Based on available data, here is a list of P2P media sharing platforms ordered by estimated active users. Note that these numbers come from various sources and time periods, so they provide a rough comparison rather than a precise ranking.
P2P Platforms by Estimated Active Users
Platform
Estimated Active Users
Data Source & Date
Notes
BitTorrent
~9-11.5 million DAU; 43-54 million MAU
KuCoin reports, 2025-2026
The largest P2P network. Includes μTorrent, BitTorrent Web, and mobile clients.
A federated network of independent hubs. Total user count is the sum of all active hubs, which can be queried via public directories.
eMule (eD2k & Kad)
~100,000 users (ed2k protocol, 2024 estimate)
Community estimate from 2024
A classic decentralized network. Hard to measure precisely without a client running.
LimeWire
~2.1-2.5 million active users
LimeWire reports, 2025
Rebranded as a crypto/AI platform and NFT marketplace. No longer a traditional P2P file-sharing client.
Gnutella
Single-digit nodes (active)
nDPI project analysis, 2025
An early decentralized protocol, now nearly extinct. Only a handful of nodes remain.
Fopnu
"Barely 500" users (community estimate, 2024)
Community discussion
A decentralized, encrypted network created by the developer of WinMX.
WinMX
Tiny, dedicated user base
Various community sources
At its peak in the mid-2000s, it had over 10 million monthly users. Now sustained by a small community patch.
Kazaa
Defunct (website inactive since 2012)
Computer Hope, 2025
Was a major P2P service in the 2000s with millions of simultaneous users. No longer operational.
Shareaza
Inactive development, small user base
Community discussions
A multi-network client (Gnutella, eDonkey, BitTorrent) that is no longer actively developed.
Key Takeaways
BitTorrent and IPFS are in a different league. Their user bases are measured in the millions, far surpassing the other networks.
Legacy networks persist with niche communities. Soulseek, eMule, and DC++ still have dedicated user bases, primarily for music and specialized content, but are far smaller than in their prime.
Some platforms have transformed or become defunct. LimeWire is now a crypto platform, Kazaa is shut down, and Gnutella is essentially dead.
Measurement is challenging. For decentralized networks like eMule, Fopnu, and Gnutella, there are no official trackers. User estimates rely on community observations or specialized monitoring tools like KadGlobe for eMule or DHT-Telescope for BitTorrent.
ipfs had so many users. I don't know anybody who uses it.
soulseek was bigger than emule
BTW, i don't think gnutella has only single digit nodes. I would say it is more around fopnu values, or even more if we consider shareaza, gtk-gnutella, limewire (the old client), and wireshare.
It would be nice to have these estimates every year :-)
Is it possible to have the links to where these numbers are published?
This is very interesting! TIL: ipfs had so many users. I don't know anybody who uses it. soulseek was bigger than emule BTW, i don't think gnutella has only single digit nodes. I would say it is more around fopnu values, or even more if we consider shareaza, gtk-gnutella, limewire (the old client), and wireshare. It would be nice to have these estimates every year :-) Is it possible to have the...
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