It’s been a few years since I switched from using my PC powered by Windows to my MacBook. I am very happy with the decision; however, there are things that I needed to adjust to. One thing I miss about using Windows is its great download managers. The two I used before were Free Download Manager and Internet Download Manager.
I’m pretty shocked and confused why Mac doesn’t have any download managers. It took me a while to find download managers that worked pretty well for my Mac. You might wonder why one needs a download manager. Well let’s start with discussing its importance when using a Mac.
Importance of a Download Manager in MacOS
Some of us can survive without a download manager, but having a download manager makes it easier for you to organize you downloads. If you download files, apps, programs etc. on a daily basis on you Mac, then I suggest you use a download manager. It will help you prioritize, resume, pause or split your downloads to multiple threads. After a few trials and errors, below are 4 of my recommended download managers for Mac.
The list will start from the best download manager I have used down to some which might not be the top of the list for me but are pretty decent.
- Folx
This would be the best download manager out there that you can use for your Mac. Two reasons why this is the best is first it works well as a web-based download manager; second it is also a good torrent downloader. You can even search for torrent websites through the Pro version of the app.
You can prioritize your downloads, so you can make sure the ones you need most gets downloaded first. To help with prioritizing you can also control the download speed of each individual download.
Another powerful feature of this download manager is its browser integration. Folx works with a handful of well-known browsers such as Safari, Firefox, Opera and Chrome seamlessly and efficiently. Say goodbye to switching from you usual browser to another which you don’t really prefer for the sake of better downloading experience. There is no need for you to copy and paste you download links, just download directly from your browser of choice and Folx will do the rest.
Folx also has a feature called “Smart Speed Adjustment”. Sometimes when we are simultaneously downloading and browsing on the computer we will get lags or would need to choose which comes first. Now you can adjust the download speed so your browsing experience will not be negatively impacted.
Aside for all features mentioned above, it has everything else that a download manager should have like scheduling download tasks, tag downloaded content and resuming downloads.
If you want the best download manager, then you can get the free version or the Pro version for $19.95.
- iGetter
iGetter would be the runner-up on this list. It can split files into several segments so it makes the download speed faster. With segmented files, it can easily resume broken downloads.
Similar to Folx, iGetter also has “Download Scheduling” which lets you set your downloads to resume or start during low traffic hours. Another similarity to Folx is iGetter’s browser integration; it works seamlessly with major browsers. It also monitors your clipboard so that links will be pasted automatically to the downloading window. Lastly, iGetter has advance settings like changing the user agent or setting up a proxy.
Overall, iGetter does almost everything Folx can. It has the essentials of a download manager and also advanced features you can play around with. The only catch is it doesn’t have a free version, although you can use the Pro version without registering it, you might encounter issues if you decide to take that path. If you want to see its full potential, you can get the Pro version for $25.
- Progressive Downloader
Progressive downloader has some of the features of the two heavy-weights above. You can schedule and resume your downloads in a very clean and simple user interface. It also runs well on most well-known browsers like Safari, Firefox, Chrome and Opera while monitoring your clipboard for download links. It lets you save power by shutting down your Mac after downloading everything you need. A feature which limits the downloading speeds individually is also available.
Progressive downloader has the basic essentials of a download manager. If you are not a heavy downloader then this product might be for you, you can also download it for free.
- JDownloader 2
JDownloader 2 is a FOSS Java download manager. FOSS stands for free and open-source software and if you’re a fan of software that can receive contributed improvements from anyone, this is for you then.
JDownloader 2 made this list because it has the basic functions like setting bandwidth limitation, scheduling downloads and resuming broken downloads. The reasons why it is just number four in this list are the messy and confusing interface and the long wait before it starts up. A bit of a hassle if you’re in a time crunch, if you need your downloads for work, I would not suggest this download manager.
Do You Need Download Manager?
Downloading movies, music, pictures and apps is unavoidable. From entertainment to work, you can’t really predict when you’ll download your next file, but it’s always nice to be ready. The four download managers I have mentioned above can help you in a lot of ways.
If you are a heavy user or heavy downloader, then I suggest you go with the Pro versions of Folx or iGetter, it’s a good investment and you’ll get the chance to use these download managers to their full potential. For mid to light downloaders you can use Progressive Downloader or JDownloader 2 since both are free and will still have the basic features of a decent download manager. If you have tried any of these download managers or if you have other programs that you think should have made it on this list, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below.
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