Can I Download Torrents on a Chromebook?
Updated on by Jim Mendenhall
Short Answer:
Yes! The best way to torrent on a Chromebook is through the Linux container, where you can install full-featured clients like Transmission or qBittorrent. If you prefer something simpler, JSTorrent runs directly in Chrome for $2.99.
Long Answer:
Modern Chromebooks support Linux apps through a feature called Crostini. Once you enable Linux in your Chromebook’s settings (under Settings > Advanced > Developers), you can install desktop torrent clients using the terminal. For Transmission, run sudo apt install transmission-gtk. For qBittorrent, run sudo apt install qbittorrent. These clients offer all the features you’d expect from a desktop app: magnet link support, bandwidth scheduling, and download prioritization.
If you’d rather skip the terminal, JSTorrent is a lightweight Chrome extension that handles basic torrenting without any Linux setup. The software is open source and available for free from GitHub, though purchasing through the Chrome Web Store gives you automatic updates. JSTorrent also works in Chrome on Windows, Mac, and Linux, which can be handy when you need to grab a torrent on a computer where you can’t install software.
Recommended Chromebooks for Downloading Torrents
If you plan to download large files regularly, consider a Chromebook with more storage. Most budget Chromebooks come with 32GB or 64GB of storage, which can fill up quickly with large downloads. The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 offers 256GB of storage in a spacious 15.6-inch form factor, giving you plenty of room for your downloads. For a more premium option with exceptional battery life, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14” OLED also provides 256GB of storage along with a stunning OLED display and up to 17 hours of battery life for all-day downloading.
