Guide to The Best YouTube Downloaders for Mac (2026)

Editor’s note: After recent testing, we’ve updated this guide with new picks. Wondershare AllMyTube is no longer supported and has been removed from the list. A detailed review of the changes has been added below.

Whether you want to save educational videos for offline study, archive playlists for travel, or convert clips into audio for podcasts, the right YouTube downloader can make life on your Mac much easier.

But not every downloader is built the same. To help separate the genuinely useful tools from the sketchy ones, we tested and compared the most popular YouTube downloader apps available for Mac in 2026.

Top Mac YouTube downloaders at a glance

• Downie: best for simplicity
• Pulltube: best for quick downloading and trimming
• VideoProc Converter AI: all-in-one video downloader, converter, editor
• SYC Pro: best for downloading videos to iPhone/iPad
• 4K Video Downloader: best for downloading 4K/8K videos
• EaseUS Video Downloader: best for downloading and converting videos to MP3
• Airy: best minimal YouTube downloader
• MacX YouTube Downloader: free but dated workflow
• ClipGrab: free but limited extras

Disclaimer: We do not advocate the illegal downloading of YouTube videos or the use of downloaded YouTube videos for any illegal purpose. You can download videos with these tools only for personal use.  

The case for offline YouTube access

Even in 2026, offline video access still matters more than many people expect.

• Travel and unreliable Wi-Fi. Flights, trains, hotels, and conferences still make offline downloads useful — especially for long-form videos, courses, or playlists.
• Archiving educational content. Tutorials, interviews, and reference videos sometimes disappear without warning. Downloading them locally gives you a personal backup.
• Audio extraction. Many people use YouTube as a source for podcasts, lectures, music mixes, or spoken-word content they want to listen to offline.
• Editing and content workflows. Creators may need local copies for clipping, transcription, research, or offline editing projects.

There could be more reasons, but these make the mark.

Important: is it legal to download YouTube videos?

Here’s what Google’s terms of service for YouTube says about this matter.

“You shall not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, or otherwise exploit any Content for any other purposes without the prior written consent of YouTube or the respective licensors of the Content.”

That said, there is an important difference between breaking YouTube’s Terms of Service and violating copyright law. Downloading a video for personal offline viewing may technically violate YouTube’s rules, but it is not automatically considered copyright infringement.

Legal risks become far more serious when copyrighted videos are redistributed, reused commercially, or shared without permission.

The safest approach is to only download videos you have the rights to use — such as your own uploads, public-domain videos, Creative Commons content, creator-approved downloads, or videos YouTube already allows you to save offline through YouTube Premium.

YouTube Premium: an official method with a catch

YouTube Premium is the only official way to download YouTube videos for offline viewing. It works seamlessly on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, making it a convenient option for travel or situations with limited internet access.

However, there are several limitations to consider—especially if you want to watch videos offline.

• Subscription required: YouTube Premium is a paid service, currently priced at $13.99 per month in the U.S.
• No transferable files: Downloaded videos stay in the YouTube ecosystem and cannot be transferred, exported, or played outside the app.
• Limited resolution: Offline downloads are typically capped at 1080p, with no support for higher resolutions like 4K or 8K.
• Temporary access: Downloads remain available for up to 29 days. After that, you must reconnect to the internet so YouTube can verify availability. In some regions, playback may be limited to 48 hours without reconnecting.
• Restricted content: Certain videos—such as members-only content—cannot be downloaded, even with a Premium subscription.
• App-only playback: Downloaded videos can only be viewed within the YouTube app while signed into your Premium account. Features like commenting or liking require an active internet connection.

If these restrictions don’t align with your needs—especially for Mac-based offline playback—third-party tools may offer more flexibility. We’ll explore those options in the next section.

Best 3rd-party YouTube downloaders for Mac

A YouTube Downloader is an app that lets you download YouTube videos to your computer. There are some online downloaders as well, but we are talking about desktop tools. You can install these programs, paste a YouTube link and start downloading the videos. Some tools let you do more too.

To choose the best ones, we followed some criteria below.

• Allow one-click downloads;
• Interface is simple and easy to dive in;
• Allow you to select video download quality (up to a maximum of 4K or 8K);
• Fast downloading and conversion;
• Allow you to output to MP3 for audio;
• Not collect your personal data;
• Not contain malware.

How we evaluate and test apps

Our testing environment was simple. We had a moderately fast internet connection on a MacBook Air with M2. To keep everything straight, we hand-tested more than 20 apps from the market and tried downloading the same video using all the YouTube downloader apps. (Read the full rundown of how we select tools to feature on TheSweetBits blog.) Based on our testing sessions, we narrowed the list down to these 9 standout options.

