With streaming video dominating online viewing, saving YouTube clips offline is key for many users. However, YouTube lacks a built-in downloading tool, forcing reliance on third party software. The good news is there are many excellent free YouTube video downloader apps available in 2023.

In this guide, we evaluate the top 10 safest and most functional YouTube video downloader apps for offline playback. We compare download speeds, quality options, safety, supported formats and extra features. Our detailed reviews outline the strengths of each downloader and best usage scenarios.

Youtube Video Downloader Review

With YouTube being one of the most popular video platforms, many users want to save or download YouTube videos to view offline. However, YouTube does not have a built-in download option, so you need to use third party software. There are many free YouTube video downloader tools available, but which ones are the best? Read on for our comparison of the top 10 safest and most functional YouTube video downloaders for 2023.

Comparison of Top 10 Best Youtube Video Downloaders

When evaluating the best YouTube downloader tools, key criteria include download speed, quality options, safety and security, supported formats, and ease of use. Our research identified software that excels across all these areas while still being free to use. We ranked the YouTube downloaders based on reviews, ratings, features, and hands-on testing.

Reviews and Rankings: Top 10 Best Safe Youtube Video Downloaders in 2023

The best YouTube video downloader should allow fast downloads while offering high quality format options, all in a user-friendly interface. Safety is also paramount to avoid malware. With more and more videos being watched on phones and tablets, the ability to save videos for offline viewing is key. The following 10 video downloaders provide excellent functionality without excessive ads or security risks.

1. SaveFrom

SaveFrom video downloader is one of the most popular options for downloading YouTube content locally to view offline. As the name implies, it supports downloading Ultra HD videos up to 4K as well as lower resolutions. The open-source interface is very straightforward for beginners yet provides advanced features for power users. Downloads are quick thanks to multi-threading.

This downloader is best for anyone who wants the ability to save YouTube videos, playlists, or whole channels with a single click. The flexibility to select different quality levels makes it suitable for both HD video buffs as well as users who need to be mindful of storage limitations on mobile devices. It is also ideal for those wanting to archive YouTube videos for long-term easy playback.

Key Features

1. Supports 4K, 1440p, 1080p, 720p, 480p and 360p quality options
2. Bulk downloading of entire channels, playlists or videos
3. Extracts embedded subtitles and annotations automatically
4. Fast multi-threaded video downloading

Best For

• HD video aficionados
• Offline video viewing
• Archiving favorite YouTube content

Price

• 100% Free

Visit: https://savefrom.rip/

2. aTube Catcher

As an all-in-one media download solution, aTube Catcher makes downloading YouTube content and converting into other formats effortless. It goes far beyond simply downloading videos with options like screen recording, audio extraction to MP3, and basic editing tools. The intuitive interface appeals to beginners while offering the depth power users desire.

This is an ideal option for anyone wanting to unlock the maximum versatility from downloaded YouTube content. Turning videos into MP3 lets you build playlists for listening offline. Removing the audio track can save storage space. The built-in converter ensures your videos will play on the device of your choice. It’s the ideal YouTube assistant.

Key Features

1. Save videos as MP4, MPEG, AVI, MP3, and other formats
2. Download entire playlists or channels
3. Built-in converter for easy file format changes
4. Extract and download audio tracks as MP3 files

Best For

• Formatting videos for playback on various devices
• Creating offline MP3 playlists
• Stripping audio to save storage space

Price

• 100% Free

3. Youtube2MP3

Youtube2MP3 distinguishes itself as a lightweight, ad-free tool focused specifically on downloading videos from YouTube and a few other large sites. The streamlined interface makes Youtube2MP3 one of the fastest options for grabbing videos. It also fully supports downloading multiple videos, playlists or channels in one batch. The simplicity makes this a great choice for beginners.

This tool perfectly suits casual YouTube viewers that want a no-fuss way to save videos for offline playback. You don’t have to worry about complex settings or unnecessary features. For power users needing versatility, Youtube2MP3 handles the basic downloading tasks excellently. It’s all about speed and ease of use.

