Go straight to the Change Log to see what is new since the major update in June 2010.
Introduction
There comes a time when you are downloading a large file and the download stops part of the way through. If you are using the Windows download applet there is nothing you can do about it; you will just have to start again. A good download manager will allow you to resume the download, picking up where it left off.
Good download managers also allow you to start several concurrent download sessions from available resources for the one file. This works by splitting the file into parts with each part downloaded at the same time from multiple or mirrored resources. At the end the file is re-assembled, like "joining pieces of me to become me" by the download managers.
This can result in dramatic improvements in download speed given a transmission speed limited by Internet service providers.
Below are a few free download managers short listed for review based on the basic requirements including:
Speed, or lapsed time to download a file
Interface with clipboard, web browsers and supported protocols
Management of downloaded files
Other features
Discussion
Free Download Manager is a popular download manager and a good choice for its stability, nice user interface and support for various browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Opera and Safari.
The program offers simultaneous multi-part downloads from several mirrors to increase the download speed, with a powerful scheduler to start and pause downloading files at the preset time.
It also features downloads from RapidShare, prioritized and partial torrent downloads, adjusting traffic usage, flash video download and an upload manager. Management of downloaded files is well supported.
Upon installation of the application, uncheck 'install Software Informer' if you don't need it. A lite version of the program is also available with optional plugins.
A good contender in this category is Orbit Downloader, which is based on p2p and multi-source downloading technology with more efficient mirrors selection algorithm for faster download. It's also devoted to the new generation web to make downloading any social media easy and fast.
Moreover, Orbit Downloader features Grab Pro to facilitate video download from sites using anti-leeching technology like YouTube, Pandora, etc. It also comes with a software updater but it might not be as good as the top pick reviewed in Best Free Software Update Monitor.
It integrates with Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera and Maxthon, supports most streaming media protocols and file-sharing service websites, and includes other features such as general and tagged download management. Advisory: Orbit Downloader is bundled with OpenCandy. More information here.
Apart from downloading various types of files, GetGo Download Manager helps download your favorite videos from YouTube and other websites with embedded FLV flash videos with one-click.
It integrates with IE and Firefox browsers. With the program, you can easily set up a batch download using an URL pattern template and rename downloaded files automatically using a filename pattern template. Other features such as download scheduler, resume broken downloads, managing downloaded files, etc., are included.
The program has optional Standard and Search toolbars in the user interface. Upon installation, it adds a GetGo Toolbar into your browser, but that can be disabled.
FlashGet download manager is also worth a try as it is designed for speed and management of downloaded files.
It increases the download speed by applying multi-server hyper-thread technology and supports HTTP, FTP, BT, eMule and other various protocols.
FlashGet provides download monitoring for Internet Explorer and also integrates well with Firefox's FlashGot extension. It supports unlimited categories for managing downloaded files.
Upon first running of the program after installation, it shows a 'recommended message' on the right panel, but that can be easily disabled.
Download Manager for multi-platform
Uget is a cross-platform program designed to be simple, lightweight and easy to use.
It's an open source application written in GTK+. Debian and RPM packages are readily available for download and installation, but for Windows users, the GTK+ runtime environment needs to install separately before running the program.
The program supports pause, resume and queue downloads, and classification of download files, monitors clipboard and integrates with Firefox browser via FlashGot plugin. Other features include batch download and import downloads from html files.
As an alternative, MultiGet is an open source and easy-to-use download manager for multi platforms including Windows and Linux. It runs on most desktops without any configuration.
The program accelerates the download by multi-tasking with multi-threading on multi servers and supports http/ftp protocols which meet the requirements of most users.
It provides management of downloaded files in a good GUI interface, monitors the clipboard well but does not integrate with browsers.
Other useful features include multi-language support, optional auto MD5 check and reconfiguring the thread number without stopping the current task.
Browser Addons
FlashGot is a Firefox's addon which allows you to set your own preferred download manager and integrate it with the Firefox browser for auto download. The addon by itself also helps you to download many files on a web page at one go.
oGet, also known as DM Bridge, is a Chrome's extension to integrate the Chrome browser with an external download manager of your choice, with optional settings for the integration mode and context menu.
