Are you tired of slow and unreliable downloads? Looking for a powerful download manager to speed up your internet downloads and manage them efficiently? In this article, we will introduce you to two of the best internet download managers available in 2025 — one is a premium tool, and the other is completely free for lifetime use.
Let’s explore both options, understand how to install them, compare their features, and see which one is better suited for your needs.
1. Internet Download Manager (IDM) – Paid Software with a Free Trial
Internet Download Manager (IDM) is one of the most popular download accelerators available today. It offers impressive features and integrates seamlessly with your browser to handle all downloads automatically.
Steps to Download and Install IDM:
- Open your browser and search for “Internet Download Manager” or go directly to the official IDM website.
- Download the 30-day free trial version.
- Once downloaded, run the setup file.
- Select your preferred language (e.g., English) and click OK.
- Click Next, accept the terms and conditions, and proceed.
- You may choose to uncheck the desktop shortcut option if not needed.
- Complete the installation by clicking Finish.
Browser Integration:
- After installation, a popup will appear in Chrome asking to enable the IDM extension.
- Once enabled, all compatible downloads will automatically route through IDM.
- IDM starts with Windows and runs in the background, visible in the system tray.
- You can access registration and licensing options from the Registration tab.
2. AB Download Manager (ABDM) – 100% Free for Lifetime
If you’re looking for a free alternative to IDM with comparable features, AB Download Manager (ABDM) is an excellent choice. It supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and offers browser extensions just like IDM.
Steps to Download and Install AB Download Manager:
- Visit the official ABDM website.
- Click on Get App.
- Choose your platform: Windows, Linux, or macOS.
- Download the setup file (either direct setup or ZIP).
- Run the setup and click Next.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- You can uncheck desktop/start menu shortcut options as per your preference.
- Complete the installation and launch the program.
Browser Integration for ABDM:
- Open Google Chrome, go to Manage Extensions, and open the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for AB Download Manager and add the extension to Chrome.
- Once installed, downloads will automatically route through ABDM when possible.
3. Speed Test and Performance Comparison
To test download speed, we used a high-speed server — the Ubuntu download page — which provides unrestricted bandwidth.
IDM Speed Test:
- Initiated download via IDM.
- Observed peak speeds around 10 MB/s, but the speed fluctuated significantly during the process.
ABDM Speed Test:
- After installing the ABDM extension, download was initiated via ABDM.
- ABDM reached 11 MB/s and maintained a more stable speed compared to IDM.
Simultaneous Downloads Comparison:
- When both IDM and ABDM ran parallel downloads:
- ABDM maintained speed stability.
- IDM speed fluctuated more, averaging around 1 MB/s under load.
4. Advanced Options in IDM and ABDM
IDM Features:
- Speed Limiter: You can cap the download speed (e.g., 1024 KB/s).
- Completion Options: Configure actions like showing a popup, shutting down the system after download, exiting IDM, etc.
ABDM Features:
- Download completion dialog.
- Adjustable thread count and speed limits for more control.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | IDM (Paid) | ABDM (Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Subscription-based (30-day trial) | Free for life |
| Platform | Windows | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Speed | Fast but fluctuates | Fast and stable |
| Extensions | Chrome & Firefox | Chrome & Firefox |
| Background Operation | Yes | Yes |
| Speed Limiter & Threads | Yes | Yes |
If you prefer a polished interface and don’t mind paying after a trial period, IDM is a great option. However, if you want a completely free solution that performs nearly as well (if not better in some cases), AB Download Manager is the way to go.
Download Links:
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only. We recommend downloading software only from their official websites to avoid security risks or malware. We do not promote cracked or pirated versions of any paid software.
Tags:
download manager, IDM, AB download manager, free download manager, internet download manager, download speed comparison, best download manager 2025, IDM vs ABDM, Chrome extensions, Windows downloader, Ubuntu download test
Hashtags:
#DownloadManager #IDM #ABDownloadManager #FreeSoftware #TechTools #SpeedTest #WindowsApps #ChromeExtensions #InternetTools #BestDownloadManager
Happy downloading!
