21 Best Free YouTube Video Downloader Apps in 2023

You might be a content creator or YouTuber scouring the internet for valuable content. Or you might just be an avid YouTube watcher. Either way, you wouldn’t want to spend too much time or face too many challenges trying to store an online video for offline use.

These days, it’s possible to download your favorite YouTube videos for free, and to do that as quickly and stress-free as possible.

Usually, trying to download YouTube videos can come with some annoying issues, such as troublesome ads, or not being able to download in your preferred format. You might even use some software or websites and find out that they contain malware that could harm your device.

The best YouTube video downloaders avoid these issues. They let you download content in any format of your choice be it MP4 or MP3, and they let you do it ad-free.

They also work across a range of devices including Windows PC, Mac, or Android. Some of them even offer powerful options like letting you download YouTube playlists and live videos.

Most people want to escape having to use paid versions of these software, so we’ve rounded up the 20 best free YouTube downloader apps for 2021.

Best YouTube Video Downloader for PC and Android Mobile App

1. Itubego

Best for downloading high-quality videos from multiple streaming platforms.

Itubego is one of the most versatile YouTube downloader apps. The software comes in really handy as you can use it to download videos from almost all video streaming platforms. Apart from YouTube, you can retrieve content from sites like Netflix, Instagram, Facebook, BBC, Vimeo, and several other sites.

If you’re into high-quality content and movies, the app is a great choice as it supports downloading of 4k and 8k video resolutions. You can also use it to download YouTube playlists of HD quality.

With its inbuilt YouTube converter, Itubego can convert videos to MP3 format in case you’re mostly interested in the audio or soundtrack. Not to worry, it supports a wide range of video and audio formats as well.

Pricing

The app has a free plan that offers most of these features, but it does have a paid plan. You can choose to get the premium version at $19.95 per year, but it offers a smarter option of buying a lifetime access for $29.95. You might need to get a paid plan to be able to use some of its advanced features.

One thing that really works in its favor is that Itubego is compatible with most devices. You can use it on your Android and Windows PC as well as your iPhone and Mac devices.

Pros

• Can access videos from up to 10,000 sites.
• Supports MP4, M4A, MP3, and multiple formats.

• Downloads YouTube playlists.
• Equipped for 4k and 8k downloads.
• Downloads movie subtitles.
• Works with Mac, Windows, Android, and iPhone.
• Supports batch downloads of multiple videos (desktop version).

Cons

• Best features are only available for the paid version.
• The free plan doesn’t allow downloading of YouTube playlists.

2. By Click Downloader

Best for downloading playlists and exclusive videos from any site.

By Click Downloader is the best option if you’re social media savvy and like to use a lot of social media content. It lets you download videos from any site and it lets you do this with a one-click feature that makes it easy to use.

Equipped with features that are built for convenience, the app has a smart technology that recognizes when you’re watching videos in a browser. It will then notify you with a request to download the video in one click.

There is a great backup function as well, as it backs up videos from more than 40 sites, including major streaming platforms. To top it off, you can download your videos in any format and quality you want. The available video quality might be determined by the quality of the original video, however.

One reason By Click Downloader is popular among users is its ability to bypass restrictions and download exclusive content like live videos and private videos.

Another reason is that it makes it easy to download multiple videos at once. You can download YouTube playlists and all the videos on a YouTube channel. There’s also a feature to download entire Instagram pages in one click.

Pricing

By Click Downloader does have a paid plan, but its free plan offers most, if not all, of its useful features. The premium version goes for $4.99. There’s a 50% discount that puts the price at $2.99 if you want to install the app for 2 computers.

Pros

• Bypasses restrictions to download live videos and private videos.
• Supports any format including MP3, MP4, AVI, WMV, etc.
• Downloads YouTube playlists and channels.
• Can access exclusive Instagram content.
• Backs up videos from more than 40 sites.

Cons

• Only works for Windows PC.
• The free version contains ads.
• The free version restricts some features, like downloading YouTube and Facebook private videos.

3. 4K Video Downloader

Best for fast downloads of high-quality videos.

4K Video Downloader is what you want if you’re after fast and easy downloads regardless of video quality. It’s specially built for downloading multiple high-quality videos at once. It supports all HD quality as well as 4K, and 8K resolution.

The major hiccup is that 4k Video Downloader’s free version won’t let you download more than 30 videos per day and 10 videos per playlist. Only its premium version has an unlimited number of playlist downloads along with several other practical features.

Apart from those restrictions, 4k Video Downloader’s free version is a very usable option. It has the unique ability to download 3D and 360-degree videos. Naturally, it lets you download videos and playlists in various formats, including MP4 and MP3.

A great feature of 4k Video Downloader is that it’s customizable. This might take more effort, but if you think it’s worth your time you can tweak the settings to increase the number of download streams. This will boost the speed of your downloads. Be careful with this feature though, as there’s a chance that YouTube might detect it and block your IP address.

