this post was submitted on 07 May 2024
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Something as simple and as convenient to use as internet download manager

If you have ever used IDM before then you know what I mean, I'm yet to find an alternative that's on par with its ease of use and convenience

Here are my requirements:

  • I don't have to copy-paste any links or right click on any links (just like IDM)
  • it works on all sites, well except for mega.nz (just like IDM)
  • it can scan the website and show me a download button on top of the media if it detects media like a YouTube video or an audio file playing, etc... (just like IDM)
  • It works perfectly with Firefox (just like IDM)
  • it doesn't have to keep running in the background, starting a direct download link should initiate it and show me a pop download dialog/window (just like IDM)

I have tried:

  • Persepolis: it has failed me miserably, the download fails 99% of the time (like from GitHub) so I ended up disabling the browser extension because it was getting in my way.
  • Motrix: I have tried it on Windows with Firefox, but it doesn't auto-detect the downloads and I have to copy and paste the download links and in some cases this is very difficult as many websites don't show the direct download link to the user.
  • Varia: tried it quickly yesterday, and it failed to auto capture the download link and Firefox built in download manager started instead.
  • FDM: I have tried to download it off the package manager (a flatpak from Linux mint software manager) but it failed to install for some reason and now the download option doesn't load at all! But I have used FDM on Windows before, and it is not as good as IDM.

I just downloaded KGet, and it doesn't seem to be what I'm looking for, but we will see.

Some notes:

  • youtube-dl: I never used it before but from what I know about it, I'm pretty sure it doesn't fit my criteria
  • I'm using 1DM+ on my android phone, and it is so damn good, it's almost perfect, it is the golden standard for download managers on android, this app is another example of "it just works".
  • I think I'm losing hope, and I'm going to see if IDM can run perfectly using WINE

final update

Tested JDownloader2 with the Download with JDownloader Firefox extension vs FDM and the winner is FDM because it just worked out of the box no configuration was needed beyond just installing the browser extension, and it did a better job at meeting my requirements except for the 3rd one, but thankfully I found this great extension so it's alright

  • ah I almost forgot, yes I tested DownThemAll, and it didn't automatically capture downloads, so this was an instant no
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[–] [email protected] 60 points 6 months ago (2 children)

I'm surprised you tried all of these downloaders that I've never heard of, but somehow missed like the biggest one. JDownloader2 , the best one imo

[–] [email protected] 9 points 6 months ago (2 children)

the thing about jdownloader it does not grab url and transfer it immediately to download manager with extension like IDM does.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 6 months ago (1 children)

well yeah, that's true, but it auto grabs clipboard, so you can just Right click > copy link address. Yeah yeah 1 extra click and messes your old workflow ik, but at least it checks all the other requirements

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

There are Browser extension available, i do not know their quality.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

Tested it but settled on FDM in the end because of its simplicity, convenience and ease of use

[–] [email protected] 9 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

Lol, I actually know about JDownloader2 but never used it but well I'm downloading it right now so let's see

Update: close but not enough, FDM is the winner for me

[–] [email protected] 6 points 6 months ago (1 children)

There seems to be a Firefox extension that can send downloads and start jdownloader as well

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

Tested it but in the end I settled on FDM