Top 5 Working Extratorrent Alternatives

For years, Extratorrent was one of the most popular torrent sites, providing users with access to movies, TV shows, software, games, and more. However, in 2017, Extratorrent shut down permanently, leaving a void for torrent enthusiasts. Since then, many users have been searching for reliable alternatives that offer similar functionality and content.

In this guide, we’ll explore the rise and fall of Extratorrent, the reasons behind its closure, and the best alternatives available in 2025. We’ll also discuss safety tips for torrenting and legal considerations.

What Was Extratorrent?

Extratorrent (ET) was a torrent indexing website launched in 2006. It became popular due to its:

• Wide selection of content: Movies, TV shows, music, games, software, and ebooks.

• User-friendly interface: Simple search and download features.

• Active community: Forums for discussions, reviews, and recommendations.

At its peak, Extratorrent was one of the top three torrent sites globally, rivaling The Pirate Bay and KickassTorrents.

Why Did Extratorrent Shut Down?

Extratorrent officially shut down in May 2017, citing several reasons:

1. Legal Pressure: Governments and copyright holders were targeting torrent sites globally.

2. Domain Seizures: Extratorrent faced threats of domain seizures and legal action.

3. Safety Concerns: The risk of malware and fake torrents increased over time.

4. Financial Sustainability: Maintaining servers, security, and moderation became costly.

The closure of Extratorrent left many torrent users searching for safe and reliable alternatives.

Risks of Torrenting Today

Before exploring alternatives, it’s important to understand the risks:

• Malware and Viruses: Torrents can contain harmful files.

• Legal Issues: Downloading copyrighted material is illegal in many countries.

• Privacy Concerns: Your IP address may be visible to other users.

Tip: Always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your identity and privacy when torrenting.

Best Extratorrent Alternatives in 2025

Here are some of the most reliable alternatives to Extratorrent:

1. The Pirate Bay (TPB)

• One of the oldest and most popular torrent sites.

• Offers movies, games, music, software, and ebooks.

• Features verified torrents and active user communities.

• Pros: Large library, fast downloads, active updates.

• Cons: Often blocked in certain countries; use a VPN.

2. 1337x

• Clean interface and easy navigation.

• Categories include movies, TV, games, music, and applications.

• Known for reliable torrents and safe downloads.

• Pros: Well-maintained, organized, and secure.

• Cons: Smaller library than TPB.

3. RARBG

• Focused on high-quality torrents, including HD movies and TV shows.

• Features a rating system to reduce fake torrents.

• Pros: Verified content, good for media files.

• Cons: Limited categories compared to other torrent sites.

4. YTS (YIFY)

• Specializes in movies and high-quality HD releases.

• Small file sizes with minimal quality loss.

• Pros: Easy-to-use interface, fast downloads.

• Cons: Limited to movies only.

5. LimeTorrents

• Offers a wide variety of content, including games and software.

• Features verified torrents and daily updates.

• Pros: Large database, updated regularly.

• Cons: Ads on the website can be intrusive.

6. Torrentz2

• Meta-search engine for torrents.

• Searches across multiple torrent sites simultaneously.

• Pros: Aggregates results from various sources.

• Cons: Dependent on other torrent sites; reliability varies.

7. Zooqle

• Large library of verified torrents.

• Features movies, TV shows, and software.

• Pros: Clean interface and verified torrents.

• Cons: Newer platform, smaller community than TPB.

How to Choose a Reliable Torrent Site

When selecting a torrent site, consider:

1. Verification System: Sites with verified torrents reduce the risk of malware.

2. Content Library: Choose a site with the content you’re interested in.

3. User Interface: Clean and easy navigation improves the user experience.

4. Update Frequency: Active sites with regular updates are more reliable.

5. Community & Support: Forums and user feedback help identify fake torrents.

Always cross-check torrents and read comments before downloading.

Safety Tips for Torrenting

1. Use a VPN: Protects your IP address and encrypts your internet connection.

2. Check Comments & Ratings: Verify torrent authenticity through user feedback.

3. Avoid Executable Files (.exe): These are more likely to contain malware.

4. Use Antivirus Software: Scan all downloaded files before opening.

5. Limit Personal Information: Avoid logging in with personal accounts on torrent sites.

Legal Considerations

• Downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal in most countries.

• Some countries impose fines, lawsuits, or even jail time for torrent piracy.

• Use torrenting responsibly for public domain or open-license content.

• Consider legal streaming alternatives like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Spotify for music and movies.

Responsible torrenting ensures you enjoy content without legal consequences.

Why People Still Use Torrents

Despite risks, torrents remain popular because:

• Free Access: Users can download movies, music, and software for free.

• Variety of Content: Torrents provide access to content unavailable on legal platforms.

• High-Quality Media: Sites like YTS and RARBG offer HD content in small sizes.

• Community Engagement: Torrent forums help users share knowledge and resources.

Conclusion

While Extratorrent may be gone, torrenting is still alive thanks to sites like The Pirate Bay, 1337x, RARBG, YTS, and LimeTorrents. Choosing the right alternative requires careful consideration of safety, content quality, and legal compliance.

Always use verified torrents, a VPN, and antivirus software, and avoid copyrighted content to stay safe. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of torrents without compromising your security or breaking the law.