Pricing

The premium version is a personal plan of $15. There’s the option to upgrade to a business-friendly plan of $45. The business-friendly plan lets you use all the features and also offers options that will save small businesses a lot of inefficiency and copyright hassles.

Pros

• Downloads YouTube playlists.
• Supports 4k and 8k resolution.
• Automatically downloads videos from favorite YouTube channels.
• Saves video subtitles in more than 50 languages.
• Can access 3D and 360-degree videos.

Cons

• Doesn’t work for iPhone.
• The free version can’t download more than 30 videos at once.
• The free version restricts some features, such as the amount of private YouTube content you can download.
• The free version contains advertisements.

4. VidJuice

Best for downloading exclusive content and trimming videos.

With its inbuilt trimming feature, VidJuice makes it possible to cut your downloaded videos to any length you find suitable. You can render the clip in various formats, including MP4, MP3, M4A, MOV, and more.

Batch and bulk video downloads are a supported feature of VidJuice, letting you download YouTube playlists and channels. You get to retain your videos in the highest quality, as the app supports 4k and 8k resolutions. You can download lower resolutions as well.

Vidjuice allows you to retrieve videos from more than 1000 sites. One of its more promising features is the ability to download exclusive content from sites like Vimeo, Facebook, and Instagram.

Pricing

VidJuice offers a free download, and its free version has some of its best features. To fully access the platform though, you need to make a one-time purchase of $29.95 for one computer. For lifetime access to five computers, you’ll need $39.95.

Pros

• Trims videos.
• Supports 4k, 8k, and other resolutions.
• Performs batch downloads and YouTube playlist downloads.
• Downloads private videos.
• Can access videos from more than 1000 sites.

Cons

• Doesn’t work for smartphones like Android and iPhone.
• The free version doesn’t include all the features.

5. SnapDownloader

Best for scheduling downloads and downloading 8K videos.

SnapDownloader has the special option of scheduling downloads, so you can set your selected videos to begin downloading at any time you choose. Like most top YouTube downloader apps, it can save YouTube channels and playlists. You can either save the entire channel or playlist or select only the video you’re interested in.

Another feature that sets SnapDownloader apart is its ability to save YouTube chapters. If a video has been broken into chapters, the app will recognize the timestamps within the video. It will then give you the option to download each chapter as a separate video.

For high-definition lovers, the app supports downloads in 8K resolution. You can download high-quality videos from more than 900 websites. The batch download function offers the convenience of saving multiple videos from several websites simultaneously.

SnapDownloader can convert videos into various audio formats such as M4A, MP3, WMA, and AAC. This feature is especially useful if you’re a creator that likes to use soundtracks and lots of audio.

Pricing

SnapDownloader can be downloaded for free. There’s a trial mode that lets you use the app for free for 48 hours. After this period, you have to upgrade to the pro version to enjoy its full features. It does offer a 10% discount for new users.

The monthly subscription goes at $3.99 per month. But there’s an economical one-time payment of $29.99 at a 25% discount.

To use Snapdownloader for three computers, the one-time fee increases to $54.99 at a 45% discount.

Pros

• Supports 8K, 4K, and high-quality resolutions.
• Saves videos from over 900 websites including Instagram, Vimeo, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Schedules downloads.
• Downloads batch videos and YouTube playlists and channels.
• Trims YouTube videos.
• Downloads YouTube chapters.
• Has in-built proxy setup to bypass geo-restrictions and blocked downloads.
• Can access VR 360° Videos.

Cons

• Only works on Windows and Mac OS.
• The free version only lasts for two days.

6. YTD Video Downloader

Best for fast downloads and responsive customer service.

YTD Video Downloader is a simple and easy-to-use downloader that can retrieve videos from more than 50 supported sites. The app has an active customer service that encourages users to drop suggestions for new websites to support.

On its roster of supported streaming services are popular sites like Tiktok, Vimeo, Facebook, Bing, and more. You get to download playlists and channels as well as convert these playlists or your selected videos into various audio and video formats such as MP3, WMV, FLV, 3GP, AVI, and more.

YTD Video Downloader can be downloaded for free but its free version is limited. You need to upgrade to the pro version to be able to access batch downloads. An attractive feature of the pro version is the promise of 4x faster download speed.

Pricing

The pro version goes for $2.49 per month, but there’s also an annual plan which is billed at $5.88 per year at an 80% discount for first-timers.

Pros

• Downloads playlists and channels.
• Saves videos from more than 50 sites.
• Supports batch downloads.
• Has active email support.
• Has a version for Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iPhone.

Cons

• The free version misses some of the best features.
• The free version contains ads.
• Doesn’t download in 4K and 8K resolution.

