Home > Free P2P File Sharing Programs

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• LimeWire - This free and popular P2P file sharing program is one of the best we've seen with its simple setup process and number of features. Using LimeWire, you can search public folders for MP3s, documents, software, videos and more. Some of the features offered here include: unlimited simultaneous searches, "swarm downloads" from multiple hosts, family filters, integrated chat and advanced search options (e.g. by artist, title or genre).
  > Although LimeWire is free from spyware, adware and other bundled software, we still recommend caution with programs of this nature since publicly "shared" files are not guaranteed to be safe. You should ensure your computer has adequate anti-virus protection before attempting to download files from a P2P network.

• Shareaza - Here's an excellent free P2P sharing program for Windows. Shareaza allows you to search up for four P2P networks simultaneously ("eDonkey", "BitTorrent", "Gnutella" and "Gnutella2"). You can then download MP3s, documents, videos, software and many other files. Shareaza also includes a media player (to preview downloads) and can be customised with a variety of different skins. The program is free from spyware and advertisements.

• BearShare - BearShare's free edition is a useful and feature-rich P2P file sharing application, most commonly used to share audio sound files (MP3s, WAVs, etc.) BearShare uses the Gnutella client protocol and is connected to a central server that controls connections to the BearShare network. This program also integrates an instant messenger, so you can chat to other users on the network who are sharing files.

• Ares - Here's a free, open source, P2P file sharing program. Ares allows you to search the "shared" folders of other users for images, sounds, videos, documents and more. Likewise, you can select the files you wish to share and those you wish to keep private. Rather than operating via a central server, Ares utilises a decentralised network, similar to other P2P programs. They also provide a built-in audio and video player (ideal for previewing downloads).

• Morpheus - The popular Morpheus program is a safe and secure file sharing tool, allowing you to search multiple P2P networks for MP3s, documents and videos. The latest version of Morpheus includes improved privacy features and the elimination of spyware. Other features include support for podcasts, BitTorrent, iTunes, integrated playlist development, parental controls, advanced search options and extended file information.
  > We've been a fan of Morpheus for over five years now and have witnessed its ongoing development. Far more features are now available than ever before, including customisable interfaces and skin support. Even so, there is a strong contingent of people who feel the previous versions were far better.
  > The latest version of Morpheus includes a tool to help the user determine which files are protected by copyright. As such, it is no longer possible to download files that are copyright protected. 

• iMesh - If it's reliability you're looking for, there's really no other file sharing program that can offer the functionality that iMesh does. Image files, MP3s, videos and lots of other file types can be transferred from other iMesh users and subsequently shared from your machine as well. After giving iMesh a test run, we noticed that even if someone disconnects, your file will be partially saved. iMesh is free from spyware, adware and other nasty add-ons.

• BitTorrent - One of the best and most popular file distribution applications utilising the peer-to-peer environment. To access software, games, music, films and videos on the BitTorrent network, you'll need to download the BitTorrent client, which is available in over 20 languages. Once installed, you'll be able to harness a community of over 70 million users and generate incredibly quick downloads of any available files.

• Napigator - With Napster in the limelight yet again, it can sometimes be extremely difficult to search and find the sound file that you require with a peer-to-peer sharing system. Napigator is one of the more popular alternatives and offers great functionality with added fun. What we particularly like is the ability to specify an individual server, then download selected sound tracks from it.
  Note: this site is currently offline.

• eDonkey2000 - The vision of an open, safe and non-restricted file sharing community has almost become reality with the next-generation eDonkey200 program. Unlike numerous services that restrict the types of files you can access, this nifty piece of software places no restrictions, meaning you can share and trade any type of file you like. Note: take caution when saving unknown file types.
  Note: this service is no longer available.

• Grouper - A colourful, fun and extremely useful program for sharing files over the Internet. Using Grouper, you can connect to the PCs of your friends and set up a private P2P (peer-to-peer) network, allowing you to safely share images, videos, music, etc. Along with this, Grouper also allows you to send instant messages and contains no dodgy spyware or adware components.
  Note: this site is currently offline.