DownThemAll is another browser extension to add advanced download capabilities to Firefox. This add-on is useful if you are using Firefox and need to download many files on a web page at one go. However, when you need to download a single large file it's much slower than a standalone download manager.
Other Download Managers
Several other free download managers were brought up in comments here or noted from other sources. As they are not rated in this review, I am listing some of them here with brief descriptions and links to their sites for ease of reference.
Internet Download Accelerator, the free version offers general features of a download manager but comes with an ad panel which cannot be disabled. It also prompts for an upgrade to the commercial Pro version.
Gigaget utilizes cutting-edge Net Grid technology to tap the unused resources of networked PCs and servers to improve your download speed. This program is no more supported by the developer. It occasionally prompts an 'about:blank' error message after a browser's home page is set to blank.
Download Accelerator Plus (free) is a toned down version of the commercial DAP Premium, but basic features are available such as multi-connections to download sites, mirror search, etc. It has an active 'information pane' at the right panel which can't be disabled.
Star Downloader Free accelerates your downloads by splitting files into parts and downloading them from mirror sites. It is also a toned down version without some of the useful features available in the commercial Star Downloader Pro, such as a link leecher.
MetaProducts Download Express, a small application weighing in at about 680 KB, supports IE and Firefox browsers and allows you to download individual files from the Web and FTP sites with multiple channels technology. It features a Projects list without classification of downloaded files. Download speed is slower than the top-picked download manager.
LeechGet(Personal Edition) is a free download manager for non-commercial use only. It provides common download features and limits the number of simultaneous downloads to one only. The unlimited number of downloads is available to its commercial premium version.
Fresh Download offers several useful features such as turbo-charged downloads, pause and resume, multiple connections, integration with browsers, clipboard monitoring, categorized download, etc. Upon obtaining the software, you will be asked to enter your name and email address to get free codes to unlock the software. This program does not display the original names of some downloaded files when a download link is manually added.
SKDownloader is a java based download accelerator for Linux, Windows and other platforms, supports for simultaneous multi-part download, http and ftp protocols, Firefox and IE integration. It comes with an advertisement panel which cannot be disabled.
JDownloader lacks classification of downloaded files but makes downloading files from One-Click-Hosters like Rapidshare.com or Megaupload.com easier for users with a premium or a free account.
KooLoader, a slimmed down version of the paid for product, lacks classification of downloaded files and encountered couple of download sluggishness when tried.
Quick Selection Guide
Free Download Manager
9
Gizmo's Freeware award as the best product in its class!
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Stable; support for IE, Firefox, Opera, Chrome and Safari; simultaneous multi-part downloads; flash video download; restart and recover; powerful scheduler; management of downloaded files
A portable version of this product is available from the developer.
Windows 95 to 7
Orbit Downloader
8
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Makes downloading social media fast and easy; allows video download from anti-leeching sites; supports IE, Firefox, Opera and Maxthon; management of downloaded files
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Download FLV flash videos with one-click; integrate with IE and Firefox; batch download using template; auto rename; download scheduler; managing downloaded files
Install toolbar into browsers; integrate optional Search toolbar into user interface
There is no portable version of this product available.
Windows XP to Windows 7
Uget
8
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Open source and cross platforms, designed to be simple, lightweight and easy to use. Supports pause and resume, queue and classification of download files, monitors clipboard and Firefox with <a href="#FlashGot">FlashGot</a> Plugin.
Requires GTK+ run environment to download and install separately for Windows users.
Linux (Debian and RPM packages); Windows XP to Windows 7 with GTK+ runtime environment
FlashGet
7
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Increases speed with hyper-thread technology, support various protocols, monitor IE, integrate with <a href="#FlashGot">FlashGot</a> extension to Firefox, managing downloaded files.
A recommended message on the right panel needs to disable upon first use
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Open source and supports multi platforms; multi-task with multi-thread on multi-server to speed up downloads; clipboard monitoring with a good GUI interface; optional auto MD5 check
This software category is maintained by volunteer editor Remah.
