DownThemAll gives you the best results. A big change from the previous version is that it is now missing a “multi-part download.” The pause-and-resume feature works just like any other.

FYI: not sure where your downloaded files disappeared to on your Android? Learn where to find them.

7. FlashGet

Price: Free

Availability: Windows Installer

FlashGet is a custom software for Windows systems that is extremely lightweight and easy to use. If your download was interrupted by unforeseen events, you can always get back to it after the connection is restored. Despite being a simple tool, it can support hundreds of different protocols, such as FTP, HTTP, RTSP, and many more.

Like other free download managers for Windows, FlashGet supports higher speeds for a quick download experience: batch downloads, torrents, magnet links, and the eMule file sharing client. To download a new file, just click the New Task button, categorize it accordingly, then hit the Download button.

The FlashGet program supports a number of add-on skins, in case you’re looking for a livelier downloading experience. Surprisingly, unlike others on the list, it doesn’t support downloading ISO files.

Good to know: you can now download iOS apps from iTunes on your Windows device.

8. Ninja Download Manager

Price: Starting $19 (Perpetual license)

Availability: Windows Installer

Most Windows download managers have a very dated appearance, but Ninja Download Manager looks modern and elegant and is perfectly designed for the latest Windows 11. More than that, the download speeds are very fast, no matter how slow your Internet is.

Many important features – such as split downloads in 20 threads, adding multiple downloads at once, download scheduling, speed control, and download queues – are locked away in the Pro version. If you’re a music and streaming lover, you will be amazed by the program’s ability to sequentially download many of your favorite files in convenient batches.

However, you can continue to use the Ninja Download Manager in free mode for an occasional download. Despite so many powerful features, Ninja is a lightweight application at less than 10 MB size. Its built-in video downloader works with all video sites.

Internet service providers usually have fair usage policies, and if they classify you as a “heavy” or “excessive” user, you will sometimes find your download speeds throttled. Even if you download files once in a while, it is worth having a good download manager tool because of their faster transfer speeds.

Are you looking to download TikTok videos? We have you covered, regardless of your device.

Image Source: Unsplash. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.