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Best Free Alternatives to IDM (Internet Download Manager)

Stop paying $11.95/yr or $24.95 Lifetime. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.

Category: UtilitiesVerified for 2025

Top Recommended Replacements

Free Download Manager (FDM)

FREE

Best Overall IDM Successor

Why we like it

Completely free and open-source; supports BitTorrent natively; refreshed 2025 UI; cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android); includes a remote control feature to manage downloads from your phone.

Keep in mind

The 'video sniffer' is slightly less consistent than IDM on some complex streaming sites.

Neat Download Manager

FREE

Best Lightweight Alternative

Why we like it

Extremely small footprint (under 2MB); interface is a near-clone of IDM; excellent at capturing HLS/TS video streams and merging them automatically; free for both Windows and macOS.

Keep in mind

Lacks built-in torrent support; interface is functional but very basic/no-frills.

JDownloader 2

FREE

Best for Power Users & File Hosters

Why we like it

Automates CAPTCHA solving; manages premium accounts for 300+ file hosting sites; powerful link-grabbing tool that can scrape entire webpages for media; highly customizable.

Keep in mind

The interface is dense and intimidating for beginners; built in Java, which can be resource-heavy; the installer sometimes tries to bundle additional software (adware).

Xtreme Download Manager (XDM)

FREE

Best for Video Capturing

Why we like it

Claimed 500% speed increase; includes a built-in video converter to change formats instantly after download; works flawlessly with all major browsers; 100% free.

Keep in mind

The UI can feel a bit clunky compared to FDM; development pace can be slower than JDownloader.

Ninja Download Manager

FREE

Best Modern UI

Why we like it

The most beautiful interface in the category; includes 'sequential downloading' so you can start watching a movie while it’s still downloading; high-speed multi-threading.

Keep in mind

The free version is quite limited; the best features (like high-speed acceleration) are locked behind the Pro version.

Motrix

FREE

Best Design for 2025

Why we like it

Stunning, minimalist design; supports BitTorrent, Magnet, Baidu NetDisk, and standard HTTP; uses Aria2 as the back-end engine for maximum reliability.

Keep in mind

No native 'Video Grabber' extension (you have to paste links manually); lacks the deep browser integration of IDM or FDM.

EagleGet

FREE

A Solid All-Rounder

Why we like it

Includes a built-in malware scanner; advanced scheduler; very stable browser extensions.

Keep in mind

Development has been inconsistent in recent years; free version contains some promotional banners.

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