"I've used TechSupportAlert and the older Support Alert Newsletter for almost a decade so I have saved hundreds of hours of work and many more dollars by following Gizmo's Freeware recommendations. Thanks for the opportunity to give something back."
If you have had a similar experience then you should consider becoming a reviewer too.
Change Log
Date
Change
Editor
October 2011
No change to content. Update Quick Selection Guide to new database.
OrbitDownloader with Koram Games Limited signature:
I just downloaded OrbitDownloader 4.1.0.7 from OrbitDownloader.com. The download link is there but also redirects to BrotherSoft.com, which I think is safe, since that website seems to be often used for many softwares. When double-clicking on the downloaded install file a dialogue window pops up to get user approval to continue or quit and also says the signature is by Koram Games Limited.
Expecting an OrbitDownloader.com signature I searched the website using Google and found only one or two user forum pages at OrbitDownloader.com that mention this signature. There seems to be nothing else at the website about this and nothing was posted in these user forum pages by OrbitDownloader.com. Another website says Orbit Downloader was sold to a Hong Kong or Chinese company named Koram Games Limited.
Do you know anything about this? Anti-virus and -malware scans report zero detections and warnings, so it seems safe to install this, but what do you people working for or contributing to Tech Support Alert think about this?
I have stopped using OrbitDownloader after my recent experience with it, regarding bundled software, and unstability. I have posted my experience in the comments a little below.
I have now switched over to FreeDownload Manager... which is not really to my liking, because of its interface, but atleast its clean, and I am getting good and constant speed with it.
I am on the lookout for another worthy download manager, but presently, none seems to be there. So, will keep using FDM.
Their official download is from BrotherSoft, and I downloaded from there. It looks like Orbit might have either tied up with BrotherSoft, or, maybe that BrotherSoft have messed up with the install. But, now, OrbitDownloader shows a small ad of BrotherSoft in the LHS of their main window.
Also, there is now a new option under Preferences, in "General" .. of "Daily Giveaway Notification". I suspect it might be from BrotherSoft again.
Further, now, when Orbit's window for starting a new download appears, it shows an ad on the top. Its intrusive.
And OpenCandy is there as before.
I thought that the install from BrotherSoft might have been bad.. so I downloaded from Softpedia. But, its the same. Still displaying BrotherSoft and other ads.
I would urge other users to download from Softpedia, or any other site to see if this can be avoided.. but it may also be that Orbit have indeed tied up with BrotherSoft for all this nonsense.
Maybe its time to go back to Free Download Manager... or any other good one if Remah discovers one :).
I'm not sure to have the problems you speak of with Orbit. I don't recall having had them and regularly use OD, but did you do download OD from the OD website, where the link is a BrotherSoft one, or some other way? MajorGeeks provides a dl.orbitdownloader.com link and maybe this is why I don't recall seeing BrotherSoft ads in OD.
Daily Giveaways and software update notices :
I don't recall seeing DG notices, but disabled the option for this in OD Preferences after you said that this option exists. After I restarted OD, a software updates checker popup came up, so I also checked for a Preferences option to disable this and there is one. Both should now be disabled.
OD 4.1.0.8 released May 22nd for a YouTube functionality fix:
OD has been notifying about an update to 4.1.0.8 and I've been ignoring this due to 4.1.0.7 having. But I just went to the website to check what there is for ads and also checked the change log. If people using OD for downloading videos at YouTube have been having the problem of getting only files of 1.7MB and less, then v4.1.0.8 is supposed to provide the fix.
OpenCandy :
OD comes with OpenCandy, but I've read here that we need to get used to this because a lot of freeware and other software vendors are apparently going with OC in packaging of installers of their software. MidNight Cowboy or someone else here replied to a post I made earlier this year when complaining about OC and the person said that we're not going to have any real choice about this unless we want to eventually end up not using computers at all. And that even includes Windows and Linux, which is very stunning.
