How to increase download speed on Mac: best methods and solutions

Being online is being connected to the rest of the big world. If you have enough speed in your connection it means you can download videos, play online games, skype with your extended family, etc. Even with a reasonable good connection sometimes it feels like it needs a boost to go faster.

Of course the speed of Internet connection depends on your network capabilities, the service your provider offers, and on your computer capabilities as well.

When you need to download large files, like movies for example, you'll probably become interested in the methods to boost download speed on Mac.

How to accelerate download speed on Mac

1. Use third-party apps
• • Folx
• • JDownloader
• • iNetGet
• • FlareGet
• • Ninja Download Manager
2. Use browser add-ons
• • Multithread Download Manager
• • Turbo Download Manager v3
• • DownThemAll
3. Manage the download process
• • Don't download too many files at a time
• • Check your ISP
• • Limit your upload rate
4. Consider external factors

Here is how to maximize download speed on Mac with Folx:

1. Open Folx after installation and add a download task to it. The download will be split in threads automatically to increase download speed.
2. If you want to manually set up number of threads to speed up download choose between 2 and 20 in the ‘Split into’ field.
3. Click OK and see for yourself how your actions boost download speed on Mac.

Folx PRO also has a rich feature list to add to lightning fast downloading. Additionally to download manager it is also a torrent client.

Pros

• • A lightweight app that doesn’t require a lot of system resources and can easily run in the background while you continue using your computer without even noticing it
• • Multiple settings on what to happen when the download is finished. You can either close the app, restart or put the Mac to sleep
• • Excellent for building music playlists since it comes with a special tag that makes downloaded songs easy to be synced via Apple Music.

Cons

• • The most advanced features are only available in the PRO version of Folx, however, the free trial version allows you to experience the full power of this app.

Supported OS: macOS X

Conclusion: An all-in one Internet Download Manager, Folx is the only app you need as a Mac user if you want to improve your download speed. Even without the PRO version you will be able to easily manage the files you download and lose the fear of getting disconnected halfway. However, when upgrading to PRO, you unlock the full power of this app and will be able to also download torrents, sync music with Apple Music, decide what happens when the download is finished, and more.

Jdownloader

JDownloader is an open-source download tool for Mac. With this downloader you'll need to specify the number of connections for downloading files. As we mentioned before the number of connections is directly connected to the downloading speed.

Using JDownloader, you can choose when to initiate a download, pause it whenever you need or stop the entire process. Besides the fact you accelerate download speed, you can also auto-extract archives, enable bandwidth limitations as well as other settings.

Pros

• • Free solution for all users wondering how to increase download speed on Mac
• • Offers the ability to change the bandwidth used for each download so you can always prioritize the files you need most
• • Comes with extra features like auto-extracting archives, password manager and many more.

Cons

• • Being an open-source software, it doesn’t offer the same stability as some of its competitors and, on top of that, it may not always receive updates for the newly-launched operating systems.

Supported OS: macOS x, Windows, Linux

Conclusion: If you’re looking for a free software to download files from the internet without having to always rely on your browser, Jdownloader is the solution for you. Of course, being an open-source app you may experience some bugs along the way, however, the code is constantly checked by the people that launched the app and you should have a great overall experience.

iNetGet

When talking about ways to increase download speed, Mac users should give iNetGet a chance as well. You should know right from the start that you’ll need some previous experience to successfully download files with this app. However, don’t think you need to be an expert or computer geek. It comes with a user interface that can be figured out after a few moments with the app and it allows you to download MP4, FLV, and music from YouTube and other websites. Even more than that, it comes with an auto-sniff function that is able to detect the file formats you pre-define and download them automatically.

Pros

• • Great solution for how to speed up download on Mac for those that have previous experience with these apps
• • Auto-sniffing feature that is excellent for letting the app search through websites and look for the desired files
• • Fast downloads thanks to the optimized architecture of the app.

Cons

• • It’s ideal for more experienced users. Most mac users may encounter issues when using it.

Supported OS: macOS X

Conclusion: A great downloader for Mac users that want to take things to the next level. While it’s not a complicated app, the auto-sniffing feature requires some technical skills to work properly. Nonetheless, if you are looking for an answer to “how to download faster on Mac” this app is a great solution.

FlareGet

FlareGet is an all-in-one download manager that can be used by macOS, Linux, and Windows users alike. It comes with a free trial version that offers you the opportunity to experience its features. However, the full list of features is unlocked when you upgrade to PRO. You will then get amazingly fast downloads, intelligent file management so that you will never have to waste time organizing files ever again. Just pre-define some categories and all the files will go to their destination, according to what you download. Alos, the app comes with enhances browser integration so you can start your downloads immediately. Even if you get disconnected, you can always resume from where you were left without having to start over again.

Pros

• • The free trial version offers enough features for users to discover the app and upgrade their download capability
• • The intelligent file management feature is excellent as it saves a lot of time with organizing your downloads afterwards
• • Easily integrated with any browser out there.

Cons

• • Even though it offers plenty of features, it doesn’t come with bandwidth control, or any actions after the downloads are finished.

Supported OS: macOS, Windows, Linux

Conclusion: FlareGet is worth a shot if you want an alternative to downloading files via Safari or the internet browser you are using. It’s nice that it comes with a free trial version, however, the real power is unleashed in the PRO version. The intelligent file management is the top feature this app has to offer.

