eMule

eMule
License:
Free (GPL)
Language:
English
Developer:
OS:
WinMe/2000/NT/XP/Vista/7
Updated:
See detailed info

Softonic review

James Thornton

“Search and share files with other eMule users”

by James Thornton about eMule

eMule stands out from most of its rival P2P clients in the fact that it is open source. The great thing about this is that you’re free of pesky spyware and adware, leaving you free to get on with your downloading in peace. What’s more, eMule doesn’t rely on one central server like many older clients. By using a multitude of different servers, eMule's network is virtually impossible to shut down, and proves very robust and secure.

A simple user interface goes a long way to making eMule a cinch to use. This doesn’t mean it lacks depth though, and its features are some of the most advanced we’ve seen in a P2P client. For instance, eMule lets you view all manner of information on machines you’re downloading from, call up charts outlining downloading stats and check download status through an advanced progress bar.

The fact that eMule uses a large network of servers means the search results are abundant, but there’s one major annoyance with the client – it’s very slow at downloading files. This is largely because of the way it handles download priority, which takes into account the number of servers you’re connected to, the connection speed, and size of the file. eMule also relies heavily on a ‘credit scoring’ system, whereby people who use the service a lot are rewarded with faster downloads. While some may champion this as being in the true spirit of file sharing, the system makes it awfully frustrating for users new to eMule who are penalized with ultra slow downloads.

Having said this, it’s not difficult to see why eMule has become the most popular P2P app, and if you’re prepared to break the law and download music over a network it makes for the perfect accomplice. If you love downloading, you'll love eMule.

Pros
  • Easy-to-use search facility
  • No spyware or adv
  • Lots of features for tracking download stats
Cons
  • Downloads are very slow, especially for new users
Free Download eMule 0.50a

eMule is virus free

We have analyzed the latest version of eMule with 30 antivirus engines and it is virus free. See analysis results.

TESTED VIRUS FREE - Softonic GUARANTEED

eMule (2) User reviews

  • Very good
  • 8/10
  • elbartoli elbartoli
    User reviews
    39
    • Very good
    • 6/10
    Whats the hold up please?

    Yes, it is one of the most popular filesharing clients around but I wish there was some trick to kick start downloads and keep them alive until they are finished. Why o why must you wait half a day... More

    • Review of eMule - 29 Mar 2006
      This review is liked by 27 of 38
  • remitrom remitrom
    User reviews
    6

    eMule filesharing software is that does not come packages with that dreaded spyware and adware. This free software is based on something called the eDonkey network. Now for those people who... More

    • Review of eMule - 26 Jan 2006
      This review is liked by 45 of 70
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