Head-to-head · Download Manager Software
Free Download Manager vs Internet Download Manager
Free Download Manager leads on 1 check, Internet 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 planonly Free Download Manager
- Free trialonly Internet Download Manager
- Most featuresFree Download Manager · 5 of 5
Free Download Manager scores higher on our rubric for download manager software: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.
Free Download Manager offers free plan; Internet Download Manager doesn't.
Free Download Manager is the better fit for most users wanting a free all-purpose manager. Internet Download Manager is the better fit for windows users wanting a dedicated paid manager.
- Free Download Manager fits best
Most users wanting a free all-purpose manager
- Internet Download Manager fits best
Windows users wanting a dedicated paid manager
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Side by side
| Feature | Free Download Manager 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Internet Download Manager 9.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Ranking | #1 in Download Manager Software | #3 in Download Manager Software |
| Best for | Most users wanting a free all-purpose manager | Windows users wanting a dedicated paid manager |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free | — |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension | Desktop, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Windows, Chrome extension |
| Support | Email, Community | Email, Docs |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Free Download Manager 5/5 · Internet Download Manager 3/5 | ||
| Browser integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video downloading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Download scheduling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote control | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Portable version | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Windows |
| Concurrent downloads | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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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 → |
Internet Download Manager is a Windows desktop tool for accelerating, organizing and resuming file transfers. It suits individual Windows users who want more control than a browser’s built-in download panel, particularly when downloads… 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
Internet Download Manager — where it wins
- Multipart downloading can segment files and support faster transfers.
- Resume, error recovery and scheduling help manage interrupted queues.
- Browser integration, video capture and offline browsing extend its reach.
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only availability limits platform choice.
- There is no free plan for ongoing use.
- Licenses are sold for one-year or lifetime terms, not monthly access.
- Free Download Manager9.3/10 · Free plan
A broad free manager with acceleration, torrents, scheduling, and multi-platform support.
Visit siteFull verdict → - Internet Download Manager9.1/10 · 30-day trial
A capable paid Windows manager for organized, resumable and scheduled downloads.
Visit IDMFull verdict →
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All download manager software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update