So I'm making allowance for OC and just checked with two uninstallers to see if OC is listed. Neither Revo nor ZSoft found OC installed, so XP apparently doesn't know of OC being installed, if it is.
OD crashes :
You say it crashed, which is something that's never happened to me. Or if it did, then it was too long ago and happened too infrequently to be able to remember it. OD 4.1.0.7 has been buggy at YouTube, but that's the only problem I've noticed, besides not having catetory folders in the OD interface.
Download categories in OD :
One thing I dislike about OD is that it doesn't have download category folders and there's apparently no way to create them. GetGo Downloader has some by default, but I've stuck to OD because it at least seemed faster for DLs.
Disclaimer : I don't have any affiliation with OD, but haven't had the problems you mentioned having.
Update again. Today, when I started a download, suddenly, the ad appeared in the download window like before, and then Orbit just crashed. Subsequent attempts to start Orbit failed, and it kept crashing.
It was enough for me. I have now switched over to FreeDownloadManager. There are some peculiarities which I don't like in FDM, including the outdated GUI, but it remains clean, and does the job well.
Does the WOT rating really relate to malware detections or only user votes based on personal likes and dislikes? It seems to be more like IMDB where users rate movies and the voting isn't always wrong, but often is.
Thanks MC. I used the link you provided and based on the reviews of WoT in this page and the other page there's a link for in the review of this page I decided to give WoT a try and will use it in combination with the url checkers at VirusTotal, vscan.urlvoid.com and vscan.urlvoid.com whenever a website is new to me. The AV is Avira's free Antivir and I think this should be enough, along with the firewall and connecting through a router.
If you think more is needed for good protection, then please suggest what else should be done.
The OS unfortunately is 32-bit Windows XP because the 64-bit version apparently isn't available at merchants in Canada and, including taxes, Windows 7 Ultimate would cost a little over $400 CAD, out of range for me. The hardware is an Intel Core 2 Quad 2.5GHz processor, 3 GB of RAM that XP can see, plus plenty of disk space. Internet connection is hi-speed cable.
What you describe is more than adequate for a traditional security setup. Some would suggest using Sandboxie as well but this approach will not suit everyone. Common sense is still the key factor.
I appreciate what you say about the cost of Windows 7. I have 7 Starter on my laptop and XP x32 on the main machine. Both though are dual booted with Linux which I find easier to use and certainly risk free compared to Windows.
by Dogsbody (not verified) on 4. February 2012 - 10:27(88278)
I downloaded and installed 'Free Download Manager', no problem, but it will not work. Keeps asking for other downloads such as .Net, which are already on my computer. Out it went!
This does not make sense because Free Download Manger is not a .NET application.
To make sure I checked with Dependency Walker that it doesn't depend upon mscor* libraries/dlls. I double checked by installing it and running it. SysInternals Process Explorer shows .NET applications in a yellow highlight. It wasn't highlighted.
You mean Fresh..or Free? Because George.J posted about Freemake Video Downloader.. whereas what you are posting about is a different product. Both are legitimate products.
by vladik (not verified) on 18. December 2011 - 13:12(85231)
Very good download manager is free VSO Downloader.
Actual version : VSO Downloader 2.0.2.2
High speed, multiprotocol, with adblocker, all browsers.
many languages.
Yes, it is not a general download manager but a specialized video downloader. At present this category doesn't include such software but I might in a later update. The closest category we have is Best Free Streaming Media Recorder but that is for recording any video stream whether downloadable or not.
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Comments
Hello,
OrbitDownloader with Koram Games Limited signature:
I just downloaded OrbitDownloader 4.1.0.7 from OrbitDownloader.com. The download link is there but also redirects to BrotherSoft.com, which I think is safe, since that website seems to be often used for many softwares. When double-clicking on the downloaded install file a dialogue window pops up to get user approval to continue or quit and also says the signature is by Koram Games Limited.
Expecting an OrbitDownloader.com signature I searched the website using Google and found only one or two user forum pages at OrbitDownloader.com that mention this signature. There seems to be nothing else at the website about this and nothing was posted in these user forum pages by OrbitDownloader.com. Another website says Orbit Downloader was sold to a Hong Kong or Chinese company named Koram Games Limited.