7. AllMyTube

Best for downloading and transferring videos between multiple devices.

AllMyTube is a YouTube downloader app owned and sponsored by the popular software company known as Wondershare. The software has a vast catalog, as it can retrieve videos from more than 10,000 sites. These include even restricted sites like Hulu, Amazon, Vimeo, etc.

This video downloader is specially equipped for fast downloads. With its multi-threading technique that makes full use of your bandwidth and computer’s properties, it can download high-quality videos in record time.

For creators and businesses that make use of a lot of videos, the software’s efficiency with multiple video downloads comes in handy. It has a task scheduling option that can automatically close your PC after downloading long lists of videos.

AllMyTube only works on Windows and Mac OS, but it can convert videos to multiple formats that would work on iPhone devices, Android devices, and even game consoles. It supports multiple audio formats as well.

Once the videos have been converted and made compatible, the app lets you transfer them from your PC to your preferred secondary device. This process can be done directly via your Wi-Fi network.

You might also enjoy the one-click feature that lets you download entire playlists and channels at the click of a button. For video resolutions, it supports anything as high as 2160p (4K) to as low as 240p.

Pricing

AllMyTube offers a free trial, but you will eventually have to pay to continue using the product. The app can be bought with a one-time payment of $29.

Pros

• Speeds up downloads with multithreading.
• Converts to formats that are compatible with iPhone, Android, and game consoles.
• Transfers videos directly to mobile devices.
• Downloads from more than 10,000 sites.
• Can record and retrieve live or exclusive videos.
• Supports batch and playlist downloads.
• Can be set to close PC automatically.

Cons

• Only offers a temporary free trial.
• Only works on Windows and Mac OS.

8. Allavsoft

Best for downloading music from streaming services.

Allavsoft is a YouTube downloader app that was built specifically for people who prefer to download music from streaming services. Naturally, the app downloads music and videos from YouTube. But it can also download music from sites like Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Soundcloud, etc.

To convert music from Spotify into MP3 for your device, all you have to do is follow an easy two-step method: paste the link to the preferred song in the software and click the download button.

For music lovers, there is a detailed guide that explains how you can convert music from streaming services into various audio formats. The supported formats include M4A, AC3, MP3, WMA, WAV, and more.

Allavsoft’s supported site catalog extends to more than 1000 websites. The supported file formats are vast, as the app can download and convert into any video format. You also get to download 4K and 3D movies, as well as subtitle files.

This video downloader’s utility with heavy downloads comes in handy. You get to pause and resume your downloads at any period without canceling the progress. You can also set your computer to close automatically after a time-consuming download.

Pricing

Allavsoft can be downloaded for free, but its free trial will only let you download up to five videos. After that, you have to pay for the service. You can buy the lifetime license for $59.99 for both the Windows and Mac versions.

Pros

• Downloads music from streaming services like Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, Soundcloud, etc.
• Converts music into multiple audio formats such as MP3, FLAC, Apple Lossless, M4A, etc.
• Converts videos into any video format and almost all audio formats.
• Supports batch downloads.
• Saves video subtitles.
• Can access videos from more than 1000 sites.
• Can be set to close PC automatically.

Cons

• Free trial only downloads up to 5 videos.

9. WinX YouTube Downloader

Best for free and fast downloads of 4K videos.

Winx YouTube Downloader is the best option for those who are after free downloads of high-quality videos. The software’s features, though simple, are powerful as it can accommodate heavy and bulk downloads from more than 300 websites.

Equipped with multithreading and multicasting technology, it lets you download 4K videos in record time. You can also avoid the tedious and unstable progress of batch downloads.

The app has the necessary YouTube functionalities, including YouTube playlists and channel downloads. You can also record YouTube live streams with an attached free screen recorder called VideoProc.

Winx YouTube Downloader is as free as they come. You don’t have to pay to use the software. Although, it does have a secondary, paid-for version called VideoProc. This version lets you convert video to MP3 and other various formats. It also trims videos and supports downloads from more than 1000 sites.

Pros

• Easy and fast downloads of 4k videos.
• Stable and fast progress for batch downloads.
• Downloads subtitles.
• Records YouTube live streams
• Saves videos from more than 300 websites including Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, MTV, etc.

Cons

• Needs the upgraded second version to be able to download in multiple audio and video formats.
• Needs the upgraded second version to be able to trim videos.
• This version only works for Windows PC.

10. Airy

Best for unlimited download queues.

Airy lets you download as many videos as you want at once with its limitless download queue. You can keep adding videos to the queue without the risk of download failure as long as there’s fair internet connection. The bulk download function can save entire playlists as well.

For the Mac version, there are no restrictions placed on the length of the video you want to download. This makes it great for high-quality movies or extremely lengthy documentaries.

