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With today’s dynamic landscape of online content sharing, finding a great torrent site can be a daunting task. Users are looking for platforms that can offer them a diverse library where they can torrent securely.
Top of the list of best torrenting sites in 2024 are The Pirate Bay and 1337x. The Pirate Bay is one of the most popular torrent sites, with its huge selection and solid reputation. On the other hand, 1337x shines via its well-organized collection of movies and TV series, ensuring the user experience remains intuitive.
The Pirate Bay: Best for overall reputation
1337x: Best for movies and television series
RARBG: Best for high-quality movies
Torrentz2: Best for music torrents
YTS: Best for classic movies
Honorable mentions
How we tested the best torrent websites
How popular is torrenting?
FAQs
Bottom line
The best torrent sites 2024
- The Pirate Bay: Best for overall reputation
- 1337x: Best for movies and television series
- RARBG: Best for high-quality movies
- Torrentz2: Best for music torrents
- YTS: Best for classic movies
Why you need a VPN when torrenting
Torrenting is largely unregulated and you're putting a lot of trust into the host of the file. While checking to make sure each download you initiate has a healthy history of reviews, ratings, and seeders is a good starting point to torrenting safely, it may not keep you safe 100% of the time.
That's why using a VPN can significantly increase your security while torrenting by keeping your IP address from your ISP, the host of the file, and any other bad actors. The best VPNs also come with built in antivirus tools to automatically scan what you download as well, so you can be safe even when the download is complete.
Your ISP may also block or throttle your internet connection if you download from known torrenting sites, but hiding your IP with a VPN makes this much harder for them to trace your activity.
That's why we always recommend you grab a top option like NordVPN to keep you safe every step of the way.
The Pirate Bay: Best for overall reputation
Who it’s best for
The Pirate Bay is the quintessential torrent site for the seasoned downloader who values a broad selection and peer-reviewed content. Ideal for users seeking everything from niche indie projects to the latest blockbuster movies, its vast library caters to diverse tastes. The site's resilience against takedowns appeals to those who prioritize reliability in the face of ever-changing internet regulations.
While it's free to use, savvy users often pair the site with a robust VPN to navigate the torrent safely, making it a top choice for those who prioritize security as well as cost-effectiveness.
What we liked
The Pirate Bay is confidently holding its current position as one of the best websites for torrenting due to the fact that it offers a comprehensive number of torrent files and magnet links. The site has drawn consistent praise from torrent users for having a very easy-to-use interface, including a simple search and torrent download process that’s easily accessible to novices and seasoned torrent users. The site has actually weathered the test of time through varying legal battles and attempts to shut it down, proving to be reliable.
Here's what stands out to us:
- Extensive library: Offers a wide array of content across various categories.
- Peer reviews: Torrents are vetted by users, ensuring quality and safety.
- Resilience: Proven track record of uptime despite legal challenges.
What we didn’t like
On some occasions, The Pirate Bay comes under criticism for featuring links that mislead and fake torrents that could damage the user's computer. Its popularity also means it's often the target of ISP blocking and censorship in many countries, requiring the use of virtual private networks for access, which can be a challenge for those unfamiliar with VPNs.
The Pirate Bay pros and cons
- Vast content library
- User-friendly interface
- High resilience and reliability
- Risk of fake torrents
- Frequently blocked by ISPs
1337x: Best for movies and television series
Who it’s best for
1337x is a haven for movie buffs and TV series aficionados seeking a vast, curated library of entertainment. It's particularly suited for those who appreciate a well-organized platform where they can easily find the latest releases, classic films, and binge-worthy series.
The site's interface is designed to simplify the discovery process, making it a hit for torrent users who value both variety and user experience. Since access is free, it appeals to budget-conscious individuals. But like with many torrent sites, utilizing a torrenting VPN for safe browsing is advised, which could be a minor additional cost.
What we liked
1337x stands out for its exceptional organization and focus on visual media, making it a premier choice for downloading movies and TV shows. The site's layout facilitates easy navigation, while its detailed torrent pages provide vital information, including file size, upload date, and seeder/leecher ratios, to help users make informed decisions.
Highlights of 1337x include:
- Curated collections: Features well-organized categories for movies and TV shows.
- Detailed torrent pages: Offers comprehensive details about each torrent.
- User-friendly interface: Simplifies the search and downloading torrent files experience.
What we didn’t like
1337x sometimes suffers from slow loading times, likely due to high traffic volume, which can frustrate users looking for quick torrent downloads. Additionally, as with any popular torrent site, there are occasional misleading links, though it's less prevalent than on other platforms. Users need to remain vigilant to navigate safely.
