Top 4 Best YouTube Video Downloaders for You [2025]

I wholeheartedly believe YouTube is the one website that will never be obsolete. It has become an indispensable source of entertainment, education, and information that 122 million people access every day. You might not always have the luxury of online streaming, though. You could be stuck in a waiting room for hours on end without WiFi, or you could be in transit but don’t have internet access. That is where you might need a downloader to save videos on your devices. Here are my top 4 best YouTube Video downloaders that you must try.

Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE

Free Download

4 Best YouTube Video Downloaders

How do you choose a downloader when you probably get hundreds of options every single time you search the words “best YouTube video downloaders for free” on your search engine?

I scoured the internet, going through reviews after reviews, multiple online communities, and tested each suggestion to find the top 4 best YouTube downloaders that you can choose from based on your requirements. They are as follows.

Toolsmart Video Downloader

If you did your own little research into the matter, chances are you must've come across Toolsmart Video Downloader at least once. It is a completely free, web-based, high-quality video downloader that allows you to save videos from YouTube directly onto your device, whether that's your PC or mobile phone.

There are no installations required; you can easily use it for PC, for Android, or even for iOS. Toolsmart also offers a suite of helpful tools, such as video format converters. You can save videos as MP3 or MP4 files onto your computer without having to download another tool for that.

You can also save and use thumbnails using Toolsmart. It is a very clever, very convenient all-in-one tool that is an absolute must-have for students, YouTubers, and content creators.

Features

• 100% Free with No Hidden Costs: You get unlimited access to all features, no subscriptions, no surprise charges.

• No Installation or Sign-Up Required: You can start using it instantly, right in your browser, as it is web-based.

• Simple, User-Friendly Interface: The interface looks like it was designed with ease in mind, so anyone can navigate and download with just a few clicks.

• Supports MP4, MP3, HD, 1080p, and 4K Downloads: You can download your favorite videos and audio in the formats and quality you love, from crystal-clear 4K to crisp MP3s.

• Ad-Free Experience: No interruptions, no clutter. You get to enjoy a smooth, distraction-free downloading experience.

• Works Across All Major Browsers and Devices: Whether you're on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or your mobile device, it works seamlessly across all of them.

• Additional Tools: YouTube to MP3 Converter, YouTube Thumbnail Downloader:

• More than just downloads, you can easily convert YouTube videos to MP3 or grab high-quality thumbnails with a couple of clicks.

Price

It is completely free, and there are no hidden charges that you need to worry about.

Pros

• Free to Use

• No installation needed

• Fast and reliable downloads

• Clean interface with no ads

• High-quality downloads

• Access to numerous extra tools.

• Cross-device compatibility.

Cons

• It does not have a desktop app, it is web-based only.

• Dependence on the internet connection.

All the reasons listed above are why Toolsmart is number 1 on my list. I found it extremely reliable; the software seemed to work without lag or interruptions, even when I had to download a 1080p video in under a minute.

No ads were a huge plus, as that is not something one usually comes across in free tools. All of that was packaged in a super simple interface that a 5-year-old could figure out.

4K Video Downloader

If you’re not ready to compromise on the downloadability of the tool and require batch downloads, you might want to look into 4K Video Downloader. Simple name, simple interface, simple use. It is a powerful, flexible desktop tool that allows you to download high-quality YouTube videos, playlists, and even channels.

You can even extract subtitles and download them in formats like MP4, MKV, MP3, etcetera. It is the one tool that feels like using surgical precision to collect videos. I can see content creators using this to collect clips for their own videos. Rehashing, rebranding information, or putting one's own spin on it has never been easier

Features

• Download Videos in 4K Quality: You get to grab videos in stunning 4K resolution and enjoy every detail on your screen, which is perfect for high-quality viewing.

• Download Entire Playlists and Channels: Save full playlists or entire YouTube channels in one go. Ideal for binge-watchers, researchers, or offline collections.

• Extract Subtitles and Annotations: 4K Video Downloader also allows you to download subtitles in over 50 languages and keep track of the dialogue, even when you're offline.

• Smart Mode Feature: You can set your preferred format, quality, and download location once and let Smart Mode do the rest automatically.

• Download 3D and 360° Videos: You can experience immersive content by downloading 3D and 360° videos to view on your favorite devices.