Airy is optimized to download YouTube videos of the highest quality, including videos in 8K resolution. It can also access and retrieve videos from restricted sites.

One of the software’s most convenient features is its browser extension. You don’t have to start the app to download your videos. Simply add the extension to your preferred browser and you can download a video as soon as you copy the link.

Pricing

Airy has a free version, but it can only download a limited number of videos. It also doesn’t save playlists or supports unlimited queue downloads. To access the app’s full features, you have to pay a lifetime access fee of $19.95 for both the Windows and Mac versions.

Pros

• The download queue has no limits.
• Places no limits on video length.
• Has a browser integration.
• Can download restricted videos.
• Downloads 4K and 8K.

Cons

• Only downloads YouTube videos.
• Supports only a few formats, including MP3 and MP4.
• Only works on Windows and Mac OS.
• The free version restricts its best features.

11. Vidmate

Best for free downloads and useful features.

Vidmate is completely free to use. This makes it the perfect option for users trying to avoid paid upgrades or mere free trials.

For a free app, it’s pretty powerful. There’s a downloader tool that supports downloads from more than a thousand sites. The tool’s inbuilt nature is especially convenient, allowing you to find the platform or website you’re trying to download from within the app. This way, you avoid the extra step of having to navigate between apps to copy and paste your video link.

With access to over 200 movie channels and the capacity to download 4K videos, Vidmate comes across as a good option for downloading movies.

You also get to download songs from music streaming services. Its easy-to-use interface simplifies this process. You wouldn’t have to go through the complex process that usually comes with downloading songs from streaming services.

Since it’s free, the app is supported by ads. But these are usually relevant and adaptive ads that are unobtrusive in nature.

Pros

• Downloads from more than a thousand websites including YouTube and Instagram.
• It’s completely free.
• Supports over 200 movie channels.
• Can easily download songs from streaming services.
• Can convert video to audio.

Cons

• 4K and bulk downloads may be slow.
• Only works for Windows and Android.
• File extraction may be slow.

12. ClipGrab

Best for free downloads and an intuitive interface.

ClipGrab is a free YouTube video downloader for users who want simple, easy, and free downloads. It has a couple of useful functionalities that make it really handy for a free app.

First of all, its intuitive and attractive interface makes it easy to use. Then you get access to several websites like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Daily Motion, and more. For websites that are not supported, there’s an advanced video recognition system to enable downloads.

Part of ClipGrab’s convenient features is its integrated YouTube search feature. This feature lets you download from YouTube straight in the app, conveniently avoiding the stress of having to navigate between two apps.

The supported file formats range from MP3, MPEG4, WMV, to an open-source format known as OGG Theora. To make up for its limited conversion formats, it lets you download your video in its original format, helping to preserve the video’s original quality.

Depending on your preference, you can save videos as high as 1080p and as low as 240p.

ClipGrab is an open-source software and it has been worked on and developed by random developers. This however hasn’t made it less susceptible to attacks or potential malware threats. Several users of the app have complained that it sometimes accommodates viruses.

The software also contains installCore. installCore is a content distribution platform that has been flagged as an unwanted program by certain antimalware platforms, including Windows. Essentially, when downloading the YouTube downloader app, you should be cautious of these risks.

Pros

• Has an easy-to-use and attractive interface.
• It’s completely free.
• Has an integrated YouTube search feature.
• Enables downloads from unsupported websites

Cons

• Can’t download 4K or 8K.
• Can’t do bulk downloads or download YouTube playlists.
• Supports a limited number of conversion formats.
• Potential malware.
• Only works on Windows and Mac OS.

13. Video Grabber

Best for converting and screen recording videos.

If you’re really after a multipurpose video downloader app that can let you grab videos from almost any site and convert them into any format, then you have to try Video Grabber.

With Video Grabber, you can download videos from sites like Crunchyroll, Vevo, Dailymotion, New York Times, and many more. Once you click the download link for Video Grabber, it installs a video downloader app named Apowersoft.

Don’t worry though, Apowersoft is a related product of Video Grabber. It also comes with all the promised features.

The video conversion feature means you can convert video or audio files to work on any of your portable devices, whether it be an Android, iPhone, PSP, iPad, and so on.

One of Video Grabber’s best features is its screen recording function. You can record anything that appears on your computer screen including webinars, video tutorials, and games. What’s more? You also get to tweak your recorded files with its full set of video editing tools.

Pricing

The app’s limitation though is that its features are only available in a limited form for its free trial. For instance, the free trial version only lets you download a few videos before you have to pay for the pro version.

The pro-version does have its perks, as it has a special feature that can download encrypted video links and access videos from protected sites. It might come across as a little pricey though, as a lifetime license goes for $69.95.

Pros

• Converts video and audio files into any format.
• Can screen record and edit recorded videos.
• Downloads videos from almost any site.
• Can access protected videos.
• The video downloader has a version for both Windows PC and Mac.

