Do you want to download YouTube videos to watch offline on any device? Using a free YouTube downloader app makes saving videos from YouTube simple and easy. In this article, we cover the top 10 best free options for seamlessly downloading videos from YouTube in 2023.
What’s a YouTube Downloader?
A YouTube downloader is a software program or mobile app that allows you to input the URL of any YouTube video and download the actual video file to your device. It essentially extracts the video from YouTube’s servers and converts it into a file format like MP4 that you can then save and watch offline.
YouTube downloaders provide an easy way to archive videos from YouTube for convenient viewing anytime without an internet connection. They are perfect for building your own offline YouTube library.
Easy Steps to Use a YouTube Downloader
Using a free YouTube video downloader app to save videos is simple:
- Download and install the YouTube downloader app on your device. Good free options include 4K Video Downloader, aTube Catcher, Videoder, etc.
- Find the YouTube video you want to download and copy its URL from your browser.
- Paste the video’s URL into the downloader app interface.
- Select your preferred download format, typically MP4 or MP3.
- Click the Download button in the app and select where to save the video file when complete.
- You can now access and watch the YouTube video offline on your device anytime!
It only takes those few quick steps to download videos from YouTube using a specialized app. The process is very straightforward.
The Top 10 YouTube Downloader Apps
Here are the 10 best free YouTube video downloader apps to use in 2023:
Name | The biggest Advantages | Ads | Prices |
WinX YouTube video Downloader | Supports 4K, 8K videos; fast download speed | No ads | $29.95 |
YTD Video Downloader | Supports playlist download; simple interface | Has ads | Free or $29.95 |
Freemake Video Downloader | No limits on downloads; supports major sites | Has ads | Free |
EagleGet | Lightweight; support for browsers | No ads | Free |
savetube.io | No need to install; simple online tool | No ads | Free |
MacX YouTube Downloader | Supports 4K, 8K; fast speeds; Mac-specific | No ads | $19.95 |
Free YouTube Download | Wide format support; no limits | Has ads | Free |
Desktop YouTube Downloader | Minimal interface; easy to use | No ads | Free |
Y2mate | Converts to MP3; mobile-friendly | Has ads | Free |
yt1s | Fast; mobile-friendly; no need to install | Has ads | Free |
1) WinX YouTube video Downloader: Best for Grabbing HD Videos
Overall Score: 4.5 / 5
Best for Downloading high quality HD and 4K videos from YouTube on Windows PCs.
Price: Free or $29.95 Pro
WinX makes downloading YouTube videos in HD, 4K, and even up to 8K resolution smooth and easy. It also conveniently supports downloading entire playlists and channels.
The software has a clean interface with no annoying ads or malware. You get a free basic version, or the $29.95 Pro for full features. For easily archiving YouTube videos in top quality, WinX YouTube Downloader is a great choice.
2) YTD Video Downloader: Best for 4K Videos
Overall Score: 4.2 / 5
Best for Downloading YouTube videos in high definition 4K resolution on desktop.
Price: 100% Free
YTD Video Downloader provides an excellent free way to download videos from YouTube in HD, 4K, 8K, and even up to 4320p. It can also conveniently download entire playlists and channels for bulk saving.
The intuitive interface makes it very easy to use. YTD displays some ads, but for free 4K YouTube video grabbing it delivers great performance.
3) Freemake Video Downloader: Best Free Online Tool
Overall Score: 4.0 / 5
Best for Quick, easy online YouTube and Facebook video downloads at no cost.
Price: 100% Free
Freemake Video Downloader offers a fast, hassle-free online tool to download videos from YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and other top sites for free. There’s no registration required and no software to install.
It displays some ads during use and average speeds. But for a completely free online video downloader covering the major sites, Freemake delivers respectable performance.
4) EagleGet: Best Integrated Downloader
Overall Score: 4.1 / 5
Best for Downloading YouTube videos easily alongside torrent downloading and management.
Price: Free
EagleGet couples easy YouTube video downloading with powerful torrent management tools. Beyond grabbing videos from YouTube, it can download torrents quickly and manage them.
The interface is clean and simple. There are some ads, but overall EagleGet provides a great integrated downloader and torrent client.
5) savetube.io: Best for Multiple Sites
Overall Score: 4.2 / 5
Best for Quickly grabbing videos from YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
Price: 100% Free
savetube.io offers an easy way to download videos from top sites like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more. The clean no-fuss interface makes downloading simple.
