qBittorrent – Free Open Source BitTorrent Client

What is qBittorrent?

qBittorrent is a free, open-source BitTorrent client that provides a clean, ad-free alternative to popular commercial clients. Developed since 2006, qBittorrent aims to provide all features needed by most users while consuming fewer system resources. Its interface closely resembles the classic uTorrent experience from before that client became bloated with advertisements.

Built with Qt, qBittorrent runs natively on Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD with consistent functionality across platforms. The integrated search engine enables finding torrents without leaving the application, while the web interface allows remote management from any device with a browser.

Features like sequential downloading, bandwidth scheduling, IP filtering, and RSS support make qBittorrent suitable for both casual users and power users managing large download queues. Its commitment to privacy—no ads, no tracking, no bundled software—has earned it a loyal following among users prioritizing clean, functional software.

Key Features and Capabilities

Clean Interface

No advertisements, toolbars, or bundled software. The interface provides torrent management essentials: add torrents, monitor progress, manage files, and adjust settings. Dark themes available for comfortable viewing.

Built-in Search Engine

Search multiple torrent sites simultaneously from within the application. Installable search plugins extend coverage to additional sites. Results display directly in qBittorrent for immediate downloading.

Web Interface

Access qBittorrent remotely through any web browser. Full torrent management capabilities available including adding torrents, monitoring progress, and changing settings. Secure with authentication and HTTPS support.

Sequential Downloading

Download files in order, enabling video playback before complete download. Useful for previewing content or streaming to media players.

RSS Feed Support

Subscribe to RSS feeds for automatic downloading of new content. Configure filters to download only matching items. Essential for following series releases or regular content updates.

Bandwidth Scheduling

Schedule different bandwidth limits for different times. Reduce speeds during work hours, maximize overnight. Global and per-torrent limits available.

System Requirements

Desktop Requirements

qBittorrent runs on Windows 7+, macOS 10.14+, and Linux. Minimal resource usage: 100 MB RAM typical for moderate torrent counts. Disk I/O is the primary bottleneck for most systems.

Installation Guide

Installing on Windows

# Download from qbittorrent.org
# Run installer

# Using Chocolatey
choco install qbittorrent

# Using Winget
winget install qBittorrent.qBittorrent

# Using Scoop
scoop install qbittorrent

Installing on macOS

# Download from qbittorrent.org
# Open DMG and drag to Applications

# Using Homebrew
brew install --cask qbittorrent

Installing on Linux

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install qbittorrent

# Or from PPA for latest version
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:qbittorrent-team/qbittorrent-stable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install qbittorrent

# Fedora
sudo dnf install qbittorrent

# Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S qbittorrent

# Flatpak
flatpak install flathub org.qbittorrent.qBittorrent

Docker Installation (Headless)

# Docker run
docker run -d \
  --name qbittorrent \
  -p 8080:8080 \
  -p 6881:6881 \
  -p 6881:6881/udp \
  -e PUID=1000 \
  -e PGID=1000 \
  -e TZ=America/New_York \
  -e WEBUI_PORT=8080 \
  -v /path/to/config:/config \
  -v /path/to/downloads:/downloads \
  lscr.io/linuxserver/qbittorrent:latest

# Docker Compose
version: "3"
services:
  qbittorrent:
    image: lscr.io/linuxserver/qbittorrent:latest
    container_name: qbittorrent
    environment:
      - PUID=1000
      - PGID=1000
      - TZ=America/New_York
      - WEBUI_PORT=8080
    volumes:
      - ./config:/config
      - ./downloads:/downloads
    ports:
      - 8080:8080
      - 6881:6881
      - 6881:6881/udp
    restart: unless-stopped

Keyboard Shortcuts

General

Ctrl + O        - Add torrent file
Ctrl + Shift + O - Add torrent link
Ctrl + N        - Add torrent from URL
Ctrl + D        - Open download folder
Ctrl + A        - Select all
Delete          - Delete selected (keep files)
Shift + Delete  - Delete selected with files
Ctrl + P        - Preferences
F1              - Help

Torrent Control

Ctrl + S        - Start selected
Ctrl + Shift + S - Start all
Ctrl + Pause    - Pause selected
Ctrl + Shift + Pause - Pause all
Ctrl + Shift + R - Force recheck
Ctrl + Shift + A - Force reannounce

View

Alt + 1         - Transfers view
Alt + 2         - Search engine
Alt + 3         - RSS
Alt + Enter     - Properties
Ctrl + E        - Execution log

Configuration

Essential Settings

Tools > Options (Ctrl+P)

Downloads:
- Default save path
- Keep incomplete in separate folder
- Pre-allocate disk space
- Append .!qB extension

Connection:
- Port (6881 default)
- Enable UPnP/NAT-PMP
- Global maximum connections
- Per-torrent connections

Speed:
- Global download/upload limits
- Per-torrent limits
- Alternative rate limits
- Schedule usage

BitTorrent:
- Enable DHT
- Enable PeX
- Enable Local Peer Discovery
- Encryption mode
- Seeding limits

Privacy Settings

Connection:
- Enable anonymous mode
- Disable connections not supporting encryption

BitTorrent:
- Require encryption
- Disable PeX (optional)
- Disable LPD (optional)