Cons

• The free trial comes with a watermark.
• The free trial has limited features.
• Apowersoft’s video downloader doesn’t work on mobile devices.

14. Any Video Converter

Best for super conversion kit and output.

Any Video Converter is a full video and audio conversion software for creators. It’s a great option if you use unique media formats for your editing software or devices. Rather than being a mere YouTube video downloader app, it’s more of an all-in-one multimedia solution.

The app gives you the option to tweak several qualities of your file including the video codec, video bitrate, frame rate, encode pass, and so on. You can also transform just about any file into any format.

Any Video Converter possesses what is known as high-efficiency video coding (HEVC or H.265). This feature compresses the file size or bit rate of your video to boost the video quality. It also latches on to your computer’s graphic card (AMD or Intel) and uses it to maximize conversion speed.

One of the app’s outstanding features is its inbuilt video editing suite. With this, you can perform several video editing functions such as cropping, splitting, or trimming the video, as well as adding audio tracks or subtitles.

For professional creators or businesses, the editing suite might meet your video customization or advertisement needs. It allows you to add special effects and even include your own watermark.

Any Video Converter has a DVD conversion channel that’s built expressly for the purpose of converting DVDs to video and audio format. It can do the vice-versa and burn digital media files to DVD.

There’s a screen recording function as well if you prefer to record activities or videos on your computer screen. As a full conversion kit, Any Video Converter can convert your files into compatible formats for secondary devices and applications like iPhone, Android, iPad, Kindle Fire HD, and many more.

Pricing

Like most advanced software, Any Video Converter doesn’t offer all its features for free. The free version allows you to edit and convert video and audio files, but to gain access to its screen recording and DVD conversion feature, you need to pay a one-time fee of $49.95.

Pros

• Converts video and audio into any (200+) format.
• Can edit and customize video files.
• Contains a full and optimal conversion kit for maximum visual quality and faster conversion output.
• Has a screen recording function.
• Downloads videos online like any other YouTube video downloader.
• Can burn digital media to DVD and vice versa.
• Has an inbuilt media and DVD player.
• Can convert files into compatible formats for secondary devices like iPhone, Android, PS5, Xbox One, and so on.

Cons

• The free version only offers a limited range of features.
• Only works for Mac and Windows.

15. Snaptube

Best for free and fast downloads of YouTube and social media videos.

Snaptube is a basic YouTube downloader app for users who only want to download videos online for free. The app’s features are pretty simple so it’s convenient if you’re not looking for complex functionalities.

One thing Snaptube has going for it is its fast downloading capacity. It can download high-quality files in a matter of seconds and minutes. These include files with video resolutions of up to 4K.

The app can download audio files, and it also lets you convert your video into audio format. To make video downloading easy, Snaptube lets you surf the internet as you would a browser. This way, you can download your video directly and immediately once you retrieve a link.

There are a couple of things to watch out for though. Snaptube has garnered a reputation online for containing malware that could cause leaks of private information. The app’s parent company has responded to this and provided an upgraded version of their app which they’ve deemed free of malware and hacks.

However, there’s the possibility that malware-infested versions are still in circulation, so you should be cautious to only download the latest upgraded versions if you decide to choose Snaptube. Ideally, you should have anti-malware installed on your device while using the app.

Pros

• The app is free.
• Offers fast downloads.
• Downloads from websites and social media apps like Whatsapp, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, etc.
• Can perform batch downloads as well as YouTube playlist downloads.

Cons

• Contains ads.
• Might contain malware.
• Only available for Android.

16. Tubemate

Best for free video downloads and MP3 conversion on Android.

Tubemate offers Android users the basic features of a YouTube video downloader at the cost of nothing. Apart from YouTube, it can download from a few other streaming services as well.

One of Tubemate’s convenient features is its ability to keep on downloading even when the Android app has been minimized. The app can also be used as a browser, so you can scout for videos and download them in the same window.

Tubemate’s MP3 converter is another pretty useful feature. Apart from converting videos to MP3, it lets you edit the profile information of your new audio file. You can change data such as the artist name or the album image. You can also select your preferred bit rate for the audio.

This free, functional app doesn’t come without its flak though. Although it supports batch downloads and can download high-quality videos of up to 1080P, users have occasionally complained about its slow and laggy performance.

You might also not find the interface as intuitive as you’d like.

Pros

• The app is free.
• Can download videos in minimized mode/background.
• Can edit MP3 information.
• Downloads video and music files to SD card.
• Supports batch downloads.

Cons

• Contains ads.
• Might contain malware.
• Slow and laggy when downloading heavy or high-quality files.
• The user interface is not very user-friendly.
• Only ideal for Android.

17. Y2Mate.com

Best for downloading YouTube videos from your browser for free.

