Head-to-head · Download Manager Software
Free Download Manager vs AB Download Manager
Free Download Manager leads on 1 check, AB Download Manager on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreFree Download Manager · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresFree Download Manager · 5 of 5
Free Download Manager scores higher on our rubric for download manager software: 9.3 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #9.
Free Download Manager offers remote control; AB Download Manager doesn't.
Free Download Manager is the better fit for most users wanting a free all-purpose manager. AB Download Manager is the better fit for free users wanting scheduling and browser integration.
- Free Download Manager fits best
Most users wanting a free all-purpose manager
- AB Download Manager fits best
Free users wanting scheduling and browser integration
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Side by side
| Feature | Free Download Manager 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | AB Download Manager 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #1 in Download Manager Software | #9 in Download Manager Software |
| Best for | Most users wanting a free all-purpose manager | Free users wanting scheduling and browser integration |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension | Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension |
| Support | Email, Community | Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Free Download Manager 5/5 · AB Download Manager 4/5 | ||
| Browser integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video downloading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Download scheduling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote control | ✓ (best) | — |
| Portable version | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Concurrent downloads | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Free Download Manager is a free download accelerator and organizer for people who want more control than a browser’s basic download queue. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, with features covering segmented acceleration,… Read the review → |
AB Download Manager is an open-source application for organizing internet downloads. It suits people who want more control than a browser’s default download list, especially free users who need queues, scheduling, acceleration, or multiple… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Free Download Manager — where it wins
- Free plan includes acceleration, torrents, scheduling, and browser integration
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
- Adds traffic controls, file organization, and Android remote control
Where it doesn't
- Video downloads depend on supported add-ons and websites
- Portable mode is documented for the legacy FDM 3.9 release
- Remote control requires an Android device plus a PC or Mac
AB Download Manager — where it wins
- Free and open source with no subscription tiering
- Queues, scheduling, acceleration, and concurrent downloads
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chrome support
Where it doesn't
- Remote control is not supported
- HLS downloading is limited to non-encrypted streams
- Browser integration is centered on Chrome and Firefox
- Free Download Manager9.3/10 · Free plan
A broad free manager with acceleration, torrents, scheduling, and multi-platform support.
Visit siteFull verdict → - AB Download Manager8.3/10 · Free plan
A free, capable download manager with scheduling, queues, and browser integration.
Visit siteFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update