Free Download Manager accelerates downloads with multi-segment splitting and a built-in torrent client, free on Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux since 2004.
Free Download Manager, commonly abbreviated FDM, is a download accelerator and file organizer first released in 2004 by developer SoftDeluxe. It speeds up file downloads by splitting them into multiple segments and pulling each segment simultaneously, which can significantly cut download times compared to a standard single-stream browser download.
The application is available on Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux, and integrates with major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge to intercept downloads automatically. It has accumulated more than 180 million downloads over its history and remains one of the more widely used free download managers.
FDM's core feature is multi-segment downloading, which the developer claims can be up to 10 times faster than a standard single-connection download for compatible files and servers. It also supports resuming interrupted downloads, which is useful on unstable connections or very large files.
The application includes a built-in BitTorrent and magnet-link client with bandwidth management controls, so users don't need a separate torrent application. It supports 24 interface languages and offers browser extensions and site-specific add-ons for downloading from particular services.
Free Download Manager is entirely free, with no paid tier, subscription, or premium unlock advertised on its website. The developer describes it as "free forever" rather than a freemium product with a gated upgrade path.
Because there's no paid plan, the product's business model isn't transparent from the site itself; historically such free downloader tools have monetized through optional bundled offers during installation, though FDM's current site emphasizes a clean install with no adware or spyware.
The current official site states the software has no adware, malware, or spyware, but a past supply chain attack (2020-2022) served a malicious version; download only from the current official site and keep security software updated.
Yes, it has no paid tier and is described by its developer as free forever.
Yes, it includes a built-in BitTorrent and magnet-link client with bandwidth controls.
Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux.
Early versions (2.5 to 3.9.7) were open source, but versions from 5.0 onward are closed source freeware.