CNET Editors' note: You will be taken to a third-party site to complete your download. Using P2P and file-sharing software to distribute copyrighted material without authorization is illegal in the United States and many other countries. CBS Interactive does not encourage or condone the illegal duplication or distribution of copyrighted content.
CNET Editors' review
Transmission is one of the very best choices for a BitTorrent client on the Mac, being both extremely lightweight (some users even manage to run the Ubuntu version on their cell phones!) and fairly feature-packed. Transmission's interface is easy to use--and easy on the eyes--and this open-source app provides a whole host of clever features and flexible settings, especially when it comes to managing your bandwidth.
Transmission lets you queue downloads, set "Speed Limits" for certain times of day, stop seeding when you've met a specified ratio, and more--all with live download stats viewable directly in the dock, along with support for Growl notifications. As if all of that weren't appealing enough, Transmission is also free, making it a very attractive option for anyone who works with torrents. Recent updates have made Transmission faster (especially in the "endgame"), and added support for Quick Look and the ability to run a script upon download completion.
The current beta requires that you use an Intel Mac, but brings with it many cool improvements, including the ability to remove all completed transfers and to download the scarcest bits of a file first.
Publisher's Description
From Transmission Project:
Transmission is a fast, easy, and free multi-platform BitTorrent client. Transmission sets initial preferences so things "Just Work", while advanced features like watch directories, bad peer blocking, and the web interface can be configured with just a few clicks. Transmission supports full encryption, file selection, a web-based interface, groups, peer exchange, automatic port forwarding, webseeds, watch directories, tracker editing, global and per-torrent speed limits, and more. Its code is freely available online and is licensed under either the GNU Public License v2 or the MIT License. The development team welcomes anyone who is interested in contributing code, documentation, translations, or other help.
What's new in this version:
- Fix webseed crash
- Fix crash when adding UDP trackers whose host's canonical name couldn't be found
- Fix crash when sending handshakes to some peers immediately after adding a magnet link
- Fix crash when parsing incoming encrypted handshakes when the user is removing the related torrent
- Add safeguard to prevent zombie processes after running a script when a torrent finishes downloading
- Fix "bad file descriptor" error
- Queued torrents no l... See all new features
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 186 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
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"The current version of Transmission is now 2.7.6."
Version: Transmission 2.74
Pros
My favorite of the easy torrent clients. Features encryption and blacklisting.
Cons
None lately. In the past it could go flaky and freak your system after hours of work. But that appears to be gone.
Summary
The current version is 2.7.6. If you find the link at VT/CNET is FAILing, a new version has probably been released. Here is where to go for the very latest version:
http://www.transmissionbt.com/download/
Here is one of the current web links to use in for the up-to-date blacklist. If this link fails, there are others:
http://list.iblocklist.com/?list=bt_level1&fileformat=p2p&archiveformat=gz
Enter this link under Preferences/Peers/Blocklist. Be certain you use BOTH a blocklist and encryption! Be absolutely sure you keep your blocklist up-to-date every time you use Transmission or any other torrent client. Also be absolutely sure you turn on encryption and ONLY accept encrypted peers. NEVER use Transmission without the blocklist AND encryption if you want to remain as safe as possible.
As always:
• Don't just be a LEACH! Keep your ratio (upload:download) over 1.0! Be a pal and keep it over 2.0.
• Don't torrent copyrighted data. The RIAA and MPAA would love to royally screw you over beyond justice or fairness. They HATE you and they want to prove it to you. No joke. Be safe and careful out there. -
"Stick With uTorrent"
Version: Transmission 2.52
Pros
It wont take too long to delete
Cons
I tried to download a file already on the Q of uTorrent so i t wouldn't let me. The even after I took it off the Q and tried again it still wouldn't. Then it wouldn't let me download anything. No reason to switch if on uTorrent. If not then give it a try.
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"Works perfectly!"
Version: Transmission 2.50b1
Pros
Open Source, lightweight, mac specific client that is not only efficient but a delight to your eyes. Well designed and blazing in all its tasks. With each new update, the client has only been getting better.
Cons
None at all! I wish computer users, especially the ones on the mac realized the benefits and importance of using and supporting a mac specific software application. The success of Transmission will encourage other developers to invest more in mac specific software.
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"Ok i guess"
Version: Transmission 2.42
Pros
it is fast and easy to use very self explanatory
Cons
there is no delete torrent file and keep data button. i have never tormented on a mac before only windows so this may just not be available for mac but if that is the case then i have found no cons with the program so far
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"It simply to use and just works"
Version: Transmission 2.42
Pros
Transmission is really easy to use and its UI looks great!
Cons
None (10 characters)
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"This is the one for me."
Version: Transmission 2.42
Pros
It's intuitive, faster than many, and usually does everything I expect of such a program. It's the best I've found and it's often updated.
Cons
None, though I'm no expert. I do use it fairly often, though.
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"simple and intuitive"
Version: Transmission 2.41
Pros
- speed limit mode;
- great interface;
- simple and easy to use.Cons
None seen so far
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"Works fine, not bloated,"
Version: Transmission 2.41
Pros
does it's job
Cons
Search capabilities
Summary
It's now replaced bittorrent as my default.
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"Fantastic program"
Version: Transmission 2.40b2
Pros
Works flawlessly, can't for the life of me think why some people can not get this program work.
Cons
None one of the best around after having tried some of the others.
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"It works like a charm!"
Version: Transmission 2.32
Pros
Simple, small, intuitive user interface. It is constantly updated. Works with magnet links as well. I have been using it since the beginning and I never regret it.
Cons
If any the "monitor" window that it is alway on top.
