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YouTube video downloader software allows users to save videos from YouTube for offline viewing and storage. As YouTube does not typically allow downloads, these tools provide an easy way to keep videos you like. There are many great free options to choose from in 2023.
A good YouTube downloader has certain key features like the ability to download HD quality files, convert videos to other formats, and grab video or audio only. Top programs work fast, include no ads or software bundles, and give users full control over their downloads.
What is a YouTube Video Downloader?
A YouTube video downloader is an application that allows users to save YouTube videos in different file formats. For example, you can use these tools to download MP4 video files or MP3 audio from YouTube clips. Some apps even let you download entire YouTube playlists or channels with one click.
Features of a Good YouTube Video Downloader
The best free YouTube video downloader tools have features like:
- Downloading high definition 1080p or 720p files
- Grabbing video in MP4 format or extracting MP3 audio
- Batch downloading multiple videos at once
- Fast and simple user interface without ads or bloatware
- Converting downloaded files to other formats
- Capturing subtitles, thumbnail images, or other metadata
- Working on major platforms like Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Best 10 Free YouTube Video Downloaders
1. SaveFrom.rip
SaveFrom.rip is a popular program for downloading videos from YouTube and other sites in high quality resolutions up to 4K. It has an intuitive interface that makes it easy for beginners to save multiple videos with just a few clicks.
The biggest highlights of SaveFrom.rip are its ability to retain the original quality of Ultra HD and 360 degree VR videos. It can also grab subtitles, thumbnails, playlists, and entire YouTube channels. The integrated conversion tool lets users export files to common formats like MP4, MKV, and MP3.
One downside is that SaveFrom.rip lacks some of the advanced downloading and conversion options offered in more complex tools. The basic interface may also feel limiting for power users. There have also been some past complaints about slow technical support response times.
Visit: https://savefrom.rip/
| Pros | Cons |
| Downloads 4K and VR videos | Limited advanced options |
| Intuitive simple interface | Can feel basic for power users |
| Grabs subtitles, playlists, and channels | Slow tech support responses |
2. aTube Catcher
aTube Catcher is a longtime favorite thanks to its ability to download HD videos up to 8K resolution and convert clips to various common media formats. The application includes additional handy tools for ripping audio from videos, burning files to DVDs, and installing codec packs.
Key highlights include robust format conversion capabilities, flexibility to save videos in their original quality or custom sizes, and support for capturing entire YouTube playlists and channels for offline enjoyment.
The biggest complaint with aTube Catcher is the software suite contains some bundled third party apps that users may not want. The batches conversion process can also feel tedious compared to simpler tools. Certain old codecs are no longer included by default as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Downloads up to 8K videos | Contains bundled software |
| Flexible format conversion options | Batch conversion tedious |
| Rips audio and burns DVDs | Missing some outdated codecs |
3. SSyoutube.rip
SSyoutube.rip is a popular YouTube downloader focused solely on saving videos and playlists from the site. It can download files in their original quality up to 4K UHD as well as extract and convert video to MP3 audio.
The simplicity of SSyoutube.rip makes it very easy to use for beginners. Videos save quickly with just a couple clicks. There are also no ads or bloatware to bog things down. The interface is clean and intuitive too.
On the downside, SSyoutube.rip lacks more advanced downloading and conversion options found in other tools. It cannot batch download videos either. The basic nature means power users may desire more customization and flexibility.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy intuitive interface | Lacks advanced options |
| Downloads original quality videos | No batch downloading |
| Extracts and converts to MP3 | Too simple for power users |
4. Savieo
Savieo is an excellent YouTube video downloader for those needing to convert clips to other formats, with support for over 250 file types. It can download in 4K UHD quality before converting.
Savieo shines thanks to its huge range of conversion profiles for saving YouTube videos in the desired file format. From mobile friendly MP4s to audio-only MP3s and more obscure codecs, it has you covered. An integrated player makes previewing files easy too.
On the downside, Savieo lacks the ability to grab entire playlists or channels. The sheer number of conversion options could overwhelm new users. And it may fail to download or properly convert certain obscure YouTube videos compared to simpler tools.
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge range of conversion formats | No playlist/channel downloads |
| Downloads then converts clips | Many options overwhelms beginners |
| Integrated video player | Struggles with some obscure videos |
5. DVDVideoSoft YouTube Download
As the name implies, DVDVideoSoft’s YouTube downloader focuses on saving videos from the platform in quality suitable for DVD playback. It retains enough quality to still enjoy videos while significantly reducing file sizes.
Top features include the ability to easily save individual YouTube videos for DVD use thanks to automatic sizing and conversion processes. It also extracts MP3 audio from clips quickly. The ad-free interface is beginner friendly as well.
