The Best YouTube to MP3 Converters
by Emma Baker, Senior Editor | Published February 15th, 2024 | Reviewed by Ted Wilson, Systems Engineer
Whether it’s the latest music hits, insightful podcasts, or educational videos, sometimes all I need is the audio track, not a video to watch. However, with so many options available, selecting the right converter can be daunting.
This guide aims to provide a detailed comparison of top converters, which include Y2Mate, Wave.Video, and YouTube-dl.
Y2Mate Review - the Easiest to Use
Y2Mate is great for in fast conversion speeds while maintaining a decent audio quality. This balance is best for most people – if you don’t need extremely high quality or in depth editing features, I suggest you use Y2Mate.
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Is Y2Mate Fast to Use?
One of Y2Mate’s biggest strengths is its conversion speed. Because there isn’t a lot of fine tuning involved with this tool (which can be a negative thing for those looking for editing and adjusting features) this tool is great for quick conversions.
However, while the audio quality of the converted files is generally good, it won’t give you a high quality audio output. Audiophiles, this isn’t the tool for you.
Y2Mate Convertability
Y2Mate offers MP3, MP4, WEBM, and 3GP, which is great for users looking for a bit of versatility.
Additionally, Y2Mate’s compatibility with other streaming websites like Facebook and Dailymotion, which does set it apart from many converters that can only use YouTube to download audio.
Is Y2Mate a Safe Tool?
Y2Mate is a safe tool to use. However, I encourage you to follow online safety steps to ensure this for yourself.
Wave.Video - the Best for Safety
Wave.Video is another relatively straightforward YouTube to MP3 converter, but it offers many other tools for users to use, such as free videos, content templates, and video editing software. I have never gotten a pop-up ad while using Wave.Video, and all the downloads have been just as expected, with no hidden malware or .exe files.
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Is Wave.Video Easy to Use?
Yes. Wave.Video has a straightforward user interface. Its no-nonsense approach is a breath of fresh air compared to the usual YouTube to MP3 downloaders to throw ad after ad at you.
The process to download videos is as simple as it gets: paste the YouTube URL, click convert, and the file is ready for download.
What are Wave.Video's Features?
Wave.Video’s features include:
- a wide array of formats that can be downloaded from YouTube audio (including MP4, M4V, WebM, AVI, MKV, WMV, MOV, M4V, M2TS, TSV, and TS),
- a web-based platform, which means there are no downloads needed of software other than the final audio clip.
- safety and privacy – the tool promises the absence of spyware or adware, and offers its services for free without the nuisance of ads or the risk of data selling.
Platform Compatibility
In terms of platform compatibility, Wave.Video’s YouTube to MP3 converter is accessible directly through the web, meaning it’s compatible with any device that has a web browser. This means that users can convert videos to MP3 files from desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones without the need for specific software or applications.
Is Wave.Video Safe?
Wave.Video is a safe tool. However, the risks associated with free online converters, such as malware or unwanted software, are important to consider; feel free to do your own research if you’re still unsure.
YouTube-dl - the Highest Quality
YouTube-dl is a free and open-source download manager designed for downloading video and audio from YouTube and over 1,000 other video hosting websites. It was initially released in 2006 and is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
The tool is written in Python and can be used through a command-line interface. youtube-dl supports downloading videos in various formats and qualities, allowing users to choose according to their needs. It also offers features for downloading playlists, extracting audio, and selecting specific video qualities.
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YouTube-dl User Experience
For those comfortable with terminal commands, YouTube-dl offers a powerful and flexible downloading tool that can be customized to fit specific needs. Its extensive range of commands and options allows for precise control over the downloading process.
However, for people who are less used to command-line interfaces, the initial learning curve is steep. However, there is a lot of information online that helps with how to use YouTube-dl if you are new.
What are YouTube-dl's Features?
Among its many features, YouTube-dl supports downloading videos in various resolutions and formats, extracting audio from video files, and accessing content from geo-restricted areas using proxy servers.
It allows users to specify output file names and paths, making it easier to organize downloaded content.
Advanced features include the ability to download subtitles, automatic retries on download failure, and the option to specify video quality manually or opt for the best available quality.
These YouTube to MP3 converters offer a range of functionalities to suit different user needs. From simple, user-friendly interfaces to advanced features for audio quality and versatility, there is a converter for everyone.