Our verdict: BitComet is a feature-rich download client that handles torrents, magnet links and plain HTTP or FTP downloads in one place. Long-term seeding and preview while downloading are genuinely useful. It is closed source, free only for private use, and the main download button on its site is labeled "with optional offers".
About BitComet
BitComet is a closed-source download client written in C++ by the BitComet Development Group. It supports BitTorrent with magnet links, HTTP seeding, DHT and UDP trackers, as well as HTTP and FTP downloads. Versions exist for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, and the interface is available in 53 languages.
Its Long-Term Seeding feature looks for additional seeds to finish torrents stuck at 99%, and its disk cache keeps data in memory to reduce hard drive writes. For video files, BitComet fetches the start and end first so you can preview them during the download. The license allows free use for private, non-commercial purposes only.
What it does well
- BitTorrent, HTTP and FTP. Downloads torrents and magnet links as well as regular HTTP and FTP files.
- Long-Term Seeding. Finds extra seeds to help finish torrents that are stuck near completion.
- Intelligent disk caching. Caches data in memory to reduce reads and writes on your drive.
- Preview while downloading. Gets the header and tail of video files first so you can preview them early.
- WebUI and remote control. Manage downloads from a browser or from BitComet for Android.
Who it is for
Good fit
Home users who want one client for torrents, magnet links and direct HTTP or FTP downloads.
Look elsewhere
Businesses, which need written permission, and users who prefer open-source torrent clients.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Torrents, HTTP and FTP in one client
- Long-term seeding helps finish stalled torrents
- Preview videos while they download
- Available in 53 languages
Cons
- Main site download button comes "with optional offers"
- Closed source; free for private use only
- Interface includes third-party links and tabs
How to install BitComet
The button downloads the clean official installer from BitComet's archive server. The large Download button on the main download page is labeled "with optional offers" and serves a different installer, so if you use that one, read every screen and decline extra software. A ZIP version that needs no installation is on the archive page.
Questions about BitComet
Is BitComet free?
Yes, for private, non-commercial use. The license forbids commercial use without written agreement from BitComet.
Does the BitComet installer contain adware?
The main Download button on bitcomet.com is labeled "with optional offers". The archive page has the plain official setup file, which the button on this page uses.
Can BitComet download normal files, not just torrents?
Yes. BitComet also downloads files over HTTP and FTP.
