9 best YouTube video downloaders you won’t regret trying | 2025
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20 min read
Discover the top 2 YouTube video downloaders on Setapp. I tested a dozen apps to download videos from YouTube. Check out my top picks:
I frequently download videos from YouTube, especially for creating video tutorials and webinars for my fellow writers. While YouTube Premium offers great features, not everyone can justify the monthly subscription, particularly when there are alternative apps available that not only meet similar needs but often surpass YouTube Premium in terms of options and flexibility.
This led me to explore various YouTube downloader apps, driven by my passion for testing tools and sharing my insights. So, in this article, I’ll highlight my tried and tested picks for the best YouTube downloaders that make it easy to save videos for offline use.
Best YouTube downloaders: Comparison table
I’ll start with a quick comparative overview — this may be all you need. If not, scroll down or click on an app name in the table to see a more detailed description.
| Let’s compare! | Platform | Best feature | Browser extension | Price |
| Downie | macOS | Unlimited downloads from 1200+ sites | ✓ | $9.99/mo (included in Setapp with 250+ other apps) |
| Pulltube | macOS | Can download a specific part of the video or split it by timecodes | ✓ | $9.99/mo (included in Setapp with 250+ other apps) |
| 4k Downloader | macOS, Windows, Ubuntu, Android | Subscription to automatic video downloads from your favorite channels | ✖ | From $15/year |
| Snaptube | Android | In-app video recommendation system | ✖ | Free |
| Y2Mate | Web | Unlimited online downloader | ✓ | Free |
| YT Cut Golem | Web | Cut clips from YouTube videos | ✖ | Free |
| Airy | macOS, Windows | Super straightforward interface | ✓ | From $19.95 |
| ClipGrab | macOS, Windows, Linux | Downloader + video converter | ✖ | Free |
| aTube Catcher | Windows | Video downloader + screen and audio recorder | ✖ | Free |
Downie: Unlimited 4K video downloads for Mac
Downie provides impressive download speeds for unlimited downloads from YouTube and over 1,200 other websites (Vimeo, TikTok, Facebook, and more). You can search for videos directly in the built-in search box or simply drag and drop links into the app.
I’d recommend Downie to anyone who needs to save large amounts of videos, YouTube playlists, audio, or subtitles really quickly and without any lag.
A Reddit user says: “Downie. It’s the only piece of software that I've paid for on macOS. YouTube regularly changes their software to break the downloading programs and Downie usually has an updated version within a few hours to a day to adapt.”
As someone who travels frequently between countries by train, I often download videos for offline viewing using Downie. One of the features I like most about this app is the ability to download just the audio. It’s perfect for when I want to listen to podcasts or interviews from YouTube without needing to watch the speakers.
Platform: macOS
Price: Included in Setapp for $9.99/mo (+ over 250 other apps)
What I love:
- You can download subtitles, audio, or thumbnails from videos separately.
- There are extensions for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.
- There is a Permute integration for video conversion.
Possible drawbacks:
- No preview option before download.
- No trimming features.
Pulltube: Split or trim your video before downloading
Pulltube’s standout feature is the ability to download specific parts of a video, whether it’s a random snippet or a section trimmed by timecode.
I also love the interface. It has one-click download, subtitle support, audio and thumbnail extraction, and more — and every feature that is important to me is just a click or two away.
Pulltube isn’t just for YouTube; it’s incredibly versatile for other platforms as well. As one Setapp user shares, “I didn't realize how useful this app was until I needed to bulk download a ton of Vimeo videos — even the ones that were set as private and 'locked' to a domain. Love it!”
Platform: macOS
Price: Included in Setapp for $9.99/mo (+ over 250 other apps)
What I love:
- YouTube videos can be converted to MP3 — great for music.
- You can save a video to download later or download multiple at once.
- Downloads are available from over 1000 sites.
Possible drawbacks:
- Preview mode for trimming can be a bit slow, depending on internet speed.
4k Downloader: For occasional hassle-free downloads
The free version of 4K Downloader offers 3 downloads per day, allowing one video download at a time. Actually, it was 10 not long ago, but they downgraded its offering. A Reddit user complains: “Haha! I came here for this and shared the fact with a few people who were complaining about the ten daily download limit. Ten was fine with me, but this is f@cking ridiculous!” The Premium version increases these limits based on your chosen plan (there are three tiers), and it also lets you set up automatic downloads from your favorite YouTube channels.
Platform: macOS
Price: From $15/year
What I love:
- 8K and 4K support.
- Download presets, so you can download videos with the same settings every time.
- Detailed customization options for video settings.
Possible drawbacks:
- The free plan doesn’t support simultaneous downloads.
- Playlists are limited to 3 videos on the free plan.
Snaptube: Unlimited downloads on Android
Snaptube is a Chinese YouTube video downloader that is super popular on Android. The app is free to use and has a recommendation system — kind of like its own YouTube, suggesting channels and videos based on your preferences. However, there’s a cautionary note to consider: In 2019, Snaptube was accused of secretly charging users for premium purchases and serving invisible ads for revenue.
Platform: Android
Price: Free
What I love:
- Unlimited downloads for videos and audio files of any size or quality, including TV shows and playlists.
- Supports 100+ other platforms.
- Includes extra tools like junk cleaner and battery saver.
Possible drawbacks:
- Serving invisible ads for revenue.
- Intrusive ads.
Y2Mate: Online downloader with in-built search
Y2Mate is a popular online tool for downloading YouTube videos. You can paste a video link directly on Y2Mate or add "pp" after "youtube" in the video URL to download straight from YouTube. However, be aware that Y2Mate opens a new browser page with each download, which can get a bit annoying.