Key Features

1. Saves videos in their original quality with no caps
2. Downloads entire playlists or channels
3. Straightforward ad-free interface
4. Very fast video download speeds

Best For

• Beginners
• Quickly saving videos offline
• Ad-free experience

Price

• 100% Free

4. DVDVideoSoft YouTube Download

DVDVideoSoft brings its years of video format experience to provide an easy way to capture YouTube videos for offline enjoyment. The ad-supported tool makes downloading as simple as copying and pasting the video URL. While light on complex options, the basic functionality works great.

This is the perfect YouTube downloading solution for novices and beginners. The simplicity means anyone can start saving videos with little learning curve. It suits those seeking to occasionally save a few videos offline without needing lots of custom settings. Those seeking more advanced functionality may want a more robust tool.

Key Features

1. Straightforward downloading by URL
2. HD quality supported
3. Ad-supported free version
4. Extracts MP3 audio

Best For

• Total beginners
• Rare offline video needs
• MP3 extraction

Price

• Free version with ads
• Paid version without ads also available

5. aTube Extractor

As the name conveys, aTube Extractor specializes in downloading from YouTube as well as extracting videos into a wide array of formats. It can save files as MP4, WebM, MOV, AVI, MP3 and more. You can also download individual audio and subtitle tracks separately. This versatility, paired with bulk downloading tools, makes it a great choice for power users.

For those wanting maximum control over downloaded YouTube video properties, aTube Extractor is ideal. Customizing output formats allow you to tailor files for playback on different devices as needed. It also suits users building offline media libraries thanks to robust format support. The advanced functionality does involve a learning curve, so it may overwhelm casual users.

Key Features

1. Downloads videos in almost any file format
2. Extracts audio and subtitles tracks specifically
3. Support for downloading multiple videos or playlists
4. Advanced media conversion options

Best For

• Creating videos for diverse devices
• Building offline media libraries
• Power users wanting control

Price

• 100% Free

6. Free YouTube Download

As one of the earliest options for downloading YouTube videos offline, Free YouTube Download remains popular thanks to its streamlined interface. It focuses specifically on providing an ad-free downloading experience without extra bells and whistles. Performance stands out with fast multi-threaded video and playlist downloads.

For anyone that just wants to download YouTube videos periodically without clutter, this is a great pick. It skips the frustrating ads and redirects you often see with free software. The lightweight program also will not bog down your computer. This matches users needing to occasionally save a few videos offline.

Key Features

1. Simple ad-free downloading
2. Fast multi-threaded video downloads
3. Downloads entire playlists easily
4. No bundled software extras

Best For

• Ad-free experience
• Fast performance
• Uncluttered lightweight interface

Price

• Free version
• Paid premium version without ads

7. VideoProc Converter

Going beyond basic downloading functionality, VideoProc stands out with its integrated video conversion and editing tools. It handles the initial video download then enables you to customize and convert the files. Features include video compression, trimming, subtitle support and more. This allows full control over optimizing videos before offline viewing.

The combination downloader and video utility suits users wanting more control over managing downloaded YouTube content. You can fine tune video properties like codecs, bitrates and sizing to maximize playback across your devices. It also fits those seeking to edit videos from YouTube and other sources prior to offline viewing. The features do involve a learning curve for new users.

Key Features

1. Downloads videos plus compression/conversion options
2. Trimming, subtitle support and video editing tools
3. Supports downloading 4K and 1080p HD videos
4. Integrates conversion and downloader functions

Best For

• Offline playback across multiple devices
• Video editing and touch ups
• Controlling downloaded video properties

Price

• 100% Free version
• Paid version with more features

8. WinX YouTube Downloader

As a versatile multi-function downloader tool, WinX YouTube Downloader makes it easy to grab videos, music and photos from over 300 sites beyond just YouTube. This includes the ability to download Flash videos from many video platforms. You can also extract audio into popular formats like MP3. Integrated video conversion features enable customizing downloads for diverse playback needs.

This tool perfectly suits power users wanting maximum versatility downloading from a huge range of websites. The advanced media format control allows you to customize downloads for playback on different devices. The audio track and thumbnail extraction also helps in managing your offline media library with meta data intact. It does involve more steps compared to basic tools.

