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MLDonkey

MLDonkey is a free, cross-platform peer-to-peer daemon for connecting to several file-sharing networks.

Place
#22 of 36
Score
6.1
MLDonkey's website

What MLDonkey is

MLDonkey is a free, cross-platform peer-to-peer daemon for connecting to several file-sharing networks. Supported networks include eDonkey with Overnet and Kad, BitTorrent with DHT, Direct Connect, and HTTP/FTP. The daemon runs in the background and provides telnet, web and binary protocol interfaces for control, including through third-party graphical clients. After installation, its web interface can be opened in a browser at http://localhost:4080. The installation guide places downloaded files in incoming/ and files shared with others in shared/. It notes that some firewall or router ports need to be opened for full use, with the required ports shown in the web interface’s Options tab. The project supports Linux and Windows and is licensed under GPL-2.0-only. An optional GTK2 interface is available, though the core can build with opam without it. The README lists OCaml versions from 4.03 up to, but not including, 5.0; Windows compilation is covered by a MinGW guide. Included utilities make_torrent and ed2k_hash can be compiled with make utils. GitHub Discussions is the replacement forum.

Good

  • Free under GPL-2.0-only
  • Connects to several peer-to-peer networks
  • Offers web, telnet and binary control interfaces
  • Optional GTK2 interface
  • Includes make_torrent and ed2k_hash utilities

Watch out

  • Firewall or router ports may need opening
  • GTK2 GUI is optional, not part of core builds
  • OCaml support stops below version 5.0
  • Third-party clients vary in stability and functionality

Who it suits

MLDonkey suits users who want to run a self-hosted peer-to-peer daemon on Linux or Windows and control it through a web, telnet or third-party interface. It also fits users comfortable with network setup and building software.

Verdict

MLDonkey provides a free daemon with several network options and multiple control interfaces. Users should be prepared to configure network ports and choose a compatible build setup.

Plans and prices

From MLDonkey's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
MLDonkeyFreeGPL-2.0-only · self-hosted daemon

The facts

Each one read from MLDonkey's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Build dependency
The README lists supported OCaml versions as >= 4.03 and < 5.0.checked 9 Oct 2026
Community support
The README says GitHub Discussions serves as a replacement forum after the former wiki and forums shut down on August 21, 2023.checked 9 Oct 2026
Control interfaces
The background daemon provides telnet, web, and binary protocol interfaces for third-party GUIs.checked 9 Oct 2026
File locations
The installation guide says downloaded files go in incoming/ and files to share go in shared/.checked 9 Oct 2026
GUI option
The project describes an optional GTK2 GUI, while noting that the core builds fine with opam even when that GUI does not.checked 9 Oct 2026
License
The package metadata identifies the license as GPL-2.0-only.checked 9 Oct 2026
Network setup
The installation guide says certain firewall or router ports need to be opened for full use and that the web interface's Options tab shows the ports.checked 9 Oct 2026
Purpose
MLDonkey is a cross-platform, multi-network peer-to-peer daemon.checked 9 Oct 2026
Supported networks
Supported networks include eDonkey with Overnet and Kad, BitTorrent with DHT, Direct Connect, and HTTP/FTP.checked 9 Oct 2026
Third-party clients
The installation guide says third-party control applications exist for specific platforms and vary in stability and functionality.checked 9 Oct 2026
Utilities
The installation guide names make_torrent and ed2k_hash as included utilities that can be compiled with make utils.checked 9 Oct 2026
Web UI
The installation guide says to open http://localhost:4080 in a browser to access the web-based interface.checked 9 Oct 2026

Where it runs

Windows build
The installation guide points users to a MinGW guide for compiling on Windows.checked 9 Oct 2026

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