Our verdict: XDM is a capable free stand-in for paid download managers: it takes over downloads from your browser, splits them across several connections, resumes after failures and saves HLS and DASH video streams. The stable XDM 8 has not changed since 2023, and the rebuilt XDM 9 is still a pre-release.
About Xtreme Download Manager
Xtreme Download Manager works with a browser extension for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, Opera and Vivaldi, which hands downloads to XDM together with the cookies the site needs. Files are fetched over several connections at once, and broken downloads continue where they stopped; Refresh link gives an expired download a new address.
When you play a video in the browser, the extension lists the available qualities, and XDM downloads the HLS or DASH stream and merges audio and video into one file. There is also a batch downloader, a scheduler and a speed limiter. XDM is free and open source under the GNU GPL, with no adware or bundled software.
What it does well
- Segmented downloading. Splits each file across several connections to use your full bandwidth.
- Resume and refresh. Continues broken downloads and replaces expired links.
- Streaming video capture. Saves HLS and DASH video and merges audio and video tracks.
- Browser integration. Extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, Opera and Vivaldi.
- Scheduler and limiter. Start and stop downloads at set times and cap the speed.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who download large files on unreliable connections or want to save videos from websites.
Look elsewhere
Users who need torrent support or want only frequently updated stable software.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Open source with no adware
- Reliable resume and link refresh
- Saves streaming video from websites
Cons
- Stable XDM 8 has not been updated since 2023
- No BitTorrent support
- SmartScreen warns about the unsigned installer
How to install Xtreme Download Manager
Run the MSI installer and accept the administrator prompt. If SmartScreen warns about the file, choose More info and Run anyway; the developer notes that XDM has no paid signing certificate. On first start XDM offers to install the extension for each browser you use.
Questions about Xtreme Download Manager
Is Xtreme Download Manager free?
Yes. XDM is free and open source under the GNU GPL, with no paid version, ads or bundled software.
Should I install XDM 8 or XDM 9?
XDM 8.0.29 is the stable release. XDM 9 is a rebuilt pre-release for testing that replaces XDM 8 when installed.
Can XDM download videos from websites?
Yes. With the browser extension it detects playing videos and saves HLS and DASH streams as a single file.