Y2Mate.com is a simple, straightforward website that lets you download online videos on your browser. It’s not like other YouTube video downloader apps in the sense that it doesn’t have an app version.

It only has a website where you can paste the link to your preferred online video and begin your download immediately. This site works like any optimal video downloader app as it can download videos in any format, be it MPV, MP4, FLV, 3GP, MP3, etc.

The fast and direct approach to video downloads is one of the enjoyable things about the site. You won’t need to register your information or create an account to save a video. All you need to do is copy and paste the required link.

Another major advantage is that it’s compatible with all browsers. There’s also a search bar you can use to search for videos on YouTube directly.

The site is rife with ads though. You might need to use an ad blocker to enjoy it fully without interruptions.

Pros

• It’s a free-to-use and straightforward website.
• Downloads from several streaming services like Facebook, Video, YouTube, Dailymotion, etc.
• Supports downloads in any video format.
• Converts video to mp3.
• Can search on YouTube directly.
• Downloads YouTube playlists.
• Compatible with all browsers.

Cons

• Contains ads.
• There’s a potential threat of malware.

18. Videoder

Best for fast downloads and inbuilt browser.

Videoder is a free YouTube downloader app that is optimized for Android and Windows PC. It’s specially equipped for fast video downloads as it utilizes multiple network connections for this purpose. Users are allowed to select from several network connections to maximize download speed, but your options depend on the quality of your network.

Another special functionality of Videoder is its in-built browser. You can surf the internet and scout for videos you wish to download. This way, when you copy a video link, its link detection tool will automatically respond with a pop-up button to download the video.

The in-built browser also contains an ad blocker. This makes it a convenient option for retrieving videos from websites with disruptive ads.

Videoder is designed especially for Android users, but it provides essential and useful features for Windows PC as well. The Android app has customization features that let you edit the visual theme to your liking. You can also edit the album art and library information of any MP3 you download or convert.

For MP3 lovers, you can batch download playlists or collections of songs from music streaming services. The batch download function applies to high-quality videos as well. As far as video quality is concerned, Videoder lets you download up to 4K resolution.

Pros

• Built for fast downloads.
• The app is free.
• Has an in-built browser with an ad blocker.
• Has a customizable layout for Android.
• Downloads music and video from streaming services like Soundcloud, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, etc.
• Downloads video and music files to SD card.
• Can edit MP3 information.
• Available for Android, Windows, and Mac.

Cons

• The app is deemed unsafe by browsers and antivirus software.

19. Gihosoft

Best for downloading 8K, 360, VR, 3D, 60 FPS videos, etc.

Not many YouTube downloaders can download extreme high definition videos like 8K but Gihosoft’s YouTube downloader is well equipped for that purpose. The app is also powerful enough to support futuristic videos like 360 and VR (Virtual Reality). Essentially, it’s a great option if you love cutting-edge videos.

Gihosoft TubeGet can retrieve 3D, 4K, and 60FPS (frames per second) videos as well, so it’s an all-around option for top-notch visual content. It supports downloads from more than 100 sites including Twitter, Vimeo, Tumblr, and Instagram.

As per its conversion capabilities, it can convert downloaded videos to MKV, MP4, MOV, and AVI. It supports downloading videos in audio format also, and it can download YouTube videos in MP3 format without compromising the audio quality.

The app was developed to serve YouTube users especially, so it comes fitted with YouTube-specific functions like YouTube playlist downloads. It can also auto-detect YouTube videos and allow you to download them in one click.

Pricing

Gihosoft has several more convenient qualities like subtitle downloads and fast download speeds, but a lot of these are only available on the app’s paid version.

Other features restricted on Gihosoft’s YouTube downloader’s free version include MP3 and M4A conversions, unlimited playlist downloads, as well as the one-click download mode. Also, with the free version, you’re limited to 5 video downloads a day. This limitation applies to the video conversions as well.

To purchase the pro version, you have to pay a lifetime license fee of $29.95.

Pros

• Downloads high-definition and cutting edge videos including 8K, 360, VR, 3D, and 60 FPS videos.
• Converts video into MP3, M4A, MP4, AVI. MOV, and MKV.
• One-click download mode for YouTube videos.
• Saves YouTube playlists.

Cons

• The free version restricts some of the app’s features.
• It’s only available for Windows and Mac.

20. aTube Catcher

Best for free multipurpose media software.

Because of its versatile features, aTube Catcher is a good option for users who want free software that can do more than just download videos off YouTube. Essentially, it’s a multipurpose media suite that’s also equipped to download and convert video and audio.

For starters, it can access videos from thousands of websites and streaming services. These include, apart from YouTube, Vimeo, Yahoo!, Metacafe, Facebook, Dailymotion, etc.

