Best YouTube to MP3 Converters 2026 — Free & Paid
Converting YouTube videos to MP3 is the most common reason people look for a downloader — but not all converters are created equal. We tested six tools for audio quality, bitrate options, conversion speed, and whether they actually keep your device safe from ads and malware.
Last updated: April 2026
Quick Verdict
Best free web-based converter
BlackHole
BlackHole extracts clean MP3 audio with no ads, no installation, and a simple paste-and-go interface.
Best for audio quality
yt-dlp
yt-dlp can extract native audio streams at up to 320kbps with full control over codec and bitrate settings.
Best privacy-focused option
Cobalt
Cobalt is open-source, ad-free, and never stores your data — the cleanest no-account audio extraction tool available.
Best desktop converter
4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader offers reliable batch audio extraction from entire playlists with a clean, polished desktop interface.
Feature Comparison
| Tool | Max Audio Quality | No Ads | No Install | Batch Conversion | 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) |
| Cobalt | 4K | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Free (open-source) |
| Y2Mate | 1080p | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | Free |
| ClipGrab | 4K | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Free |
In-Depth Breakdown
BlackHole
WebBest free web-based converterPros
- ✓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 converterPros
- ✓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 audio qualityPros
- ✓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
Cobalt
WebBest privacy-focused optionPros
- ✓Completely ad-free and privacy-focused — no tracking
- ✓Open-source and self-hostable for full control
- ✓Clean, minimal UI with no dark patterns
Cons
- ✗No batch or playlist downloads
- ✗No user accounts or download history
- ✗Smaller platform list than yt-dlp or BlackHole
Y2Mate
WebPros
- ✓No signup required for quick one-off downloads
- ✓Supports MP3 audio extraction from YouTube
- ✓Simple, familiar UI for casual users
Cons
- ✗Original domain seized by IFPI; many clones carry malware
- ✗Aggressive pop-ups and fake download buttons
- ✗No support for TikTok, Instagram, or other modern platforms
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 to MP3 converter in 2026?▾
Are YouTube to MP3 converters safe to use?▾
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Can I convert an entire YouTube playlist to MP3?▾
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