Ninja Download Manager

We’re continuing our list of download managers for macOS with Ninja Download Manager. If you’re actively looking for an answer to how to make Mac download faster, you should explore this option as well. The app comes with a very interesting user interface, is very fast compared to downloading directly through your internet browser, and it’s also elegant. Besides making downloads faster, it comes with plenty of features like Sequential File Writing a feature that allows you to start previewing the files even before they’re completely downloaded. On its list of features, you can also see batch downloading, complete speed control, a limitation for maximum concurrent downloads, and many more.

Pros

• • Lightweight app with multiple useful features such as the ability to play the audio and video files even before they’re completely downloaded
• • You can decide the speed for each download to rapidly prioritize downloads
• • Serves as a password manager as well for websites requiring a password.

Cons

• • The only downside of Ninja Download Manager comes from the lack of a trial version In order to use the app you need to download it entirely.

Supported OS: macOS X, Windows

Conclusion: A very potent download manager for Mac that can easily take the top position on our list if it also had a decent free trial version. However, without the ability to check the features and what the app can do, users prefer to choose its competitors.

2. Use browser add-ons

You’re wondering how to improve download speed on Mac without installing additional software? You can still do so using your browser and a special extension destined for each of the three most popular browsers out there. Not sure how to do so? Don’t worry! We’re giving you the best browser extensions to make downloading easier and faster on your Mac.

Multithread Download Manager

This Mozilla Firefox dedicated add-on is everything you need it you want to boost your download speed no matter what files you download from the internet. It basically allows Mozilla to use multiple connections to the same server and get the download faster. It comes with 6 simultaneous threads that can be boosted to even more if you know a bit of config editing.

Turbo Download Manager v3

You want the full versatility of standalone download managers packed in a browser extension for Chrome? Turbo Download Manager v3 is the answer! IT allows you to pause and resume the downloads, get files remotely and, of course, use the mulţi-thread technology to improve speeds. It also comes with internal modules that easily detect images and media sources. It also has a built-in M3U8 parser and a Live Stream downloader that allows you to download live videos.

DownThemAll

If you were wondering how to make download speeds faster on Mac using a browser extension, DownThemAll (or simply dTa) is a very easy to use and powerful Opera extension that allows you to take full control of any download process on your computer. DownThemAll can be used to increase download speed Mac users get as a standard and it also serves as an excellent download manager, allowing you to better organize your downloads.

3. Manage the download process

You can increase download speed by managing the download process wisely. Below, you will find some tips that should hopefully help you boost the download speed on Mac.

Don't download too many files at a time

It is easy to forget that you started tenth download while nine others are still active. However it affects the download speed tremendously. Try pausing less urgent downloads to dedicate more traffic to the most important files.

Check your ISP

Make sure to check the max download and upload bandwidths allowed by your ISP. Of course the torrent downloading speed won't go over what is set up by the ISP. Use bandwidth tester to see what you have and how to increase it. You can use speed.io or DSLReports included in the speed test of uTorrent.

Limit your upload rate

Sharing is caring, and peer-to-peer connection is all about that. But an unlimited setting on upload affects your downloading too. It is a good idea to set your torrent client upload rate to about 80% of your maximum upload speed. Also try to play with your upload speeds – set the speed high initially and then gradually lower it towards the middle of the download. Pay attention to speed units – they can either be kilobits per second (kb/sec) or kilobytes per second (kB/sec). 1 kilobyte = 8 kilobit.

4. Consider external factors

1. The Internet Service Provider. When considering how to maximize download speed on Mac, you need to be aware that some ISPs use fibre optics while other go for copper wires to transmit Internet. It goes without saying that with the copper networks you have a slight disadvantage because on longer distances, some of the speed is lost. On the other hand, fiber optics do not have any issues with distance and the information travels faster, your downloads mac as well. The number of connected users can also represent a problem for copper networks since with multiple people downloading at the same time, the speed drops.
2. The data package you subscribed to. The higher the subscription, the faster your Internet will be. You can choose from 10 MB/s, 100 MB/s or 1000 MB/s. Even though it may sound like stating the obvious, this is a thing to be taken into consideration.
3. Sometimes, you can increase download speed Mac computers offer by upgrading the Mac itself. Old computers have less memory and will run slower even if the Internet connection is very good.
4. The connection between your modem and the computer is another factor that can influence the download speed. A wire connection is faster, however it has its disadvantages. Also, the modern wireless connections offer better speeds since you can opt for 5Ghz frequencies on the 802.11n protocol, compared to the 2.4 Ghz of older modems.
5. The moment when you download. May sound like a superstition but sometimes you will get slower internet speed in the evening when everyone is using an Internet-connected device.
6. Speed limitations on the websites you visit. Even though it’s not that common, some websites can choose to apply speed limitations.
7. Sharing your connection with other devices and people in the room or building. All the devices connected to the same network will put a much greater stress on the download speed.
8. Software that uses a lot of bandwidth, such as Torrent clients or Spyware that could take up a lot of your efforts to accelerate download speed.

As you can see, the speed of your downloads depends on many factors. Some of them are beyond your reach, but some can be tempered with. The easiest and convenient way to adjust download speed is to use software with special features on your Mac.The best choice to speed up your downloads is Folx - fast and user-friendly download manager and torrent client. Do you know any other tips and tricks to increase download speed? Don’t hesitate sharing your thoughts in the comments below and help others out in the process.