Linux · Office
Free Download Manager
Free Download Manager is a cross‑platform download accelerator and organizer for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
- License
- LicenseRef-proprietary
- Latest version
- 6.34.2.6926 (July 3, 2026)
- Developer
- FreeDownloadManager Team
- Installs
- 13,196 (Flathub, 30 days)
What is Free Download Manager?
Free Download Manager (FDM) has been around for several years and has steadily added features such as multi‑threaded downloads, torrent support, and a built‑in media player. It runs natively on Linux through Flatpak, making installation straightforward and keeping it up to date.
FDM is aimed at users who need a robust downloader for large files, streaming media, or torrents. It works well for students, researchers, and anyone who regularly downloads from the internet.
Compared to the Windows tools it replaces, FDM feels more lightweight and integrated with the Linux desktop. It offers a familiar interface but uses Linux‑native file dialogs and respects system permissions.
Best for: Users who need a fast, feature‑rich downloader that works across Windows, macOS, and Linux without paying for a premium version.
Key features of Free Download Manager
- Multi‑threaded downloads up to 10 connections
- Torrent support with magnet link handling
- Built‑in media player for previewing videos
- Scheduler for timed downloads
- Bandwidth throttling and prioritization
- Automatic resume of interrupted downloads
Pros
- Fast download speeds with multi‑threading
- Cross‑platform consistency
- Free to use
- Easy installation via Flatpak
- Supports both HTTP/HTTPS and BitTorrent
Cons
- No official native Debian/Ubuntu package
- Torrent support is basic compared to dedicated clients
- Occasional UI lag on very large downloads
- License is proprietary, not open source
How to install Free Download Manager on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.freedownloadmanager.ManagerTips for Windows users
When moving from QuickBooks‑style Windows download tools, keep in mind that FDM uses the standard Linux file chooser, so file paths will be relative to your home directory. Keyboard shortcuts differ: for example, Ctrl+S saves a download list, and Ctrl+R resumes. The workflow is similar—add URLs, set priorities, and let the queue run—but you’ll need to adjust any scripts that referenced Windows‑specific paths.
Recent releases
- 6.34.2.6926 —
- Added a setting to pause slow downloads and let others go first. - Minor interface improvements. - Fixed: bugs using mirrors. - Fixed: minor bugs.
Free Download Manager: frequently asked questions
Can I use FDM to download torrents on Linux?
Yes, FDM supports BitTorrent. Add a .torrent file or magnet link, and it will handle the download like any other file.
Is FDM free on Linux?
FDM is free to use on Linux. There is no paid version for Linux, only a paid version for Windows.
Does FDM integrate with the GNOME download manager?
No, FDM is a standalone application and does not replace the default GNOME download manager, but you can set it as the default handler for downloads.
How do I update FDM on Linux?
If installed via Flatpak, run flatpak update com.fdm.FDM or use the Flatpak GUI to keep it current.
Updated