However, downloading videos isn’t as easy as downloading photos. Most of the time, right-clicking on the content and hitting the “Save” option just doesn’t work. So, here is a list of the best online video downloaders you can use to download videos in just a few easy steps.
When You Should Use an Online Video Downloader
Please note that this guide is only intended to teach you how to download videos online — for your personal consumption only. We do not encourage downloading content for redistribution, especially for commercial purposes. Sharing other people’s content on social media and video-sharing platforms typically violates privacy policies and is also unethical. This guide is meant to help you download videos if you are not able to watch them online at a specified time. For example, you may not always have a stable internet connection to stream live videos. Or you may want to rewatch the video at a later time for research purposes. It is also worth noting that you should only download videos that you have already purchased, are free and accessible to the public, and/or are specifically shared with you.
Difference Between Online Video Downloaders And Software
When downloading videos, there are two kinds of tools. You can use online video downloaders or software. So, what’s the difference between the two? Online video downloaders, also known as online video grabbers, are free online websites that let you download videos from various platforms by just copying and pasting the video link. You needn’t install the service. Just visit the online website and you can start downloading videos. What’s more, the service is mainly free of charge. In exchange, however, you need to endure ads scattered across the site. On the other hand, video-downloading software functions the same as online video downloaders. They just need to be installed on your computer for the service to work seamlessly. Once installed, you can launch the software anytime to download videos. Some software needs to be purchased while the others are free to install, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe to use. Sometimes, the free ones are paired with malware and viruses that could harm your computer. This is why it’s better to look for a safe and reliable one before downloading anything.
1. Savefrom.net
Simple interface Can download different formats
Format is reliant on original upload
Established in 2008, Savefrom.net is among the best video downloaders trusted by millions of users worldwide. Unlike most of the free video downloaders available on the internet, the site touts a clean and straightforward interface without the hassle of undesirable ads, including the pop-up ones. In other words, it’s 100% safe and functional. It’s even checked and approved by Norton Safe Web. The service supports several video qualities. You can download videos in MP4, SD, HD, Full HD, 2K, or 4K formats. However, the output quality always depends on the uploaded file. So, if the owner uploaded a video in 1080p, it will be saved into your device in the same quality. Additionally, you can access the service using different browsers. It doesn’t matter if you’re using Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or a Chromium-based web browser, there’s no problem converting and downloading videos, and the experience remains well-tailored and simple. The process of downloading videos using Savefrom is pretty simple. Just go to the video that you want to download, copy the video link, open savefrom.net on another tab, paste the copied link in the appropriate box, and hit Download. In seconds, the content will automatically be saved into your device.
2. 4K Video Downloader
Access content anytime, even offline Can include subtitles
Free version is limited
Downloading Youtube videos is something everyone likes to do. It lets you access the content at any time, even without an internet connection. While most video downloaders simply do the trick, it’s not the same when you prefer to include the subtitles as well. Luckily, the 4K Video Downloader is here to the rescue. It’s one of the noteworthy online video downloaders that allow you to download Youtube videos at the highest possible quality without a fuss. Just install the software and you have the magic to download all kinds of videos, 3D format included. The software offers a free version. However, it comes with limited features. For instance, you can download Youtube playlists but it only works for those with 24 videos or fewer. Also, you can’t download playlists with subtitles or full channels. If you opt to perform such actions, you need to pay a one-time fee which costs $15. Availing one makes the service available on three computers. 4K Video Downloader is easy to use. All you need is to install the software into your computer, copy the video link from your address bar, click Paste Link, choose the output quality, then hit Download. You might wait for a few seconds until your file is complete. Learn the alternatives on how to download Youtube videos here.
3. Freemake Video Downloader
Easy to use interface Download video and audio files in 500 different formats
Free version is limited
With over 93 million users worldwide, it’s not hard to see why Freemake Video Downloader makes it to our list of 15 best online video downloaders. From download options to the interface, the software remains to be as superior among others. That said, you can download videos and audio in more than 500 formats, including WebM, 3GP, Flash, and FLV. As for the interface, you won’t have a problem using and locating operations as these are portrayed in visible fonts against a clean background. Similar to most video downloaders, Freemake is free to download. And you can use the free version any time as you please without commitments. However, expect to access limited features. These include a branded splash at the beginning and end of your downloaded video and a three-minute video limit. Bummer, we know. If you want to use the program without these, upgrade to Freemake Premium Pack which costs $9 for a year or $19 for a lifetime. The download process only takes a few steps. First, install the software. Next, copy the video link from the address bar. Then, launch the program and paste the copied link in the appropriate field. Finally, choose your desired output quality and hit Download.
