MLDonkey review
A free, self-hosted daemon for multi-network peer-to-peer file sharing.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
MLDonkey is an open-source peer-to-peer file-sharing daemon for Linux and Windows. It is designed for users who want a self-hosted backend service that can work across multiple peer-to-peer networks, including BitTorrent-related functionality. Administration can take place through its HTTP web interface, Telnet control interface, or an optional GTK2 graphical interface, with connectivity available from another machine.
There is no paid tier in the published offering. MLDonkey is distributed under the GNU General Public License and is available as free, open-source software. Its feature set centers on daemon operation rather than a hosted service: download queues and priority controls support transfer management, while BitTorrent DHT configuration adds control over that part of the system. The available interfaces also give administrators several ways to manage the core without relying on one graphical client.
The main fit is for Linux or Windows deployments that need multi-network support, remote administration, and configurable transfer handling. Its platform coverage is narrower than products that support a wider range of operating systems, and the optional GTK2 interface does not change that core deployment focus. Choose MLDonkey when an open-source daemon with web, Telnet, and remote-control interfaces matches your operating model. Choose an alternative if you need broader platform coverage or a hosted file-sharing service rather than a self-managed backend.
MLDonkey pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports multiple peer-to-peer networks, including BitTorrent functionality
- Offers HTTP, Telnet, and remote core management interfaces
- Includes queues, priorities, DHT configuration, and an optional GTK2 interface
- Where it doesn't
- Supported platforms are limited to Linux and Windows
- The graphical interface is optional and based on GTK2
- Self-hosted daemon deployment requires local or remote administration
MLDonkey fact sheet, pricing and score →
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