Free Peer-to-Peer (P2P) File Sharing Programs

Free P2P File Sharing Software

In this category, we review the Internet's best free P2P file sharing programs. If you happen to stumble across an outdated link, we'd very much appreciate it if you could report it.

LimeWire - This free and popular P2P file sharing program is one of the best we've seen with its simple setup process and number of features. Using LimeWire, you can search public folders for MP3s, documents, software, videos and more. Some of the features offered here include: unlimited simultaneous searches, "swarm downloads" from multiple hosts, family filters, integrated chat and advanced search options (e.g. by artist, title or genre).
> Although LimeWire is free from spyware, adware and other bundled software, we still recommend caution with programs of this nature since publicly "shared" files are not guaranteed to be safe. You should ensure your computer has adequate anti-virus protection before attempting to download files from a P2P network.

BitTorrent - One of the best and most popular file distribution applications utilising the peer-to-peer environment. To access software, games, music, films and videos on the BitTorrent network, you'll need to download the BitTorrent client, which is available in over 20 languages. Once installed, you'll be able to harness a community of over 70 million users and generate incredibly quick downloads of any available files.

BearShare - BearShare's free edition is a useful and feature-rich P2P file sharing application, most commonly used to share audio sound files (MP3s, WAVs, etc.) BearShare uses the Gnutella client protocol and is connected to a central server that controls connections to the BearShare network. This program also integrates an instant messenger, so you can chat to other users on the network who are sharing files.

Ares - Here's a free, open source, P2P file sharing program. Ares allows you to search the "shared" folders of other users for images, sounds, videos, documents and more. Likewise, you can select the files you wish to share and those you wish to keep private. Rather than operating via a central server, Ares utilises a decentralised network, similar to other P2P programs. They also provide a built-in audio and video player (ideal for previewing downloads).

Morpheus - The popular Morpheus program is a safe and secure file sharing tool, allowing you to search multiple P2P networks for MP3s, documents and videos. The latest version of Morpheus includes improved privacy features and the elimination of spyware. Other features include support for podcasts, BitTorrent, iTunes, integrated playlist development, parental controls, advanced search options and extended file information.
> We've been a fan of Morpheus for over five years now and have witnessed its ongoing development. Far more features are now available than ever before, including customisable interfaces and skin support. Even so, there is a strong contingent of people who feel the previous versions were far better.
> The latest version of Morpheus includes a tool to help the user determine which files are protected by copyright. As such, it is no longer possible to download files that are copyright protected.

iMesh - If it's reliability you're looking for, there's really no other file sharing program that can offer the functionality that iMesh does. Image files, MP3s, videos and lots of other file types can be transferred from other iMesh users and subsequently shared from your machine as well. After giving iMesh a test run, we noticed that even if someone disconnects, your file will be partially saved. iMesh is free from spyware, adware and other nasty add-ons.

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