YouTube is the most popular video sharing platform, where billions of videos are watched every day. Sometimes you may want to download a YouTube video to watch offline on your phone, tablet, or computer. However, YouTube does not have a built-in downloader. So you need to use a third party Youtube video downloader. In this article, I list the top 8 YouTube video downloaders in 2023 that allow you to download videos from YouTube easily and for free.
YouTube Video Downloader Review?
With so many downloaders to choose from, how do you know which one is the best? When reviewing and comparing Youtube video downloaders, here are some key factors to consider:
- Downloading speed – How fast it can download videos in different resolutions
- Video format support – What file formats it can convert and save videos into
- Device compatibility – Can it download videos for any device like iPhone, Android, etc.
- Adware-free – No bundled software or ads injected into downloaded videos
- User interface – Easy to use and intuitive controls for beginners
- Legal – Does not violate YouTube terms of service or copyright laws
By comparing downloaders across these criteria, you can determine which one best fits your needs and requirements.
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
According to YouTube’s Terms of Service, you are allowed to download videos for your personal, non-commercial use. However, downloading content solely to re-upload or redistribute could be infringement of copyright. YouTube states that “you shall not download any Content unless you see a “download” or similar link displayed by YouTube on the Service for that Content.”
So in summary – it is legal to download YouTube videos for your own offline viewing, but not for commercial use or re-distribution without permission from the content owner. The downloaders listed here are for personal use only.
What’s the difference between Online YouTube downloaders and desktop apps?
There are two main types of YouTube video downloaders:
Online downloaders – Allow you to paste in a YouTube video URL to download the video directly through your web browser. No software install needed, but offer less features.
Desktop apps – Download and install software onto your computer to give you full access to more downloading options and the ability to convert formats.
Online downloaders are quick and convenient for one-off downloads, while desktop apps give you more control for frequent downloading. This list includes both varieties.
How to Download Youtube Video
Downloading YouTube videos is a straightforward process with most tools:
- Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download
- Go to the downloader’s website or open the app
- Paste the video URL into the search bar
- Select your desired resolution (1080p HD, 720p, etc.)
- Click the “Download” button and save the video file to your device
- The video will download to your computer or phone.
Now let’s look at the top 8 video downloaders for YouTube.
Top 8 youtube video downloaders in the USA [2023 List]
| Name | Platform | Key Features |
| SaveFrom.rip | Windows, Online | Up to 8K resolution, subtitles, playlists |
| youtube2MP3.pro | Windows，Online | Batch download, convert formats |
| ClipGrab | Windows | Simple interface, MP3 audio |
| VideoProc | Windows, Mac | Built-in converter, 1,000+ sites |
| FLVTO | Online | MP3 conversion, ID3 tags |
| DVDVideoSoft | Online | No signup required |
| iTubeGo | Windows, Mac | 4K/8K, select streams |
| WinX YouTube Downloader | Windows | 4K MP4 or 1080p, MP3 audio |
1. SaveFrom.rip
SaveFrom.rip is a free and open source downloader tool that allows downloading of videos from YouTube and other sites. It has a simple interface that makes it easy for beginners to use.
One of the most useful features of SaveFrom is its ability to download entire YouTube playlists and channels at once. You can download all the videos from a playlist with a single click, rather than having to manually select each video. This saves a tremendous amount of time when downloading multiple videos.
Advantages:
- Downloads videos very quickly even at high resolutions up to 8K.
- Can download subtitles and metadata along with videos.
- Works on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.
Disadvantages:
- Cannot convert to different formats after downloading.
- Limited to downloading from YouTube and a few other sites.
2. youtube2mp3.pro
youtube2mp3.pro is a powerful desktop application for Windows that makes converting YouTube to mp3 easy. It can convert Youtube to MP3 quickly with its accelerated download engine.
One of the handiest features of youtube2mp3.pro is its ability to download multiple videos from a playlist simultaneously. You can paste a list of video URLs or a playlist URL and batch download them all at the same time instead of one by one. This saves a lot of time.
Advantages:
- Fast download speeds for quick batch downloading entire playlists.
- Can convert downloaded videos into different file formats.
- Allows downloading videos from many sites besides just YouTube.
Disadvantages:
- The interface contains some ads and promotional links.
- Requires downloading and installing desktop software.
3. ClipGrab
ClipGrab is a free and lightweight downloader tool that specializes in saving YouTube videos in MP3 audio format. It has a clean and intuitive interface that is very easy to navigate.
The most useful feature of ClipGrab is its ability to extract the audio track from a YouTube video and save it as an MP3. This allows you to listen to the audio from videos offline on your MP3 player or phone. You don’t need the video if you just want the audio.
