FrostWire
frostwire.com
What it is
FrostWire is a free BitTorrent client, video downloader, and media player for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Its in-app search reaches torrent engines and cloud sources such as YouTube, SoundCloud, and Archive.org. You can preview cloud files and play BitTorrent media while downloads are still running. Torrent downloads can be narrowed to one file or taken as a complete package. A media library organizes downloaded audio and video, playlists, and internet radio stations. FrostWire uses the BitTorrent peer-to-peer network for distributing content without centralized hosting bandwidth. The project describes itself as open source and publishes source code for forking or modification. It also provides Telluride, a command-line video downloader, and jlibtorrent Java bindings with Maven setup instructions. Magnet links, selective downloads, and DHT are supported. The listed plan is free, with no subscriptions required.
Spec sheet
- Product
- FrostWire is a BitTorrent client, video downloader, and media player.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- Intended users
- FrostWire says content creators including musicians, filmmakers, writers, software developers, and game developers can use it to distribute their work.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- Founded
- 2004Read 28 Sep 2026 · frostwire.com
- Content distribution
- FrostWire uses the BitTorrent P2P network to let people share their content without paying for centralized hosting bandwidth.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- Copyright policy
- FrostWire says users must agree not to use the software for copyright infringement and condemns copyright infringement.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- Developer tools
- FrostWire publishes Telluride, a command-line video downloader, and jlibtorrent Java bindings with Maven setup instructions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- Download versions
- The downloads page lists FrostWire 7.0.4 build 331 for desktop and 3.2.0 build 776 for Android.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- Media library
- The media library organizes downloads and supports audio and video playback, playlists, and internet radio stations.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- Open source
- FrostWire describes itself as an open-source project and links to its source code for forking and hacking.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- Preview and playback
- Users can preview cloud files and play BitTorrent media before downloads finish.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- Search
- Its in-app search connects to torrent search engines and cloud sources, including YouTube, SoundCloud, and Archive.org.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- Selective downloads
- Users can choose an individual file from a torrent or download the entire package.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- Support resources
- The site links to a support FAQ and a YouTube channel with tutorials.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
- System requirements
- The listed minimums include Windows 10 64-bit, macOS 11.5.2 or later, Linux 64-bit, or Android 8.0 or later, 256 MB RAM, and an active internet connection.Read 4 Oct 2026 · frostwire.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free plan with no subscriptions required
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
- Previews and plays media before completion
- Selective torrent-file downloads
- Magnet links and DHT supported
Limits
- No free trial is listed
- Requires an active internet connection
- Minimum requirements include 256 MB RAM
- Users must agree not to infringe copyright
Who it suits
FrostWire suits people seeking a free desktop or mobile BitTorrent and media tool, including content creators distributing their work. It also fits developers interested in open-source code, Telluride, or jlibtorrent.
Verdict
FrostWire combines torrent searching, downloading, playback, and library management in a free multi-platform application. Its open-source project and developer tools add options beyond the main client.
Where Specifiction places it
- Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Software#11 of 367.9