It also supports a vast array of video and audio formats, including formats that are suitable for playback on various devices. The device compatibility of these formats ranges from iPad, Android, and iPhone to even GPS devices.

This super-export functionality is supported by its ability to burn videos into DVDs, VCDs, and Blu-ray discs. The app lets you do this without having to integrate or utilize third-party software.

aTube Catcher’s inbuilt audio and screen recorder make it handy for businesses, creators, and even gamers. By drawing a selection box around the area you want to capture, you can record presentations, video chats, and live streams that would otherwise be impossible to download.

Business-oriented users especially might enjoy the recorder’s ability to create and handle video and audio presentations. In light of its numerous features, aTube Catcher’s interface is relatively friendly and straightforward, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to get the hang of the software.

Like several free software, the app does have a few glitches. You could be prompted to download an external software during the installation process, but you can always opt to avoid this. Users might also not enjoy the batch download process, as it requires typing in some manual commands.

Pros

• The app is free.
• Downloads videos from thousands of websites.
• Supports multiple video and audio formats like WMV, MP3, FLAC, MP4, OGG, etc.
• Supports export of video and audio into multiple secondary devices like iPad, iPhone, Android, PSP, etc.
• Has a screen recorder.
• Can record audio.
• Burns video to DVD, VCD, and Blu-ray.
• Can create audio and video presentations.

Cons

• Might install extra software.
• Batch downloads aren’t straightforward.
• Only available for Windows.

21. Free YouTube Download

Best for fast downloads of ultra HD videos.

Free YouTube Download is one of the more reliable YouTube downloaders around as far as fast video downloads are concerned. It’s pretty straightforward to use and it lets you download videos of just about any quality from YouTube, even 8K resolution.

The app supports download streams with VP9 video codec, which explains its ability to save videos at a maximum resolution.

The ultra HD download capacity is well balanced by the app’s download speed. Naturally, downloading very high-resolution videos takes a toll on the download progress, but Free YouTube Download will save you some frustration compared to several YouTube downloader apps.

Another convenient feature is its ability to convert your downloads into any audio or video format. You can choose to download your video in a format that would be compatible with secondary devices like your iPhone or iPad.

The batch video downloads are easy too. By clicking the green “Paste” button, you can queue multiple video links and download them all at once by clicking a blue “Download” button.

Free YouTube Download’s other nifty features include the ability to automatically shut down your PC after multiple downloads, the option to choose your download folder and name your videos, as well as the option to download subtitles.

That said, the app’s major drawbacks are the restrictions on its free version. Optimized download speeds are only available for the premium version, and the regular download speed could be pretty slow. There is also a limit on the downloads offered for non-buyers.

New users might find an extra icon called “DVDVideoSoft Free Studio” on their screen upon installation. Don’t worry about this though, it’s not malicious or sneaky software. It’s a suite of products you have installed from DVDVideoSoft, the manufacturer of Free YouTube Download.

Pricing

Ideally, the only way to truly enjoy Free YouTube Download is by buying its premium version. The free version doesn’t support the ultra HD downloads that the app is specialized for. Batch download functions are also non-existent for non-buyers.

The app can be purchased at an optimal annual fee of $19 or at a lifetime fee of $39.

Pros

• Fast download speeds.
• Supports VP9 codec, which enables downloads of high-definition videos.
• Downloads in any video or audio format.
• Supported formats are compatible with secondary devices like iPhone, iPad, and iPod.
• Equipped for batch downloads; YouTube playlists and channels.
• Shuts down PC after multiple downloads.
• Downloads subtitles.
• There’s a version for Mac, Windows, and Android.

Cons

• The free version restricts most of the app’s useful features.

How to Choose a Great Video Downloader for YouTube

Choosing the best YouTube video downloader boils down to considering a few important factors.

Naturally, your choice of a great video downloader will depend on the specific functionalities you require. For instance, you could be looking for something more suited for professional brands and influencers like a productivity suite with inbuilt editing features and a vast array of supported formats. Or you could just want something that lets you download music and ultra HD movies super fast.

Either way, you want to make sure you’re downloading something that wouldn’t end up in your recycle bin. For a great, hassle-free experience with any YouTube video downloader you choose, look out for these features:

1. Download Speed

Naturally, your download speed initially depends on how good your internet is. YouTube video downloaders won’t be too much help if your bandwidth is low. With a standard internet service, you should be able to stream 4K video without any lagging. That requires a bandwidth of at least 25 Mbps (megabytes per second).

That said, some YouTube downloaders offer ways to speed up your download automatically, these are the ones you should look out for. A natural way to maximize download speed on a video downloader app is to increase the network priority for that app.

Some apps do this automatically for you, while others might offer detailed guides or simply give you the option to prioritize. The best YouTube video downloaders have different ways of configuring your network connection to optimize your available bandwidth. They’ll often offer fast download speeds as part of their features.