#1 Downie (best for simplicity)

If you want the easiest and most Mac-friendly way to download YouTube videos, Downie is still our top pick. Developed by Charlie Monroe Software, the app focuses on one thing: making video downloads feel effortless on macOS.

What makes Downie stand out is how simple the workflow is. You can drag and drop a YouTube link directly onto the app, its Dock icon, or download window, and the video starts downloading almost instantly. There is no cluttered interface or complicated setup process involved. In everyday use, it feels more like a native Mac utility than a traditional downloader.

Despite the minimalist design, Downie is surprisingly powerful under the hood. It supports downloads from more than 1,200 websites, including many regional and niche video platforms. During our testing, downloads were consistently fast, and even large high-resolution videos completed in seconds. A 30-minute video we tested downloaded quickly while still maintaining great image quality at a relatively small file size.

The app also supports 4K downloads, making it a great option for users with high-resolution displays or anyone who wants to archive videos in the best possible quality. Subtitle support is another standout feature — you can automatically download captions or select specific subtitle tracks, which is especially useful for research, tutorials, or study sessions.

One reason Downie has remained popular among Mac users is how quickly the developer responds whenever YouTube changes its backend behavior.

Pricing

You can purchase Downie with a single-time payment of $19.99. It is also part of the Setapp package, which lets you access over 260 Mac apps for $9.99/month. If you plan to use more than just Downie, it could be a good way to save money overall.

Pros

• Extremely simple and Mac-friendly workflow.
• Supports 4K videos and subtitles.
• Works with 1200+ websites.

Cons

• There are not many advanced features.

Read our full Downie review here.

#2 Pulltube (quick trimming and downloading)

Pulltube is another great option when you want to trim video before downloading. We’d say it offers a balanced experience compared to our other favorites. For instance, while it is not as simple as Downie, it does not intimidate you with too many features.

The UI of Pulltube may not be the simplest at first look. That is because the media downloader packs a fantastic set of features inside. However, if you just want to fetch details and download a YouTube video, it will take only a few seconds. The fact that you can use this single tool to download videos from multiple websites is just amazing indeed.

You can use Pulltube to trim videos. You can cut the video to your desired length by feeding the timestamps or dragging through the video timeline for a preferred part of the video. There is also an option to stitch multiple video parts together to have a single file.

A point worth mentioning is that the app supports playlist downloading as well. If Pulltube detects that the video is part of a playlist, it will offer to download the entire collection. Similarly, the app also has a wonderful level of browser integration. It works well with Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. PullTube lets you use shortcuts and gestures and set up custom proxy/socket choices for easy control.

There are a few seemingly simple but useful features in the Pulltube package. For instance, you would be able to download auto-generated subtitles when you download a YouTube video. In short, it brings such a balanced package of features.

Pricing

The standard license of Pulltube is available for $14.99, but you can use the free trial for 14 days.

You can also check out its Family Bundle, which gives you a 15% discount.

PullTube is also available as a part of the Setapp subscription.

Pros

• A balanced set of features.
• Built-in conversion engine.
• Timecode precision trimming.

Cons

• Less frequent updates

Read our full PullTube review here.

#3 VideoProc Converter AI  (all-in-one downloader/converter/editor)

Have you ever thought of an all-in-one YouTube downloader? Something that can help you download, edit, compress and convert the content from YouTube and other websites? Well, VideoProc Converter AI is right about that thing. That’s why we’ve chosen it as the best one-stop video processing suite out there.

Unlike the other YouTube video downloaders we checked out, VideoProc has a dedicated and well-built option for downloading and converting videos. You will be able to convert not only downloaded videos (from more than 1000 popular video streaming sites) but also the other videos you have on your device. You can add multiple files to start the batch process. It even comes with device profiles for easy conversion.

We noticed that VideoProc does a great job in video editing. In addition to standard features like video and image cropping, video rotation, color correction, and application of various filters and effects, VideoProc allows you to perform many AI-powered other operations.

These features include video stabilization, AI-generative video upscaling, low-FPS video to high FPS conversion with VFI technology, etc. All of these help to give your low-resolution video footage a new look.

VideoProc also packs a built-in Recorder utility along with other features. You can use it to record content from your screen. It has 3 different recording modes with or without voice, from the Internet, or both at the same time whenever you want. You can check out the content and will then be able to download everything with ease and control.

Pricing

VideoProc is available for both macOS and Windows.

You can also try the free version of VideoProc with some limited features.

However, for complete features, you will have to pay $39 per year or $79 for the Lifetime license.