It lacks some advanced features, but for quickly grabbing videos across major streaming sites at no cost, savetube.io delivers excellent performance.
6) MacX YouTube Downloader: Best YouTube Saver for Mac
Overall Score: 4.7 / 5
Best for Downloading YouTube videos seamlessly on Mac OS in up to 8K quality.
Price: Free trial available. Paid version $29.95.
MacX YouTube Downloader is designed specifically for easily downloading videos on Mac computers. It delivers blazing fast speeds and can grab YouTube videos in stunning 8K resolution.
The app has a clean interface and helpful video tools. You can try MacX free or unlock the full version affordably. For Mac users, it’s a premier YouTube saving solution.
7) Free YouTube Download: Best Online YouTube Tool
Overall Score: 4.0 / 5
Best for Basic no-frills online YouTube and Facebook video downloads.
Price: 100% Free
Free YouTube Download provides a quick, easy online tool to download videos from YouTube, Facebook, and some other sites. Just paste the video link and click Download – no software needed.
It’s completely free without limits, but the barebones tool lacks more advanced features. For basic instant YouTube and Facebook video grabs, it gets the job done.
8) Desktop YouTube Downloader: Best Mini YouTube Saver
Overall Score: 4.1 / 5
Best for Quick on-demand YouTube video downloads from your Windows taskbar.
Price: Free or $9.95 Pro
Desktop YouTube Video Downloader provides a tiny YouTube video saver that lives in your Windows taskbar for instant downloads anytime. Just copy video links and click the tool to download.
It couldn’t be easier to use. The free version has limits, but the $9.95 Pro is affordable and removes caps. For quick easy YouTube saving access, it’s a great pick.
9) Y2mate: Best for Downloading in Multiple Formats
Overall Score: 4.1 / 5
Best for Downloading YouTube videos in multiple quality formats like MP4, WEBM, and MP3.
Price: 100% Free
y2mate allows converting and downloading YouTube videos in formats like MP4, WEBM, and MP3. You can select different resolutions and file sizes.
The interface is simple and easy to use. Just paste the YouTube link and choose format options to download. For quality choice when grabbing YouTube videos, y2mate delivers good performance for free.
10) yt1s: Best for Quick Hassle-Free Downloads
Overall Score: 4.0 / 5
Best for Fast no-fuss YouTube video downloads in MP4 and MP3 formats.
Price: 100% Free
yt1s focuses purely on quickly downloading YouTube videos in MP4 and MP3 formats. The clean straightforward interface makes it easy to convert and save videos in just a click.
It’s completely free with no limits or logins required. yt1s lacks advanced features but excels at fast simple YouTube video grabs to watch offline. It’s a great basic free option.
Is a YouTube Downloader Safe to Use?
Most major YouTube downloading apps from reputable developers are generally safe to use. However, you should be cautious of obscure or sketchy apps from unknown developers.
To stay protected, scan any downloaded files with antivirus software, avoid programs with intrusive ads/bloatware, read app reviews, and be selective about which apps you choose. Carefully vetting any YouTube downloader ensures your device remains malware-free.
A Final Word on YouTube Downloaders
A free YouTube downloader gives you the best way to archive videos for watching offline anytime. Top recommended options like 4K Video Downloader, aTube Catcher, Videoder, and others make it fast and easy to build your own permanent YouTube library.
Just remember to carefully pick trusted downloaders from well-known developers and you can seamlessly save YouTube videos in great quality without annoying ads or limits. Download your favorite videos for offline viewing now!
FAQ About YouTube Downloaders
Which is the best YouTube downloader overall?
Overall, 4K Video Downloader is the best YouTube downloader available in 2023. It can download videos in top quality up to 8K resolution, supports playlists and channels, has a clean and simple interface, and offers a good free version.
What is the safest downloader to use for YouTube?
The safest YouTube video downloaders come from reputable longtime developers like 4K Video Downloader, WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe, MacX YouTube Downloader, Any Video Converter, etc. Carefully research apps and read reviews before downloading.
What website can download YouTube videos as MP4 files?
Some top websites that allow downloading YouTube videos in MP4 format include OnlineVideoConverter.Pro, YTMP3, SnapDownloader.CC, VideoDownloader.io, and most of the YouTube downloader software mentioned above.