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The 14 Best Free YouTube Downloaders for Mac in 2024Skip to content
Sruthy, with her 10+ years of experience, is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends her creative soul with technical prowess. With a Technical Degree in Graphics Design and Communications and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication, she brings a unique combination of artistic flair…
Are you anxious about effortlessly downloading a YouTube video? Compare and select a tool of your choice from this list of the top YouTube video Downloaders for Mac:
We are living in an era where consumption of digital content is at an all-time high. One platform that’s fueling this trend is undoubtedly YouTube. As of this very moment, YouTube invites and serves over 2 billion active users a month. YouTube is studded with content of all types, catering to people of varying tastes and preferences.
Some of them would like to download and watch these videos later. You may have many reasons to do so. You might want to download the video to create your own transformative content, just like other independent video creators on the platform.
In recent times, I’ve come across many Mac users who wish to download YouTube videos for either archiving or offline viewing. Thankfully, there are a plethora of tools available out there that help you download a YouTube video effortlessly.
If you are looking for a YouTube downloader for Mac, then this guide is for you. Here, I’ll be mentioning top tools that are tailored for Mac users.
Who is this Article for?
This article on YouTube Downloader for Mac will serve anyone who is an active user of YouTube. The downloading tool I’ve recommended can be pretty useful for casual viewers on YouTube who seek to view videos offline. This article is ideal for users of Mac devices. However, you’ll find downloading software here that works on a Windows device as well.
This article is also ideal for independent YouTube creators who wish to download videos to use in their content. Marketing professionals can also find use in some tools I’ve recommended below.
Market Trends: According to the popular platform LXA, YouTube is the go-to choice for a majority of marketers when sharing videos. YouTube is followed closely by Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
When looking for a YouTube downloader, go with tools that enjoy a good reputation in the industry.
You want a tool that is easy to use and compatible with your Mac system.
The tool you choose should be able to download videos in any resolution and save them in any video format.
The download speed should be fast and it shouldn’t burden your Mac’s performance.
Pay heed to the security and privacy policies that the tool abides by.
Lastly, ensure you consider your budget when opting for such tools. Some tools are free but only go for them if they adhere to certain high-quality standards.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Mac YouTube Downloader
When looking for the right YouTube Downloader for Mac for the job, consider these key factors:
#1) Ease of Use: You want a downloader that features a user-friendly interface. It should be easy to use with no advanced technical skills necessary.
#2) Video Format Support: I would recommend going with a video downloader that can save videos in multiple formats. So look for a tool that’s compatible with various popular video formats like AVI, MP4, MKV, etc.
#3) Video Quality Support: A decent video downloader will allow you to download videos on various resolutions. Taking today’s standards into account, I would recommend opting for video downloaders that can download UHD and 4K quality videos.
#4) Batch Downloading: To save time, ensure the downloader can download multiple videos simultaneously. This is a feature that’ll save you a lot of time if you have to download a bunch of videos.
#5) Speed: You want the downloader to be fast, especially when it is downloading videos. Make sure the downloader doesn’t affect the performance of your Mac.
#6) Updates: You want a tool that updates frequently to keep pace with YouTube’s ever-evolving changes and algorithms.
#7) Privacy: Only go for reputable downloaders as a dodgy cheap alternative can compromise your privacy and affect the security of your system.
#8) Cost: Take your budget into account. Some video downloaders out there are free, while others demand a subscription fee. Always prioritize quality over price.
Kicking off my list is iFunia, a YouTube video downloader that allows you to download high-quality videos and music from YouTube. It downloads one or multiple videos simultaneously in 3 simple steps. Perhaps what makes the software truly exceptional is how advanced it is. In its current state, the tool can download videos in any resolution.
