aria2

At a glance

• Editor score
  8.6 / 10
• Pricing
  Open source
• Best for
  Technical users needing protocol flexibility
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Supports HTTP(S), FTP, SFTP, BitTorrent and Metalink transfers
  • Combines multi-source, segmented downloading and checksum validation
  • Offers JSON-RPC, XML-RPC, daemon operation and bandwidth throttling

• Where it doesn't

  • Command-line operation is less approachable than a graphical interface
  • Video downloading is not explicitly documented
  • Scheduled downloads, browser extensions and portable builds are not documented

Our verdict on aria2

aria2 is an open-source command-line download utility for technical users who want a scriptable local transfer engine. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, with transfers across HTTP(S), FTP, SFTP, BitTorrent and Metalink. Its command-line design suits users who are comfortable working with terminal commands, automation and configurable download behavior rather than a traditional graphical workflow.

Protocol flexibility is aria2’s defining strength. Multi-source and segmented downloading can support transfers across several source connections, while Metalink chunk checksum validation provides an integrity check for supported downloads. Selective downloads are available for multi-file torrents and Metalink files, and disk caching adds another configurable part of the transfer process. Bandwidth throttling helps control network use when downloads share a connection with other work.

Remote control and daemon operation make aria2 suitable for systems where the download engine runs separately from the controlling interface. JSON-RPC and XML-RPC support allow compatible tools or scripts to manage transfers remotely, while the published platform coverage gives it a place in Windows, macOS, Linux and Android workflows. The trade-off is that command-line operation requires more technical familiarity than a graphical download manager. Users seeking video downloading, scheduled downloads, a browser extension or a portable build should choose a product centered on those workflows instead. aria2 is the better fit for users who value protocol coverage, scripting and remote control over visual simplicity.

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aria2 pricing

aria2 fact sheet

Alternatives to aria2

• Free Download ManagerA broad free manager with acceleration, torrents, scheduling, and multi-platform support.9.3
• JDownloaderA broad free download manager for queues, plugins, archives, streams, and remote control.9.2
• Internet Download ManagerA capable paid Windows manager for organized, resumable and scheduled downloads.9.1

See all aria2 alternatives →

aria2 vs the competition

• Aaria2 vs Free Download Manager
• Aaria2 vs JDownloader
• Aaria2 vs Internet Download Manager
• Aaria2 vs BitComet
• Aaria2 vs Motrix
• AGWaria2 vs GNU Wget

Compare aria2 with any tool side by side →

Featured on iTechGuides

aria2 is listed in our Download Manager Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update