A lot of people are looking for dedicated software and apps to download YouTube videos. They prefer these solutions because desktop software and mobile apps are typically more reliable, faster, and give them better control over quality and formats. Plus, with standalone applications, you don’t have to worry about sketchy websites or dealing with annoying ads every time you want to save a video.
We get it. Desktop software usually feels more permanent and trustworthy, and apps on your phone mean you can download videos directly without jumping through hoops. So we tried out a bunch of different options and put together this list of the 10 best software and apps that actually work and will get the job done in 2026.
1. 4K Video Downloader Plus
Where to find it:https://www.4kdownload.com/
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
4K Video Downloader Plus is one of the most reliable desktop downloaders out there. It’s been around for over a decade, and the developers keep it updated so it works even when YouTube changes things on their end. The software is clean, straightforward, and doesn’t try to install a bunch of extra junk on your computer.
How it works: You copy a YouTube link, paste it into the app, choose your quality and format, and hit download. That’s it. It handles individual videos, entire playlists, and even YouTube channels. The app supports downloading in 4K, 8K, and HDR video, and it can grab subtitles too if you need them.
Compatibility: Works on Windows 10/11, macOS, and Linux. There’s also an Android app, though it’s not as feature-packed as the desktop version. The free version lets you download about 10-15 videos per day, which is plenty for casual use. If you need more, the paid version is around $15 per year or $25 for a lifetime license.
2. SnapDownloader
Where to find it:https://snapdownloader.com/
Platforms: Windows, macOS
SnapDownloader supports over 900 websites, not just YouTube. It’s fast, handles 8K video downloads, and has a built-in video trimmer so you can cut out the parts you don’t need before downloading. The interface is clean and easy to figure out without reading a manual.
How it works: Copy and paste a video URL, or use the built-in browser to search for videos directly in the app. You can download up to 15 videos simultaneously, which is great if you’re grabbing a bunch of content at once. SnapDownloader also lets you schedule downloads for later, which is useful if you don’t want to tie up your bandwidth right now.
Compatibility: Windows 10/11 and macOS. The software offers a 48-hour free trial, after which you’ll need to buy a license. Personal licenses start at $19.99 for lifetime access on one computer, or $39.99 for a family license that covers three computers.
3. YTD Video Downloader
Where to find it:https://www.ytddownloader.com/
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android
YTD Video Downloader has been around for years and has a reputation for being simple and reliable. The free version works well for HD downloads and basic conversions, and the Pro version adds faster speeds and 8K support.
How it works: Copy the video link, paste it into YTD, pick your format (MP4, MP3, AVI, etc.), and download. The software can handle playlists and channels, and it supports batch downloading so you can queue up multiple videos at once.
Compatibility: Windows (XP and newer), macOS, and Android. The free version is ad-supported but functional. The Pro version costs around $29.99 per year and removes ads, adds faster download speeds, and supports 8K quality.
4. VideoHunter
Where to find it:https://www.videohunter.net/
Platforms: Windows, macOS
VideoHunter is straightforward and focuses on quality. It supports downloads from over 1,000 websites and can handle 8K video. The software is designed to preserve the original quality of the video, which means you’re not getting a compressed, degraded version.
How it works: Paste the video URL into the app, choose your preferred quality (up to 8K), and download. VideoHunter can download entire playlists in one go, and it also extracts subtitles if you need them. The interface is simple and doesn’t overwhelm you with options.
Compatibility: Windows 10/11 and macOS. The free version allows three downloads per day. The paid version starts at $9.95 per month for one device or $29.95 per year for two devices, and it removes the daily limit and adds faster speeds.
5. WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe
Where to find it:https://www.winxdvd.com/
Platforms: Windows, macOS
WinX is more than just a downloader. It’s a complete video toolkit that can download, convert, edit, and compress videos. If you need to do more than just save YouTube videos, this is a solid option.
How it works: Paste the video URL, choose your output format and resolution, and download. The software supports batch downloading and can handle 4K and 8K video. It also includes editing features like trimming, cropping, and adding subtitles, so you can make adjustments before exporting.
Compatibility: Windows and macOS. The free trial adds a watermark to your videos. The full version costs around $49.95 for a lifetime license, which is more expensive than other options but justified if you need the extra editing and conversion features.
6. By Click Downloader
Where to find it:https://byclickdownloader.com/
Platforms: Windows
By Click Downloader is all about simplicity. Once it’s installed and running in the background, you can download videos with a single click directly from your browser. No copying and pasting required.
How it works: Install the software, and it automatically detects when you’re watching a YouTube video. A download button appears on the video player, and clicking it starts the download immediately. You can also paste URLs manually if you prefer. The app supports playlists and channels, and it can convert videos to MP3 on the fly.