Pros

• Supports popular video sites.
• Includes built-in video converter and recorder.
• Simple and clean layout without ads or unwanted programs.

Cons

• Limited free trial version.

Read our full VideoProc Converter AI review here.

#4 SYC Pro (best for downloading videos to iPhone/iPad)

Softorino YouTube Converter Pro, better known as SYC Pro, is a trusted YouTube downloader from a trusted developer. It happens to be the upgraded version of SYC 2, a popular YouTube downloader app for Mac.

SYC Pro is the best option when you need a professional yet intuitive way to download YouTube videos for offline access. It comes with a stunning UI that makes things easier. For example, you can download a single YouTube video or an entire playlist by pasting a URL. The best part? SYC Pro can help you convert and transfer these videos to your iPad or iPhone.

In terms of speed, SYC Pro is six times faster than SYC 2. It means you can download your favorite YouTube videos faster than ever. It supports YouTube to MP4 downloading with a quality of up to 4K 60fps. You can use the app to convert YouTube videos to MP3/AAC and download them. Once you are done, you can copy all these media files directly to your iPhone/iPad media library.

The developers behind SYC Pro are also working on some features like Facebook support. It already works in sync with YouTube Shorts and Vimeo. You can also count on features like subtitle downloads and a universal search bar. It’s also convenient that SYC Pro has been designed and optimized for macOS and iOS. So you don’t have to worry about compatibility while transferring data.

We also love that you can use SYC Pro to download video and audio files directly to the TV and Music apps on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or even Android. Last but not least, this professional YouTube downloader is also Apple Silicon supported.

Pricing

SYC Pro is only available through Softorino’s Universal License subscription. Plans start at $9.95/month or $39.96/year (about $3.33/month billed annually), and include access to other Softorino apps.

SYC Pro offers a one-day (24 hours) free trial as well. But the problem is you cannot separately purchase the app.

Pros

• Incredibly intuitive User Interface
• Powerful features and downloading speeds
• Integration with iOS and iPadOS devices

Cons

• The free trial is too short
• You cannot purchase it separately

Read our full SYC Pro review here.

#5 4K Video Downloader (best for downloading 4K/8K videos)

As the name says, 4K Video Downloader is a tool that allows you to download YouTube videos in 4K quality. Of course, almost all the tools we have listed above can do this. However, 4K Video Downloader does a great job since we are talking about a dedicated tool.

The primary appeal of the 4K Video Downloader is its dedication to high-quality video downloads. While many other tools offer 4K downloads, this one focuses specifically on maximizing the quality of the downloaded content. This specialization is evident in the tool’s performance and output quality. It lets you download YouTube videos at even 8K quality without paying anything.

The downloading process is impressively straightforward. The tool can automatically pick up YouTube URLs from the clipboard, which simplifies the process significantly. This feature is particularly convenient when you’re browsing and finding a video you want to download; simply copy the URL, and the 4K Video Downloader takes it from there.

One of the features I found most useful is the Smart Mode. This allows for one-click downloads, which is a significant time-saver, especially if you regularly download videos with similar settings. It’s about efficiency and reducing the number of steps in the process. 4K Video Downloader can also fetch subtitles and annotations along with the video content.

The subscription feature is another innovative addition. It automatically downloads new videos from the YouTube channels you’re subscribed to. This means you won’t miss out on new content from your favorite creators, and it’s all automated. Its premium version is also one of the few options that can easily handle 3D and 360-degree video content.

However, the tool isn’t without its drawbacks. The most notable is the lack of editing and converting options. This limitation might be a deal-breaker for users who need more than just downloading capabilities, like editing for content creation or converting for compatibility with different devices.

Pricing

4K Video Downloader is available for Mac and is free to use. You can upgrade to premium for extra features.

Pros

• Focus on high-quality downloads
• Intuitive User Interface design
• Multiple modes for downloads

Cons

• No options for editing/conversion

#6 EaseUS Video Downloader for Mac (best for video-to-mp3)

Although EaseUS Video Downloader is originally a download tool, it is also exactly what you are looking for in terms of downloading and converting videos to MP3.

After testing, it became evident that this tool is designed with a user-centric approach, catering to both casual users and those with more demanding video downloading needs.

One of its biggest strengths is its YouTube support. You can download individual videos, playlists, channels, Music, Shorts, Mixes, live videos and even video subtitles, which makes it especially useful for users who rely on YouTube for research, entertainment, or content archiving. The app also offers a built-in search feature, so you can find videos by name or paste a URL to start downloading in just a few clicks.