Advantages:
- Super simple point and click interface to paste URL and download.
- Dedicated option to extract and download just the audio as MP3.
- Completely free with noLimits or upsells.
Disadvantages:
- Only downloads from YouTube, no other sites supported.
- Limited to 720p HD resolution downloads.
- No option to convert to other formats.
4. VideoProc
VideoProc is a unique downloader and converter tool for Windows and Mac. It can download videos from YouTube and 1,000+ other sites in any available resolution.
The most useful feature of VideoProc is its advanced video converter. After downloading, it can convert videos to any format and resolution to make them compatible with all devices like phones, gaming consoles, TVs, and more.
Advantages:
- Downloads high quality videos up to 4K resolution.
- Built-in converter for downloaded videos to any format needed.
- Supports downloading from many sites besides just YouTube.
Disadvantages:
- The free version has limited conversion capabilities.
- Contains some promotional ads on interface.
- Desktop software requires download and installation.
5. FLVTO
FLVTO is a longtime popular online tool for downloading and converting YouTube videos. It has a straightforward interface that lets you copy and paste video URLs to download.
The most useful feature of FLVTO is its ability to convert YouTube videos into MP3 audio files. It grabs the audio track and tags it properly for use in music apps and players.
Advantages:
- Fast downloader optimized for saving as MP3 audio files.
- Automatically adds ID3 tags to downloaded MP3s.
- Streamlined web interface with no clutter or advertising.
Disadvantages:
- Can only download videos from YouTube and Facebook.
- Max resolution limited to 1080p HD downloads.
- No option to convert to other formats besides MP3.
6. DVDVideoSoft Free YouTube Download
DVDVideoSoft offers an entirely free online tool for downloading YouTube videos through your web browser. No software install is needed to start downloading.
The most useful feature of DVDVideoSoft is it needs no signup or login. You can immediately start pasting in video URLs to download without creating any account. This makes it easy to quickly grab videos anonymously.
Advantages:
- Totally free downloader with no signup required.
- Downloads closed captions and thumbnail previews along with videos.
- Simple point and click interface.
Disadvantages:
- Contains display ads on the page interface.
- Max resolution limited to 1080p HD quality.
- No advanced conversion options.
7. iTubeGo YouTube Downloader
iTubeGo is a desktop app for Windows and Mac that offers advanced downloading and conversion options. It can download YouTube videos in any resolution up to 4K and even 8K.
The most useful feature of iTubeGo is its ability to select specific audio and video streams within a YouTube video to download. You can download only the part you want.
Advantages:
- Downloads high quality 4K and 8K videos.
- Can select specific streams in a video to download.
- Built-in converter, metadata editor, and playback tools.
Disadvantages:
- Requires a paid version for full features.
- Contains some promotional ads in the interface.
- Desktop app needs installing on your device.
8. WinX YouTube Downloader
WinX YouTube Downloader is an easy to use tool optimized for downloading from the latest YouTube site design. It grabs videos in original quality up to 4K MP4 or 1080p HD.
The most useful feature of WinX is its ability to extract and download only the audio track from videos as MP3 files. This allows saving just the audio content.
Advantages:
- Downloads very quickly while keeping original quality.
- Can extract and download MP3 audio files.
- Supports downloading full YouTube playlists.
Disadvantages:
- Can only download from YouTube, no other sites supported.
- No advanced editing or conversion features.
- Lacks some convenience features of premium tools.
Why SaveFrom.rip is the best Youtube Video Downloader?
While the downloaders reviewed above are all great options, SaveFrom.rip stands out as the best overall YouTube video downloader available today. Here’s why:
- Ultra-fast downloading speeds – parallel downloading enables high speeds
- Download in any available resolution up to 4K
- Keep original video quality and format
- Option to convert to other formats like MP3 audio
- Extract and download audio tracks from videos
- User friendly interface with no distracting ads
- Download caption and metadata along with videos
- Available completely for free without signup
- Does not include any bundled adware or malware
SaveFrom.rip combines speed, quality, and ease of use with a streamlined experience. The simple web page lets you focus on fast downloading in your desired format every time. As long as you avoid illegal distribution, SaveFrom.rip can download practically any video from YouTube quickly and for free.
Last word
Downloading YouTube videos enables you to save your favorite videos, music, movies, and more for offline playback anytime. It can also convert videos into formats compatible with your devices. The key is using a trusted and legal downloader tool. SaveFrom.rip is my top recommendation based on speed, format options, ease of use, and clean interface without annoyance of ads. Try one of these best YouTube video downloaders in 2023 to access videos when offline.