Compatibility: Windows only. The free trial lets you test it out for a limited time. The full version costs $9.99 for a lifetime license, which is one of the most affordable options on this list.
7. TubeMate (Android)
Where to find it:https://tubemate.net/ (not available on Google Play Store)
Platforms: Android
TubeMate is one of the most popular YouTube downloaders for Android. It’s lightweight, fast, and works directly on your phone without needing a computer.
How it works: Open TubeMate, search for the video you want, or paste a link. Choose your quality and format, then download. The app has a built-in browser so you can watch and download without leaving the app. TubeMate also supports batch downloads and can convert videos to MP3 if you just want the audio.
Compatibility: Android devices. Since Google Play doesn’t allow YouTube downloaders, you’ll need to download the APK from the official TubeMate website and install it manually. This means enabling “Install from unknown sources” in your phone’s settings, so make sure you’re downloading from the real site to avoid fake versions.
8. Documents by Readdle (iOS)
Where to find it: App Store (search “Documents by Readdle”)
Platforms: iOS, iPadOS
iOS makes downloading YouTube videos tricky because of App Store restrictions, but Documents by Readdle works around this with its built-in web browser. It’s not specifically a downloader, but it’s the best option for iPhone and iPad users.
How it works: Open Documents, go to the built-in browser, and navigate to a YouTube download site like SaveFrom.net. Paste the YouTube video URL, choose your quality (usually up to 1080p), and download. The video saves directly to your device in the Documents app, where you can watch it offline.
Compatibility: iPhone and iPad running iOS 14 or later. The app is free and doesn’t require any subscriptions. It’s a legitimate workaround that doesn’t violate Apple’s rules since the downloading happens through a web-based service.
9. NewPipe (Android)
Where to find it:https://newpipe.net/ (not available on Google Play Store)
Platforms: Android
NewPipe is an open-source, privacy-focused YouTube client that also works as a downloader. It doesn’t require Google Services, doesn’t show ads, and doesn’t track you. If you care about privacy and want a clean experience, this is your best option.
How it works: Open NewPipe, search for the video you want, and tap the download button. You can choose between video and audio downloads, and the app supports resolutions up to 4K. NewPipe also has background playback, so you can listen to videos while using other apps.
Compatibility: Android devices. You need to download the APK from the official NewPipe website and install it manually. The app is completely free and open-source, with no ads or in-app purchases.
10. Airy
Where to find it:https://www.airy-youtube-downloader.com/
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Airy is a versatile downloader that supports YouTube and other platforms. It integrates with your web browser for one-click downloads and can handle playlists and channels without any hassle.
How it works: Install Airy and the browser extension. When you’re watching a YouTube video, a download button appears directly on the page. Click it, choose your quality (up to 8K), and download. You can also paste URLs directly into the Airy app if you prefer.
Compatibility: Windows and macOS. Airy offers a free version with limited downloads per day. The full version costs around $19.95 for a lifetime license.
BONUS Browser Extension: Tubly
Where to find it: https://tubly.download/
Platforms: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Brave, Vivaldi (all major browsers)
Tubly is a browser extension that works directly on YouTube without needing to install separate software. Unlike traditional desktop downloaders, Tubly integrates right into your browser and adds a download button below every YouTube video. It’s lightweight, runs entirely in your browser’s secure environment, and doesn’t redirect you to sketchy websites or bombard you with ads.
How it works: Once you install the extension, a download button appears below every YouTube video you watch. Click it, choose your quality and format (video or MP3), and the download starts immediately. Tubly supports 4K and 8K video downloads, 320kbps MP3 audio extraction, and even has a dedicated feature for downloading YouTube Shorts. The extension also works with private or unlisted videos you have access to, as long as you’re signed into your YouTube account.
Compatibility: Works on all Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, Opera, Brave, Vivaldi) as well as Firefox. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS. The free version offers unlimited downloads up to 480p, with daily limited access to premium features like 1080p downloads and MP3 conversion. The Premium version removes all limits and unlocks unlimited 4K/8K downloads, with pricing available on their website.
Final Thoughts
If you prefer desktop software, 4K Video Downloader Plus and SnapDownloader are solid, reliable choices that handle high-quality downloads and support hundreds of websites. VideoHunter is another strong option if you want straightforward quality preservation. For users who want to skip the software installation entirely, Tubly offers the convenience of a browser extension that works directly on YouTube with one-click downloads, making it the easiest option for casual users who don’t want to juggle between apps and websites.
For Android users, TubeMate and NewPipe both work great, depending on whether you want a straightforward downloader or a privacy-focused YouTube client. iOS users have fewer options, but Documents by Readdle is the best workaround that doesn’t require jailbreaking your device.
Pick the software, app, or extension that fits your platform and needs, make sure you’re downloading from the official website to avoid fake versions, and you’ll be set to save YouTube videos whenever you want.
