Overview

BitComet is a free client for BitTorrent, HTTP and FTP downloads, built for people who keep multiple transfers running at once. It suits personal users who want more ways to source torrent data and control when downloads use bandwidth. The important caveat is its license: use is restricted to private, personal, non-commercial purposes.

Key features

Finding and finishing downloads

Magnet links, DHT, HTTP seeding and UDP tracker Protocol v2 give BitComet several ways to handle torrent transfers. Long-Term Seeding Technology searches for more seeds when a download stalls near 99%, a targeted aid for difficult transfers rather than a guarantee of completion. Selective download lets users choose which files in a task to retrieve.

Cross Protocol Downloading can draw on HTTP, FTP and eMule sources during BitTorrent downloads. That can help when those sources exist, but it does not ensure that a particular file is available from them. The broader protocol mix is a practical distinction for users managing varied download sources in one client.

Managing queues and access

Global and per-task upload and download limits, bandwidth scheduling and automatic shutdown give users control over both individual tasks and the overall queue. These controls are useful when downloads need to fit around other network activity or stop unattended. Intelligent Disk Caching uses memory to reduce hard-drive reads and writes, an efficiency measure focused on disk activity.

BitComet can preview video while it downloads by prioritizing the file header and tail. Remote access lets the BitComet Mobile app connect to the desktop client behind NAT or a firewall, with end-to-end encryption. DHT support without a tracker, Windows ICF and ICS configuration, and UPnP router port mapping round out its network features.

Pricing

BitComet: Free. The plan includes the client for private personal use, but prohibits commercial purposes. There are no paid tiers or quotas described; the license restriction is the consequential limit for professionals and organizations considering it.

Platforms

BitComet supports Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. Its download page also offers Docker container images for GUI and WebUI, and the client supports a web interface. Support for 53 languages, a help wiki, support forum and email contact make it accessible to a broad user base.

Who it's for

BitComet is a strong fit for personal users who run many simultaneous downloads and value torrent features alongside HTTP and FTP sources, scheduling, selective downloads or remote desktop access. It is not appropriate for commercial use under its license. Users seeking a torrent streaming server or a client with a stated no-ads policy may prefer alternatives with those specific characteristics.

Pros and cons

Pro: Cross Protocol Downloading can use HTTP, FTP and eMule sources during BitTorrent downloads, extending the possible sources for a task.
Pro: Per-task and global speed limits, scheduling and automatic shutdown help manage simultaneous downloads around other bandwidth needs.
Pro: Encrypted remote access to a desktop client can work through NAT or a firewall.
Con: The free license is limited to private, personal, non-commercial use, excluding commercial deployments.
Con: Long-Term Seeding may locate more seeds for a stalled transfer, but cannot guarantee completion.

Alternatives

Feem is a better fit for people who want unlimited file transfers on its free plan across mobile and desktop platforms; its Pro iOS plan is 4.99 USD per year and manually renewed.

TorrServer is the more relevant choice for a self-hosted torrent streaming server, while BitComet is a download client.

BiglyBT is another free client spanning Android, Linux, macOS, web and Windows.

BitTorrent Classic offers a free Basic plan and a 6.95 USD Ad-Free plan for users choosing between those options.

Transmission is worth considering for a free client whose plan includes all features, with no ads or tracking.

WebTorrent is a free, non-commercial desktop option described as open-source software under the MIT License.

µTorrent Classic offers a free Basic plan for bulk torrent downloads, plus paid Ad-Free and Pro plans.

Deluge is another free BitTorrent client, with a source repository published on GitHub.

Browse more options in Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Software or Download Manager Software.

Verdict

Choose BitComet if you want a free personal-use client that combines torrent transfers with HTTP and FTP sourcing, scheduling and remote access. Its breadth makes it a capable option for managing simultaneous downloads; look elsewhere if the software will be used commercially or if a different license or policy is a deciding factor.

	BitComet	Soulseek
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial		No
Paid from	Free	Free
Platforms	Android, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Web, Windows	Linux, macOS, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Supported platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Magnet links	Yes
Selective download	Yes	Yes
Web interface	Yes
Remote control	Yes
DHT support	Yes

BitComet vs Soulseek

BitComet

Soulseek