FlashGet is free, proprietary software that supports simultaneous stream downloading. This allows you to download multiple chunks of a file at the same time, from the same or different servers, resulting in a faster download. It is a lightweight application, but it seems the creators can’t decide whether or not they want ads in the program. Some releases include them, others don’t. It seems that they have decided on no ads for now, as their front page states that. Make sure you un-tick the checkbox to install a toolbar while you are installing FlashGet – otherwise you probably would want to remove it afterwards, which would be annoying.

Another reason I like FlashGet is because they offer a download of the classic version right on their home page, so in case you like the old one better you don’t have to scour the web trying to find it. FlashGet also supports BitTorrent downloads, but I prefer µTorrent for that.