The 12 Best Video Downloader Apps in 2023 [Free + Paid]

We consume video content every single day. Video is everywhere — whether in short form or long form on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Even online learning platforms use videos to deliver lectures and lessons.

According to the PEW Research Center, 2 in 10 adults report watching a video online today. It’s no wonder that video downloading has become an essential part of our lives. And with the increasing availability of high-quality videos, it should be no surprise that more people are looking for reliable video-downloading software.

Finding the best video downloader can be challenging, with many options, including lots that pose a security risk. That’s why we researched the 12 best video downloader apps in 2023, including free and paid options for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Note that this list discusses downloading videos that are already online. If you want to convert videos from older formats, check out something like Vidbox Video Conversion Suite. It converts VHS, Beta, and 8mm to digital formats.

How To Choose the Best Video Downloader

To help us assemble this list of the best video downloaders, we considered several factors, as shown below. We also took extra care to ensure we didn’t focus on the best video downloader for PC with Windows 10 or 11 but that we also catered to Mac and Linux users.

• Cost: We looked for various price points, including free, very cheap, and expensive options.
• Functionality: We emphasized options that allow users to download various file types and formats, with bonus points if a downloader offered extra functionality.
• Safety and Reliability: We only selected trustworthy video downloaders where we could be certain that there was no risk of bad actors behind the scenes.
• Accessibility: We looked for downloaders that were available on multiple platforms.
• Existing users: We examined user reviews and consulted online communities like Reddit.

The 12 Best Video Downloaders in 2023

1. ByClick Downloader

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

If you’re looking for a YouTube video downloader for a PC on Windows 10 or 11, the ByClick Downloader is a great option.

Our in-depth research into this tool found that it is safe to use and offers plenty of valuable features. For example, this tool can download from 40+ websites, save high-resolution videos, and use various file formats.

ByClick Downloader is a free video downloader for PC, but you can upgrade to the premium version for a small fee and access more features.

Pros

• Available for free
• Premium version is affordable
• Downloads from over 40 websites
• Access to updates in perpetuity

Cons

• Certain features are hidden behind a paywall
• Free version is ad-supported

2. 4K Video Downloader

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

What 4K Video Downloader lacks in name creativity, it completely makes up for in features and ease of use. Our research indicates that, yes, this tool is a contender for the best 4k video downloader for PC. However, it’s also available on macOS and Linux.

You can use the ad-supported Free tier, but to access the many fantastic features available, you’ll need the paid version. Some of the features include an in-app proxy setup, support for some of the most popular video websites, and a smart mode feature to make it even easier to use.

Pros

• Offers many features not found in other apps
• Available on multiple platforms
• Incredibly user-friendly
• Free forever plan available

Cons

• Many features locked behind a paywall
• Pro plan is pricey

3. CleverGet Video Downloader

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

CleverGet offers a wide variety of products, including its Video Downloader, and our findings show that this video downloader is available for both PC on Windows 10 and also macOS.

This fast YouTube app downloader isn’t the cheapest, but it’s chock-full of features. It allows you to download videos in up to 8K, multitask, extract video information, download playlists, and more.

Pros

• Supports multitasking
• Download from 1000+ sites
• Up to 8K resolution
• Download playlists
• Available on Windows and macOS

Cons

• On the pricier side

4. iTubeGo YouTube Downloader

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

If you’re looking for a free YouTube video downloader for PC Windows 10 (or Macs), iTubeGo might be worth a look — at least if you only need to download one or two videos. The free version is limited, but the app’s lifetime version isn’t the priciest we’ve seen. 

Based on our observations, iTube Go has a lot to offer in terms of features. You can bulk download from over 1k websites and save in all sorts of file formats. Plus, they also have an Android version (purchased separately).

Pros

• Free version available
• Also allows you to download subtitles
• Save from 1000+ websites
• Bulk downloading

Cons

• Confusing pricing model
• Free version is extremely limited

5. SnapDownloader

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

SnapDownloader is another video app downloader for PC that works on both Windows and macOS. Our research showed that while it’s only got a 48-hour free trial, you will enjoy all of its features with the trial.

