Top Best 6 Download Accelerators for Mac – Supercharge Your Download Speeds!

If you download a lot of files on your Mac, you’ve probably noticed that the speed can sometimes be frustratingly slow. Whether you’re downloading large files, streaming video, or just trying to update your software, waiting for your downloads to finish can be a hassle. Luckily, there are a number of download accelerators for Mac that can help you speed up your downloads and get back to your work (or play) faster.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the top download accelerator software for Mac in 2021. We’ll discuss their key features, their pros and cons, and compare them to each other to determine which one is the best for your needs.

Video Tutorial:

What is a Download Accelerator?

A download accelerator, also known as a download manager, is a software tool that can help speed up your downloads by utilizing multiple connections to the server. Rather than downloading a file in one long stream, a download accelerator splits the download into multiple parts and downloads them all at once, effectively increasing your download speed.

Additionally, some download accelerators have features such as pause and resume, scheduled downloads, and automatic virus scanning, which can make your download experience more convenient and secure.

Top 6 Best Download Accelerators for Mac

1. Folx

Folx is a powerful download manager for Mac that not only speeds up your downloads but also allows you to manage and organize them easily. It supports download acceleration and can split downloads into up to 20 simultaneous connections. Additionally, Folx has a built-in smart tag system that can automatically tag your downloads based on their content.

Pros:
– Comes with a free version
– Allows you to download torrents
– Can download from YouTube or Vimeo
– Allows you to schedule downloads

Cons:
– Advanced features are only available in the Pro version
– User interface could be more user-friendly

2. iGetter

iGetter is another popular download manager for Mac that can help speed up your downloads and make managing them easier. It supports download acceleration and can split downloads into up to 10 simultaneous connections. iGetter also has a built-in site explorer that allows you to download entire websites, as well as a browser integration feature that allows you to capture download links from your browser.

Pros:
– Allows you to download from FTP and HTTP servers
– Comes with a free version
– Can pause and resume downloads
– Has a built-in site explorer

Cons:
– User interface could be more modern
– Lacks support for downloading torrents

3. Download Shuttle

Download Shuttle is a simple and straightforward download accelerator that can help speed up your downloads by splitting them into multiple connections. It also has a built-in browser integration feature that allows you to capture download links from your browser, as well as a pasteboard feature that allows you to quickly add URLs to your download queue.

Pros:
– Comes with a free version
– Simple and easy to use
– Can set download speed limits
– Allows you to schedule downloads

Cons:
– Lacks advanced features such as torrent downloading and site exploration
– Can only split downloads into a maximum of 6 connections

4. JDownloader

JDownloader is an open-source download manager that is available for Mac as well as Windows and Linux. It supports download acceleration and can split downloads into multiple connections, as well as automatically extract archives and set passwords for encrypted downloads. JDownloader also has a built-in OCR system that can read CAPTCHAs and bypass them automatically.

Pros:
– Open-source and free to use
– Supports downloading from over 300 websites
– Can download entire playlists and channels from YouTube
– Has a built-in OCR system for reading CAPTCHAs

Cons:
– Can be complicated for beginners to set up
– Lacks some advanced features such as scheduling downloads

5. Progressive Downloader

Progressive Downloader is a fast and reliable download manager that can help speed up your downloads by splitting them into multiple connections. It also has a built-in browser integration feature that allows you to capture download links from your browser, as well as a clipboard monitoring feature that allows you to quickly add URLs to your download queue.

Pros:
– Comes with a free version
– Simple and easy to use
– Supports downloading from FTP and HTTP servers
– Can automatically extract archives

Cons:
– Lacks advanced features such as torrent downloading and site exploration
– Can only split downloads into a maximum of 6 connections

6. Maxel

Maxel is a download manager for Mac that can help speed up your downloads by splitting them into multiple connections. It also has a built-in browser integration feature that allows you to capture download links from your browser, as well as a multi-threaded download feature that allows you to download multiple files at once.

Pros:
– Simple and easy to use
– Can accelerate downloads up to 6 times faster
– Allows you to schedule downloads
– Has a built-in browser integration feature

Cons:
– Lacks some advanced features such as torrent downloading
– Only allows a maximum of 8 simultaneous connections

Pros & Cons

Our Thoughts on Download Accelerators for Mac

If you’re looking for a way to speed up your downloads on Mac, then a download accelerator is definitely worth considering. Each of the software tools we’ve discussed in this post have their own set of pros and cons, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs.

If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use download accelerator that can handle basic downloads, then Download Shuttle or Progressive Downloader might be the best choice. If you need more advanced features such as download scheduling or torrent support, then Folx or iGetter might be what you’re looking for.

For open-source enthusiasts, JDownloader is a great choice. And if you need maximum speed, then Maxel may be the answer to your needs.

FAQs

Q1: Is it safe to use a download accelerator for Mac?

A1: Yes, it is generally safe to use a download accelerator for Mac. However, you should always download and install software from reputable sources to avoid any potential security risks.

Q2: Can a download accelerator speed up all types of downloads?

A2: Not necessarily. A download accelerator can only speed up downloads that are split into multiple parts. Downloads that are only available as a single stream may not benefit from a download accelerator.

Q3: Can I pause and resume downloads with a download accelerator?

A3: Yes, many download accelerators have a pause and resume feature that allows you to pause your downloads and resume them later.

Q4: Can I download torrents with a download accelerator?

A4: Some download accelerators, such as Folx and JDownloader, have built-in support for downloading torrents.

Q5: Are there any free download accelerators for Mac?

A5: Yes, many of the download accelerators we’ve discussed in this post have free versions available, including Folx, iGetter, Download Shuttle, and Progressive Downloader.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – our top picks for download accelerators for Mac in 2021. Whether you’re downloading large files, streaming video, or just trying to update your software, a download accelerator can help you speed up your downloads and get back to your work (or play) faster.

Remember to choose the best software for your individual needs, whether that be a simple and easy-to-use download accelerator, or one with more advanced features. And as always, make sure you download and install software from reputable sources to ensure your safety and security.