This includes videos that go up to 8K in resolution. The software also lets you download videos in multiple popular formats. This includes MP4, MP3, WebM, and many more. You can use the tool to download complete YouTube playlists or videos from an entire YouTube channel with a single link.
iFunia also smartly uses advanced downloading algorithms to help you save the newest, trending YouTube shorts. Besides this, you can download YouTube live videos. You can download part of the live video or save the complete video once the live broadcast has ended.
That’s not all. You can trust this software to capture YouTube videos that have been embedded on other platforms like blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.
How to download YouTube videos on a Mac using iFunia?
#1) Launch iFunia on your system.
#2) Copy the URL of the video you wish to download.
#3) Paste the URL at the bottom of iFunia’s interface.
#4) Hit the download button present at the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
Features:
Pause and resume downloads
Batch downloads
Download Videos up to 8K in quality
Download the entire playlist and channel
Download shorts and live videos
Why I Like It:
iFunia is widely hailed as one of the best video downloaders for Mac. It delivers ultra-fast downloading speed. It is also very simple to use. Furthermore, the tool offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who are not completely satisfied with its features.
Pros:
Super-fast downloading speed
30-day money-back guarantee
Lifetime subscription
Easy to use
Cons:
Nothing significant
Supported Platforms: Windows and Mac
Our Review: There are a lot of things that make iFunia the number one tool on this list. It features a user-friendly interface, can download almost any type of media from YouTube, and is one of those rare tools today that support the download of 8K UHD quality videos.
Price: iFunia offers lifetime subscription plans, which you can gain with a onetime payment. These plans are:
License for 1 Mac: $49.99
License for 2 Macs: $69.99
License for 2 Macs: $124.99
iFunia is free to download and allows you to download three videos without paying a dime.
MacX YouTube Downloader makes it to my list for being excellent at performing its tasks while being free. This is a tool you can rely on to download videos and music from YouTube and over 1,000 other content streaming platforms online. The tool lets you download videos in different resolutions and formats.
Despite being free, the tool can download videos with resolutions as high as 4K or even 8K. As far as formats go, this tool can download them all. The tool helps you download videos in MP4, 3GP, WebM, and FLV formats. It can also download just about any type of media from YouTube.
You can download 3D, 360-degree videos, entire channels, and complete playlists. Perhaps the best feature of MacX is its auto-detect. All you have to do is copy-paste the video URL you wish to download.
The tool, once installed in your system, will auto-detect the YouTube video. It will also automatically analyze its codec, resolution, file size, etc., and let you download the video in just a few clicks.
How to download YouTube Videos on Mac using MacX?
#1) Click Add URL on the program.
#2) Copy and paste the URL of the video you wish to download.
#3) Hit the ‘analyze’ tap. This will command the software to auto-detect video info like format, resolution, etc.
#4) Once done, hit the download button.
Features:
Auto-Detect video information
Download the entire YouTube channel and playlist
Batch video downloads
Auto-add MP4 to iTunes
Why I Like It:
MacX is a reputable free YouTube downloader for Mac that can give many premium video downloaders out there a run for their money. It will help you download videos in varying resolutions and formats in just a few clicks.
Pros:
Free to use
East three-step download process
Super-fast downloading speed
Auto detects YouTube videos opened in the browser
Cons:
Mac systems with less than 512 MB RAM can face performance issues.
Supported Platform: Mac
Our Review: MacX is a free YouTube downloader, but that’s not the only thing that earns it a spot on this list. This is a tool that can auto-detect any YouTube video opened in a browser, thus making the downloading process more hassle-free.
It can download almost anything from YouTube and is the best free YouTube downloader for Mac out there.
With YTD, you don’t just get a video downloader but also a tool that can convert videos into other formats. The software can download videos from YouTube and a myriad of other streaming platforms online in HD quality. YTD features a very antiquated interface. However, this does not affect its functionality.
You’ll be able to download videos at exceptional speed in just a few clicks. You can count on the tool to download entire video playlists. The tool is also great if you have an unstable internet connection. YTD will automatically resume and retry a download whenever your internet fails. You’ll also be able to download unlimited videos and playlists from streaming sites.