Network Interface:
- Bind to VPN interface only
- Prevents leaks if VPN disconnects

Web Interface

Enabling Web UI

Options > Web UI:
- Enable Web User Interface
- Address: * (all interfaces) or specific IP
- Port: 8080 (default)
- Use HTTPS
- Bypass auth for localhost
- Set username and password

Access:
http://localhost:8080
http://server-ip:8080

Web UI Features

Available Functions:
- Add torrents (file/magnet/URL)
- Monitor all torrents
- Pause/resume/delete
- Set priorities
- View peers/trackers
- Adjust settings
- Search (if enabled)

Alternative Web UIs:
- VueTorrent
- qbit-material-WebUI
- Install via Options > Web UI > Use alternative

Search Engine

Installing Search Plugins

View > Search Engine
- Click "Search plugins..."
- "Install a new one"
- Choose from default list or URL

Popular Plugins:
- 1337x
- YTS
- RARBG (archived)
- Nyaa
- The Pirate Bay

Plugin Sources:
https://github.com/qbittorrent/search-plugins

Using Search

Search Tab:
1. Enter search terms
2. Select plugin(s) or "All plugins"
3. Select category (All/Movies/TV/Music/etc)
4. Click "Search"

Results:
- Name, Size, Seeds, Leeches
- Double-click or right-click > Download
- Sort by any column

RSS Automation

Setting Up RSS

View > RSS Reader

Adding Feed:
1. New subscription
2. Enter RSS URL
3. Name the feed
4. Set refresh interval

Download Rules:
RSS > RSS Downloader
1. Add new rule
2. Configure matching:
   - Must contain
   - Must not contain
   - Episode filter
   - Use regex
3. Apply to feed(s)
4. Set save path
5. Enable rule

Episode Filter Examples:
S01E*      - Season 1
S02E0[1-5] - Season 2, Episodes 1-5
S??E??     - Any season/episode

Command Line Usage

qBittorrent CLI

# Start with torrent
qbittorrent /path/to/file.torrent

# Start with magnet link
qbittorrent "magnet:?xt=urn:btih:..."

# Start minimized
qbittorrent --no-splash

# Start headless (no GUI, web UI only)
qbittorrent-nox

# Portable mode
qbittorrent --portable

# Specify profile
qbittorrent --profile=/path/to/profile

Web API

# Login (get cookie)
curl -c cookies.txt -d "username=admin&password=adminadmin" \
  http://localhost:8080/api/v2/auth/login

# Add torrent URL
curl -b cookies.txt \
  -d "urls=magnet:?xt=urn:btih:..." \
  http://localhost:8080/api/v2/torrents/add

# Add torrent file
curl -b cookies.txt \
  -F "torrents=@file.torrent" \
  http://localhost:8080/api/v2/torrents/add

# List torrents
curl -b cookies.txt \
  http://localhost:8080/api/v2/torrents/info

# Pause torrent
curl -b cookies.txt \
  -d "hashes=TORRENT_HASH" \
  http://localhost:8080/api/v2/torrents/pause

# Resume torrent
curl -b cookies.txt \
  -d "hashes=TORRENT_HASH" \
  http://localhost:8080/api/v2/torrents/resume

# Delete torrent (keep files)
curl -b cookies.txt \
  -d "hashes=TORRENT_HASH&deleteFiles=false" \
  http://localhost:8080/api/v2/torrents/delete

Advanced Features

IP Filtering

Options > Connection > IP Filtering:
- Enable IP filtering
- Import blocklist file
- Auto-update from URL

Blocklist Formats:
- .dat (eMule)
- .p2p (PeerGuardian)
- .gz compressed

Popular Blocklists:
- Bluetack lists
- iblocklist.com

Categories and Tags

Categories:
- Assign to torrents
- Auto-move to category folder
- Different settings per category

Tags:
- Multiple tags per torrent
- Filter by tags
- Organize large queues

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Slow Downloads:
1. Check port forwarding
2. Enable DHT and PeX
3. Add more trackers
4. Check ISP throttling

Stalled Torrents:
1. Force recheck
2. Force reannounce
3. Verify enough seeders
4. Try different trackers

High CPU Usage:
1. Reduce concurrent connections
2. Disable disk cache
3. Check for malware in downloads

Port Issues:
1. Enable UPnP/NAT-PMP
2. Manual port forward
3. Use different port

Best Practices

Optimal Settings

Performance:
1. Set reasonable connection limits
2. Enable disk caching
3. Pre-allocate space for large files
4. Separate incomplete downloads folder

Privacy:
1. Use VPN or proxy
2. Enable encryption
3. Consider anonymous mode
4. Bind to VPN interface

Seeding:
1. Maintain reasonable ratio
2. Set seeding time limits
3. Prioritize popular torrents
4. Enable super seeding for original uploads

Conclusion

qBittorrent delivers a clean, full-featured BitTorrent experience without the bloat and privacy concerns of commercial alternatives. Its combination of powerful features, cross-platform support, and commitment to user privacy makes it the premier choice for torrent management.

Whether downloading occasional files or managing extensive queues with RSS automation, qBittorrent provides the tools needed while respecting user resources and privacy.