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8 safe and (mostly) free YouTube video downloaders
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If you want to download YouTube videos and play them offline, there are several options available. In this article, we’ll tell you about some of the best YouTube downloader apps and extensions on the market, including several options that are completely free to use.

Best YouTube Downloaders

  • 4K Video Downloader Plus is the safest and most user-friendly option, but the free version is limited.
  • Several popular YouTube downloaders, including 5K Player and YouTube Video Downloader, are completely free.
  • YouTube Premium includes a download feature but is more limited than many third-party options.
1

4K Video Downloader Plus

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  1. Many users recommend 4K Video Downloader Plus, which is a safe and free option for downloading YouTube videos. 4K Video Downloader Plus is an app for Windows, Mac, Ubuntu, and Android. To download a video from YouTube, copy the video’s URL, then open the app and click or tap Paste Link.[1]
    • Download the app from 4kdownload's website.
    • The basic version of 4K Video Downloader is free, but there are limits on how many videos you can download per day. There are also subscription plans available with more features and fewer limits.
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4

Any Video Converter

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  1. While Any Video Converter is primarily a video converting and editing app, it also has the capability to download videos from YouTube. It works for both Mac and Windows.[2] You’ll need to log in with your YouTube account to download videos that contain age-restricted content.
    • Download Any Video Converter from Any Video Converter's website.
    • While the basic version of Any Video Converter is free, there’s also a paid version that offers additional features.
    • Some reviews report that the installer for Any Video Converter may include unwanted software, such as a security program that changes your browser’s default search engine. When you install this app, click Check here to customize the installation, then uncheck the box next to the offer to install ByteFence.
6

Open Video Downloader

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  1. Open Video Downloader is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It claims to be able to download videos from more than 1000 sources, including YouTube. It will also allow you to download up to 32 videos at once.
    • Download Open Video Downloader from their website.
    • The website should automatically detect your operating system and link you to the correct version of the app. If it doesn’t, click Other versions underneath the Download link.
    • Open the install file and follow the prompts to install and start using Open Video Downloader.
7

MediaHuman YouTube Downloader

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  1. While you need to pay for this app if you want to use it long-term, it comes with a generous free trial period. MediaHuman’s YouTube Downloader works on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu. It has a reputation for being safe and easy to use. Some of its most popular features include the ability to download whole playlists and channels, support for ultra-high resolution formats, and the ability to extract audio from your downloads and save it separately as MP3 files. To get it:
    • Download MediaHuman's YouTube Downloader from their website.
    • Click the Download button at the bottom of the screen to download and try the app for free, or select Purchase to buy it and immediately get access to the full program.
    • Open the install file and follow the instructions to install and start using the app.
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8

YouTube Premium Downloads

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  1. YouTube offers its own download function if you’re willing to pay for a YouTube Premium subscription. However, be aware that there are some limitations—for example, you can’t download videos at 4K resolution. The videos also won't be downloaded to your device, but will be available for offline viewing in the YouTube app or on the YouTube website.
    • Videos that you download this way will be available to play offline for up to 29 days. After that, you’ll have to reconnect to the internet to continue watching them. If they become unavailable on YouTube, they’ll be removed from your device next time you sync with YouTube.[3]

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Warnings

  • The legality of downloading YouTube videos varies depending on the country you live in. For the most part, however, downloading YouTube videos is against YouTube's terms of service, but that doesn't make it intrinsically illegal.[4] If you download a video and only use it for personal use or fair use, you likely won't get in trouble.[5] If you re-upload the video and/or try to make money off of that video, then you may be violating copyright law. Look up the laws regarding your specific country or region online.
  • Many YouTube downloaders are unsafe. They may try to install malware on your computer or redirect you to sites that are dangerous. Only use a YouTube downloader that you trust and feel safe using.
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About This Article

Yaffet Meshesha
Co-authored by:
Computer Specialist
This article was co-authored by Yaffet Meshesha and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Dillon. Yaffet Meshesha is a Computer Specialist and the Founder of Techy, a full-service computer pickup, repair, and delivery service. With over eight years of experience, Yaffet specializes in computer repairs and technical support. Techy has been featured on TechCrunch and Time. This article has been viewed 92,019 times.
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Co-authors: 10
Updated: September 25, 2025
Views: 92,019
Categories: YouTube
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