1337x pros and cons
- Curated movie/TV show collections
- Detailed torrent information
- Intuitive user interface
- Slow loading times during peak hours
- Occasional misleading links
RARBG: Best for high-quality movies
Who it’s best for
RARBG is the go-to popular torrent website for cinephiles and visual quality enthusiasts who prioritize high-definition movies. It caters to those who not only seek the latest releases but also insist on superior video and audio quality for an optimal viewing experience. The site's comprehensive selection of HD, 4K, and even 3D content makes it ideal for users who have high standards for media quality. While the platform is free, accessing it safely often requires a VPN, which is a minor consideration for users focused on securing high-quality content without compromising their online privacy.
What we liked
What sets RARBG apart is its commitment to quality over quantity, ensuring that users have access to some of the best visual content available. The site's intuitive interface, combined with its detailed torrent descriptions, allows for easy navigation and selection of files.
Key features that underline its appeal include:
- High-quality media content: Specializes in HD, 4K, and 3D movies.
- Active community: Engaged users and uploaders ensure a steady stream of reliable torrents.
- Detailed descriptions: Each listing provides comprehensive information, aiding in informed choices.
What we didn’t like
The site can be heavier on advertisements than its peers, detracting from the user experience. Moreover, due to its popularity and niche focus on high-quality content, RARBG can be a target for ISP blocks and geographical restrictions, necessitating VPN services for access in certain regions.
RARBG pros and cons
- Focus on high-definition content
- Reliable torrents with active community
- Detailed torrent information
- Intrusive advertisements
- Frequent ISP blocks and restrictions
Torrentz2: Best for music torrents
Who it’s best for
Torrentz2 is a paradise for music enthusiasts searching for various songs, albums, and discographies from artists worldwide. It's specially tailored for audiophiles who appreciate a vast selection, from the latest hits to rare and vintage tracks. Users seeking mainstream music, niche genres, and underground bands will find Torrentz2 invaluable. The site's free access appeals to those who want a comprehensive music library without the financial outlay. However, a VPN might be needed for safe and unrestricted access, adding a potential cost for privacy-conscious users.
What we liked
Torrentz2 differentiates itself as a meta-search engine, aggregating results from numerous torrent sites to provide a comprehensive music collection.
Its strengths lie in:
- Extensive music library: Hosts diverse music torrents, including hard-to-find tracks.
- Meta-search functionality: Compiles torrents from various sources, enhancing search effectiveness.
- Simple interface: Focuses on functionality, making it easy for users to find and download music.
What we didn’t like
The site's simplicity and focus on functionality mean it lacks some community features and user ratings found on more comprehensive torrent sites, making a quality assessment more challenging. Additionally, as a meta-search engine, it redirects users to other sites to download torrents, sometimes leading to inconsistent experiences or encounters with more advertisements.
Torrentz2 pros and cons
- Comprehensive music selection
- Effective meta-search tool
- User-friendly interface
- Lacks community and rating features
- Redirects to external sites for downloads
YTS: Best for classic movies
Who it’s best for
YTS is the ultimate destination for cinephiles who have a penchant for classic movies and high-quality cinematic experiences. It caters to enthusiasts looking to dive into an ocean of timeless films that are not easily accessible on modern streaming platforms. The site's focus on offering movies in high definition makes it perfect for users who wish to maintain video quality, even for older titles.
It's particularly appealing to those who seek a free resource for downloading torrent files and content, with the understanding that a VPN may be necessary for secure access, thus potentially incurring an additional expense.
What we liked
YTS distinguishes itself with an impressive collection of classic movies available in high-definition formats, a rare find on other torrent sites.
The platform is highly regarded for its:
- High-quality torrents: Prioritizes HD and higher resolutions, ensuring a superior viewing experience.
- Extensive library of classics: Offers a vast selection of vintage and classic films.
- User-friendly design: Features an intuitive website layout that makes browsing and downloading straightforward.
What we didn’t like
The site's narrow focus on movies means that users looking for a broader range of content, such as TV shows, music, or games, must look elsewhere. Additionally, YTS's popularity has made it a target for copyright scrutiny, resulting in occasional access issues that necessitate using VPNs for uninterrupted service.
YTS pros and cons
- Specializes in high-definition classics
- Large selection of classic films
- Easy-to-navigate website
- Limited to movie content
- Potential copyright issues
Honorable mentions
While our top picks cater to a broad range of needs and preferences, several other torrenting sites deserve recognition for their unique offerings. These platforms provide alternative options for users looking for specific content or features not emphasized by our main recommendations. Here are a few notable mentions:
- EZTV: A haven for TV show enthusiasts, EZTV offers an extensive television series collection and is known for its up-to-date releases. Its focus is narrower than others, making it the go-to choice for serial watchers looking for the latest episodes.
