IDM (Internet Download Manager)

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to IDM (Internet Download Manager)

A curated collection of the 2 best self hosted alternatives to IDM (Internet Download Manager).

Windows desktop download manager that accelerates, schedules, resumes and organizes downloads. Features browser integration, batch downloads, streaming media capture, download queues, categories and a customizable interface.

Alternatives List

#1
pyLoad

pyLoad

Self-hosted download manager with a web UI, link decryption, and plugin-based support for many one-click hosters and file sources.

pyLoad screenshot

pyLoad is a lightweight download manager designed to run on desktops, servers, and NAS devices, controlled primarily through a browser-based web interface. It focuses on automating downloads from many sources via a large, extensible plugin system.

Key Features

  • Web UI for adding, organizing, and monitoring downloads remotely
  • Plugin ecosystem for one-click hosters, decrypters, and add-ons
  • Support for premium account logins and hoster-specific workflows (via plugins)
  • Link decryption and container handling for supported formats (via plugins)
  • Headless operation suitable for servers and low-resource devices
  • REST API with an OpenAPI/Swagger specification for external integrations
  • Optional Click'N'Load-style integration for sending links from the browser

Use Cases

  • Centralized download box on a home server or NAS managed through a web UI
  • Automating downloads from supported file hosters and sources using plugins
  • Integrating downloads into other tools via the REST API

Limitations and Considerations

  • Hoster support and reliability depend heavily on plugins, which may require ongoing maintenance as websites change
  • Some features (captcha solving, SSL, enhanced web performance) may require optional dependencies or external services

pyLoad is a solid choice when you want a web-controlled download manager with broad hoster support and extensibility. Its API and plugin architecture make it especially suitable for unattended and integrated download workflows.

3.7kstars
738forks
View Details
#2
YoutubeDL-Material

YoutubeDL-Material

Self-hosted web interface for managing video/audio downloads using youtube-dl, with a Material Design UI, queue management, and an optional public API.

YoutubeDL-Material is a self-hosted web application that provides a modern Material Design interface for downloading and managing video and audio via youtube-dl. It combines an Angular frontend with a Node.js backend and can run as a standard Node app or via Docker.

Key Features

  • Material Design web UI with light/dark themes
  • Download management for video/audio with progress and history
  • Server-side processing that can use common helpers such as FFmpeg
  • Optional MongoDB database backend for improved scaling over JSON-based storage
  • Public REST API with API key support (can be enabled in settings)
  • Docker and Docker Compose deployment support

Use Cases

  • Centralized media downloading tool for a home server or NAS
  • Managing larger download libraries with a database-backed catalog
  • Automating downloads or integrating with other tools through the public API

Limitations and Considerations

  • Functionality depends on external download tools (for example youtube-dl) and their ongoing compatibility with target sites
  • Some advanced post-processing features may require optional system dependencies (for example FFmpeg)

YoutubeDL-Material is well-suited for users who want a browser-based downloader with a clean UI, queue/history management, and optional API/database features for more advanced setups.

3.1kstars
327forks
View Details

Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running