However, DVDVideoSoft YouTube Download lacks support for downloading 4K or Ultra HD videos. Advanced users may desire more output format options beyond DVD-ready video and audio. It also fails to download full playlists or channels.
| Pros | Cons |
| Automatic DVD-quality downloads | No 4K/Ultra HD support |
| Extracts MP3 audio from videos | Lacks advanced output options |
| Clean simple interface | Cannot grab playlists/channels |
6. Free YouTube Download
As the name suggests, Free YouTube Download allows grabbing videos from YouTube but also over 1000 other streaming sites. It retains the original quality and supports 4K UHD downloads from compatible platforms.
The tool excels in its broad platform support beyond just YouTube, working across a wide range of video sites. Downloads retain their original visual quality as well. The software also receives reliable ongoing updates for compatibility.
However, it lacks built-in conversion features for saving files in other formats. There is also no option to capture entire YouTube playlists or channels for offline transfer. The batch download function could be more intuitive too.
| Pros | Cons |
| Downloads from 1000+ sites | No conversion tools |
| Retains original 4K UHD quality | Cannot download playlists/channels |
| Regular updates | Batch download not intuitive |
7. aTube Video Downloader
aTube Video Downloader comes packed with features allowing users to download YouTube videos in HD quality up to 8K resolution. It also captures meta data like thumbnail images, descriptions, and closed captions.
The ability to save YouTube videos in high resolution 8K quality sets aTube Video Downloader apart, beyond many other tools maxing out at 4K. It downloads entire playlists and channels too. The scraper pulls in handy metadata like images, subtitles, and tags as well.
However, aTube Video Downloader does not include any format conversion functionality. So downloaded files only save in MP4 video or M4A audio. Complex settings could also confuse novice users. Lack of updates results in occasional failures of some downloads as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Downloads 8K ultra HD quality videos | No conversion tools |
| Captures playlists, channels and metadata | Complex interface for beginners |
| Fast downloading speeds | Lacks recent updates |
8. YouTube By Click
As its name exemplifies, YouTube By Click aims to offer fast downloads with just a click or two thanks to an extremely minimal and intuitive user interface. It works entirely inside a web browser too.
YouTube By Click wins praise for its lightweight browser-based access and exceptional speed downloads thanks to the simplified design. Integration of MP4 and MP3 profiles into one program also proves convenient. It handles full playlists easily as well.
Unfortunately, the web app lacks support for downloading 360 or 4K Ultra HD resolution videos. Having to use browser extensions and web apps may turn off some as well. The program misses out on more advanced options too.
| Pros | Cons |
| Browser accessible web app | No 4K or 360 video support |
| Very fast downloads | Misses some advanced features |
| Simplified easy interface | Must use browser extensions |
9. YTD Video Downloader
YTD Video Downloader supports not only downloading from YouTube in HD quality, but also converting clips to other formats like MP4, AVI, MOV, and more. Useful tools for beginners and experts alike.
YTD downloader has robust format conversion options while still retaining HD quality. Other handy features include abilities to modify metadata, download captions, and grab entire YouTube playlists or channels for offline enjoyment.
Downsides include the desktop app feeling old fashioned and unintuitive compared to slicker modern options. The bundled software during installations also frustrates some users. Lack of recent updates causes incompatibility with some newer YouTube videos too.
| Pros | Cons |
| Format conversion tools | Outdated unintuitive interface |
| Downloads captions and metadata | Bundled software complaints |
| Can download full playlists | Lacks recent updates |
10. WinX YouTube Downloader
WinX YouTube Downloader takes a portable approach as a compact tool able to run off USB thumb drives without complex installs. It downloads videos in up to 1080p Full HD quality and retains MP4 format after grabbing files.
Major upsides include the convenient portable design that avoids installs or changes to systems, making it easy to take WinX anywhere. The basic downloader is also free and contains no ads or limits. Integration with YouTube and DailyMotion extends its reach.
However, lacking conversion options beyond MP4 does limit possibilities for modifying files. WinX also fails to automatically name multi-file videos correctly. As a compact portable option, it unsurprisingly misses some deeper features as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Portable tool without installs | No format conversion features |
| Ads and restriction free | Issues naming split videos |
| Downloads YouTube and DailyMotion | Lacks more advanced options |
Why is SaveFrom.rip the Best YouTube Video Downloader in 2023?
Compared to the rest, SaveFrom.rip rises above for reliably grabbing Ultra HD and 360 VR YouTube videos that others can’t. It retains the best possible quality thanks to advanced codecs while still converting clips quickly. The interface is intuitive enough for novices too. Automatic updates ensure compatibility as YouTube changes over time as well. For these reasons and more, SaveFrom.rip remains a top choice in 2023.
Final Word on the Best Free YouTube Video Downloaders
The ability to save videos from YouTube comes in handy for many uses like offline viewing, backing up favorite clips, converting files, and more. Thankfully there are many great free downloaders to pick from in 2023 with standouts like SaveFrom.rip leading the pack in terms of format support and download speeds for the best quality. Compare your options to find one matching your needs.