Is there BitTorrent software that runs in a terminal?

Solution 1:

Transmission

The default BitTorrent client of Ubuntu Desktop, Transmission, has a command line interface (which is not installed by default, the package is transmission-daemon). The daemon can be setup so that it may be interacted with through the terminal and through a web interface.

Transmission is a good bittorrent client because:

• It's lightweight with either interface.
• It's stable, never had it crashing.
• It's easy to understand.
• It has function expected of a modern bittorrent client, e.g. local peer discovery, full encryption, and support for DHT, µTP, PEX and magnet links.

For more info on its features, see this page.

Solution 2:

rTorrent

I have written a detailed tutorial about rTorrent, including its installation and configuration. Check it out here or see the official user guide.

rTorrent's pros

• lightweight
• ultra-fast downloading speed
• very effective BitTorrent traffic encryption
• supported by all the private trackers
• very customizable

rTorrent's cons

• might be difficult to set up (configuration file, no GUI), example config file for beginners