What makes YTD different from the two tools I’ve already mentioned is the fact that it also serves as a video converter. The tool lets you convert your downloaded video into MP4, AVI, MPEF, and 3GP formats. Besides YouTube, you can use the tool to download videos from 50 other streaming sites online.
How to Download Videos using YTD Video Downloader for Mac?
#1) Download and Install YTD on your Mac.
#2) Copy and paste the URL of the video you wish to download.
#3) Choose the resolution and output format.
#4) Hit the Download button.
Features:
Playlist Downloader
Download in several different formats
Download videos up to 1080P in resolution
Auto resume and retry
Why I Like It:
Although the UI is dated, YTD more than makes up for it with its superior functionality. The tool is easy to use and free to download. Plus, it also serves as a good video converter.
Pros:
Free to download and use
East to use
Ultra-fast video download
Video conversion
Cons:
Dated UI
Supported Platforms: Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows
Our Review: If you are looking for a YouTube video downloader that also serves as an excellent video converter, then this tool is for you. It is free and easy to use when downloading videos from not just YouTube but a plethora of other popular streaming platforms online.
As a YouTube video downloader, EaseUS does more of the same things we’ve discussed in the previous three tools on this list. However, the tool is nearly 30 times faster at downloading videos than any traditional software out there.
Similar to other downloaders, you can count on EaseUS to download live videos, music, playlists, and entire channels in a couple of clicks.
You’ll also be able to download videos in 4K UHD quality without any hassle. You also don’t need to visit YouTube to download videos. You can use the search bar within EaseUS to look for the video URL you wish to download. EaseUS is also great at downloading multiple videos simultaneously.
You can also preview the videos you are downloading. You can actually watch the video this way while the download is still in progress. The latest version of the tool can download video subtitles as well, thanks to the advanced AI powering it. Add to that, the tool also comes with a built-in video to mp3 converter that can extract audio from any video.
Features:
Download YouTube channel and playlists
Download video subtitles
Preview video while downloading
Built-in browser
Built-in video to mp3 converter
Why I Like It:
EaseUS is loaded with features and enjoys a solid reputation among its users. There is also the 30-day money-back guarantee testifying to its quality.
Pros:
30-day money-back guarantee
Free upgrades based on the plans you subscribe to
24/7 support
Feature-rich
Cons:
Not a fan of the subscription auto-renewal
Supported Platforms: Mac and Windows
Our Review: Packed with features and easy to use, EaseUS is one of the most advanced YouTube video downloaders to exist today. It makes it to my list because of its user-friendly interface and exceptional downloading speed.
4K Video Downloader has to be the most prolific name on this list. The tool stands out for its professional-looking, sleek interface. The software makes it easy to download complete playlists and channels from YouTube in various video and audio formats. You also won’t have any issues downloading HD videos with the help of this software.
The software can easily download videos that go as high as 4K UHD and 8K in resolution. Another feature that I really like is the 4K Video Downloader’s ability to extract YouTube subtitles. The tool lets you download annotations and subtitles along with the entire YouTube video. You can extract these subtitles and save them in SRT format.
You can select from over 50 languages. Besides normal videos, you can also use this platform to download live videos and shorts from YouTube. Smart Mode is another excellent feature that the 4K Video downloader boasts. With this feature, you establish settings once and the tool will apply them to all of your download processes in the future.
The software also comes with a built-in browser that can let you search for YouTube videos without having to leave the interface.
Features:
4K and 8K quality downloads
Smart mode
Built-in browser
Private content access
Extract subtitles
Why I Like It:
4K Video Downloader is arguably the most popular tool on this list. It lives up to its name with its downloading functionality and plethora of advanced features.