• Multiple Format Support: Save videos and audio in MP4, MKV, FLV, MP3, and have them ready to play on any device.

Price

There is a free version available, and the paid plans start at $15 for a personal license. You can choose between the Lite, the personal, and the pro versions for 15, 25, and 40 pounds per year, respectively.

Pros

• Excellent quality as it supports 8K.

• Batch downloads, such as playlists and channels, are available.

• Allows subtitle extraction.

Cons

• Desktop app required.

• The free version has feature limitations.

• License prompts.

In my personal experience, this is perfect for high-quality downloads or when you have a lot of downloads to get done with. I downloaded some of my favorite playlists onto my laptop without a hitch.

The only downside is the paid license for full functionality. Although the downloading part wasn’t an issue for me, I do think people would rather just go for an online version instead of taking up space on their computer. Quality-wise, I’d say it falls under one of the best 4K YouTube video downloaders I’ve tried.

Any Video Converter

If YouTube is not your platform of choice and you want to download videos off of some other site, chances are Any Video Converter has you covered. It supports downloading not just from YouTube, but also 100+ sites. Much like the tools above, it allows you to download in various formats as well for your ease, and it supports DVD burning.

Features

• Convert Videos to Any Format: Any Video Converter effortlessly converts videos to MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV, MOV, and is compatible with virtually any device.

• Download Videos and Music from 100+ Sites: You can download your favorite videos and tracks from YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, and 100+ popular websites.

• High-Quality Video Conversion: You can convert videos without compromising on quality and have crisp visuals and clear audio every time.

• Built-in Video Editor: You can trim, crop, merge, add subtitles, and apply effects when editing your videos directly within the app.

• Batch Conversion: You can save time by converting multiple videos at once, which is perfect for large media libraries or big projects.

• GPU Acceleration for Faster Conversion: You can leverage your computer’s GPU to boost conversion speeds and get your files ready in record time.

Price

It has a free version and has pro and ultimate versions. Any Video Professional for $29.95 and Any Video Ultimate costing $59.95. It is one of the more expensive premiums I’ve come across, where you do have to pay for every tool you download.

Pros

• Excellent format support.

• Built-in editor.

• Supports many websites.

Cons

• Heavy software installation.

• Some features are locked behind a paywall.

• The interface can feel outdated.

I found AVC to be very rich in features, especially for converting videos to different formats. It is a bit bulky, and I noticed some ads in the free version. It is great if you want to download clips from almost anywhere on the internet and edit them, but it will take a bit of time to download them. I did find it a bit slower than the other options, as expected.

aTube Catcher

Last on the list, we have aTube Catcher. It is similar to AVC but does not support an extensive list of platforms as AVC does. You can download and convert videos from YouTube and other video-sharing platforms.

Like AVC and 4K Video Downloader, it also supports DVD burning and batch downloads. It also comes with a screen recorder as well, in case you’re on a platform that it does not support.

Features

• Download Videos from 1000+ Websites: You can easily save videos from YouTube, Facebook, Dailymotion, Vimeo, and hundreds of other popular platforms.

• Convert Videos to Multiple Formats: Like every other downloader on the list, you can convert your downloads into MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV, MPG, and have them ready to play on any device.

• Built-in Screen Recorder: You can capture anything on your screen from video calls to live streams with the built-in screen recorder.

• Burn Videos to DVD/Blu-ray/CD: Quickly burn your favorite videos to physical media for easy sharing, backup, or playback on DVD players.

• Batch Downloading: It allows you to download multiple videos at once, so you can save time and build your offline library faster.

• Audio Extractor: You can extract high-quality audio tracks from any video and save them as MP3, WMA, or other popular formats.

Price

It is completely free and has been that way for years. However, it is worth noting that some users report it may prompt you to install additional, sometimes ad-supported software. You have the option to opt out of these during installation.

Pros

• It is free.

• It is feature-rich.

• It supports many formats.

• Includes screen recorder.

Cons

• Outdated interface.

• Bundled software during installation.

• Some occasional bugs.

I had a blast with the screen-recorder feature, mostly because I just used it to record my friends during our video chats. It is a powerful tool, I will say, but from a user’s point of view, it seemed a bit outdated to me. I prefer more modern and lightweight tools, but that is a matter of preference.