2. Supported File Formats

Ideally, you want a YouTube video downloader that offers all the audio and video formats you want to use. You can easily check for this by scanning their list of features.

Some YouTube downloaders offer all the available formats, but any good downloader should be able to convert and extract the most common file formats for YouTube which are MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, 3GP, FL4V, MP3, AAC, M4A, OGG, and WAV.

A great YouTube downloader should have export compatibility with secondary devices like your iPhone and Android as well. It’s efficient to have an app that can convert file formats that will play on your smartphone and mobile device. This will avoid having to download a mobile YouTube downloader.

3. User-friendliness

A good YouTube downloader app shouldn’t take a lot of minutes to figure out. Granted, some apps are equipped with multiple features and convenient flexibility that cause them to have a quite loaded user interface. But any such app should be easy to navigate.

Some YouTube downloaders are very straightforward and easy to use, but this is often because they have reduced functionality. If these apps suit your requirements, then they’re a great choice.

The most convenient apps will contain several inbuilt features and useful optimizations but they’ll also have a non-intimidating design and an intuitive interface to help users relax and make sense of the app. Some would even offer a detailed step-by-step introduction to the app.

If you want a video downloader with multiple functionalities, opt for those that promise a recognizable interface and ease of use.

4. Video Quality

A standard YouTube video downloader should be able to download resolutions as high as 1080P and as low as 240P. The best downloaders will offer video downloads of up to 8K resolution.

In this case, you need to check that the app offers the download speed to match the weight of ultra-high-definition (UHD) resolutions. If a YouTube downloader promises fast download speed, then it most likely has bandwidth optimization features. This will make downloading your heavy 8K and 4K movies a less harrowing experience.

5. Batch and Bulk Downloads

Batch downloads come in handy if you have to download multiple videos at once either as a project or as a hobby. You want to make sure your YouTube downloader of choice has a straightforward and convenient process for batch downloads.

You shouldn’t have to go through a long, winded process or execute manual commands to queue videos and download them all at once. The best YouTube downloader apps allow you to download entire YouTube channels or playlists and multiple videos with easy-to-understand guides and a few clicks.

6. Supported Websites

Gone are the days when YouTube video downloaders only saved videos from YouTube. These days a YouTube downloader can retrieve videos from as many as 10,000 websites. Some downloaders even contain inbuilt proxy tools that can bypass geo-restrictions just like a VPN does and access otherwise restricted websites.

Some websites like Vimeo protect their videos by hiding their URLs and uploading video streams. Some also encrypt their videos, providing an extra layer of security. The most advanced video downloaders are able to override these protections.

You can always check a YouTube video downloader’s website to discover their list of supported popular streaming services and sites.

7. Malware Threat

The easiest and fastest way to discover if a YouTube video downloader is truly free of malware is to search for its online review. Some sites like Quora and Reddit post genuine reviews, there’s a high likelihood you’ll see recent and reliable reviews from actual users. You can always ask specific malware-related questions as well.

Of course, another way you can test for viruses and malicious software is to download your preferred video downloader and scan it with an anti-malware or anti-virus software. You should have your device protected by an anti-virus before you install YouTube downloaders with uncertain malware status.

Once a video downloader has begun to show signs of malware, it’s time to delete it.z

It’s advised to use YouTube downloader software as opposed to YouTube downloader sites. This is practical as sites are more likely to contain intrusive ads that could pose a threat to your device’s security and your confidential information.

How to Download Videos from YouTube

With the right YouTube video downloader app, downloading videos from YouTube for free should only take a few easy steps. One of the most used and trusted YouTube downloaders around in this case is 4K Video Downloader.

The app is easy to use and contains several free useful features like fast ultra HD downloads and YouTube playlist downloads. This has made it a favorite video downloader for users who prefer freeware.

To download YouTube videos for free using 4K Video downloader, follow these simple steps.

1. Download and launch the app

You can download 4K Video Downloader off the product’s website with a click.

You’ll be directed to an easy and fast step-by-step guide for installing the software once you download it.

Install it and click Launch after the installation is complete.

2. Copy the video link

Go to your preferred YouTube video and click on the URL tab on the browser, then right-click and copy it.

Alternatively, you can click on the Share button.

Then copy the link from there.

3. Paste the video link in 4K Video Downloader

Go to the launched 4K Video Downloader and click the green Paste Link button.

Once you click the link, the app will automatically take action and parse the video for download.

4. Choose your preferred download quality.

You’ll be given a list of available video qualities to choose from including Ultra High Definition. Select your preferred video quality and click Download.

Now all you have to do is wait for your download to be complete and you’ll be able to access your video offline.

5. Extract as Audio

If you prefer, you can also extract your video in available audio formats.

Choose your preferred audio format and click Extract.

Video Downloader FAQ

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