- Zooqle: With its user-friendly interface and an impressive database of over 3.5 million torrents, Zooqle is particularly appealing to users looking for a balance between movies, TV shows, and gaming content. Its versatility and ease of use make it a strong contender.
- isoHunts.to: The original isoHunt shut down in 2013 after facing legal challenges, but the community opted to clone the website. Now called isoHunts.to (and with no affiliate to the original or to any other clone), the site has provided a reliable torrenting service with various content categories. It differentiates itself with a community-driven approach, offering forums and user comments for a more interactive experience.
How we tested the best torrent websites
In determining the best torrent sites, our approach was meticulous and centered around key features that enhance user experience, ensure safety, and guarantee content quality. We focused on evaluating site reliability, security measures, the breadth and depth of the content library, its user interface design, and community feedback.
These criteria were chosen to ensure that users have access to a wide range of high-quality torrents and navigate these platforms safely and efficiently.
- Site reliability: Measures how consistently a site is accessible and functional. Reliable uptime is crucial for a seamless experience downloading torrents.
- Security measures: These include the presence of verified torrents and the site's efforts to minimize malware risks. They are essential for protecting users against potential threats.
- Content library: Assesses the variety and volume of available content. A diverse library ensures users find what they're looking for.
- User interface design: Evaluates the ease of searching, browsing, and downloading content. A user-friendly interface enhances usability.
- Community feedback: Considers user reviews and community activity, such as commenting and seeding, which indicate the health and trustworthiness of the torrenting environment.
How popular is torrenting?
People who torrent tend to know a lot of people who torrent, but how popular is it among the general public? We surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults to see.
66% of people are familiar with torrenting, with only about one-third of people (34%) responding that they’ve never heard of it before. That 66% includes those who are familiar with the concept, but have never torrented before themselves.
35% of people, however, have torrented content in the past, with an additional 20% reporting that they’ve torrented content in the last year.
Why do people torrent their movies and shows?
So exactly what motivates people to turn to torrents and torrenting websites to get access to the shows and movies they want to watch?
Money and availability are two of the biggest factors driving people to torrent content online. Nearly half of people, 47%, said they did not want to pay for the shows and movies they want to see. This includes wanting to avoid paying for streaming services as well as renting or buying individual shows and movies.
Other top reasons people use torrents are related to the availability of content. 43% of people say they turned to torrents after discovering that the content they wanted to see was not available to watch on any other platform, while 40% said they use torrents to watch things before they’re officially released to a traditional at-home audience.
Lastly, 35% report torrenting to avoid streaming subscriptions.
Best torrent sites FAQs
What is the safest torrent?
The safest torrents are those verified by the community or provided by reputable sources on well-established torrent sites. Look for torrents with many positive comments and a good seeder/leecher ratio to ensure both safety and download speed. Always keep an eye on the files you're downloading. A torrent file or fake torrent may include unwanted software or files that could be harmful to your system.
What's the best torrent site?
The best torrent site depends on your specific needs. The Pirate Bay is renowned for its vast selection and resilience, making it a top choice for a wide range of content. However, RARBG is preferred for high-quality movies, while 1337x is excellent for movies and television series.
What are the best private torrent sites?
Private torrent sites require an invitation to join, offering higher security, better quality content, and faster download speeds. Sites like PassThePopcorn and BroadcastTheNet are highly regarded in the community for movies and TV shows, respectively, though access is more restricted.
Are there any good torrent sites anymore?
Despite challenges, many good torrenting sites are still available, offering a wide variety of content across genres and types. The best torrent sites include The Pirate Bay, 1337x, RARBG, Torrentz2, and YTS, each catering to different preferences and needs.
Is torrenting illegal?
Generally speaking, the act of torrenting is legal, but torrenting copyrighted content is illegal. So that means the technology of sharing files over the internet via peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing is fine, but you have to be careful of what kind of content you're downloading and sharing.
Bottom line: The best torrent sites
Torrenting is a vast ocean, and the options can be overwhelming. Our top picks — The Pirate Bay, 1337x, RARBG, Torrentz2, and YTS — stand out with their unique strengths and features. Whether you're seeking a broad selection of high-quality movies, music torrents, or classic films, these popular torrenting sites offer reliability, extensive libraries, and user-friendly interfaces.
While the rest of the players, such as EZTV and Zooqle, are no less resourceful, especially with regard to this niche, the chosen five excel in their domains. Remember, you should always couple your torrenting activities with one of the best VPNs for torrenting to ensure your privacy and security, guaranteeing an optimal and protected torrenting experience.