Wikipedia has a page for Koramgame.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koramgame
Do you know anything about this? Anti-virus and -malware scans report zero detections and warnings, so it seems safe to install this, but what do you people working for or contributing to Tech Support Alert think about this?
I have stopped using OrbitDownloader after my recent experience with it, regarding bundled software, and unstability. I have posted my experience in the comments a little below.
I have now switched over to FreeDownload Manager... which is not really to my liking, because of its interface, but atleast its clean, and I am getting good and constant speed with it.
I am on the lookout for another worthy download manager, but presently, none seems to be there. So, will keep using FDM.
It seems Free Download Manager is not compatiable with Firefox latest versions. Could you please check
I dont know what you mean, but you could use flashgot addon which works perfectly
Orbit downloader offers change in homepage during installation, checked by default. Be careful.
I hope they make one of these free download managers like FDM or Orbit fully compatible with 64-bit browsers soon.
Orbit Downloader has a new version : 4.1.0.4
Their official download is from BrotherSoft, and I downloaded from there. It looks like Orbit might have either tied up with BrotherSoft, or, maybe that BrotherSoft have messed up with the install. But, now, OrbitDownloader shows a small ad of BrotherSoft in the LHS of their main window.
Also, there is now a new option under Preferences, in "General" .. of "Daily Giveaway Notification". I suspect it might be from BrotherSoft again.
Further, now, when Orbit's window for starting a new download appears, it shows an ad on the top. Its intrusive.
And OpenCandy is there as before.
I thought that the install from BrotherSoft might have been bad.. so I downloaded from Softpedia. But, its the same. Still displaying BrotherSoft and other ads.
I would urge other users to download from Softpedia, or any other site to see if this can be avoided.. but it may also be that Orbit have indeed tied up with BrotherSoft for all this nonsense.
Maybe its time to go back to Free Download Manager... or any other good one if Remah discovers one :).
It now also shows an ad in the notification window for completed downloads. Looks like Orbit has gone to the dogs!
Well, there is no Brothersoft ad being displayed now.. anywhere in Orbit. Maybe it's visible only for the first time of use? Strange.
The option for Daily Giveaway Notification is still there in the Prefrences though.
I'm not sure to have the problems you speak of with Orbit. I don't recall having had them and regularly use OD, but did you do download OD from the OD website, where the link is a BrotherSoft one, or some other way? MajorGeeks provides a dl.orbitdownloader.com link and maybe this is why I don't recall seeing BrotherSoft ads in OD.
Daily Giveaways and software update notices :
I don't recall seeing DG notices, but disabled the option for this in OD Preferences after you said that this option exists. After I restarted OD, a software updates checker popup came up, so I also checked for a Preferences option to disable this and there is one. Both should now be disabled.
OD 4.1.0.8 released May 22nd for a YouTube functionality fix:
OD has been notifying about an update to 4.1.0.8 and I've been ignoring this due to 4.1.0.7 having. But I just went to the website to check what there is for ads and also checked the change log. If people using OD for downloading videos at YouTube have been having the problem of getting only files of 1.7MB and less, then v4.1.0.8 is supposed to provide the fix.
OpenCandy :
OD comes with OpenCandy, but I've read here that we need to get used to this because a lot of freeware and other software vendors are apparently going with OC in packaging of installers of their software. MidNight Cowboy or someone else here replied to a post I made earlier this year when complaining about OC and the person said that we're not going to have any real choice about this unless we want to eventually end up not using computers at all. And that even includes Windows and Linux, which is very stunning.
So I'm making allowance for OC and just checked with two uninstallers to see if OC is listed. Neither Revo nor ZSoft found OC installed, so XP apparently doesn't know of OC being installed, if it is.
OD crashes :
You say it crashed, which is something that's never happened to me. Or if it did, then it was too long ago and happened too infrequently to be able to remember it. OD 4.1.0.7 has been buggy at YouTube, but that's the only problem I've noticed, besides not having catetory folders in the OD interface.
