JDownloader download manager review (2024)

TechRadar Verdict

Performance issues, weird download format and optional bundleware aside, JDownloader is superb for anyone who downloads large numbers of files.

Pros

  • +

    Remote control option

  • +

    Completes CAPTCHA forms for you

  • +

    Add-ons expand program capabilities

Cons

  • -

    Adware-laden installer

  • -

    Can be slow to start and memory-hungry

  • -

    Extensions can be flaky

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Download managers have a rather different role than a few years back. They used to be about using simultaneous downloads to max out a weedy dialup connection, but with the majority of people enjoying high-speed broadband, this is less important. Now the focus is rather different.

JDownloader

JDownloader download manager review (1)

Where to download:http://jdownloader.org/

Type: Download manager

Developer:AppWork

Operating system: Windows, Mac, Linux

Version:2

JDownloader is a free, open source tool that makes it quicker and easier to download files from hosting sites. This means that the likes of Mega, Rapidshare and so on are no longer a pain – even if they feature irritations such as CAPTCHAS and time limits before download links can be clicked. JDownloader can automate the entire process for you – just provide the initial link and everything else will taken care of for you. Downloads can be paused and resumed, transfers can be scheduled, and as an added bonus the program is available for multiple platforms.

The download of JDownloader itself is a bit annoying because the installer is hosted on Mega, and is supplied in RAR format. Mega tries to get you to install its own download software, and not everyone will have the software required to decompress the RAR file. On top of this, the installer tries to coax you into install Avast Antivirus software; it might be a great security tool, but bundleware like this is never welcome.

User experience

While JDownloader may initially look a little intimidating, in practice it's wonderfully simple to use. A clipboard monitor means that as soon as you copy a URL it is automatically analysed and added to the program. Thanks to this, you can set about collecting a large number of links and set them to download in one batch.

JDownloader is a real time saver thanks to the number of things it can automate for you, and the remote access option is a very nice touch for monitoring large downloads while away from your computer. Reducing hosted file downloads to a single click is praise-worthy indeed.

Latest updates

The latest version of JDownloader features improved performance and several minor bug fixes. For full details, see the JDownloader change log.

You might also like

JDownloader download manager review (2)

Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson

Freelance writer

Sofia is a tech journalist who's been writing about software, hardware and the web for nearly 25 years – but still looks as youthful as ever! After years writing for magazines, her life moved online and remains fueled by technology, music and nature.

Having written for websites and magazines since 2000, producing a wide range of reviews, guides, tutorials, brochures, newsletters and more, she continues to write for diverse audiences, from computing newbies to advanced users and business clients. Always willing to try something new, she loves sharing new discoveries with others.

Sofia lives and breathes Windows, Android, iOS, macOS and just about anything with a power button, but her particular areas of interest include security, tweaking and privacy. Her other loves include walking, music, her two Malamutes and, of course, her wife and daughter.

You can find her on Twitter and Mastodon.

More about pro

Google reveals first subsea cable connecting Africa and AustraliaMicrosoft and G42 are building a $1 billion data center in Africa powered by geothermal energy

Latest

Microsoft is killing off one of its most iconic programming tools
See more latest►

Most Popular
Microsoft Surface Laptop: 'a sea change is in the air'
Coopah app review: An ideal, reasonably priced running companion app
Minisforum AtomMan X7 Ti review
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door review: papercrafted perfection
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 review: a captivating tale of darkness and desolation
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7 review: pleasantly warm sound but a weak battery
Samsung Galaxy A35 review: a Samsung Galaxy S24 for the rest of us
Nutribullet Pro+ 1200 blender review
NEO S controller review: retro hardware that prioritizes customization and convenience
TCL QM851G review – the brightest mini-LED TV yet
Holy Stone HS900 review: should DJI be looking over its shoulder?
JDownloader download manager review (2024)

FAQs

Is the internet download manager better than the JDownloader? ›

For All Industries, JDownloader is a better choice. If you are confused between Internet Download Manager or JDownloader, you can also check if the software has customizable modules for your industry. Industry-specific functionalities will ensure higher efficiency and ROI.

