In 2002 the origional version of Ares was developed as an open-source software project, which means that the source code is freely available for anyone to modify. As a result, several different versions of Ares are now available, but all use the same network and files are shared between users with different versions. The menu layout and appearance (the "skin") is the main difference.

The most important feature of the versions we recommend below is customer support. By their very nature, all P2P filesharing applications are prone to erratic behavior at times, and having someone to call or email for help is a big plus.

Ares Ultra  is the latest version of Ares. It was developed in mid 2006 and is tuned specifically for downloading MP3s. Special features include automatic filtering of corrupt MP3 files, and an integrated playlist with shuffle mode, along with a full technical support staff.


Ares Lite   was developed in 2003. It is optimized for a smaller footprint to use up less resources on your computer and lower bandwidth consumption when downloading files. The maximum number of simultaneous downloads is limited to 10 instead of the 20 that is standard with other versions of Ares.

Also, Ares lite does not have the built in Chat room functions where members can go and discuss music and downloading with Ares. Otherwise the basic functions and layout are the same as other versions of Ares.

There are other versions of Ares that are also free for downloading. You can read the reviews on the versions we recommend above, as well as some other versions we have tested. We are reviewing more versions and will be adding those reviews by the end of September.

Be aware that there are also many scam sites that bundle file sharing software with Spyware.