With this tool, you can download from over 900 websites, use the built-in video trimmer, convert to other formats, bulk download, schedule downloads, and more.

Pros

• Up to 8K resolution
• Downloads from 900+ websites
• Also converts videos to other formats
• Download YouTube playlists and channels
• Built-in proxy setup

Cons

• Free trial is only for 48 hours
• Not the cheapest

6. ClipGrab

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

There’s not much else for us to say about ClipGrab other than it’s free! So if you’re looking for a free video downloader for PC on Windows 10, macOS, or Linux, give ClipGrab a shot.

Our testing showed that while it’s not as feature-rich as the other options on this list, it does allow you to convert file formats as well.

Pros

• Free
• Convert video formats
• Available on Windows, macOS, Linux

Cons

• Few officially supported websites

7. aTube Catcher

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

aTube Catcher is another YouTube downloader for PC Windows 10 (and other versions). Our findings show that while its user interface looks and feels a bit dated, it completely makes up for that in utility. 

Not only will Windows users enjoy the ability to download and convert videos from the internet, but they’ll also have access to other features, such as audio or screen recording.

Pros

• Free!
• Download and convert videos
• Screen record
• Audio record

Cons

• Windows only
• UI can feel slightly overwhelming and dated

8. JDownloader

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

JDownloader is absolutely in contention for the best YouTube video downloader for PC, whether you’re running Windows, macOS, or Linux. This tool is free and open source and has a huge and active community behind it.

Based on our extensive testing, this video downloader has many features you can enjoy, including the ability to start, stop, and pause your downloads, automatically extract archives, set your bandwidth limitations, and more.

Pros

• Free and open source
• Has an active community in case you need support
• On Windows, macOS, and Linux

Cons

• Not as many features as other tools

9. HitPaw Video Converter and HD Video Downloader

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

Our research into this video downloader revealed that while it is expensive, its friendly user interface and unique features may be worth it for users who seek to download, convert, and edit their videos.

And what makes this tool so unique is the fact that it includes a few smart AI-Powered tools to help expand your creativity.

Pros

• Uniquely AI-Powered, it has smart built-in AI tools
• Save and convert videos and music/audio
• Built-in video editing tools
• Batch compress

Cons

• Expensive

10. VideoProc Converter

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

VideoProc Converter is another YouTube video downloader software for PC. It works on Windows and Macs and has a free version available. For more features and to work with longer videos, you’ll need to pay for a license.

From our tests, we found that VideoProc Converter works well for downloading videos from the Internet. However, it also has more features, allowing you to compress, convert, and edit videos. The tool also allows you to record your screen!

Pros

• Decent free version available
• Allows for batch tasks
• Uses GPU acceleration where possible to speed up processing
• Tons of features

Cons

• Expensive

11. yt-dlp

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

Yt-dlp is an open-source command-line program for downloading videos and audio from various websites, including the most popular platforms. It’s a fork of the popular youtube-dl program, a Youtube video downloader for Windows and other platforms.

Our findings show that as an online video downloader for PC, Windows 10 or otherwise, yt-dlp offers a number of features, including support for downloading restricted videos, optimized codebase for improved speed and performance, downloading 4K and 8K resolution videos, enhanced subtitle downloading and downloading metadata and thumbnails for videos.

Pros

• Free and open source
• Available on different platforms
• Download up to 8K resolution
• Download restricted videos

Cons

• Doesn’t have as many features as other tools
• Less user-friendly unless you’re comfortable with the command line

12. Wondershare AllMyTube

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Why We Chose This Video Downloader

Wondershare is a company that’s known for its editing software Filmora. But our research showed that they also offer AllMyTube, a video downloader and converter with features to help you do what you need with your media. 

There’s a free version that works on a limited basis. But to access more features, such as playlist downloading, video optimization, audio extraction, wireless transfer, and the ability to download from more websites, you’ll need to pay for the licensed version.

Pros

• Limited free version available
• Easy to use, friendly user interface
• Download and convert your audio and videos
• Play videos in the window
• Record your screen

Cons

• Not the cheapest
• Downloading from other websites locked behind paywall

What Are Video Downloaders?

