4K Video Downloader+ From $1.25/mo · Free plan 9.4 Visit 
AB Download Manager
abdownloadmanager.com
What it is
AB Download Manager is a free, open-source tool for organizing downloads. Its multi-threaded connections can increase download speed by up to 500%, according to the maker. Users can queue files for sequential downloading, schedule queues to start and stop automatically, and limit how much bandwidth the app uses. Browser integration supports Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi. For browser links to route through the manager, the desktop application must be running in the background. Listed platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, with browser extension support also listed. The project uses the Apache-2.0 license, and the maker says it contains no ads and respects user privacy. The site provides tutorials, step-by-step guides, and documentation help. Release notes say API key authentication was added and the integration server was restricted to local connections. The Free plan is free. Video downloading and a portable version are listed; remote control is not.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- AB Download Manager is a desktop and Android application for organizing and accelerating internet downloads.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Purpose
- AB Download Manager is a free, fast, open-source download manager for seamless, organized downloads.Read 1 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Platforms
- The software is available for Android, Windows, Linux, and macOS.Read 1 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- API
- A documented OpenAPI 3.0 service runs by default on localhost port 15151 and exposes download and queue operations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Privacy
- The maker says the app contains no ads and respects user privacy.Read 1 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Support
- The site provides tutorials, step-by-step guides, and answers through its documentation help center.Read 1 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- License
- The project is published under the Apache-2.0 license.Read 1 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Android compatibility issue
- An issue documents Android 16 force-closes caused by a missing FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SPECIAL_USE permission when starting downloads.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- API add endpoint
- The REST specification defines POST /add for submitting a link with optional headers and download-page URL.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- API authentication
- Release notes state that API key authentication was added.Read 1 Oct 2026 · github.com
- API queues endpoint
- The REST specification defines GET /queues to return queue identifiers and names.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- App-store availability
- The project README warns that AB Download Manager is not distributed through Google Play or other app stores unless explicitly listed by the project.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Browser integrations
- Extensions support Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera and Vivaldi, routing clicked download links to the desktop app.Read 15 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Browser support
- The browser integration supports Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi.Read 1 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Build and extensibility
- Developers can build the desktop application with Gradle and Java Runtime for Building, and the project accepts contributions through GitHub.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Desktop requirement
- The desktop application must be running in the background for browser links to route to it.Read 1 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Documentation depth
- The documentation center contains an introduction, feature descriptions, browser-integration instructions and tutorials or step-by-step help links.Read 15 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Founded year
- No founded year is stated on the reviewed official, GitHub or LinkedIn pages.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Independent performance complaint
- Digital Karthik measured roughly 250 MB RAM idle and 400 MB during use, and reported slower test speeds than IDM and Free Download Manager.Read 15 Oct 2026 · digitalkarthik.com
- Independent security complaint
- Digital Karthik reported that one of 57 VirusTotal vendors flagged a build, while the maintainer says releases are not digitally signed.Read 15 Oct 2026 · digitalkarthik.com
- Installation methods
- Official instructions provide GitHub releases, a Linux shell installer, Winget, Scoop and Homebrew installation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Licence
- The source repository publishes the software under the Apache-2.0 licence.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Limit: Firefox resume workflow
- One reviewer reported that restarting a failed download through the original download link was not available.Read 15 Oct 2026 · addons.mozilla.org
- Limit: video capture
- Chrome-extension reviewers repeatedly request dependable YouTube and other video detection, along with torrent support and custom installation locations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · chrome-stats.com
- Linux review
- LinuxLinks tested the application on Manjaro and Ubuntu 24.10 and reported that the binary package installed successfully after the AUR source package failed validation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linuxlinks.com
- Local integration security
- Release notes state that the integration server was restricted to local connections only.Read 1 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Maker identity
- The GitHub profile identifies AmirHossein Abdolmotallebi as AB Download Manager's founder and maintainer.Read 15 Oct 2026 · git.mitgai.net
- Maker location
- The maker's LinkedIn profile lists Behbahan, Khuzestan Province, Iran.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ir.linkedin.com
- Media downloading limit
- The maintainer says media and non-encrypted HLS streams may work, but YouTube and encrypted streams are intentionally unsupported.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Multi-connection acceleration
- The documentation says parallel connections can increase download speed by up to 500%.Read 15 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Open issue volume
- The GitHub issue tracker displayed 463 open issues on 15 October 2026, including high-memory-use, Android scheduling, macOS verification and video-download reports.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Praise: Chrome users
- Chrome-extension reviews commonly praise the simple interface, macOS performance, open-source status and IDM-like functionality.Read 15 Oct 2026 · chrome-stats.com
- Praise: Firefox users
- Firefox reviewers repeatedly describe the extension as clean, fast, easy to use, open source and a strong free alternative to IDM.Read 15 Oct 2026 · addons.mozilla.org
- Queues
- Users can place downloads into custom queues that run sequentially.Read 15 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Rating on Chrome Web Store tracker
- 4.60 out of 5 from 219 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · chrome-stats.com
- Rating on Firefox Add-ons
- 4.7 out of 5 from 81 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · addons.mozilla.org
- Release version
- Release 1.11.1 was published on 14 October 2026 with Linux directory-picker and idle-detection fixes plus translation and settings improvements.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Scheduler
- Queues can be configured to start and stop automatically on a schedule.Read 15 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Security change
- Version 1.10.3 restricted the integration server to local connections, while version 1.10.2 added DNS-over-HTTPS support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Speed
- Multi-threaded connections can increase download speed by up to 500%.Read 1 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Speed control
- A speed limiter controls how much bandwidth the app consumes.Read 1 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Speed limiter
- A bandwidth limit is available to reduce the impact of downloads on other network use.Read 15 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
- Themes and interface
- The project provides a modern interface with dark mode plus additional light and black themes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Unsigned-release warning
- The maintainer attributed malware warnings to the application being new and unsigned and suggested compiling it from source.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Free Free No ads · open source Read 1 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
Free Free Free All listed features · Android, Windows, Linux and macOS Read 15 Oct 2026 · abdownloadmanager.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Queues download files sequentially
- Queues can start and stop on a schedule
- Bandwidth limiter controls app usage
- Browser integration supports six listed browsers
- Apache-2.0 licensed and free
Limits
- Desktop app must run for browser links to route through it
- Remote control is not available
Who it suits
It suits people who want a free download manager with queues, scheduling, bandwidth limits, and browser integration. Users relying on browser links need the desktop application running in the background.