When I tested this site, no malware were detected on my Mac, however, I found a Reddit user complaining: “I used it quite recently and ever since I have been getting fake "YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN HACKED BY…| notifications. If you get these, I would advise don't click them.”
Platform: Web
Price: Free
What I love:
- No limit on daily downloads.
- Built-in search function for YouTube.
- Supports audio extraction.
Possible drawbacks:
- Contains many ads, some of which may include malicious files.
- Lacks a video editor and subtitles extraction.
YT Cut Golem: Cut clips before downloading
YT Cut Golem allows you to cut clips from YouTube videos and download them in MP4, MP3, or GIF formats. One improvement I’d like to see is the ability to split videos by timecode, as currently, you have to use the timeline slider to find the desired clip manually.
Platform: Web
Price: Free
What I love:
- Unique cutting feature for online YouTube downloaders.
- User-friendly interface.
- Free downloads in 4K.
Possible drawbacks:
- No clear preview of the selected cut fragment.
- Slow processing speeds.
- Limited additional features and formats.
Airy: One-click app
Airy lets you download two YouTube videos for free (additional downloads require a paid license). Despite the limited trial, I really like the app for its one-click simplicity, playlist support, ability to download multiple videos at once, and MP3 conversion options.
I also like that the app allows extraction of audio and integrates with your browser.
Platform: macOS, Windows
Price: from $19.95/license
What I love:
- It’s super easy to use and has one of the most straightforward interfaces I’ve ever seen.
- Supports playlist downloads and MP3 conversion.
Possible drawbacks:
- Limited to YouTube downloads only.
- Requires sign-in for age-restricted content (though I also can view this as a benefit).
- Very limited trial version.
ClipGrab: Downloader + video converter
This is one of the most handy free tools out there. ClipGrab allows you to download videos from a link, search YouTube using the built-in search box, and select the format for video conversion in advance. While the functionality is quite basic, it may well cover the needs of many people.
Platform: macOS, Windows, Linux
Price: Free
What I like:
- Clean, simple interface — no clutter!
- Downloads from Vimeo, Facebook, and other similar websites.
- 4K download support.
Possible drawbacks:
- No options to download subtitles, crop videos, delay downloads, etc.
aTube Catcher: YouTube downloader + screen recorder
aTube Catcher for Windows combines a video downloader with a screen and audio recorder. It supports downloads in various formats, including MKV, 3GP, AAC, AVI, DVD, and more. The app also includes a video converter, basic editor (for resizing, cutting, trimming, and joining files), and additional tools. While I find the interface a bit cluttered and occasionally bothersome with extra prompts, it’s hard to complain given the feature set and the fact that it’s free.
Note that I’ve encountered some concerning reports about it being bundled with malware, which definitely made me cautious about using it. To be on the safe side, I decided to check for malware before using the app, and I was relieved to find that everything was okay.
Platform: Windows
Price: Free
What I love:
- It can replace a dozen other video and recording tools.
- Downloads from various websites (Vimeo, Facebook, Dailymotion™, Metacafe™, etc.)
Possible drawbacks:
- Windows only.
- Interface can feel cluttered.
How I selected the best YouTube downloaders
I’ve been reviewing software and apps for over five years, and I follow a consistent process. For YouTube downloaders, I focused on these key questions:
- Is this service reliable? I test every available feature to assess functionality, convenience, and speed. I check for app stability under heavy loads, download and processing speeds, and general performance.
- Am I satisfied with the video quality? I evaluate whether the app supports high-quality downloads in 4K and 8K, and if it maintains quality without degradation.
- Does it offer additional features? Sometimes downloading a video from YouTube isn’t enough. I look for features like subtitle extraction, audio downloads, and format conversion.
- Is it safe? For Setapp apps like Permute and Downie, I rely on Setapp’s rigorous selection process. For others, I look into data security, known breaches, and user reviews, and highlight any concerns if they arise.
- Is the price worth the quality? I’m open to paying for an app license, but I expect more than just basic downloads — for example, playlist support, video trimming, and other editing options.
Based on these criteria and my experience with YouTube downloaders, this top list was compiled.
How to choose a YouTube downloader that works for you
While choosing the best free YouTube downloader, focus on your priorities. Do you need a tool with the most extensive file format support? Is 4K quality a must? Do you need a trimming feature or batch downloads?
Truth be told, most of the reviewed YT video downloaders don't have it all. However, you try and find a combination that works perfectly for you. For Mac users, I recommend Downie and Pulltube — together, they should meet all your YouTube download and editing requirements.
You can get them both for $9.99/month on Setapp — an app subscription service that opens up access to 250+ apps for Mac and iPhone. Try Setapp for 7 days free so you can figure out which one works best for you.
FAQ
How to use YouTube downloader?
The most common method is to copy and paste the video link into the downloader app. Some tools also provide browser extensions that let you capture videos while browsing the web. More advanced apps often come with a built-in browser, so you can search for videos right in the app.
Is YouTube downloader legal?
Many apps with video download features, such as Downie and Pulltube, are safe. Legality depends on how you use the downloaded content and may differ by country. Generally, it’s illegal to distribute or monetize copyrighted content. However, using small video fragments for non-commercial purposes, like illustration, is often allowed.
Note: Online downloaders sometimes include ads, which could carry malware, so proceed with caution.
What is the best YouTube downloader?
Which is the best YouTube video downloader?
Security-tested
