bittorrent-tracker

Self-Hosted

Open-source BitTorrent tracker for peer-to-peer file sharing networks

Overview

A lightweight, open-source BitTorrent tracker designed to enable peer-to-peer file sharing networks. Supports HTTP/HTTPS, UDP, and WebSocket protocols for broad compatibility with BitTorrent clients. Features customizable announce intervals, peer limits, and timeout settings. Ideal for running private or public networks with full control over tracking infrastructure. Deploy via Docker for quick setup or compile from source (requires Node.js). Lightweight design ensures minimal resource usage, making it suitable for small servers or cloud instances.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  bittorrent_tracker:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: bittorrent-tracker
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Supports HTTP/HTTPS, UDP, and WebSocket protocols
Customizable announce intervals and peer limits
Lightweight and resource-efficient
Docker and source code deployment options

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is bittorrent-tracker hard to install?

It’s straightforward—deploy via Docker with a single command, or compile from source using Node.js. Basic network knowledge (like port forwarding for public access) is recommended but not mandatory for private networks.

? Is it a good alternative to proprietary public trackers?

Yes—if you want to avoid relying on third-party services, run a private network, or customize tracker settings. It’s free and open-source, unlike some commercial options that charge for private tracker access.

? Is it completely free?

Absolutely. bittorrent-tracker is licensed under MIT, so it’s free to use, modify, and distribute without any hidden fees or subscription costs.

Top Alternatives

Proprietary public trackers (e.g., udp://tracker.opentrackr.org) Search Google

Commercial private tracker hosting services Search Google

Closed-source self-hosted BitTorrent trackers Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category File Transfer - Peer-to-peer Filesharing

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Open-source with MIT License (free to use/modify)
⊕ Multi-protocol support for wide client compatibility
⊕ Full control over tracker infrastructure
⊕ Minimal resource footprint for small servers

Cons

⊖ Requires server setup and network configuration (port forwarding)
⊖ No built-in user interface for monitoring
⊖ Limited beginner-friendly documentation
⊖ Public trackers may attract legal scrutiny depending on use case