14 DAY TRIAL // Previously known as Azureus, Vuze is able to create, upload and download files via the Bittorent protocol, relying on speed and usability.
In addition to all the standard features, the free tool bundles a few perks, such as downloading HD videos from its own network, along with games.
Since Vuze is written in Java, the runtime environment must be installed on the PC prior to the torrent client. Vuze's installation can be customized in terms of torrent file association and UI mode (sidebar or tabbed).
Settings from previous Vuze Bittorrent Client setups can be cleared as well. Being ad-supported, users should be careful when going through these stages, since it offers to make some changes to web browsers, and to download and install a third-party tool that it does not need to work properly.
“Content Discovery” enables users to look for torrents by performing a web or meta search. This can be done by writing the keywords in the search bar on the upper part of the screen, accessible from any part of the UI. While a web search is similar to looking for a torrent on any other web browser, meta search actually gathers torrent results and allows downloading.
Clicking the download button sends the torrent in the “Downloading” area in the sidebar and starts the task immediately. If it contains multiple files, then selected ones can be excluded.
As for torrent information, the bottom part of the screen holds an extra panel with multiple tabs. It shows details concerning general properties (e.g. time elapsed, downloaded size, remaining time, upload speed, share ratio), source sites (e.g. total leechers), peers, swarm and pieces, in addition to a piece map, speed evolution chart, and files contained by the torrent.
It is possible to set a container name and include multiple files/folders, point out the torrent file local directory, make the torrent private (only accept peers from the tracker), as well as to allow decentralized tracking when the tracker is unavailable.
It is possible to give ratings and write comments, view “Swarm Discoveries” (related or by file size), as well as to re-check the hash of a particular torrent using force.
As far as advanced settings are concerned, the upload and download speed of a selected torrent may be limited to a preset or custom value. Tracker URLs can be added, updated and later edited, data and torrent files can be moved to other locations, while sound or visual alerts can be established for finished downloads.
“Vuze HD Network” contains various videos that can be legitimately downloaded, whether if they are about comedy, featured content, games and tech, girls, motors and sports, music videos, nature and science, news, or TV and movies (including shows).
Just like in Content Discovery, downloading content is done with the click of a button. Furthermore, subscriptions can be made to preferred content. In a similar manner, Vuze provides access to download online free games.
It is backed by a search function and permits Google searches by name, image or hash. Filter options revolve around minimum seeds, age of creation, minimum rank, along with the display of indirect torrents and unknown seeds.
There is also a feature designed to play Vuze library videos on TV and mobiles. Filed under “Device Support,” it is compatible with Android, iPhone, iPod, iPad, Apple TV, PS3, Xbox 360, PSP and TiVo. Turning it on means installing a free plugin for converting, transferring and streaming videos. However, Device Support is currently in beta development stage. Similarly, a function may be activated for creating DVD content in either NTSC or PAL format.
Other tools of Vuze can show the user's own trackers and shares, bring up a console for viewing log details (if enabled), check out information on all peers, manage blocked IPs, and fetch various statistics (e.g. activity, transfers, cache, distributed database). More importantly, speed limits for trackers can be scheduled. Remote pairing can be activated to control Vuze from any PC, mobile browser or Android device.
The application also offers support for some interesting plugins, which enable users to chat with friends in the Vuze network, view network status, log views, (e.g. external seeds, plugin update, start and stop rules), check out a tags overview, and so on.
Vuze packs a wide array of program preferences under the hood, starting with user proficiency selection for the UI mode (beginner, intermediate, advanced). It can be set to automatically run at Windows startup, prevent the PC from sleeping or suspending when downloading or when “first priority” seeding is active, and to shut down the computer, exit or execute a script on downloading or seeding completion.
The Good
It integrates an option for performing a comprehensive speed test in order to optimize settings and achieve best performance. The torrent client can be controlled remotely from another computer, mobile browser or Android device, and its interface is customizable. It is free to use.
Various media is available for downloading in the Vuze HD network, along with games. Swarm Discoveries locates torrents related to the ones in the library.
The Bad
Overall, it is not the most intuitive among torrent clients. Exploring and figuring out its features is likely difficult for casual users.