AB Download Manager in depth
Read the full write-up
AB Download Manager is a free, open-source downloader for people managing batches of files across desktop and mobile systems. It suits users who need queues, timing controls, bandwidth limits, and browser capture rather than a bare save dialog. It is a strong no-cost choice for organized downloading, provided the desktop app can remain running when browser handoff is important.
Overview
AB Download Manager combines multi-threaded connections with sequential queues, automatic scheduling, and a bandwidth limiter. That combination gives you control over both order and network consumption: you can line up a large batch, let each item finish before the next begins, and restrict the transfer rate so other work remains responsive. The maker claims multi-threading can raise download speed by up to 500%, but that is a maximum potential increase rather than a result to expect on every server, file, or connection.
The project is released under the Apache-2.0 license. Its maker says there are no ads and that user privacy is respected, which makes the free offering less intrusive than ad-supported download utilities. Documentation includes tutorials, step-by-step guides, and answers in a help center. Release notes also describe API-key authentication and an integration server limited to local connections, useful safeguards for software that accepts browser requests.
Key features
Multi-threaded downloads: Splitting transfers across multiple connections can improve throughput when the source supports it. The advertised ceiling of 500% should be treated as a possibility, not a guaranteed multiplier.
Queue management: Queues download files sequentially, making them suitable for large batches where running everything at once would overload a connection or storage workflow.
Scheduling: Queues can start and stop automatically. This fits overnight transfers, timed bandwidth windows, or a prepared batch that should run without repeated manual starts.
Speed limiting: A limiter controls how much bandwidth the app consumes, helping users share a connection with calls, streaming, or other downloads.
Browser integration: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi can route links into the manager. The desktop application must stay running in the background for that handoff, so it is less convenient for users who expect a browser extension to work independently.
Video downloading and portability: Video downloading is supported, and a portable version is available for users who prefer not to install conventionally.
Pricing
AB Download Manager has one plan: Free at free. It includes no ads and open-source code, with no paid tier or stated quota in the supplied plan terms. That makes it appropriate for anyone who wants the full stated feature set without a subscription. There are no cheaper features to give up, but there is also no paid plan offering remote control or expanded service terms.
Platforms
The supported operating systems are Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Browser integration is available, and the broader platform listing also includes iOS and an extension. A portable edition adds flexibility on compatible desktop environments. Remote control is not supported, so this is not the right fit if you need to operate downloads from another device.
Who it's for
Choose AB Download Manager if you routinely handle batches, want scheduled starts and stops, or need to cap bandwidth while downloads run. It is particularly suitable for desktop users who want browser links captured by a dedicated manager and who are comfortable leaving that desktop application in the background. Open-source licensing, no ads, and the free price also suit privacy-conscious users and anyone avoiding recurring costs.
Look elsewhere if browser capture must work while the desktop program is closed, if remote control is essential, or if your workflow depends on a service with explicit multi-device or usage allowances. The lack of a remote-control feature is a practical boundary for distributed workflows.
Pros and cons
Pros
Full free access: The 0.00 USD plan combines open-source code with no ads.
Strong batch controls: Sequential queues and automatic scheduling reduce manual file management.
Bandwidth governance: A speed limiter helps prevent downloads from taking over a shared connection.
Broad browser coverage: Integration supports Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi.
Portable option: A portable version suits users who avoid a conventional installation.
Cons
Desktop dependency for browser links: The desktop app must run in the background before browser handoff works.
No remote control: Downloads cannot be managed remotely through the stated feature set.
Speed claim has limits: Up to 500% is a potential maximum, not a consistent outcome.
Alternatives
For a wider comparison, see the Download Manager Software list. Choose 4K Video Downloader+ instead if you want a freemium product with a free trial and a Starter plan offering permanent access to basic features. JDownloader is the better direction for a GPL-described open-source option with Android, web, API, and extension coverage. Pick Gopeed if you want free, open-source downloads with no ads or tracking and broad web, API, and self-hosted options. BitComet suits private, personal, non-commercial use under its stated free plan. pyLoad is worth considering for a free, open-source setup spanning self-hosted and web environments. Choose Firelink for a free MIT-licensed browser companion and desktop clients. FlareGet offers a free edition for Windows, Mac, and Linux alongside a paid Mac tier. Free Download Manager is another free, ad-free option with optional donations and browser support.
Verdict
AB Download Manager is a sensible recommendation for users who want organized, scheduled, bandwidth-aware downloads at no cost, with open-source licensing and broad browser coverage. Its main reason to choose it is the combination of queue control and scheduling without ads or a subscription. Its main reason to look elsewhere is the requirement to keep the desktop application running for browser links, compounded by the absence of remote control.
Verdict
AB Download Manager offers queueing, scheduling, and browser integration without a listed price. Keep its background-running requirement in mind when using browser links.
Where Specifiction places it
- Download Manager Software#2 of 589.1
