Cross Platform Download Manager (CDM) review
A portable, open-source desktop manager for queued downloads and browser link capture.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Cross Platform Download Manager (CDM) is a desktop application for managing downloads on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It suits solo users and small teams who want a free, open-source tool for handling file downloads, rather than a service centered on media-site downloading. Its multithreaded transfers, queues, pause and resume controls, and speed limits cover core download management needs. Custom themes offer a way to adjust the interface, while releases include installers and portable ZIP/TAR.GZ archives. The project is published under the AGPL-3 license.
CDM's feature set focuses on managing files rather than expanding into video-platform capture. It supports common video, music, document, and archive file types, but that does not mean it downloads video content from video platforms. Browser extensions can capture links from Firefox and Chromium-based browsers, including Google Chrome. Queues can process downloads automatically, which helps organize batches without relying on manual starts for each file. Users looking for a focused manager for ordinary file links are a better fit than buyers seeking a broader media downloader.
The free, open-source model and portable releases make CDM a practical option for users who prefer a desktop application that can run across Windows, macOS, and Linux. One reliability caveat is documented: stopping downloads may temporarily slow the program. Support is available by email. CDM is worth considering when portability, queue handling, and transfer controls matter more than advanced remote or scheduling capabilities; users who need video-platform downloads should choose another tool. Its focused scope is clearest for people who want control over regular downloads without a paid plan.
Cross Platform Download Manager (CDM) pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Multithreaded downloads with pause, resume, and speed limits
- Queues can process downloads automatically
- Portable archives and link capture for Firefox and Chromium-based browsers
- Where it doesn't
- Does not download video content from video platforms
- Stopping downloads may temporarily slow the program
- Browser link capture is limited to Firefox and Chromium-based browsers
Cross Platform Download Manager (CDM) fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update