Softonic.com - Solid Alternative to Download.com

Couple of days ago Softonic requested us to run a sponsored review for their website. As mentioned before, MakeUseOf only accepts what we think will benefit you and something that would sooner or later make it’s way to MakeUseOf in any case.

Softonic is the biggest software download directory in Europe and second largest in the world (right after download.com). According to Alexa stats, Softonic is among top 250 most-visited websites on the web. It receives almost 20 million monthly visitors and serves close to 1 million software downloads per day. Softonic is less popular than Download.com however it seems to provide a more user-friendly interface and a couple of additional features.

Softonic software directory consists of five main sections: Windows, Mac, Palm OS, Pocket PC, and Phones. Each section is further divided into sub-categories: Audio, Business, Customize your PC, Design & Photography, Development, Games, Home & Hobbies, Internet, Productivity, Science & Education, Security, Utilities, and Video. Additionally, for each main section you can check out: ‘Top Weekly’ downloads (eg. here is for Widnows), ‘Top ranked’ and ‘Top Premium’ software. The website also provides powerful search and filtering options that lets you quickly find the program you’re looking for.

You may also discover a handful of cool programs by checking out hot and popular software search terms (see below). Click on a search term and you”ll be presented with all relevant software (incl. user ratings, nr. of downloads and reviews).

In case you’re interested only in ‘Freeware’ tools than Softonic provides an excellent option letting you filter out all non-free programs . Check it out in the screenshot below.

Other Softonic features:

• Bookmark favorite programs: Save your favorite programs in your account.
• Email alerts: Receive ‘new release’ notifications for all software in your favorites box.
• History: Keep track of all downloaded software online.
• Subscribe (via RSS): Stay tuned on the latest programs for Windows/ Mac/ Palm OS/ Pocket PC /Phones.
• Alternate Download Links: Multiple download locations for each software.
• Advanced Search: Options to filter search results by license (i.e. freeware), by user-rating and age (eg. less then a month old).
• Multi-lingual: View Softonic.com in Spanish, German, or English.

Softonic Blog

Another interesting point of Softonic is the frequently updated blog (InsideTonic), which is in itself a place to follow up on undiscovered programs and tips. An example of this can be the latest post discussing free windows utility known as Private Floppy ,OR recently published Top 10 uninstallers for stubborn programs. Definitely worth checking out. See full InsideTonic archives here.