What's the best YouTube video downloader for Mac?

I've been searching for a reliable YouTube video downloader that's compatible with macOS, but I'm having trouble finding one that meets all my needs. I'm looking for a tool that is not only efficient and easy to use but also maintains the quality of the videos after download. Additionally, I'm interested in any downloader that offers extra features like batch downloading or the ability to select different video resolutions. I've tried a few options based on recommendations and online searches, but none have fully satisfied my requirements. Could anyone share their experiences or suggest a best YouTube video downloader for Mac that stands out for its performance and features? Your advice and recommendations would be greatly appreciated as I navigate through the myriad of options available.

MacBook Pro (M2, 2022)

Posted on Mar 26, 2024 1:54 AM

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Posted on Mar 28, 2024 9:09 PM

As far as I know, there are dozens of YouTube video downloading options out there. It is hard to say which one is the best as the needs vary among different users. Currently, you can use free online service, a dedicated Mac app or use the browser extension to do that and this post shares the details you can check out:


https://www.sysgeeker.com/blog/how-to-download-youtube-videos-to-mac.html


P.S. it is recommended to get the permission of original author before downloading the video.

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Question marked as Best reply

Mar 28, 2024 9:09 PM in response to Deidra294

As far as I know, there are dozens of YouTube video downloading options out there. It is hard to say which one is the best as the needs vary among different users. Currently, you can use free online service, a dedicated Mac app or use the browser extension to do that and this post shares the details you can check out:


https://www.sysgeeker.com/blog/how-to-download-youtube-videos-to-mac.html


P.S. it is recommended to get the permission of original author before downloading the video.

Mar 27, 2024 11:27 PM in response to Deidra294

In my opinion, ClipGrab and Free YouTube Download are the best YouTube video downloader for Mac.


ClipGrab: It is a free and easy-to-use downloader that supports several video-sharing websites, including YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion. You can download videos in different formats and resolutions, including HD and 4K. ClipGrab also includes a search feature that lets you search for videos from within the app.


Free YouTube Download: It is a simple downloader that enables you to download videos from YouTube in various formats and resolutions. You can download videos in full HD and 4K quality and even extract audio from videos.


These are some of the best YouTube video downloaders for Mac that offer a range of features and options. Choose the one that suits your needs and preferences, and enjoy downloading your favorite videos in high quality.

Mar 26, 2024 8:49 PM in response to Olsonbenz

Using the screen capture feature with audio is a straightforward and quick way to download YouTube videos on a Mac, although it may not yield the highest video quality. Here's how you can use this feature as a valid YouTube downloader on Mac:


  1. Before playing the YouTube video, open it and initiate the screen recording feature by pressing Command + Shift + 5.
  2. Use the cursor to select the area of the video you wish to record and then choose "Record selected portion" — this is the fifth option in the screen recording toolbar.
  3. Under Options, pick "Built-in Microphone" for audio capture.
  4. Click "Record" and begin playing your video.
  5. To finish recording, either click the Stop icon in the menu bar or in the screen recording interface.


Mar 27, 2024 12:46 AM in response to Deidra294

It sounds like you're on the hunt for the holy grail of YouTube video downloaders for Mac, and I totally get the importance of finding a tool that ticks all the boxes: user-friendly, quality retention, and some nice extra features like batch downloading or resolution selection. Let me break down a couple of options that have been well-regarded in the community for hitting these marks:


  1. SYSCute Video Downloader: This tool is often praised for its simplicity and effectiveness. It excels in maintaining the original video quality and offers the flexibility to choose between different resolutions and formats. The ability to download playlists, channels, and subtitles is a huge plus, making it a strong contender for the best YouTube video downloader for Mac. The free version is pretty robust, and there's an option to upgrade for more features.


2. Downie: A favorite among Mac users, Downie is known for its extensive site compatibility (including YouTube) and straightforward approach to downloading videos. It supports high-definition video up to 4K, offers batch downloading, and even integrates with browser bookmarks. While it's a paid app, its feature set and performance might justify the expense if you're after both efficiency and quality.


3. YTD Video Downloader for Mac: Another option that provides a balance between functionality and simplicity. It allows you to download videos from several sites, including YouTube, and select the desired video quality. The interface is intuitive, making the download process straightforward. There's a free version available, with the option to upgrade for additional features.


Each of these tools has its strengths, especially when it comes to balancing ease of use with advanced features like batch downloading and resolution selection. Since you've mentioned trying a few options without complete satisfaction, it might be worth exploring these further, focusing on their trial versions or free tiers to get a hands-on feel for their performance and interface.


