BitTorrent Tracker Software

If you're serious about launching your own BitTorrent tracker you'll need three things:

1. A site name and matching domain name
2. A hosting provider that tolerates BitTorrent trackers
3. The right BitTorrent tracker software

This article helps you on your way with that third step. We won't go into any details such as how to setup a BitTorrent tracker because most software come with installation instructions.

So here is the list of popular BitTorrent tracker software.

Popular Private BitTorrent trackers

Project Gazelle

A modified version of the old TBsource tracker with stability, functionality and speed in mind. It's maintained by one of the most famous and probably largest private trackers, What.cd, so it works well with large sites. Little to no documentation available though.

FREE
URL: http://what.cd/gazelle/

TBDev Tracker 2009

A modified version of the old TorrentBits/ByteMonsoon tracker. It's stable, has plenty of features, and it's used by many big trackers. Its default layout and design needs a complete overhaul if you choose to run this one. Experience with scripts and web languages will prove very useful.

FREE with paid support options
URL: http://sourceforge.net/projects/tbdevnet/

XBTIT

XBTIT is relatively new but decent tracker software. It was designed with functionality and user-friendliness in mind. It's easy for admins to use and maintain. Works well with large sites.

FREE with paid support options
URL: http://www.xbtit.com/

TemplateShares (TTS)

The TemplateShares (TTS) BitTorrent tracker has a large set of features such as a template system, and was primarily created with user-friendliness in mind. It's perfect for admins that want a really easy job at being an admin. It works well for small and medium sized trackers, but it's not for large trackers.

PAID
URL: http://templateshares.net/

TorrentTrader

TorrentTrader offers plenty of features and administration options. It's user-friendly and easy to maintain. It's perfect for admins who want an easy life and who have a small to medium sized tracker. This tracker software is not good for large trackers.

FREE with paid support options
URL: http://sourceforge.net/projects/torrenttrader/

Top Public BitTorrent tracker

Opentracker

If you plan on running a public tracker then you should go with Opentracker. It's designed with performance in mind, and a single configuration file takes care of all your configuration needs. There is no front-end site; it's meant to be a public non-censored tracker so advanced administration options should not be necessary anyway. Works well with any sized tracker.

FREE
URL: http://erdgeist.org/arts/software/opentracker/

Top BitTorrent tracker back-end

XBTT

XBTT is a pure BitTorrent tracker offering torrent tracking, but no front-end system such as user accounts and administration options. It is written in C so it offers great performance. BitTorrent trackers listed above as fit for use by large tracker sites use XBTT as their back-end tracker system.

If you feel like coding your own front-end site you should really pick this one as your back-end.

FREE
URL: http://xbtt.sourceforge.net/tracker/