Head-to-head · Download Manager Software
Internet Download Manager vs GNU Wget
Internet Download Manager leads on 0 checks, GNU Wget on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreInternet Download Manager · 9.1/10
- Free planonly GNU Wget
- Free trialonly Internet Download Manager
- Most featuresInternet Download Manager · 3 of 5
Internet Download Manager scores higher on our rubric for download manager software: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.
GNU Wget offers free plan; Internet Download Manager doesn't.
Internet Download Manager is the better fit for windows users wanting a dedicated paid manager. GNU Wget is the better fit for scriptable website and file downloads.
- Internet Download Manager fits best
Windows users wanting a dedicated paid manager
- GNU Wget fits best
Scriptable website and file downloads
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Side by side
| Feature | Internet Download Manager 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | GNU Wget 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #3 in Download Manager Software | #6 in Download Manager Software |
| Best for | Windows users wanting a dedicated paid manager | Scriptable website and file downloads |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Browser extension | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Chrome extension | Linux, Windows, macOS |
| Support | Email, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Internet Download Manager 3/5 · GNU Wget 1/5 | ||
| Browser integration | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Video downloading | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Download scheduling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote control | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Portable version | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows | linux, windows, macos |
| Concurrent downloads | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
GNU Wget is a free, open-source, non-interactive command-line utility for retrieving files and web content. It is aimed at users who need repeatable downloads from scripts or scheduled jobs, including workflows on Unix-like systems and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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.
GNU Wget — where it wins
- Supports HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, proxies, resume, and background operation
- Recursively downloads linked content and mirrors websites for offline viewing
- Free, open-source, and available on Linux, Windows, and macOS
Where it doesn't
- Command-line operation is less suited to users seeking a graphical workflow
- No browser integration is listed
- Video support is not established in the published positioning
- Internet Download Manager9.1/10 · 30-day trial
A capable paid Windows manager for organized, resumable and scheduled downloads.
Visit IDMFull verdict → - GNU Wget8.7/10 · Free plan
A scriptable, open-source downloader for HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and website mirroring.
Visit GNU WgetFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update