When you look to download a YouTube video you can find hundreds of options that will work on your desktop or even on your web browser. Not every option is secure and not every option will yield a high-quality result. Finding the best ones can be difficult and you need to know which sites are trustworthy.
That is why doing a little bit of research before using any downloaders is a great move. We’ve found some of the best downloaders that can be trusted for you to use.
What to Look for in a YouTube Video Downloader
Here are factors that I use when I am looking for any program online, not just YouTube video downloaders. Some of these you will have to consider yourself as they regard personal applications.
Compatibility
Just as it is important with any other type of software, you want to make sure that what you’re downloading is compatible with your computer and its operating system. As a general rule, you will have an easier time finding a YouTube downloader that works with Windows more so than with Mac. Always confirm that you’re getting the right one before you click Download.
Security
It is just as important that you check the security before clicking Download as it is the compatibility. There are many sites out there where the security has been compromised and you are likely to download some sort of virus. One giveaway that you might be getting a virus is a download page that has multiple download buttons to click.
Quality
You want to get the best quality video downloads possible. This is usually easier with a paid version but there are some free downloads that offer HD quality. You will also get the option to download in different formats. With a paid program you will have more options but you could always consider using a video converter to change the file type after the fact.
Pricing
If you are looking for a paid version of a video downloader, you are going to get higher-quality downloads as well as other premium advantages. You will have to decide for some of them how you want to pay. Most options that we found offer subscriptions. However, there are a few that allow for a lifetime license purchase for you to use the program.
The Best YouTube Downloader
With this knowledge of how to go about choosing a YouTube Downloader, you can more easily determine which of these options will work the best for you and your needs.
4K Video Downloader
With any of the paid options that 4K Video Downloader has to offer, you can download unlimited videos every day with 3-7 downloads happening simultaneously. If you opt for the Pro option you have the ability to download YouTube Premium HQ Audio and are even permitted commercial use of the downloads.
Pros:
- Has a limited Free version
- Simultaneous downloads
- One-time purchase
Cons:
- After activating on 3 computers you need a new license
Best for: Multiple downloads
Pricing:
- Free
- Personal – $15
- Pro – $60
Rating: 5/5 stars
SnapDownloader
If you’re looking to download video not just from YouTube but from other popular sites such as Instagram, Facebook or even Vimeo, SnapDownloader has the tools for you. SnapDownloader offers some amazing features for a video downloader. You can download multiple videos at a time, download entire playlists, subtitles and even schedule downloads to happen automatically.
Pros:
- Customization
- Many output formats
- Up to 8K resolution
Cons:
- No free version
Best for: High-quality downloads
Pricing: Subscription
- $3.99 per month
- $19.99 per year
Lifetime license
Personal license – $29.99
Family edition – $54.99
Rating: 5/5 stars
AVC YouTube Video Downloader
AVC is well known for its video convertor and other software. They have 2 programs — one can download Netflix videos and the other can download Amazon videos. Both are paid, but they released a free-to-use YouTube downloader that captures up to 4K results. For free software, it is incredible for anyone not looking to spend any money.
Pros:
- Ad-free
- Guaranteed secure downloads
- Can download and extract audio
- Is available on Mac and PC
Best for: Price
Pricing: Free
Rating: 5/5 stars
Setapp
Through a Setapp subscription, you get access to Pulltube, which is the app that downloads all video types onto your computer. However, you have to have a Setapp subscription for everything. You cannot choose a specific app or tool to limit your cost. You either have it all or nothing. That being said, there are many helpful tools on their list such as an adblocker, task sheet, VPN and much more.
Pros:
- Access to hundreds of apps
- High-quality downloads through Pulltube
- Can download from more than YouTube
Cons:
- Only for Mac
- You cannot pay a smaller amount for a single app
Best for: Mac users
Pricing:
- Monthly – $9.99 per month
- Annual – $8.99 per month
- Family – $19.99 per month
Rating: 4/5 stars
VideoHunter
As far as reliability is concerned, VideoHunter meets every goal that is set. VideoHunter provides the ability to download video from over 1,000 sites beyond YouTube, and you can even download YouTube Playlists. If you are not happy with the format of your video it also has a built-in converter that supports over 20 different popular formats.
Pros:
- Format and quality options
- Up to 8K supported
- Can download video from over 1,000 websites
- Supported on Mac and PC
Cons:
- Strange pricing technique
Best for: Downloading from YouTube and other sites
Pricing:
- 1-month plan – $14.95
- 1-year plan – $19.95
- Lifetime plan – $29.95
Rating: 5/5 stars
Making the Most of Your Media
If you apply the factors of what to look for in a downloader you should be able to determine which choice is right for you. Any of these is a great choice that will provide you with all of the media you could need. It primarily comes down to the price point and the operating system on your computer.
Once you’ve established what you want among these top video downloader options, you should have a clear idea of what you should choose.
