Downloading large files through a browser is time-consuming. In addition, you can never get a decent download speed. Most of the time, if you interrupt the download in the middle of the way, you will need to download the file again.
For this reason, it is recommended to use a decent download manager. The download manager can greatly speed up the download process. Thankfully, almost all download managers also support pausing and resuming downloads.
Below is a list of the best download managers for Windows that can help you download large files in a short period of time.
1. Internet Download Manager
Internet Download Manager (IDM) is the most popular premium download manager in Windows. It can handle multiple downloads at once and even let you choose from different download queues. IDM can also help you download streaming videos from sites like YouTube or Vimeo.
You can preview the compressed file, plan your downloads in advance, and even sync with a VPN to keep your downloads private. IDM can also be used with proxy servers, firewalls, and HTTP and FTP protocols.
What we like most about IDM is that it allows you to connect to the internet at a specified time and then disconnect from the internet after downloading the file. The software also has a full-featured website crawler that allows you to download all the pictures and other files from one website.
Although IDM has many benefits, one of the reasons users may not like it is that it needs to be paid. However, it offers a 30-day trial period so you can try it out once before you buy.
Download: Internet Download Manager ($11.95, free trial available)
2. Aria2
Compared to the other download managers on this list, Aria2 is a command-line download tool. This means that it lacks a GUI, i.e. a graphical user interface, and you can only access this tool using a command prompt.
Despite being a command-line tool, Aria2 supports downloading files from many different sources. It supports almost all kinds of download links, such as HTTP/HTTPS, metalinks, torrent links, FTP, etc.
The main advantage of Aria2 is that it requires less CPU and memory time. So even if your computer has 2GB of RAM, you can use this command-line tool. In addition, it is a fully functional BitTorrent client. Thus, you can use it to easily download any torrent file.
To start using Aria2, you must first download it using the link below and open a command prompt on Windows. Then, you need to use the “aria2c [URL]” format in the command prompt to start the download process. Make sure to replace [URL] with the download link to avoid errors.
Download: Aria2 (Free)
3. JDownloader
JDownloader is a completely free and open-source Windows download manager. The good news is that you can use the MyJDownloader website anywhere to monitor your downloads and even pause or resume them.
When downloading a file, you can automatically avoid AdFly and similar ad links. It also copies any link you copy to the clipboard and pastes it directly into the software, so you can start downloading right away.
In addition, it has a comprehensive setting that allows you to download YouTube videos for offline playback. When you enter a YouTube video link in jDownloader, it will parse the URL and display all available download formats. Then you can choose to download the video in MP4, WEBM, or MKV format.
If you need to download many parts of a huge file, you can add all the links in bulk. After all parts of the file are downloaded, the tool will automatically extract and merge the files.
It is important to note that， You’ve to install the Java Development Kit (JDK) from Oracle’s Downloads website before installing JDownloader.
Download: JDownloader 2 (Free)
4. Motrix
Motrix is an open-source download manager that supports HTTP, FTP, BitTorrent, and Magnet links. It can handle 10 downloads simultaneously, with 64 threads per task, which makes downloads faster.
Motrix also allows you to mimic various user agents. Thus, you can trick your PC into an Android or iOS phone and download device-restricted files at any time.
Like other download managers, it offers download throttling to help you limit bandwidth and data usage. However, it has a unique feature that is especially handy when downloading torrent files: the upload limit option.
Overall, Motrix has all the features of a download manager you’d expect, along with a modern user interface. So, if you’re looking for a modern, feature-rich download manager, Motrix won’t let you down.
Download: Motrix (Free)
5. Free Download Manager
Free Download Manager (FDM) is a well-known open source Windows download manager. It divides the downloaded file into many different parts and then downloads them together, which is convenient and fast.
You can create any number of bulk downloads, crawl torrents, download entire websites, and scan download files for viruses. You can even schedule downloads only on specific days.
It can also download specified files from different archive formats such as Zip, 7z, and RAR. FDM also has the option to limit traffic to control bandwidth so you can browse the web without interruption.
Additionally, you can continue any interrupted downloads instead of re-downloading the interrupted files. You can preview the ZIP file before downloading it or you can cancel the file you don’t want.
Download: Free Download Manager (Free)
6. Ninja Download Manager
The Ninja Download Manager is one of the few download managers that allows sequential writing of files. With this feature, you can listen to or watch videos or audio files before the download is complete.
In addition, you can manage the number of simultaneous connections for a download. Ninja Download Manager also has a built-in video downloader that you can use with YouTube and Vimeo, as well as a video converter.
Sequential downloads are one of the features we appreciate the most. It means that the file will be downloaded from start to finish. It comes in handy when you want to check the video quality of the file you are currently downloading.
After upgrading to the Pro version, you can schedule file downloads, use a password manager, and manage the download queue. Plus, you get the option to control your download speed.
Download: Ninja Download Manager (Free) | Ninja Download Manager Pro ($19)
Easily manage your downloads
Surprisingly, there isn’t just one download manager called the best. You can use any of the above download managers according to your needs.
For example, if you’re not in the mood to spend money, you can use a free download manager or JDownloader 2. If not, IDM will be an option when choosing a download manager for premium prices.
In addition to that, if you don’t want to install specialized software, you can also use chrome extensions to do so.
