Free & open source alternatives to IDM (Internet Download Manager)

3 free download manager apps to use instead of IDM (Internet Download Manager) by Tonec

The best free alternative to IDM (Internet Download Manager) is Free Download Manager. Multi-connection downloads, resume, torrents and link capture from the browser, just like IDM.

Other great options: AB Download Manager and Motrix.

Quick pick: Closest to IDM, with a browser extension: Free Download Manager. Open source: AB Download Manager.

Reviewed November 2026 against each vendor's official website.

Official ways to use IDM (Internet Download Manager) for free

IDM has a 30-day free trial, after which you need to buy a license.

Free plans and trial lengths are set by the vendor and can change. Check the official website before signing up.

3 best alternatives to IDM (Internet Download Manager)

Free Download Manager

PC utilities

FreeEasy to use

Multi-connection downloads, resume, torrents and link capture from the browser, just like IDM.

Free download accelerator with multi-connection downloads, pause and resume, and torrent support. It can also grab video links from the browser.

Faster downloads that resume after a dropped connection
Extensions for Chrome, Edge and Firefox

Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux · Android

Free Download Manager details Official website ↗

AB Download Manager

PC utilities HealthGood (95/100)19,055

Open sourceEasy to use

Open source with a modern interface and a browser extension.

A newer (2024) open-source download manager with a modern interface and multi-connection speed-up. It also has scheduling and speed limits.

Open source with a polished interface
Browser extensions available

Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux · Android

AB Download Manager details Official website ↗

Motrix

PC utilities HealthGood (100/100)57,964

Open sourceEasy to use

Handles torrents and magnet links with up to 64 connections.

Open-source download manager built on aria2, handling HTTP, FTP, torrents and magnet links. It supports up to 64 connections per download.

Downloads torrents and magnet links
Clean, compact interface

Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux

Motrix details Official website ↗

Quick comparison

App	Type	Platforms	Ease of use	GitHub stars
Free Download Manager	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android	Easy to use	—
AB Download Manager	Open source	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android	Easy to use	19,055
Motrix	Open source	Windows, Mac, Linux	Easy to use	57,964

Open source: anyone can use, study and modify it, including businesses. Free: no cost, but the code is closed. Freemium: a lasting free plan with paid tiers for extra features. Source available: code is public but the license adds conditions.

FAQ

What is the best free alternative to IDM (Internet Download Manager)?

The most popular picks are Free Download Manager, AB Download Manager and Motrix. Closest to IDM, with a browser extension: Free Download Manager. Open source: AB Download Manager.