Key Features

1. Downloads from 300+ video, audio and photo sites
2. Detects and downloads Flash videos
3. Audio track and thumbnail extraction tools
4. Built-in video format conversion options

Best For

• Downloading multimedia from many sources
• Offline playback across devices
• Maintaining metadata with downloads

Price

• Mostly free with paid upgrades available

9. SSyoutube Online Video Downloader

As an online tool accessible directly through browsers, SSyoutube makes downloading videos straightforward without any software installation needed. It supports grabbing videos from many major platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Dailymotion and more. Just paste the video URL to get started. Audio extraction into M4A and MP3 is included as well. The single-page design makes SSyoutube very quick and easy to use.

The instant accessibility of SSyoutube makes it great for casual one-off video downloads when needed. There’s no complicated desktop software to install and figure out. Simply visit the site in your browser when you need to download videos or audio. While basic in scope, this web-based tool handles the essential downloading tasks with ease. It best fits temporary needs as opposed to building media libraries.

Key Features

1. 100% web-based tool requiring no local software
2. Downloads videos from various major platforms
3. Extracts video audio into M4A or MP3 formats
4. Very easy to use single page interface

Best For

• Occasional video downloads
• Quickly saving audio tracks
• Instant access with no installation

Price

• 100% Free

10. VideoHunter Video Downloader

Available for both Windows and Mac, VideoHunter provides a very polished and capable downloader supporting over 1,000 online video sites. Not just YouTube, this tool can capture videos, playlists, subtitles and metadata from a huge range of hosting platforms. The ability to screen record online video streams gives you another way to archive online content.

The diversity of VideoHunter suits power users needing to gather video content from a variety of sources for offline access. Building comprehensive video libraries is made easier thanks to the extensive format and platform support. The range of advanced features caters more to experienced downloaders compared to casual users looking for simplicity.

Key Features

1. Downloads from 1,000+ video hosting platforms
2. Grabs playlists, subtitles, thumbnails and metadata
3. Video screen recording capability
4. Resumes broken downloads

Best For

• Building diverse offline video libraries
• Capturing streaming video content
• Power users comfortable with advanced tools

Price

• Free version
• Paid version with full features

Alternative Methods for Offline YouTube Videos

While third party downloader tools provide the most flexibility and functionality for saving YouTube videos offline, there are a few other options to consider as well:

YouTube Premium

A paid YouTube Premium subscription unlocks the ability to download videos from YouTube for offline playback in the YouTube mobile app. This gives you access to YouTube’s full video catalog for downloading. The major catch is needing to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee to enable this functionality.

YouTube Premium lets you download videos for offline viewing on mobile devices. However, the selection of downloadable videos is still limited compared to the catalogs available to third party downloader tools. And of course, the need to pay an ongoing subscription limits the appeal to casual users.

YouTube Studio

Uploading videos via YouTube Studio gives creators the option to download their own videos from YouTube servers in order to edit them or upload to other platforms. However, this method only applies to videos you have uploaded personally rather than the full YouTube catalog.

Video Streaming Service Desktop Apps

Some online video streaming sites offer their own desktop applications with integrated support for downloading content for offline viewing. For example, the official YouTube mobile app allows saving videos locally on your device. Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and other subscription services also let you download titles through their apps.

However, the content selections are very limited compared to what third party YouTube downloader tools can provide. You only have access to streamable movies/shows under each platform’s content licenses rather than the full YouTube catalog.

So while these alternative options have some offline viewing functionality, third party YouTube video downloaders ultimately provide the most control and breadth of content when it comes to saving videos for offline playback. Dedicated downloader tools let you maintain local copies of your favorite videos from across YouTube.

Last Word

When looking for the best YouTube video downloader, there are many free yet powerful options that will let you save videos for offline playback. Our top pick is SaveFrom for its superb format support, downloads speed, safety and ease of use. But all ten of the tools in our lineup excel at capturing videos, playlists, channels, annotations and more from YouTube so you can watch anytime without an internet connection.

Arman Ali

Arman Ali, respects both business and technology. He enjoys writing about new business and technical developments. He has previously written content for numerous SaaS and IT organizations. He also enjoys reading about emerging technical trends and advances.