Torrenting refers to uploading and downloading files through the BitTorrent network. Instead of downloading files directly from a central server, torrenting directly download files from other users’ devices on the network. In this way, it will reduce the traffic of the central server and speed up downloading.
Torrenting itself is legal in most countries. What matters is the file you torrent may be under copyright. So, if you torrent the copyrighted file, your torrenting becomes illegal. We don’t condone illegal torrenting! It is strongly recommended that you check the rules in your country before you download anything that might be protected under copyright.
Both uTorrent and BitTorrent are common torrenting programs that enable you to upload files to the network for others to download or download files online uploaded by others. Yet, which one is better and which one to choose?
BitTorrent vs uTorrent: Meaning
What Is BitTorrent?
BitTorrent is a communication protocol for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing that allows you to distribute data and electronic files over the Internet in a decentralized manner. In order to receive or send files, people take advantage of the BitTorrent client on their network-connected PC.
The BitTorrent client is an application implementing the BitTorrent protocol. It supports many operating systems and computing platforms like uTorrent, qBittorrent, Xunlei Thunder, BitComet, Vuze, Deluge, Tixati, as well as Transmission. BitTorrent trackers offer various files for transfer and enable the client to find peer users (seeds) who may transfer the files.
A BitTorrent client is an ad-supported software used for uploading and downloading files via the BitTorrent protocol. BitTorrent was the first client written for the protocol. Yet, since version 6.0, the BitTorrent client has been a rebranded version of uTorrent.
BitTorrent is one of the popular protocols for transferring large files like digital video files and audio files. Sometimes, BitTorrent’s usage may be restricted by ISPs (Internet Service Providers) on legal or copyright grounds. Users may select to run VPNs (virtual private networks) or seedboxes to circumvent those limitations.
What Is uTorrent?
uTorrent is a proprietary adware BitTorrent client. It was designed to use minimal PC resources while providing functionality comparable to large BitTorrent clients such as BitComet and Vuze. uTorrent has a small memory footprint. So, uTorrent is a very tiny BitTorrent client.
uTorrent has been in active development since its initial release. Although originally developed by Ludvig Strigeus, uTorrent’s code is owned and maintained by BitTorrent, Inc. That code has also been employed by BitTorrent as the basis for version 6.0 and later BitTorrent client, which is a re-branded version of uTorrent.
Therefore, for the definitions of both uTorrent and BitTorrent, uTorrent is just one of the several clients of BitTorrent using the BitTorrent protocol. Vice versa, BitTorrent also makes use of uTorrent’s code. So, uTorrent and BitTorrent’s relationship is mutual-related.
uTorrent vs BitTorrent: App Interfaces
As for the UIs (user interfaces) of BitTorrent and uTorrent program, they are nearly identical despite the program name, logo, and colors. After knowing the relationship between uTorrent and BitTorrent above (BitTorrent 6.0+ is the rebrand of uTorrent), it isn’t that surprising to find identical interfaces.
Is BitTorrent Faster than uTorrent?
For torrenting process, what influences the speed most fall on network bandwidth and seeder number? So, uTorrent can’t always be faster. If you rely on a VPN while torrenting, it may increase the downloading speed.
BitTorrent vs. uTorrent: App Specifics
Here in this section, it will discuss some parameters of the torrenting program itself.
uTorrent or BitTorrent Size
uTorrent is much lighter than BitTorrent. uTorrent is less than 1 MB and (as mentioned above) it is designed to consume the least computer resources. Comparatively, BitTorrent is nearly 3 MB.
uTorrent and BitTorrent Compatibilities
uTorrent supports Microsoft Windows operating systems (OSes), macOS, Android, and Linux (Server version only, only officially supports very old versions of Debian and Ubuntu) while BitTorrent can also be applied to Windows, Mac, and Android platforms.
BitTorrent or uTorrent Update Frequency
uTorrent is being developed constantly with alpha and beta versions being released. Meanwhile, BitTorrent only releases stable versions.
Conclusion
Which is better uTorrent or BitTorrent? It is hard to tell. Yet, you can make your choice after knowing the difference between BitTorrent and uTorrent. Except for the above differences, the two tools are almost the same in other aspects including interface, settings, versions, and downloading.
Videos/Audio/Photos Management Tools Recommended
These applications are completely compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7.
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MiniTool Video Converter
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About The Author
Position: Columnist
Helen Graduated from university in 2014 and started working as a tech editor in the same year. Her articles focus on video creation, editing, and conversion. She also has a good knowledge of disk management and data backup & recovery. Through an in-depth exploration of computer technology, Helen has successfully helped thousands of users solve their annoying problems.