Download categories in OD :
One thing I dislike about OD is that it doesn't have download category folders and there's apparently no way to create them. GetGo Downloader has some by default, but I've stuck to OD because it at least seemed faster for DLs.
Disclaimer : I don't have any affiliation with OD, but haven't had the problems you mentioned having.
Update again. Today, when I started a download, suddenly, the ad appeared in the download window like before, and then Orbit just crashed. Subsequent attempts to start Orbit failed, and it kept crashing.
It was enough for me. I have now switched over to FreeDownloadManager. There are some peculiarities which I don't like in FDM, including the outdated GUI, but it remains clean, and does the job well.
BrotherSoft is now listed as an official partner on the Orbit blog. There is also a website containing the names jointly which is red rated by WOT.
Does the WOT rating really relate to malware detections or only user votes based on personal likes and dislikes? It seems to be more like IMDB where users rate movies and the voting isn't always wrong, but often is.
No, WOT is nothing like that. Please see this article:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/best-internet-safety-check.htm
Thanks MC. I used the link you provided and based on the reviews of WoT in this page and the other page there's a link for in the review of this page I decided to give WoT a try and will use it in combination with the url checkers at VirusTotal, vscan.urlvoid.com and vscan.urlvoid.com whenever a website is new to me. The AV is Avira's free Antivir and I think this should be enough, along with the firewall and connecting through a router.
If you think more is needed for good protection, then please suggest what else should be done.
The OS unfortunately is 32-bit Windows XP because the 64-bit version apparently isn't available at merchants in Canada and, including taxes, Windows 7 Ultimate would cost a little over $400 CAD, out of range for me. The hardware is an Intel Core 2 Quad 2.5GHz processor, 3 GB of RAM that XP can see, plus plenty of disk space. Internet connection is hi-speed cable.
What you describe is more than adequate for a traditional security setup. Some would suggest using Sandboxie as well but this approach will not suit everyone. Common sense is still the key factor.
I appreciate what you say about the cost of Windows 7. I have 7 Starter on my laptop and XP x32 on the main machine. Both though are dual booted with Linux which I find easier to use and certainly risk free compared to Windows.
Ah! So that explains it!
I downloaded and installed 'Free Download Manager', no problem, but it will not work. Keeps asking for other downloads such as .Net, which are already on my computer. Out it went!
This does not make sense because Free Download Manger is not a .NET application.
To make sure I checked with Dependency Walker that it doesn't depend upon mscor* libraries/dlls. I double checked by installing it and running it. SysInternals Process Explorer shows .NET applications in a yellow highlight. It wasn't highlighted.
Thanks.
How about Free Video Downloader. I love their products and most of them went through major updates in 2011. Downloading it now...
I tried to download the Fresh Video Downloader, but Norton 360 deletes it immediately. Have you had any problems with them?
You mean Fresh..or Free? Because George.J posted about Freemake Video Downloader.. whereas what you are posting about is a different product. Both are legitimate products.
Its only for downloading videos, whereas this category is for a download manager, which can download all kinds of files.
After a long long time, Free Download Manager has been updated. The new version : 3.8.1173 final is now available on their site :D
Here is a simple download manager extension for Google chrome:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/mcceagdollnkjlogmdckgjakjapmkdjf
Very good download manager is free VSO Downloader.
Actual version : VSO Downloader 2.0.2.2
High speed, multiprotocol, with adblocker, all browsers.
many languages.
Home page:
http://www.vso-software.fr/products/downloader/vso-downloader.php
Its mainly a streaming media downloader. Don't think it will be suitable here.
Thanks Anupam.
Yes, it is not a general download manager but a specialized video downloader. At present this category doesn't include such software but I might in a later update. The closest category we have is Best Free Streaming Media Recorder but that is for recording any video stream whether downloadable or not.
I think a separate category would be better for such software. This can be covered in BF Streaming Media Recorder I feel, not here.
Also, a separate category could be for video downloaders, which download videos from YouTube, Vimeo etc. I keep coming across such software a lot.
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