What are the best download settings for JDownloader? ›

However, setting the number of chunks too high can also cause issues, such as server overload, which can actually slow down the download. JDownloader defaults to 3 downloads and 1 chunk. But it recommends setting this to 5 downloads with 3 chunks (connections) each— which should be enough for most users.

What is the point of JDownloader? ›

JDownloader is a download manager, written in Java, which allows automatic download of groups of files from one-click hosting sites. JDownloader supports the use of premium accounts. Some parts of the code are open-source.

Does JDownloader limit download speed? ›

JDownloader provides two settings which are essentially doing the same: Limiting your max. download speed according to your preferred limit.

Which browser has the best download manager? ›

The choice of the best browser for downloading large files depends on various factors, but generally, browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge also perform well for this task. These browsers offer robust download managers, efficient handling of multiple connections, and stable performance.

Do download managers really work? ›

Download managers can be especially helpful when you routinely need to download multiple files, especially large files, such as databases or backups. The ability to organize, prioritize, and streamline your downloads process can be invaluable, especially to avoid time-out errors.

Is JDownloader anonymous? ›

Unlike most P2P programs, the files you download with JDownloader will also NOT be publically visible to anyone who is monitoring that file. JDownloader takes privacy seriously.

Is JDownloader worth it? ›

While JDownloader is a good tool for experts who don't depend as heavily on the UI or have more experience handling software, it's not a user-friendly tool that's easy to navigate or understand. SnapDownloader, however, is an intuitive, easy-to-navigate download manager.

How to properly use JDownloader? ›

Find the file/directory you want to download, right-click on it and "copy link location". In JDownloader go to File -> Analyse Text with Links and paste the link there. Now you will be asked to enter username and password. Use the same login data that you used for HTTPS Web Access.

Is JDownloader completely free? ›

JDownloader is a free, open-source download management tool with a huge community that makes downloading as easy and fast as it should be.

Why is JDownloader downloading so slow? ›

Especially for faster internet connections, older HDDs can be the bottleneck when it comes to downloading. If you have an SSD on the system JDownloader is running on, be sure to let JDownloader download onto that SSD and not on other/older connected magnetic harddrives.

Do download managers increase download speed? ›

Downloading multiple files using Internet Download Manager won't decrease the program's overall speed, but the speeds of each download will be divided. Starting your download with Internet Download Manager immediately after restarting your computer may also increase download speeds.

Which is faster JDownloader or IDM? ›

Jdownloader is useful when you are downloading like something like a game that is broken down into so many parts like PS4 FPKG. IDM if you want to speed up your download for something.

Is IDM the best download manager? ›

"IDM is the best and awesome Manager to everybody use."

Two clicks and go about your business - it will tell you when the download is complete. If you want to download your applications, songs, documents without any error and fast use Internet Download Manager which is the best.

Which app is better than IDM? ›

EagleGet, a popular IDM alternative, is a lightweight and fast download manager that supports multiple protocols. JDownloader, FlashGet, and Download Accelerator Plus are some other alternative software like IDM.

Can I trust Internet Download Manager? ›

On CNET, IDM received a user rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on 1,909 votes. On Trustpilot, IDM received a user rating of 3 out of 5 stars, based on 20 votes. Softpedia gave IDM a rating of 5/5 stars, complementing on its convenience, effectiveness and diversity of options.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Last Updated:

Views: 5654

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Birthday: 1997-10-17

Address: Suite 835 34136 Adrian Mountains, Floydton, UT 81036

Phone: +3571527672278

Job: Manufacturing Agent

Hobby: Skimboarding, Photography, Roller skating, Knife making, Paintball, Embroidery, Gunsmithing

Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.