Deluge

Overview

Deluge is a free, open source, cross-platform BitTorrent client based on Python and libtorrent (C++ library). It was first released in 2006 and follows the GPL-3.0-or-later license. It adopts a client-server (daemon) architecture and supports multiple front-end interfaces, including GTK+ graphical interface (for desktop), web interface (remote management, access http://localhost:8112, the default password is deluge) and command line interface (CLI), and handles the network logic of the BitTorrent protocol through libtorrent. Deluge is designed to be lightweight, secure and feature-rich. It extends its functions through a plug-in system (such as AutoAdd, Blocklist, Scheduler) and takes up few resources (about 22 MB installation package, about 50-100 MB of idle RAM). The latest version is Deluge 2.2.0 (April 2025), which supports Python 3, GTK3 and Windows (Windows support has been restored since 2.1.0).

History and Development

• Origin:
  • September 2006: Deluge was initiated by Zach Tibbitts and Alon Zakai, based on Python and libtorrent, aiming to provide a lightweight BitTorrent client.
  • Goal: Compete with uTorrent and Vuze, and provide an ad-free, open source alternative.
• Development History:
  • 2008: Deluge became famous for resisting Comcast bandwidth restrictions without modifying the code.
  • Deluge 1.0 (2008): Introduced daemon (deluged) and supported remote management.
  • Deluge 1.1.0 (2009): Support for magnet links.
  • Deluge 1.1.1-1.1.3 (2009-2010): Windows installer is missing because the packager quit.
  • Deluge 1.3.13 (2016): Fixed many bugs, Ubuntu repository version.
  • Deluge 2.0 (2019): Migrated to Python 3 and GTK3, supported sequential downloads, removed the AutoAdd core function (changed to plugins), enhanced WebUI and security.
  • Deluge 2.1.0 (2022): Restored Windows support (libtorrent 1.2.x and 2.0.x), improved plugin system.
  • Deluge 2.2.0 (2025): Optimized performance, supported Ubuntu 25.04, Windows 11 and macOS.
• Community and Support:
  • Maintained by the Deluge community, hosted at deluge-torrent.org, GitHub (PR only) and forum.deluge-torrent.org.
  • User feedback says "Deluge's plugin system is powerful, but requires manual configuration"
• Open Source License:
  • GPL-3.0-or-later.

Main Features

Deluge is lightweight, cross-platform and plugin-based, suitable for downloading and sharing large files. Here are its main features:

1. Lightweight design
   • The installation package is about 22 MB, and the idle RAM is 50-100 MB.
   • Minimum hardware requirements: 1 GB RAM, 1 CPU core.
2. Client-server architecture
   • Supports daemon (deluged) operation, separating the core and the interface.
   • WebUI (http://localhost:8112, default password deluge) supports remote management.
   • CLI and GTK+ interfaces provide flexible control.
3. Plugin system
   • Built-in plugins: AutoAdd (monitor folders to automatically add torrents), Blocklist (block IP), Scheduler (scheduled download).
   • Third-party plugins (such as LabelPlus, Trireme) extend functionality.
4. Network functions
   • Supports magnet links, DHT, Local Peer Discovery, NAT-PMP, Peer Exchange, protocol encryption, UPnP and Web seeds.
5. Security and privacy
   • Supports protocol encryption and proxy (HTTP/SOCKS).

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

• Lightweight:
  • 22 MB installation package, 50-100 MB RAM usage, better than Vuze.
• Cross-platform:
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD.
• Plugin system:
  • 50+ plugins (such as AutoAdd, LabelPlus) to extend functionality.
• Remote management:
  • WebUI and CLI support remote control, suitable for servers.
• Security:
  • Protocol encryption and proxy support, better than the free version of uTorrent.

Limitations

• Limited default functionality:
  • Lack of built-in search, web seed support, and embedded tracker, which require plugins to supplement.
• Slow development and updates:
  • No major updates from 2017 to 2019, and the community activity is lower than qBittorrent.
• Interface design:
  • The GTK+ interface is slightly simple, without the modern design of qBittorrent.
• Plugin stability:
  • Some third-party plugins (such as LabelPlus).

Summary

Deluge is a free, open source, cross-platform BitTorrent client based on Python and libtorrent. It is lightweight (22 MB), plug-in-based (50+ plug-ins), and remotely manageable (WebUI, CLI) for Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD. It supports magnet links, protocol encryption, and bandwidth control. The latest version 2.2.0 (2025) optimizes performance and Windows support. Deluge's plug-in system and lightweightness are more suitable for developers.