When comparing Torch Browser vs WebTorrent Desktop, the Slant community recommends WebTorrent Desktop for most people. In the question“What are the best Torrent clients?” WebTorrent Desktop is ranked 7th while Torch Browser is ranked 24th. The most important reason people chose WebTorrent Desktop is:
Before the torrent is complete, you can stream the video and audio. It even supports seeking - it prioritizes the current location instead of always going in sequential order. You can also stream to Chromecast, DLNA, and AirPlay.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Enables streaming media while it's downloading
Torch supports sequential downloading that allows users to download files in sequential order. That means that media such as video or audio can be streamed a the same way it can be with any other streaming service.
Pro Combines a social media obsessed web browser with a BitTorrent client
Torch is a Chromium-based web browser designed for heavy consumers of social media. It includes a features such as a media grabber that is capable of downloading videos from video sharing sites such as YouTube or Vimeo, a built-in player that's capable of streaming media while it's still downloading and of course a download manager that's capable of handling torrents. And since it has the same backbone as Google's Chrome, Opera, Safari or Vivaldi browsers it safe to say that it's reliable and fast. It's also compatible with all Chrome add-ons.
Pro Built-in search
Built-in search engine allows finding torrents to download right from withing the torrent client.
Pro Streaming supported
Before the torrent is complete, you can stream the video and audio. It even supports seeking - it prioritizes the current location instead of always going in sequential order.
You can also stream to Chromecast, DLNA, and AirPlay.
Pro Insanely fast
Download multiple torrents simultaneously, efficiently and fast.
Pro Open Source
The developers have their files stored on GitHub.
Pro Beautiful interface
Pro Support webrtc peers
It supports webrtc peers which increases the swarm to allow for websites to stream.
Pro Comprehensive test suite
Runs completely offline, so it's reliable and fast.
Pro Exposes files as streams
Fetches pieces from the network on-demand so seeking is supported (even before torrent is finished).
Seamlessly switches between sequential and rarest-first piece selection strategy.
Pro Supports advanced torrent client features
- magnet uri support via ut_metadata
- peer discovery via dht, tracker, and ut_pex
- protocol extension api for adding new extensions
Cons
Con More memory usage since there is a browser running with it
Con Unknown underlying technology
It is unclear what BitTorrent protocol features or extensions are supported by the browser.
Con Ads
The development of Torch Browser is supported by ads placed within the browser.
Con Missing some more advanced controls
For those who like fine-tuning something simple into something crazy.