Toolsmart YouTube Video Downloader V.S. Other 3 Video Downloader

To give you a breakdown of all the video downloaders so far, here is a side-by-side comparison.

Why Is Toolsmart YouTube Video Downloader Standing Out?

I have used quite a few downloaders to give you a fair analysis of each one, but if I were pressured to pick one as the best YouTube video downloader, without a doubt, my pick would be Toolsmart, and here is why it might stand out for you, too.

You can simply download videos in MP4 format straight from YouTube using Toolsmart Free YouTube Video Downloader. There’s no login required, and it supports both MP4 and MP3 formats. It’s perfect for saving drafts, repurposing clips, or downloading reference videos. Other features include:

• Completely Free and No Hidden Costs: One of its biggest draws is that it's 100% free to use, with no hidden charges, subscription fees, or unexpected costs. This transparency makes it very attractive to users.

• No Installation or Sign-up Required: Unlike many other downloaders that require software installation or account creation, Toolsmart is entirely web-based. You simply access the website in your browser, paste the video link, and download. This saves time, protects privacy, and works smoothly on any device (computer, tablet, smartphone).

• Easy and User-Friendly Interface: The design is simple, clean, and organized, making it straightforward to navigate and use. Even for beginners, it's intuitive and accessible. Many reviews highlight its "zero-hassle" and "smooth, fast process."

• Ad-Free Experience: A significant advantage noted by users is the lack of intrusive ads or pop-ups, providing a much cleaner and more pleasant downloading experience compared to many free online tools.

• Wide Compatibility: It works across all major browsers and devices, including Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, Android, and iPhone, without requiring any specific software or extensions.

• Supports Various Formats and Resolutions: Toolsmart allows users to download videos in various formats (primarily MP4 and MP3) and offers different resolution choices, including HD, 1080p, and even 4K, depending on the original video quality. It also offers direct MP3 conversion.

• Fast and Reliable: Users consistently praise its speed and reliability in downloading videos and converting them.

I’ve used Toolsmart often when I need reference clips for editing or when setting up content repurposing workflows. In my experience, it runs incredibly smoothly, the downloads are quick, and there are no annoying ads or login pop-ups (which I really appreciate when I’m focused on work).

Before trying it, I read some reviews to make sure it was worth it. But honestly, I was still surprised by how good the video quality was. It’s an easy 10/10 from me.

FAQs

1. How fast is Toolsmart’s YouTube Video Downloader?

Download speeds are fast and stable, depending on your internet connection and video size. Larger YouTube videos may take a bit longer, but the process is efficient and smooth.

2. Is there any limit to the number of YouTube videos I can download?

No, there are no limits to the number of videos you can download. Feel free to use the YouTube Video Downloader as much as you need!

3. Will downloaded YouTube videos take up a lot of storage space?

Yes, especially if you choose to download high-resolution (like 4K) or lengthy videos. For example, a 1080p movie could take up several hundred MBs to a few GBs of space, and 4K videos will be even larger. Opting for lower resolutions can help save storage space.

4. Can I use Toolsmart on my smartphone?

Yes! Toolsmart works great on both Android and iPhone; there is no app required, as you can simply use your phone’s browser to look it up. It is ranked amongst the best YouTube video downloaders for PC/Android.

5. Are there any watermarks on videos downloaded with Toolsmart?

No, Toolsmart does not add watermarks to your downloaded videos, despite it being free to use.

6. Does Toolsmart support batch downloads?

Currently, Toolsmart focuses on single video downloads for simplicity and speed, batch downloads take time, and understandably so.

The Best YouTube Video Downloader: Toolsmart Remains Undefeated

There is no end to the number of tools available to us on the internet, and sifting through them to find the best one is a time-consuming and laborious process, but that is something you don’t have to worry about anymore. If you’re looking for great quality batch downloads, pick 4K Video Downloader. If you want to edit your downloads, Any Video Converter has you covered, and if you want extra features like screen recording, aTube Catcher is your best bet. However, if you want a powerful, high-quality, simple, ad-free, super fast downloader for everyday use, there is no option even close to beating Toolsmart Video Downloader, and that is why it will always be my number 1 pick.