File download managers are a group of applications specialized in improving the experience when downloading content from the Internet. In addition, they are especially useful when dealing with large files. Also, when you want to download multiple files at the same time. These tools allow you to take full advantage of the capacity of the Internet connection you have contracted. In fact, they use mirror websites to obtain several connections to the same file. In this way, they speed up the download. They are also able to automatically choose between numerous servers that have the file available. To do this, they select the one that offers the best stability and performance.
Why is it necessary to use a download manager?
Certainly, the acceleration of transfers is the great strength of these applications. However, they also have other advantages. Indeed, they allow automating transfers, to schedule them, to resume them. In fact, they allow you to better manage and administer your content. Another great advantage is their ability to resume downloads paused voluntarily or interrupted by server or line error. Moreover, without losing the part of the files that had been downloaded up to that moment. Additionally, it prevents an unfinished download from being corrupted if there is an accidental disconnection.
They also allow automating and schedule downloads or uploads in the schedule that most interests us. Generally outside the working day or at night when the networks are less saturated. In addition to downloading numerous files at the same time, prioritizing the performance on the ones we are most interested in. Also, limiting the download speed so as not to saturate the connection. So it allows the use of the equipment in functions such as web browsing or others.
Other added advantages of these tools is the management by file type. In addition to more accurate information on transfer speed and download times. Some of them offer extra functions such as antivirus for malware checking. As well as a viewer for video and audio preview.
File download managers for Windows
There are many, good and free. For example, the web browsers from which they are downloaded have add-ons that can be used. However, if you want something more complete, there are specialized applications that can be used. Let’s look at a selection of the best free ones.
FlashGet
A classic download manager that has been on the market for nearly 20 years. It also promises to speed up transfers between 6 and 10 times. It includes the general features of a download manager, including virus checking. Furthermore, it can download from websites, from FTP and even.torrent files. However, in this case, it is always better to use a dedicated P2P client. To start a download, simply drag the download link to a small window that acts as a minimal interface. Interface that could use an update, although for many it is still the best in the industry. You can get it from their website. It also has a portable application and a classic version that will take you back fifteen years.
JDownloader
One of the most used. Especially when working with direct download services and multiple files. An open source platform written in Java with a lot of plugins to use. For example, separation into packages to allow pausing and resuming downloads individually. It has captcha recognition, allowing batch downloads without user intervention. In addition to Windows, it has versions for Linux and Mac. If you use many direct download servers, it is a reference.
Internet Download Accelerator
Also known as IDA, it is a free administrator developed by a Ukrainian company called WestByte. It includes support for HTTP, HTTPS and FTP. In addition, it provides integration for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Safari web browsers. It has a built-in site manager to store username and passwords for websites. Users can preview the contents of RAR files before downloading. Available for all Windows systems.
Motrix
An open source download manager that supports HTTP, FTP, BitTorrent and Magnet links. It can handle up to 10 downloads at a time and 64 threads per task. This makes downloads faster. It can also simulate multiple user agents. Therefore, it can pass off the computer as an Android or iOS phone to download restricted files from the device. Its interface is simple and modern, and like the previous ones it is totally free.
Ninja Download Manager
One of the few file download managers that allow sequential writing of files. With this, you can listen to or watch a video or audio file before the download is finished. It has an integrated video downloader that works with YouTube and Vimeo. It also has a video converter. In addition, it can manage the number of simultaneous connections for a single download. It is promoted as simple, fast and elegant, available for Windows and macOS.
Free Download Manager
Another good download manager. It can also be used in portable version on all your Windows devices without installation. Like the previous download managers, it increases download speed by splitting the file into chunks and connecting from multiple mirror sites. It also allows you to resume and schedule downloads. It has a video and audio viewer before the download finishes and many more. Furthermore, it includes the HTML Spider function that allows you to download entire websites. It has versions for Windows, macOS, Android and Linux.
Browser download managers
As mentioned above, web browsers can also be used to manage downloads. All browsers have their own utilities. Although to be honest, the truth is that they have very little potential. Of course, nothing to do with the functions of the installed ones we have selected above. Better are those that come with third-party add-ons that can be used.
Chrono download manager
Exclusive to Google’s browser, it integrates very well with the interface and use of its download system. It includes the Chrono Sniffer function that performs the detection of all links, images, audio, and video on a web page.
DownThemAll
It is the manager that we like the most for the Mozilla web browser. It is also one of the absolute best integrated you can find. Its integration with Mozilla is perfect. It even integrates into the Firefox download menu. It is able to detect all media links on a web page. In this way, it automatically downloads at high speed and allows you to summarize them.
Video Download Helper.
Ideal if you are looking for a program for occasional video downloads on the web. Does not work with some YouTube videos, as it usually happens with these managers.
Fruumo Download Manager
Without as much integration as the previous one, it does its job as a manager in the Google browser with an intuitive interface. Very simple, but it downloads, pauses and resumes downloads like the rest.
