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uTorrent vs. BitTorrent: Which Is Better?
Are you wondering which torrent client you should use? You are probably familiar with either uTorrent or BitTorrent or both of them. In this uTorrent vs. BitTorrent blog, we will explain to you the difference between them and make a verdict on which is better.
Before getting all technical, let us cover the basics and explain what torrenting is, in case you are not very familiar. A torrent is a term that refers to file-sharing through a Peer-to-Peer network (P2P). P2P file sharing is used to share large files between users without being stored on a server.
Click here to skip the uTorrent vs. BitTorrent comparison and head straight to VPN recommendations for torrenting.
How Torrenting Works?
In simple terms, when you download a torrent file, you are only downloading a file that allows your torrent client to find the bits and pieces of the larger file that you want. Those bits and pieces are scattered between different computers and networks all around the world. Your client gathers all those bits, puts them together, and gives you the file you want.
Is Torrenting Safe?
Torrenting is not the safest method to download shared files from the internet without having a VPN set up. Without a VPN, your internet service provider will be able to spy on your traffic and the files you are downloading. Not only that but torrent peers and trackers will be able to track your IP address and location.
With a VPN, your traffic is encrypted as you connect to a server. In addition, special torrenting servers protect you even better; they guarantee total privacy and security.
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The real question we are asking here is which torrent client is best for you? Is it uTorrent or BitTorrent?
uTorrent vs. BitTorrent Features
Let's talk, clients!
Free Web Versions:
uTorrent: uTorrent offers a free web client integrated with your web browser and provides basic torrent downloading and streaming.
BitTorrent: BitTorrent also has a free web client that gets integrated into your web browser. It is very similar to uTorrent's web client.
So for web versions, both clients offer similar interfaces; both contain ads on their free plan and allow bulk torrent downloading.
uTorrent vs. BitTorrent Pro Paid Plan:
uTorrent: uTorrent's pro version includes zero ads and blocks viruses and malware. Moreover, it also gives you premium support and the ability to convert and play files.
BitTorrent: BitTorrent's pro version provides malware protection, zero adds, and premium support as well.
Both torrent clients accept cryptocurrency payments, PayPal and Credit Cards.
Pro + VPN:
Both clients offer a 1-year VPN plan with CyberGhost and include all the pro versions' features. This plan is a little pricey; however, we recommend subscribing through their official website.
uTorrent vs. BitTorrent Pricing
Both clients offer the same prices for their very similar features. Find a summary below:
|
Client |
Ad-free |
Pro |
Pro+VPN |
|---|---|---|---|
|
uTorrent |
$4.95/year |
$19.95/year |
$69.95/year |
|
BitTorrent |
$4.95/year |
$19.95/year |
$69.95/year |
uTorrent vs. BitTorrent Major Differences
In the uTorrent vs. BitTorrent battle, the significant difference between those torrent clients lies in their device compatibility. BitTorrent supports Windows, macOS, and Android. uTorrent, on the other hand, also supports Linux, in addition to Windows, macOS, and Android.
Upon downloading the free BitTorrent classic application, you get a 30-day free trial offer for the Pro version. Unfortunately, such an offer does not appear on uTorrent's website, although both look uncannily similar.
Download speed does not count as a difference as it depends on your service provider and the VPN you are using. However, there are some tips and tricks to optimize your download speed.
Tips to optimize speed
- Go to the Options menu, and select Preferences
- Open 'Connections' from the left tab
- Check 'Enable UPnP Port Mapping'
- Check 'Enable NAT-PMP Port Mapping'
- Check 'Add Windows Firewall exception.'
For more speed optimization, you can change your Bandwidth settings:
- Go to the Options menu, and select Preferences
- Under connections, select 'Bandwidth.'
- Change the global maximum number of connections to 2300
- Change the maximum number of connected peers per torrent to 50
- Change the number of upload slots per torrent to 14
uTorrent vs. BitTorrent Final Verdict
To sum it all up, both uTorrent and BitTorrent are very similar in the features and prices they provide. The main difference was Linux compatibility, so if you are a Linux user, uTorrent is there for you.
As for speeds, both are also quite similar as speed mostly depends on your ISP and VPN provider. Last but not least, BitTorrent offers a 30-day trial for its Pro version, you will be required to enter payment but you will not be billed until the next billing period and you will be notified 7 days prior.
VPN Recommendations
As we explained earlier, it is important you have a premium VPN set up to protect your online identity and hide your internet traffic as you torrent content. We advise using VPNs that allow torrenting and have specialized torrenting servers. Find our recommendations below:
1. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is our top recommendation for torrenting. It has dedicated torrenting servers that provide the security and privacy you need to protect yourself.
All CyberGhost servers have AES-256-bit encryption, which is the highest encryption standard available. Moreover, its true no-log policy ensures your data is not being collected.
CyberGhost also has dedicated servers for gaming that are specialized to protect you against DDoS attacks and network throttling; those servers ensure you experience no lag as you play your favorite games. Read our best torrent sites for games to know where to download the games you love.
CyberGhost offers three plans:
- 1-Month: $12.99 per month, with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
- 6-Months: $6.39 per month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 26-Months: $2.25 per month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN has over 5200 servers worldwide, and all have AES-256-bit encryption, which is the same standard bank and militaries use to protect their data. NordVPN is also famous for its stable speeds across its servers. In addition, it is based in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, which means you are less likely to be spied on as opposed to countries in the alliance.
NordVPN also offers gaming servers that promise an improved gaming experience with minimum lag. In addition to torrenting servers that provide ultimate protection and privacy while using torrent clients.
NordVPN offers three plans. Find their summary in the table below:
| Plans | 1-month plan | 1-year plan | 2-year plan + 3 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original price | $11.95/month | $143.40 | $322.65 |
| Discount price | N/A | $59.00 ($4.92/month) | $89.00 ($3.30/month) |
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our third recommendation for torrenting. All of its 3000+ servers support torrenting and offer ultimate privacy. ExpressVPN also offers unlimited bandwidth and top-notch speeds.
It is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance making it a privacy-friendly VPN. Its true no-log policy also supports that claim, as it collects zero data on its users and their online activity. Their RAM servers are also wiped clean with every boot, which only enhances their security and privacy measures.
ExpressVPN's best plan is for $6.67 per month for 12 months, and you get an additional three months for free, making them a total of 15 months!