Pros:
One-click playlist and channel downloads
360-degree video download
Sort and filter downloads without hassle
Sleek UI
Cons:
Can only download 3 videos at a time with the Lite subscription plan.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Ubuntu, Mac
Our Review: With a sleek interface and plethora of features to boast, 4K Video Downloaders is one of the most popular solutions of its kind in the market today. It is easy to use, offers flexible subscription plans, and comes packed with interesting, advanced features.
Price: 4K Video Downloader offers the following subscription plans
VideoProc Converter is another video downloader that lets you save videos for offline viewing from over 1,000 streaming sites, YouTube included. Like the tools I’ve mentioned above, VideoProc also lets you download an entire playlist or channel in just a few clicks. You also get to adjust the resolution and output format of the video you download.
The tool lets you download videos that go as high as 4K in resolution and supports the download of video formats like MP4, MP3, AAC, etc. There are two areas where the tool distinguishes itself from others on this list. The software allows you to perform quick edits on the video you download. This includes performing quick cuts or bifurcating a video into several clips.
The tool also allows you to record a Mac or Windows screen. As such, the tool is also ideal for gamers and streamers on YouTube.
Features:
4K Video downloader
Video editing
Video conversion
Mac and Windows screen recording
Why I Like It:
With VideoProc, you get exceptional video processing capabilities backed by GPU-accelerated performance. The tool serves as an ideal all-in-one tool for downloading, recording, editing, compressing, and converting videos.
Pros:
GPU Accelerated performance
Free upgrades
30 Day money back guarantee
Cons:
Minor lags while using the software have been reported by users.
Supported Platforms: Mac and Windows
Our Review: If you are looking for a full-fledged, all-in-one video processing tool, then VideoProc is for you. The tool does everything you’d expect a video downloader to do. Plus, it arms you with a ton of other video processing tools that might come in handy, especially if you are a creator on YouTube.
Price: VideoProc offers the following subscription plans:
Allavsoft is another tool known for its dual functionality. It is a tool that can be used for both downloading videos and converting them. The tool lets you download any video from YouTube in just a few easy steps.
You’ll be able to download them in 1080P and 4K UHD resolution. You can pick what resolution you wish to download the video in.
Besides this, Allavsoft lets you download videos in any format and convert them into any popular video format you desire. From AVI and MOV to MP4 and MKV, it can download video in a wide range of format outputs. Apart from YouTube, you can count on Allavsoft to download videos from a plethora of other popular streaming platforms.
Features:
Batch Download
Download 4K HD Videos
Convert videos into a myriad of format output
Supports download from multiple streaming platforms
Why I Like It:
If there is a money-back guarantee, then the vendors are confident about the capabilities of their tool. Allavsoft is no exception. The tool works fine as both an excellent video converter and downloader.
Pros:
30-day money-back guarantee
24/7 tech support
Free lifetime updates
Cons:
Not impressed by the UI’s overall look.
Supported Platforms: Mac and Windows
Our Review: Despite a stale UI, Allavsoft still serves as a robust video downloader and converter for Mac. It is easy to use, free to download, and offers affordable subscription licenses.
Price: Allavsoft offers the following subscription plans:
Airy allows you to download a YouTube video of any length without any hassle. Once purchased, you have the freedom to download an unlimited number of videos. You can download multiple videos simultaneously with ease.
The tool also makes it very simple to download entire playlists. With a single click, you’ll be able to download all videos in a playlist, regardless of the volume.
Airy also works quite well when downloading videos in high definition. The tool lets you download videos in the highest resolution possible. Airy stands out because of its browser integration. This saves you a lot of time and makes the downloading process considerably more hassle-free. Besides downloading, Airy also serves as a great video converter.
Features:
Full playlist Download
Download YouTube video in 8K UHD
Integrates with browser
Access age-restricted content on YouTube
Why I Like It:
Airy feels and works like a tool that was designed to handle downloads without any restrictions. Add to that, the ultra-fast downloading speed makes the tool worth every buck you spend on it.
Pros:
Well-optimized to handle large amounts of downloads
Supports 20 different languages
High downloading speed.