4. ClipGrab
Download videos as you watch them Built-in search engine
Formats aren’t tas expansive as other downloaders
Don’t you just wish to watch videos and download them at the same time without opening another program or tab on your browser? If you’re in the same boat, check out ClipGrab. It’s a free video downloader that gives you the freedom to download and convert videos into multiple formats. What separates it from other video downloaders is its built-in search engine. This means you can search and watch videos on the program without having to switch browsers the entire time – a feature many software of the same type lack. There’s no limitation as to where you can grab videos. It supports big video-hosting platforms such as Youtube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion. Other than MPEG4, you can download videos into different formats, including WMV and OGG. Likewise, videos can be converted to MP3 files as well. ClipGrab does this by adding ID3 tags using the video metadata. ClipGrab doesn’t stop there. There’s also a feature called clipboard monitoring which allows you to copy a video link to the clipboard and the program automatically downloads video associated with it. It saves you from the hassle of manually copy-pasting individual videos’ links which could take you a long time to do.
5. Winx Youtube Downloader
Download multiple videos at once User-friendly interface
Some ads
Looking for software that can download multiple videos at once? Try Winx Youtube Downloader. Boasting a sleek and user-friendly interface, you can download as many videos as you want by just copying and pasting the link into the program. These are added on top of each other and you can preview them using the little player located at the top left. Akin to most video downloaders, you can choose the output quality before downloading. Whether it’s MP4, WebM, 3GP, or 4K, you can have it all here. Also, the service works reasonably for a free video downloader. You won’t get watermarks on downloaded videos and the application itself isn’t bombarded with ads (although you may see some occasionally as a prompt to upgrade for the premium version). Winx also works like the abovementioned programs. First, you need to install the software. Then, copy and paste the video link into the app. After which, choose your desired output quality then hit the Download button.
6. Any Video Downloader
Slick interface
Does not support multiple downloads Extra software bundled during installation
At first glance, you may think that Any Video Downloader simply does a single function: download online videos. While this is true, you haven’t seen the full magnitude of it. In fact, it’s among the best Youtube video downloaders on the market for many reasons. With a slick interface, varied input and download options, impressive conversion of audio and video formats, and a built-in video editor, you’ll find yourself satisfied using the software. As a free software, however, you should expect a few drawbacks. For instance, it doesn’t support multiple video downloads. That means you may have to manually download all the videos in a single playlist. Next, the program is bundled with extra software upon installation. However, you can choose not to install the software by selecting “Click here to customize the installation” then uncheck the box.
7. JDownloader
Downloads other forms of media Fast downloads
JDownloader isn’t just your typical video downloader. In fact, it’s classified as a download manager since it caters to all types of content, including documents, software, and media. Millions of users love JDownloader as it’s free, and makes the download process faster and easier. That means, downloading huge files from Rapidshare and MEGA isn’t a problem anymore. Just copy the video link and it will automatically appear under the Link Grabber option of the service. After which, select what video quality you prefer to have, right-click and choose “Continue with the selected file”. Wait until your content is finished downloading. It also works with other files, including audio and images.
8. aTube Catcher
All-in-one downloader Excellent format support
Interface might need some getting used to
Everyone prefers an all-in-one video downloader that doesn’t only download videos but also records your computer activities, burns DVD, BluRay, or CD, and edits videos. Thankfully, aTube Catcher offers the same features. Of course, it downloads videos from huge platforms such as Youtube, Dailymotion, and Metacafe. But the way the software performs isn’t like any other video downloaders. In fact, it touts excellent format support, including a useful batch processing and automatic program updater. The interface may not be for everyone’s eyes but for a free tool, it’s decked out accordingly. Rather than scouring your way through the program’s buttons, the major buttons are big enough to see which provides instant access for all kinds of conversion. The feature that separates aTube Catcher from others is the screen recorder. This way you can record streams that aren’t available for download. Just make sure to keep an eye on during the installation process to not install extra software that may hamper your computer’s performance.
