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WebTorrent
What it is
WebTorrent is a free streaming torrent client for browsers and desktop, with a developer API for web and Node.js. Audio and video playback can begin before a download finishes, and seeking requests the pieces needed for playback. The browser client supports video, audio, images, PDFs, HTML, and other content, subject to browser support. It is written in JavaScript and uses WebRTC for peer-to-peer transport in browsers. The API can be installed with npm and works with Browserify and Webpack. WebTorrent Desktop connects to BitTorrent and WebTorrent peers, including Transmission, uTorrent, and instant.io. The FAQ describes peer-assisted delivery, CDNs, and app delivery as use cases, and says the software is open source under the MIT License and non-commercial. Browser clients have a specific constraint: they can download only torrents seeded by a WebRTC-capable client. Live streaming is not provided out of the box, though a solution can be built on top of WebTorrent. The project offers support through Discord, GitHub discussions, and issue reporting.
For and against
For
- Audio and video can play before downloads finish.
- Seeking fetches needed pieces on demand.
- Provides the same API for Node.js and the web.
- Desktop connects to BitTorrent and WebTorrent peers.
- Open-source software under the MIT License.
Against
- Browser downloads require a WebRTC-capable seeder.
- Live streaming is not included out of the box.
- Browser playback depends on browser support.
- Plans are non-commercial.
The verdict
WebTorrent combines streaming playback with browser, desktop, and developer options. Its browser client depends on WebRTC-capable seeders, and live streaming requires building a solution on top of the project.
Who it suits
WebTorrent suits people who want browser or desktop torrent streaming, as well as developers building peer-to-peer delivery into web or Node.js projects. Browser users need torrents seeded by a WebRTC-capable client.
Plans and prices
WebTorrent Desktop
Free · non-commercial · ad-free · beta
Read 4 Oct 2026 · webtorrent.io
WebTorrent
Free software · open source · non-commercial
Read 4 Oct 2026 · webtorrent.io
On the record
- Desktop compatibility
- WebTorrent Desktop connects to BitTorrent and WebTorrent peers, including Transmission, uTorrent, and instant.io.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Developer API
- WebTorrent provides the same API in Node.js and the web, and can be installed with npm.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- File support
- The browser client supports video, audio, images, PDFs, HTML, and other content, with streaming subject to browser support.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- WebTorrent works with Browserify and Webpack, and the FAQ lists Vuze and webtorrent-hybrid among WebRTC-capable clients.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Limit
- Browser clients can only download torrents seeded by a WebRTC-capable client.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The FAQ says WebTorrent is non-profit, open source, and free software under the MIT License.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The FAQ says clients can download from a torrent file or magnet link without trusting servers or peers.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- WebTorrent is a streaming torrent client for web browsers and desktop.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security note
- The FAQ says WebRTC data channels do not reveal a user's true public IP address to a website when a VPN is enabled.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Streaming
- Video and audio playback can start before a file finishes downloading, and seeking fetches needed pieces on demand.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Streaming limit
- WebTorrent does not provide live streaming out of the box, though a live-streaming solution can be built on top of it.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project offers support through Discord, GitHub discussions, and issue reporting.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Technology
- WebTorrent is written in JavaScript and uses WebRTC for peer-to-peer transport in browsers.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The FAQ describes peer-assisted delivery, CDNs, and app delivery as WebTorrent use cases.webtorrent.io · read 4 Oct 2026
