Vuze
Vuze is a software utility for downloading files using the BitTorrent protocol. It is written in Java and utilizes the Azureus engine. In addition to file transfers, it also lets users publish, share and view high-quality video content as well. Users can further monetize original video content with the software. Other notable features include prioritizing torrents, managing bandwidth, sharing torrents, blocking IP addresses, downloading files from RSS feeds, chat, content search, support for external devices and encryption support. It also has support for anonymous transfers using Tor, though Tor itself discourages such use. Vuze runs on all popular platforms, including Linux and Android. It was originally available for free through a GNU General Public License (GPL). But, since its purchase by Spigot Inc. in 2010, it has a more restrictive license and a more commercial feel. Though it is still free. However, many people consider Vuze adware because of the invasive software that gets installed with it. But such software can be declined during installation.
- Lets users download BitTorrent files, including from RSS feeds
- Lets users publish, share, view and monetize video content
- Supports prioritizing torrents
- Allows users to manage bandwidth use
- Has support for encryption and annomity
- Has chat and search functions
- Has support for external devices
- Can block IP addresses
- Is completely free to use
- Is available for just about every platform imaginable
- Has support for lots of third-party plugins
- Has a large user base
- Offers a lightweight version without ads
- Because it is written in Java it tends to be a resource hog
- Its full-featured client has ads
- Installs adware if you do not specifically tell it not to install it
Much like uTorrent, Vuze is a popular freeware BitTorrent client. While there are an almost infinite number of other BitTorrent clients available, these two are the dominate ones, and they offer similar features and download speeds. What is great about Vuze is that it works on all imaginable platforms. It also fully backward compatible. This means that you can be using the latest version while others can use older versions, and it will not make a difference. Vuze also has a big user base, which is a big plus for this kind of software. Vuze further has lots of third-party plugin support, and it has lots of useful features. There probably is not a BitTorrent client available that has more features than Vuze, and that includes uTorrent. This does not mean that Vuze does not have its drawbacks. It is written entirely in Java, and because of this it can be a resource hog. It also has ads. Though Vuze also has a lightweight client called Leap, which uses far less resources and has no ads. Vuze will further install adware on your machine if you do not choose a custom installation and specifically turn this "feature" off.
Alternatives to Vuze
Put.io
BitTorrent
BitLord
LimeWire
Bitport.io
PicoTorrent
Flud
TTorrent
ADownloader
Miro
ΜTorrent
NeoLoader
Aria2