Cons:
Some performance issues can occur
Supported Platforms: Mac and Windows
Our Review: Airy is a decent video downloader and converter. It earns a spot on my list because of its affordable price and browser integration. The tool is easy to use and imposes little to no restrictions on what its users can download while using it.
Price: Airy offers the following subscription plans
As far as video downloaders go, Ummy is as simple as it gets. This is a completely web-based video downloader. This basically means that you don’t need to download or install software on your system. The software is also free to use.
The download process itself is very simple. You copy and paste the URL directly into the text box provided on the website’s home page.
You select the format, and resolution, and hit the download button. Your video will be saved for offline viewing on your system in no time. As a web-based downloader, there are no restrictions on how many times you can download videos using this platform. The tool also works as a phenomenally fast video and audio converter.
Features:
4K Video Downloader
Playlist Conversion
Audio and Video Converting
700 sites supported
Why I Like It:
There aren’t too many web-based video downloaders that are worth recommending. Ummy is a notable exception. It is easy to use and comes loaded with advanced features.
Pros:
Easy to use
Free to use
Unlimited downloads
Cons:
Lackluster support
Supported Platforms: Web-based
Our Review: Ummy Video Downloader is a software I’d recommend for casual users of YouTube who wish to download a video they found quickly. It is completely free and effortless to use. Its downloading conversion speed is also quite remarkable.
HitPaw is a software that leverages the might of AI to help you download high-quality videos from YouTube. Besides YouTube, the software can help you download videos from over 1,000 streaming sites. However, where HitPaw truly shines is in the video conversion department. The software converts your downloaded videos to over 1000 formats.
The software can download or convert a video 120 times faster than your average tool. The software also comes with a built-in play, which means you can watch a video while it is still downloading or converting. The software also helps you remove DRM protection from a particular music file after conversion.
Features:
Built-In Video Player
Lossless Video and Music Conversion
Add subtitles to the video
DVD Burner and Ripper
Why I Like It:
HitPaw makes use of advanced AI to deliver exceptional video conversion and downloading capabilities. It is 120 times faster than your average downloader and does a good job of lossless video conversion.
Pros:
Support over 1000 video and audio formats
GPU acceleration
Fast conversion and download speed
Cons:
Not for people who simply want a video downloader.
Supported Platforms: Mac and Windows
Our Review: HitPaw is a video converter first and a video downloader second. The software particularly caters to fans of music who wish to download songs, albums, and entire playlists with a single link. The lossless conversion feature alone makes the tool a worthy addition to my list.
Price: HitPaw offers the following subscription plans
YT Saver is an easy-to-use software that allows you to download videos in varying resolutions and formats from YouTube directly in just a few simple steps. The software is perhaps best known for being seamless when downloading videos in bulk. Besides downloading, the software also does a good job of converting videos to MP3s.
Features:
Lossless MP3 conversion
8K Video Download
Batch Download
Download Livestream
Our Review: As far as YouTube downloaders for Mac go, YT Saver is one of the simplest solutions you’ll find. It is affordable, feature-rich, and will download just about anything from YouTube.
Price: YT Saver Offers the following subscription plans
DVD Video Soft allows you to download YouTube videos at ultra-fast speed without any conversion. The software will help you download Full HD, 4K, and 8K videos with ease. You can also easily download entire playlists and channels with this software. You can also use the tool to convert videos to MP4, AVI, and MOV formats.
Features:
Playlist and Channel download
Convert Videos
Merge several files into one
Save YouTube shorts in bulk
Our Review: If you want a simple YouTube video downloader for Mac that also excels as a video converter, then by all means, give DVD Video Soft a try.
Just like 4K Video Downloader, the thing that impressed me the most about SnapDownloader was its UI. It’s sleek but also easy to use. You copy-paste the URL, choose the resolution and output format, and hit the download button. It is that simple. The software also helps you download videos from over 900 sites online.
