YouTube is a widely used video-sharing platform that allows users to watch, like, comment on, and upload videos. These videos can be accessed from desktop computers, tablets, smartphones, and laptops. However, downloading these videos can be challenging without YouTube Premium, which still doesn’t allow for local storage of downloaded content.
To download YouTube videos, users can utilize video downloader tools that offer various formats such as MP3 and MP4. These user-friendly applications cater to different resolution preferences, whether high or low.
Here’s a curated list of top YouTube video downloader tools, including both open-source (free) and commercial (paid) software. Each tool’s notable features and website links are provided for your convenience.
List of Top YouTube Video Downloader software
(1) iTubeGo:
In my view, iTubeGO is an excellent tool for downloading YouTube videos. It features a built-in converter that transforms videos into MP3, MP4, 4K, and HD MP4 formats. This tool has been instrumental in my converting videos to MP3 (audio), downloading entire YouTube playlists in one go, and managing multiple downloads simultaneously.
iTubeGO also supports a variety of audio and video formats. When you download a video, it automatically searches for subtitles for TV series and movies online. It is compatible with downloading content from YouTube, Netflix, Facebook, Instagram, Dailymotion, Vimeo, the BBC, and several other platforms.
(2) Y2mate:
Y2Mate is a popular online YouTube video downloader tool that allows users to download videos and audio from various websites, including YouTube. It supports various formats, such as MP4, MP3, and more, catering to different needs for video and audio quality. The tool is designed to be straightforward, making it easy for users to paste a URL and start the download process. Y2Mate can be accessed from various devices, including desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones. Users can choose from different resolutions, including HD and 4K, depending on the original video quality.
(3) By Click Downloader:
In my review of By Click Downloader, I found that it provides a very straightforward method for downloading videos, coupled with some advanced features. These include the ability to download entire playlists, live streams, and subtitles. The software automatically detects when you are watching a video in your browser and lets you download it with just a single click. The process is smooth and immediate. Additionally, it offers the convenience of downloading videos directly while you view them in your browser.
(4) YT1s:
I checked out YT1s, a YouTube downloader app that allows you to download videos and audio from over 1,000 websites. It features a built-in video trimmer that makes cutting clips straightforward. I found it to be both effective and user-friendly. With YT1s, you can download content from more than 10,000 popular sites. The software supports audio bitrates up to 320kbps and provides options for syncing videos to Dropbox and Google Drive.
(4) SnapTube:
SnapTube is a free Android app that lets you download videos from YouTube, as well as from other popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. I’m a big fan of the SnapTube app. One of the standout features I appreciate is the ability to select different quality settings for video downloads. I also like the app’s user interface, which displays multiple columns for easy navigation. Videos are organized into categories such as shorts, new releases, and popular videos, making it simple to browse and find content to download. Additionally, the search bar is handy for quickly locating specific videos.