Wait, you’re still using Firefox? In 2025? Respect! While everyone else is arguing about Chrome vs Safari vs Edge, you’re out here being loyal to the OG browser that actually cares about your privacy. We see you, Firefox user, and we’ve got your back.
Look, we get it. Firefox might not have the biggest market share anymore, but it’s still a solid browser with some unique advantages – especially when it comes to extensions that other browsers have banned. That’s exactly why we’ve compiled this guide to the best YouTube video downloaders for Firefox – because your privacy-focused browser deserves tools that work just as well as you’d expect.
Why Firefox Users Have It Good (And Bad) for YouTube Downloads
The Good News: Firefox’s extension policy is way more relaxed than Chrome’s. You can install add-ons that Google kicked out years ago.
The Plot Twist: YouTube keeps changing their code, so extensions break more often than your New Year’s resolutions. But don’t worry – we’ve tested everything so you don’t have to.
Best Firefox Extensions for YouTube Video Downloads
1. Video DownloadHelper
The veteran that refuses to quit
This extension has been around since Firefox was called “Phoenix” (okay, maybe not that long, but close). It’s like the Nokia phone of browser extensions – somehow still working after all these years.
How to use it:
- Install from Firefox Add-ons store
- Navigate to your YouTube video
- Look for the DownloadHelper icon in your toolbar (it lights up when it detects video)
- Click the icon and select your preferred quality
- Choose download location and hit go
Why it works: Detects multiple video formats and qualities, works on most video sites, not just YouTube.
2. Easy YouTube Video Downloader Express
The straightforward one
No fancy features, no complicated settings – just a simple download button that appears right on YouTube. It’s like the friend who always gives you straight answers.
How to use it:
- Install the extension
- Go to any YouTube video
- Look for the green download button below the video
- Click it and select your format (MP4, WebM, etc.)
- Choose quality and download
Why it’s reliable: Integrates directly into YouTube’s interface, regular updates to keep up with YouTube changes.
3. Flash Video Downloader
The multi-talented performer
Despite the name mentioning Flash (RIP), this extension has evolved and now handles modern video formats like a champ.
How to use it:
- Install from the Firefox store
- Visit your target YouTube video
- Click the extension icon in your toolbar
- Select the video from the detected list
- Pick your preferred quality and format
- Download away
Pro tip: This one works great for other video sites too, so it’s like getting a Swiss Army knife instead of just a screwdriver.
4. Tubly
The modern minimalist
Tubly is designed for speed and simplicity – no clutter, no sketchy ads, just straightforward downloading. It’s a clean alternative that fits perfectly with Firefox’s privacy-first vibe.
How to use it:
- Install the extension from Tubly’s site
- Visit any YouTube video
- Look for the new Download button below the video
- Click it and choose your format (MP4 or MP3) and quality (up to 8K)
- The download starts instantly in Firefox – no pop-ups, no redirects
Why it’s the right choice:
Tubly is lightweight, distraction-free, and supports everything from high-resolution 4K video to 320 kbps MP3 audio. It’s built for Firefox users who want fast, reliable downloads without dealing with shady ads or clunky third-party apps.
Pro tip: Tubly works just as well for YouTube Shorts – making it one of the easiest ways to grab bite-sized videos in the same ultra-high quality as full uploads. There’s a low-cost premium upgrade available for this downloader
Web-Based Downloaders (Because Sometimes Extensions Fail)
When extensions act up (and they will), these web-based options work perfectly in Firefox:
SaveFrom.net
The classic that never goes out of style. Just paste your YouTube URL, pick your quality, and download. Works exactly the same in Firefox as any other browser.
Y2Mate
Another reliable web option. Copy, paste, convert, download. Firefox handles it just fine, and you don’t need to install anything.
9Convert
Clean interface, fast downloads, and Firefox-friendly. Plus it doesn’t bombard you with sketchy ads.
Firefox-Specific Tips for Smooth Downloads
Enable pop-ups for downloader sites: Firefox blocks pop-ups by default (good Firefox!), but some legitimate downloaders use them. Add exceptions for the sites you trust.
Check your download settings: Firefox lets you choose download locations and whether to ask where to save files. Set this up once and forget about it.
Keep extensions updated: Firefox will nag you about updates – don’t ignore them. Updated extensions = fewer broken downloads.
Use Firefox’s built-in download manager: It’s actually pretty good and shows progress for all your downloads in one place.
When Things Go Wrong (Firefox Troubleshooting)
Extension suddenly stopped working? YouTube probably updated something. Check for extension updates or try a different one temporarily.
Downloads are slow? Firefox sometimes throttles downloads to prevent crashes. Check your browser settings or try downloading one video at a time.
Getting weird file formats? Some extensions default to WebM. Look for MP4 options if you want maximum compatibility.
The Bottom Line for best YouTube video downloaders for Firefox
Being a Firefox user in 2025 is like being into vinyl records – sure, it’s not mainstream, but you know quality when you see it. The browser handles YouTube downloads just fine, whether you’re using extensions or web-based tools.
Your privacy-focused browser choice actually works in your favor here. While Chrome users are dealing with Google’s anti-download crusade, you’re over here installing whatever extensions you want like it’s 2015.
Keep flying that Firefox flag, and keep downloading those videos. The fox has got your back, and so do we.