Features:
8K Video Download
900+ Sites supported
In-Built Video Trimmer
VR Video Downloader
Our Review: Featuring a sleek UI and tons of intriguing features, SnapDownloader is an impressive modern video downloader for Mac that you can use to capture videos from over 900 sites online.
Price: SnapDownloader offers the following subscription plans:
aTube Catcher lets you download videos from all over the internet. The tool also helps you create DVDs and CDs out of the videos you download. The downloading speed itself is exceptional. However, the tool truly stands out as a screen recorder. It can perfectly capture your Mac screen live, which makes it useful for gamers and streamers on YouTube.
Features:
Video converter
Screen capture
Resize videos
Audio record
Our Review: aTube Catcher is a free-to-use and simple YouTube Downloader for Mac. It is a tool I would recommend to creators on YouTube and game streamers for its excellent screen recording capabilities.
1. How can I download YouTube videos to my computer for free?
To download a YouTube video for free on your computer, you’ll need a tool that offers this service for free. Now there are a myriad of tools out there to do exactly that. However, they vary in terms of the quality offered. Some won’t be able to download the full video while others won’t be able to download the video in its original HD version. There are also security and privacy issues associated with such tools. That said, not all free tools are problematic. MacX YouTube Downloader for instance is one of the best solutions I’ve used in recent times. There are many other tools out there that match MacX’s quality.
2. Can I download and cut a video from YouTube?
To do this, a mere video downloader won’t be enough. You’ll also need a video editor. Luckily, there are multi-functional tools out there that can perform both of these tasks with the utmost finesse.
3. Where are YouTube downloads stored?
As soon as a video is downloaded, it will be saved in your desktop’s library. To see these videos, you’ll need to go to Library -> Downloads. Everything you download, not just videos will be saved here by default. You can choose a custom location on your system to save a video by configuring it in the downloading software itself.
4. How do I download a video from a URL?
As you will see later on in this article, most YouTube video downloaders allow you to download a video from a URL. It is a very simple and quick process of downloading videos. The typical process goes something like this: Copy the video URL Paste the Video URL into the text box provided by the downloading software. Choose the quality and format of the video Hit the ‘Download’ button. Your videos will start downloading and save on your system when done.
5. How long do YouTube downloads last?
There is a feature on YouTube that allows you to download videos for offline viewing. However, it comes with a caveat. You’ll only be able to view the video offline in the YouTube software itself. Furthermore, the downloaded video can only be played for up to 29 days from the day of download. You’ll need to reconnect to the internet, to play the video again.
6. Is it illegal to download YouTube videos?
Well, it depends on what you are downloading the YouTube video for. If you wish to download a video for personal viewing or to create transformative content out of it, then you are well within your rights to download a YouTube video. However, if you are downloading a video for commercial purposes or to re-publish it on YouTube as your own video, then it will be deemed illegal. In such circumstances, you may receive a copyright strike from the original owner of the video or they may claim the video. If you receive three such strikes, your channel will be at risk of being terminated.
Conclusion
You may have many reasons for downloading YouTube videos. Perhaps it is for offline viewing, maybe you want to create an offline library of your own or you need the video to create your content as an independent YouTube creator. Whatever your reason may be, you can easily download any video from YouTube with ease using the software I’ve recommended above.
These YouTube Downloader for Mac are easy to use, affordable (with some being free), and exceptionally fast in their functioning. Some of them can also help you edit or convert a video you like. You’ll have absolutely no issue downloading videos, regardless of the format or resolution of the file you wish to download.
With any of the above tools by your side, you’ll be able to download any YouTube video in just a few clicks.
As for my personal recommendation on YouTube Downloader for Mac, I would recommend going with iFunia for its feature-rich nature, affordable price, and user-friendly interface. If you are looking for a completely free tool, then I suggest you give MacX YouTube Downloader a try.
We spent 25 hours researching and writing this article so you can have summarized and insightful information on which YouTube downloader for Mac will serve you best.
