7 Best YouTube Video Downloaders (2026) — Tested
YouTube makes it easy to watch videos online but offers no built-in way to save them for offline viewing. We spent weeks testing seven of the most popular YouTube downloaders — evaluating download speed, video quality, safety, and ease of use — so you can pick the right tool without the guesswork.
Last updated: April 2026
Quick Verdict
Best free web-based option
BlackHole
No installation, no ads, and up to 4K quality make BlackHole the cleanest browser-based pick for most users.
Best desktop app
4K Video Downloader
Reliable 8K downloads, playlist support, and a polished interface place it ahead of every other desktop tool.
Best for power users
yt-dlp
Unmatched flexibility, 1000+ supported sites, and active maintenance make yt-dlp the gold standard for technical users.
Best for playlists
SnapDownloader
Built-in queue management and fast parallel downloads make SnapDownloader the easiest way to grab entire playlists.
Feature Comparison
| Tool | Max Quality | No Install | Batch Downloads | No Ads | 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) |
| SnapDownloader | 8K | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | $29.99/yr |
| SaveFrom.net | 720p | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Free |
| Y2Mate | 1080p | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Free |
| 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 appPros
- ✓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 power usersPros
- ✓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
SnapDownloader
DesktopBest for playlistsPros
- ✓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
SaveFrom.net
WebPros
- ✓No account or installation required
- ✓Works instantly for basic YouTube downloads
- ✓Long-established brand with broad name recognition
Cons
- ✗Extremely heavy ads and misleading download buttons
- ✗Chrome extension removed from Web Store for policy violations
- ✗Capped at 720p; no TikTok, Twitter/X, or modern platform support
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
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No installation required. Download videos from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and 10+ platforms right in your browser.
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