9. Free Youtube Download
Simple interface Audio-only download available
Can only download from one website
Based on its name, you probably know what Free Youtube Download does. This is a simple and aboveboard free Youtube downloader that downloads videos without any fuss or distraction. All you have to do is to copy the Youtube video link and paste it into the program. Within seconds you’ll have the content stored on your device. If you’re someone who prefers to download videos automatically, just enable the Auto-Download option from the app’s settings and you’re good to go. You can download videos in different formats, but it usually depends on the quality of the original video. Additionally, an audio-only download is available if you wish to obtain the file minus the footage. Like Freemake Video Downloader, Free Youtube Download has a three-minute limit when it comes to videos. If this isn’t a problem for you, then this program suits your preferences.
10. iTubeGo Youtube Downloader
Batch downloading Easy-to-use interface Useable on mobile devices
iTubeGo Youtube Downloader is a simple video downloader that comes with extras. It lets you queue up multiple videos or audio links for batch downloading and it even features a user-friendly interface with responsive buttons. There’s also an option to download Youtube subtitles in the specified language in the settings. Similar to other video downloaders, iTube Go Downloader converts your videos into different useful formats. You can choose from MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, FLV, and 3GP. As for the device compatibility, the service works well on iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android Phone, including Android Tablets.
11.YoutubeMP4
Can be used on your computer, phone, or tablet Browser-based
A list of the best online video downloaders isn’t complete without YoutubeMP4. Whether you’re using a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you won’t have a problem accessing the service as it’s optimized to ensure user satisfaction. And since it runs on a browser, you can download videos directly on the site without downloading any third-party application. YoutubeMP4 is pretty simple to use. Copy the video link and paste it on the website. Wait for the generated links, then click the quality you prefer to have. You can choose from MP4, M4A, and WEBM.
12. Catchvideo.net
Download and convert videos
Ads
Catchvideo may not be everyone’s cup of tea but this online video downloader sure gets the job done without any hassle. Download videos from Youtube, Facebook, Dailymotion, Vimeo, and others and convert them into your desired quality. If you don’t have enough space on your device and would want to download large videos, convert them into lower video quality using Catchvideo. This way, you’ll still view the video without busting up your device’s memory. In exchange for being a free service, there are ads scattered across the site. The pop-up can annoy you the most since it appears frequently when you hit a button.
13. DownloadGram
Easy to use
Can only download from one source
Apart from Youtube and other video-streaming platforms, Instagram is also a major source of funny and inspiring clips. So, what happens if you want to download videos from Instagram? Simply turn to DownloadGram. It’s an online video and image grabber that boasts a slick interface with only the link box and the Download button on the screen. By now, you probably have an idea of how to download videos using online video downloaders. The process of using DownloadGram is no different. Just copy the video link and paste it in the appropriate then hit Download. That’s that. In addition, DownloadGram is completely free and you don’t need to install the service. You can download videos directly on the site.
14. FBDown.net
Save for Later function
Can only download on one source Ads
Viewing videos on Facebook is a fun activity. You can watch millions of videos across the world using its recently launched feature: Facebook Watch. But how can you download Facebook videos that are close to your heart? You can use Facebook’s Save For Later function or just use FBDown to fully store the content on your device for offline viewing. As a free online video downloader, there’s no need for installation. Simply open FBDown on your browser, copy and paste the Facebook video’s link into the site, and click Download.’Be wary, though, that the site uses ads to feed its servers. If you don’t like seeing one, you can enable AdBlocker on your browser.
15. VidtoMP3
Easy to use
Lacking in other formats
As the name implies, VidtoMP3 converts videos into MP3 in just a few simple steps. Just copy the video link and paste it into the website. The service is completely free and it doesn’t require registration. However, the website is full of ads as a way to keep the service and alive and free of charge.
Is It Legal To Download Videos Online?
Now that you know how to download videos using online video downloaders, you must be wondering if is it legal to download all the videos that you encounter. The answer is no. Generally, famous video streaming platforms such as Youtube, Vimeo, and others uphold a policy that no content shall be copied, distributed, and sold without the consent of the uploader or the company itself. Thus, anyone who violates this standard shall be subjected to proper sanctions. But if you intend to download a video for personal use only (offline viewing and such), you are free to do so. Avoid reuploading and crediting it as your property to prevent any violation. Learn the in-depth ways on how to download videos with different methods. Whether it’s Youtube videos, TikTok videos, Vimeo, or more.