Remember, while finding the best YouTube video downloader for Mac, it's crucial to respect copyright laws and only download videos for which you have permission or are allowed by the video's license. Happy downloading, and I hope you find the perfect tool for your needs!

Mar 26, 2024 3:12 AM in response to Deidra294

YouTube Premium is the official way for offline viewing on a Mac. It is a subscription service that offers several benefits, including the ability to download videos for offline viewing on mobile devices. However, YouTube does not officially support direct video downloads to a computer, including Macs, for viewing outside of its platforms due to copyright and content usage policies. Here's how you can use YouTube Premium on a Mac for downloading videos:


To begin, you'll need to subscribe to YouTube Premium. You can do this by visiting the YouTube Premium page and following the subscription process.


Once subscribed, you can download videos for offline viewing on your mobile devices (iOS or Android) through the YouTube app. This feature is particularly useful for viewing content without an internet connection, such as when traveling.


For watching downloaded videos on a Mac, you'll need to transfer the YouTube videos from your mobile device to your Mac. However, directly downloading videos from YouTube to a Mac for offline viewing outside the YouTube platform or app is not supported by YouTube's official guidelines. The intended use of downloads within YouTube Premium is for viewing within the YouTube app on mobile devices.


In short, YouTube Premium is the best YouTube video downloader for Mac.


Mar 26, 2024 11:49 PM in response to Deidra294

One highly recommended YouTube video downloader for macOS that meets your criteria is 4K Video Downloader. It offers efficient downloading, maintains video quality, and supports batch downloading. Additionally, it allows you to select different video resolutions. Many users find it easy to use and reliable for their downloading needs. You might want to give it a try and see if it fits your requirements.

Mar 27, 2024 12:51 AM in response to donzinnie

donzinnie wrote:

1. Using the screen capture feature with audio is a straightforward and quick way to download YouTube videos on a Mac, although it may not yield the highest video quality. Here's how you can use this feature as a valid YouTube downloader on Mac:

Before playing the YouTube video, open it and initiate the screen recording feature by pressing Command + Shift + 5.
2. Use the cursor to select the area of the video you wish to record and then choose "Record selected portion" — this is the fifth option in the screen recording toolbar.
3. Under Options, pick "Built-in Microphone" for audio capture.
4. Click "Record" and begin playing your video.
5. To finish recording, either click the Stop icon in the menu bar or in the screen recording interface.

What are the steps to use the Mac's screen capture feature with audio to download YouTube videos, and how does this method compare in terms of video quality to other downloading options?

Mar 27, 2024 12:56 AM in response to donzinnie

donzinnie wrote:

1. Using the screen capture feature with audio is a straightforward and quick way to download YouTube videos on a Mac, although it may not yield the highest video quality. Here's how you can use this feature as a valid YouTube downloader on Mac:

Before playing the YouTube video, open it and initiate the screen recording feature by pressing Command + Shift + 5.
2. Use the cursor to select the area of the video you wish to record and then choose "Record selected portion" — this is the fifth option in the screen recording toolbar.
3. Under Options, pick "Built-in Microphone" for audio capture.
4. Click "Record" and begin playing your video.
5. To finish recording, either click the Stop icon in the menu bar or in the screen recording interface.

That sounds like a solid recommendation! 4K Video Downloader indeed has a strong reputation for being user-friendly and offering versatile downloading options, such as selecting different resolutions and batch downloads, which can save a lot of time and hassle. Plus, the fact that it maintains the original video quality makes it a standout choice. I'll definitely check it out—thanks for the tip!

Mar 27, 2024 10:52 PM in response to Deidra294

What is the best YouTube video downloader for Mac? based on the reviews and ratings, some of the best YouTube video downloaders for Mac are:


Any Video Converter: It is a fast and easy-to-use downloader that supports YouTube, Facebook, and dozens of other websites. It allows you to download videos in HD and 4K quality, convert videos to different formats, and customize the output settings.


MacX YouTube Downloader: It is a free downloader that lets you download videos from YouTube, Facebook, and other websites. You can download multiple videos at once, convert videos to different formats, and choose from various resolutions, including 1080p, 4K, and 8K.


5KPlayer: It is a versatile media player and downloader that supports YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and other sites. It allows you to download videos in various resolutions, such as 720p, 1080p, and 4K, as well as extract audio from videos. You can also play videos, music, and radio on 5KPlayer without any hassle.

What's the best YouTube video downloader for Mac?

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