Video downloaders are software tools that allow users to download videos from the internet onto their devices. They are designed to make saving videos from popular websites like YouTube, Vimeo, and DailyMotion easy.

It's important to bear in mind that not all video downloaders are created equal! Some are safe and efficient, while others can risk your privacy and security, with some tools and websites including malicious ads or risky files that can install malware, so only use a safe and trustworthy tool like those in our list.

Now, as for whether it's legal to download videos from the internet, the answer is not always clear-cut. There are certain circumstances where it’s legal to download videos, but in other cases, it can be against the terms of service of certain video-sharing websites.

Our advice is to check the specific laws in your jurisdiction and the website's terms of service before downloading any videos.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right audio-video downloader can be problematic, especially if you don’t know where to look. With so many options available, it can be challenging to tell whether a tool is safe and trustworthy or if it poses a risk to your system.

That’s why we took the time to explore the market and test a wide range of video downloaders. After conducting this research, we were able to narrow down our list to the 12 best video downloader apps in 2023. 

We also made sure to include a range of free and paid options for Windows, Mac, and Linux users. So whatever your system or price preference, there’s bound to be something for you on our list.

Happy downloading!

Interested in learning how to code in a fun way? Check out:

The Best Coding Apps in 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is It Legal to Grab Videos Online?

It depends. It can be legal depending on the video you are downloading and how you intend to use it. Generally, copyright-protected videos are illegal to download without express permission.

However, there are some exceptions. For example, it is perfectly legal to download videos if they are in the public domain or if the specific copyright license allows it.

2. How Do I Ensure Safety While Downloading Videos Online?

When grabbing videos online, you can do a few things to avoid risks, like download only from reputable websites, use the best video downloader for your needs, use antivirus software, avoid clicking on pop-up ads, and check the file type before you open it — avoid .exe or .bat!

3. How Does a Video Grabbing Tool Function?

Video grabbing tools allow you to capture video data streamed from websites or platforms, then save it onto your computer. Generally, they work by first detecting the URL of the video you want, then extracting the video data (audio and video) from the source code. The tools may convert the file to a specific type you need before making it available for you to download.

4. How Do I Choose a Great Video Downloader for Windows?

If you need a program for YouTube downloads for Windows 10 or 11, you have plenty of choices, including our editor’s favorites of iTubeGo, CleverGet, and ClipGrab. Each of these can download from YouTube, but please check whether you have permission to do so beforehand!

5. Which Are the Best Video Downloaders for PC?

Because everyone has their own needs and preferences, choosing the best video downloader for PC is quite a challenging task. However, we can strongly recommend any of the video downloaders in the list above, each of which was researched extensively.

6. How Do I Download a YouTube Video?

If you need to do a YouTube video download for PC on Windows 10 or 11, the answer is simple — use any of the best programs to download videos we’ve listed in the article above!

7. How Do You Save Videos from YouTube to Your Phone?

To save videos from YouTube to your phone, you can use a third-party app like NewPipe or SongTube, which both work as YouTube clients on Android. For iPhone, you would need to sideload third-party apps.

8. What Formats Are Supported by Video Download Applications?

When you use a YouTube video downloader for Windows 10 or 11 (or macOS), you can download your video in different file formats. These formats include MP4 (MPEG-4), AVI (Audio Video Interleave), FLV (Flash Video), WMV (Windows Media Video), MOV (QuickTime Movie), and MKV (Matroska Video). Not all downloaders support all formats.

9. Is It Legal to Download YouTube Videos?

The most likely answer is no. YouTube videos are generally copyright-protected, so you should avoid downloading videos from the platform unless the creator gives permission. The same goes for any other platform unless the video is appropriately licensed for sharing.

10. What Video Quality Should I Download?

It depends on a few factors, such as your internet speed, the amount of storage space you have available, your display, and your intended use. You’ll want to go for at least 720p or 1080p for presentations or if you want to display on monitors or smaller TVs. But if you have a 2K or 4K display, aim for 1080p and above.

11. What Are Video to WAV Converters?

Video to WAV converters allow you to convert video files to WAV (Waveform Audio) audio files. That means you'll lose the video and only have the audio if you use one to convert your file. This can be useful if you simply need to extract the audio from a video.

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