Best YouTube Playlist Downloaders 2026
Downloading an entire YouTube playlist one video at a time is impractical — you need a tool that handles the whole URL at once. We tested six playlist downloaders, comparing how many videos they can handle, whether they skip existing files on re-runs, and how they handle quality selection across mixed-quality playlists.
Last updated: April 2026
Quick Verdict
Best free web-based option
BlackHole
BlackHole Pro supports playlist downloads with batch mode — the only browser-based tool with genuine playlist support and no ads.
Best desktop playlist downloader
4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader handles playlists up to thousands of videos with smart duplicate skipping and up to 8K quality.
Best for scripted/automated downloads
yt-dlp
yt-dlp's `--download-archive` flag skips already-downloaded videos — perfect for syncing playlists on a schedule.
Best open-source desktop option
JDownloader
JDownloader's link grabber automatically expands playlist URLs into individual video queues with full scheduling control.
Feature Comparison
| Tool | Playlist URL Support | Channel Downloads | Skip Existing Files | Max Quality | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlackHole#1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | 4K | Free (1/day) / $19.99/yr Pro |
| 4K Video Downloader | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 8K | Free (limited) / $15/yr |
| yt-dlp | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 8K | Free (open-source) |
| JDownloader | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4K | Free (open-source) |
| SnapDownloader | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 8K | $29.99/yr |
| ClipGrab | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | 4K | Free |
In-Depth Breakdown
BlackHole
WebBest free web-based optionPros
- ✓No ads, clean interface — no malware risk
- ✓Supports 10+ platforms including TikTok and Instagram
- ✓Desktop app with unlimited downloads on Pro
Cons
- ✗Free tier limited to 1 download/day at 480p
- ✗Requires free account signup
4K Video Downloader
DesktopBest desktop playlist downloaderPros
- ✓Supports up to 8K resolution and 360° videos
- ✓Reliable playlist and channel downloads
- ✓Clean interface with subtitle extraction
Cons
- ✗Requires installation on Windows/Mac/Linux
- ✗Free plan limited to 30 downloads/day and fewer platforms
- ✗No browser-based access — can't use on mobile or shared devices
yt-dlp
CliBest for scripted/automated downloadsPros
- ✓Supports 1000+ sites — widest platform coverage of any tool
- ✓Fully customizable: quality, format, subtitles, metadata, filters
- ✓Actively maintained with frequent YouTube bot-detection workarounds
Cons
- ✗Command-line only — requires technical knowledge to use
- ✗No GUI: must install Python and run terminal commands
- ✗Ongoing maintenance needed as platforms update their anti-bot measures
JDownloader
DesktopBest open-source desktop optionPros
- ✓Best-in-class batch and queue management for power users
- ✓Supports hundreds of file hosts and video platforms
- ✓Highly configurable with scheduling, bandwidth limits, and plugins
Cons
- ✗Java-based desktop app with a dated, complex interface
- ✗Setup is time-consuming for non-technical users
- ✗Requires installation and Java runtime on every machine
SnapDownloader
DesktopPros
- ✓Polished desktop UI with built-in scheduler and queue
- ✓Supports playlist, channel, and batch URL downloads
- ✓Fast parallel downloads with proxy support
Cons
- ✗No free tier — paid-only after trial
- ✗Requires installation; no web or mobile access
- ✗Pricier than alternatives with similar platform support
ClipGrab
DesktopPros
- ✓Lightweight and straightforward — no bloat or complex settings
- ✓Built-in search so you can find videos without opening a browser
- ✓Supports format conversion to MP4, MP3, OGG, and more
Cons
- ✗No batch download support — one video at a time
- ✗Limited to four platforms; no TikTok or Instagram
- ✗Infrequently updated; may break with YouTube changes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best YouTube playlist downloader in 2026?▾
Can I download an entire YouTube channel with these tools?▾
What happens if a playlist download is interrupted?▾
How long does it take to download a 100-video playlist?▾
Can I download a YouTube playlist to MP3 only?▾
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