Although streaming, both legally and illicitly, continues gaining popularity, downloading persists as a primary means of content aggregation. While Usenet remains a tenured service, BitTorrent stands as the go-to for downloading movies, TV shows, music, and more. Check out the best torrent sites in 2018!
Torrenting uses the BitTorrent file distribution method. Torrent files hold metadata about folders and files which are distributed, along with network locations of trackers. When the BitTorrent protocol first hit the scene, it rapidly replaced peer-to-peer file sharing since torrents allow for many more users to connect simultaneously and share data. [Read: Pi Torrent Box: Configure Transmission on Raspberry Pi]
It's been around since 2003, and while it's gone offline on occasion, The Pirate Bay ranks among the best torrent sites in 2018. Because of its resilience, bevy of content, and Alexa rank of 104, TPB is a solid contender for top torrent site of 2018. Helping its Alexa rank is TPB's plethora of seeds, resulting in faster downloads for users.
2. Torrentz2.eu
Highly-Used Meta-Search Engine Torrentz2
Replacing the now offline Torrentz, Torrentz2.eu is a search aggregate and indexing site. It's fairly barebones, with a search feature. However, there's a MyTorrentz which presents a section of verified torrents. Plus, Torrentz2 is available as an onion site accessible via Tor. [Read: How to install and configure Tor Browser on Windows 10]
Since Torrentz2.eu includes its vanilla domain, an onion site, and the Torrentz2.me mirror site, it's easily one of the best torrent sites in 2018.
Formerly YTS.ag, YTS.am is one of the most popular torrent sites of 2018. Notably, YTS YIFY boasts an incredible collection of high definition movies. The tagline brags that YTS.am features the best HD movies at the smallest size. Since these torrents balance quality and file size, slight compromises are made to elements such as audio track. Nevertheless, YTS.am is easily the best torrent site in 2018 for cinema lovers. [Read: 8 Best BtTorrent clients for Linux distros]
Gorgeous User Interface And Regular Updates Make 1337X One Of The Best Torrent Sites 2017
A comprehensive torrent site similar to The Pirate Bay, 1337x.to is a must-bookmark torrent website. Since it features a slew of files, from movies and TV shows to music, games, and more, 1137x.to deserves its high ranking as one of the top torrent sites of 2018.
While YTS.am is a go-to for movie buffs, TV fiends should check out EZTV. After its shutdown in 2015, EZTV respawned and now releases its own torrents. Sure, its web design might take notes from the heyday of AOL install discs and dial up, but there's a superb catalog of television shows with healthily seeded torrents. For this reason, it's among the best torrent sites of 2018.
It's Not Limewire, But The Lime Green Is A Pleasant Touch
Undeniably, Limetorrents.cc recalls the now-defunct Limewire with its lime green accents. Moreover, just as Limewire stood its own amongst the peer-to-peer sites of old, Limetorrents.cc holds up with the the most popular torrent sites of 2018. You'll find loads of content from a variety of categories, including movies, TV, and music. The homepage collects torrent into categories based on popularity, and the search feature is reliable.
Whereas many torrent sites are self-contained, Torrents.me opts for a different approach. A true search aggregate, Torrents.me presents results from a smattering of external torrent sites. Additionally, for ease of browsing, Torrents.me sorts these sites into categories such as best torrent sites for movies, best torrent sites for TV, and more.
Though Zooqle is fairly compared to many torrent sites, it's rapidly risen in popularity. With a ton of torrents available, largely TV shows and movies, along with an intuitive user interface, Zoogle is probably the greatest torrent site since Kickass Torrents.
Another all-in-one torrent website like TPB, Rarbg.to features everything from movies and television to software and games. Category pages feature recommended torrents, and files are well-seeded, making Rarbg.to one of the best torrent sites in 2018.
Modern Looks Make Torlock One Of The Top Torrent Sites In 2018
Verified torrents sport premium quality and reliability. Torlock is, well, a lock in for best torrent sites in 2018 since its library of torrents is limited to only verified torrents. Moreover, seeding remains healthy, so expect fast download speeds. Aesthetically, Torlock, like TPB, is fairly basic. Still, torrents are high-functioning and download fast.
Easily the most unique among torrenting websites, Magnetico takes a decentralized model. It's a personal search engine which, at least theoretically, can't be shut down. Anonymous and self-hosted, it's ideal for torrenting and remaining private. Magnetico employs BitTorrent's DTH, locating peers and content. Because it's anonymous and decentralized, suggesting greater longevity, Magnetico is a top pick for torrenting in 2018.
12. 21Torrent
With a layout reminiscent of The Pirate Bay, 21torrent offers a pleasant library of torrent content ranging from movies and TV shows to music, games, ebooks, and software. It's a worthy contender as one of the most popular torrent sites of 2018. [Read: Install Cardigann using Docker - Additional BitTorrent providers]
Best torrent sites in 2018
There's no shortage of torrent sites available offering loads of content. For general downloads, The Pirate Bay is a best bet, with alternatives like Torrentz2, 21torrent, and Limetorrents as solid contenders. If you're specifically seeking movies, YTS.am is the best you can find, with Zooqle as a close second. Magnetico and Zooqle are the most exciting torrent sites of 2018 with unique elements such as budding content or, for Magnetico, a decentralized infrastructure.
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I am a staff writer at SmartHomeBeginner, and a freelance writer with a focus on tech media. I run Cup Of Moe and have been featured in Electromaker, MakeUseOf, The Penny Hoarder, TechBeacon, Cliqist, Bubbleblabber, DZone, and EpicStream. As an HTPC enthusiast, I'm quite fond of my Plex server and enjoy playing with my Raspberry Pi. When I'm not hammering away at my keyboard, I can be found drinking far too much coffee, running, and listening to vinyl.
