Video DownloadHelper: Review and Two Best Alternatives

As someone who regularly needs to download videos for offline use, I understand how tricky it can be to find a reliable and easy-to-use tool. In this article, I’ll walk you through a detailed review of Video DownloadHelper, a browser extension that promises convenient video downloading. I’ll also introduce two of the best alternatives I've found, SnapDownloader and WPS Toolsmart’s YouTube Video Downloader. If you’ve struggled with complex tools or browser issues, this guide is designed to help you pick a smoother path forward.

Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE

Free Download

Overview of Video DownloadHelper

If you're someone who likes things quick and easy, Video DownloadHelper really fits the bill. It’s a Chrome extension, which means it runs directly in your browser so no need to download separate software. The interface keeps things simple, nothing fancy, but once you get used to it, it’s actually very practical. Since it runs inside the browser, it feels super light and honestly a bit safer than hopping between random download sites.

It quietly detects videos on a page, and when the little icon lights up, you just click and choose what you want to grab. It’s smooth for small tasks, especially when you're not dealing with sites like YouTube that throw up more roadblocks.

Here are some core features for using this app:

• Browser Integration: Runs directly within Firefox or Chrome without needing a separate application.

• Format Options: Supports various video and audio formats including MP4 and WebM.

• Batch Downloads: Offers the ability to queue multiple downloads at once.

• Smart Detection: Recognizes media files playing on most web pages.

Here are some limitations for using this app:

• YouTube Restrictions: Struggles to download from YouTube due to site policies.

• External App Required: To convert files or access certain formats, a companion app must be installed.

• Inconsistent Interface: Some users find the UI non-intuitive and cluttered.

• Performance Issues: At times, it fails to detect or download video files.

I found Video DownloadHelper useful for general purposes, especially for lesser-known video hosting sites. But it was occasionally frustrating when it failed on YouTube or required the extra companion app.

Free Office Download

   

• Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

• Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.

• Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

• Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

Free Download

100% secure

Maira Mehtab

How to Use Video DownloadHelper – A Step-by-Step Guide

Let me walk you through how to actually use this tool. If you're confused or unsure where to start, just follow these simple steps. You don’t need to be tech-savvy.

Step 1: First of all, you will need to open your browser, and navigate to Video DownloadHelper official website.

Step 2: On the website, you will need to click on the "Install for Chrome" button.

Step 3: You will be redirected to the Chrome Webstore, where you can install Video DownloadHelper as an extension. To install, click on "Add to Chrome".

Step 4: Next, a confirmation message will appear. Click on the "Add Extension" button to confirm your installation.

Step 5: Your installation will begin immediately, and once installed, you will be redirected to Video DownloadHelper's official website to confirm your installation.

Step 6: Once installed, you can access the extension from the Chrome Extension bar. Simply click on the Extension icon, and you will have Video DownloadHelper listed as an extension.

Tip: You can pin Video DownloadHelper to your extension bar for easier access.

Step 7: Open any website that has a video and go to Video DownloadHelper’s extension, this should open the extension’s interface and then select the your preferred size and click download.

Some tips to help you out:

• If it doesn't respond, try restarting your browser.

• Skip YouTube since it doesn’t work well with that.

Two Best Alternatives to Video DownloadHelper

After using Video DownloadHelper for a while, I started to face some inconvenience which led me to explore some alternatives such as SnapDownloader and WPS Toolsmart.

SnapDownloader

SnapDownloader is a desktop app for Windows and Mac. It supports over 900 sites including YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and more. SnapDownloader is a desktop app for Windows and macOS. Works on over 900 sites including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook. It’s not free, but it makes up for it with high performance and bulk download options. If you regularly download playlists, long videos, or need specific formats and resolutions, it handles all that without breaking a sweat. I use it when I need to grab a bunch of content in one go, and it’s never tripped up.

Here are top advantages for using this app:

• High-Resolution Downloads: Lets you download up to 8K quality.

• Playlist and Channel Support: Great if you want whole playlists or channels from YouTube.

• Cross-Platform: Works on both Windows and macOS easily.

Here are the limitations for using this app:

• Paid License: After the free trial, you need to buy it.

• Standalone App: You have to copy-paste links manually.

Very powerful and professional. The app handled long playlists and large files without a hitch. Totally worth it if you download often.

WPS Toolsmart YouTube Video Downloader

WPS Toolsmart’s downloader is an online tool. Just paste a link and get the video. But honestly, it’s not just a downloader. It’s part of a larger AI-powered toolkit, so you’ll notice extras like format suggestions, mobile access, and a clutter-free interface. Compared to others I’ve tried, it just works with fewer hoops. It also handles some file types that other free tools miss, and the fact that it’s browser-based means you can use it across devices with zero installs.

Here are top advantages for using this app:

• No Signup Needed: Just go to the page, paste the link, and you’re good.

• Fast Processing: You won’t wait long. The video is ready within seconds.

• Mobile and Desktop Compatible: Works smoothly on any device.

• AI-Powered Interface: Predicts best formats for you automatically.

I was surprised by how quick and easy it was. For simple YouTube downloads, this became my go-to option.

Comparison of All Three Tools

These days, I find myself using WPS Toolsmart more often because it’s the fastest and least stressful. For longer or bulk downloads, SnapDownloader still fits better. Video DownloadHelper is fine, but no longer my first choice.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use Video DownloaderHelper to download YouTube playlists?

No, it doesn't support downloading entire playlists due to YouTube's restrictions.

Q2: Do I need to create an account to use WPS Toolsmart’s YouTube Downloader?

No. The tool works directly from your browser without any registration.

Q3: Is SnapDownloader worth paying for?

Yes, if you need frequent high-quality or batch downloads. It’s fast, reliable, and supports many platforms.

Summary

For quick and casual downloads, Video DownloadHelper still holds up, but only to a point. These days, I usually lean toward WPS Toolsmart when I need something simple, fast, and browser-based. It just works, no clutter, no installs. For bigger tasks like playlists or high-res files, SnapDownloader still has its place.