Ghost Downloader Docs
User guides and developer documentation for Ghost Downloader.
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Ghost Downloader is free and open source. Your donation directly funds development, testing, and maintenance.
User Guide
Installation, browser extension, download features, and troubleshooting.
Developer
Environment setup, architecture, and contributing.
Test Results
Speed, takeover, and media sniffing data (2026-07-30).
Contribute Translation
Help translate Ghost Downloader on Crowdin.
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Feature comparison
✅ supported · ⚠️ partial · ❌ not supported
| GD | IDM | NDM | Gopeed | Motrix | FDM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP / HTTPS | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BitTorrent / Magnet | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Open source | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Browser download takeover | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Deep browser–desktop handoff | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| Media sniffing | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| HLS / m3u8 / DASH | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| Site-specific handling | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Extensibility (plugins) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
Most download managers cover the basics well. Ghost Downloader's edge is the full pipeline from resource discovery in the browser through protocol-specific handling to desktop execution — not just the download itself.
For download speed and media sniffing test data, see Test Results.