EaseUS Video Downloader for Mac also handles live-stream content well. It supports services such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Twitch, TikTok Live, Instagram Live, StreamYard, Dacast, and SoundCloud, making it useful for saving streams for offline viewing or later editing. On top of that, it includes a free video-to-MP3 converter, so you can extract audio from downloaded videos without watermarks, ads, or extra plugins.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, the tool offers $19.99 per month,  $29.99 per year, or even $49.99 one-time lifetime license options.

The free version is a great starting point for those wanting to get a feel of the software, but for uninterrupted access and full functionality, upgrading is worthwhile.

Pros

• Supports more than 1,000 video sites.
• Downloads videos, playlists, channels, and live streams.
• Includes a video-to-MP3 converter.
• Supports HD, 4K, and up to 8K quality on supported sources.
• Offers batch downloading and built-in search.

Cons

• Some features depend on source site limitations.
• Wireless transfer is not its focus.

#7 Airy (best for minimal)

Airy is a popular, minimalist tool for downloading videos from YouTube. It works for YouTube videos and not for other video platforms. Starting from the User Interface, Airy is simple. You will be able to start everything in seconds. It comes with a straightforward YouTube download process as well.

Airy’s user interface is a standout. It’s clean and uncluttered, removing any potential learning curve for new users. This simplicity extends to its download process as well.

Whether you’re downloading a video for offline viewing or just the audio track, the process is intuitive and quick. For users who primarily consume content in audio format, like podcasts or music tracks, this feature is particularly useful.

The browser integration feature of Airy on Mac is another worthy aspect. The bookmarklet tool is a clever addition that enhances the overall user experience. It allows for rapid downloads directly from the browser, bypassing the need to copy and paste URLs, which is a common step in many other downloaders. This feature proved especially handy when I was researching and needed to download a series of tutorial videos sequentially.

Regarding its limitations, it’s worth noting that Airy focuses exclusively on YouTube. While this might be a drawback for those who frequent a variety of video platforms, for YouTube-centric users, it ensures a more optimized experience.

Pricing

In terms of cost-effectiveness, the free version of Airy provides a good starting point for basic needs. However, for full functionality, including high-quality 8K downloads, the one-time fee of $19.95 offers good value for money, considering the ease and efficiency it brings to YouTube video downloads.

Pros

• Intuitive User Interface
• Audio-only downloads
• Customizable quality

Cons

• Lacks options for conversion or transfer

#8 MacX YouTube Downloader (free but dated workflow)

MacX YouTube Downloader is a free choice for Mac users who want a dedicated YouTube downloader without paying anything upfront. Developed by Digiarty Software — the same company behind VideoProc Converter AI above. MacX app focuses on straightforward video downloading with support for batch downloads and high-resolution content.

In our testing, MacX handled standard YouTube downloads reliably and offered decent speeds, especially when downloading multiple videos at once. It also supports downloads from a wide range of websites beyond YouTube, which adds flexibility if you frequently save online videos from different platforms.

That said, the app’s workflow feels noticeably dated compared to newer Mac downloaders. The interface experience lacks the polish and seamless Apple-device integration offered by more modern tools. If your goal is simply to grab videos in bulk on your Mac, though, it still gets the job done.

Pricing

MacX YouTube Downloader is available for macOS and free to use.

Pros

• Completely free
• Good batch download support
• Compatible with many video websites

Cons

• Outdated interface and workflow
• Limited Apple ecosystem integration

#9 ClipGrab for Mac (free but limited extras)

ClipGrab for Mac is a rare, free tool for downloading YouTube videos on Mac computers. It’s simple and has a few small downsides, but they’re not a big deal.

We should note that the application consumes a considerable amount of storage space on the Mac. We have seen paid apps that take up only a fraction of the specified storage space.

With ClipGrab, you can download high-quality videos, up to full HD. It’s easy to find and download videos because of its search feature. Just type what you’re looking for, and you’ll see YouTube results right away.

ClipGrab doesn’t have many extra functions, but it lets you control how you download and change videos. You can even organize the video details, like the title and artist. For a free video downloader, ClipGrab has some pretty cool features and is worth trying.

Pricing

ClipGrab for Mac is completely free to use. It’s available for Windows and Linux as well.

Pros

• Completely free to use
• Simple UI throughout the app
• Integrated search option

Cons

• No additional features

FAQs

Can I download YouTube videos to my Mac computer with YouTube Premium?
No. YouTube Premium lets you download videos for offline viewing, but those downloads stay inside the YouTube app or supported browser experience rather than becoming regular video files on your Mac. You also can’t open them in third-party media players, and some downloads may be limited to 1080p or lower.

How do I download YouTube videos on my Mac for free?
You can simply press Command + Shift + 5 to open the built-in screen recording tool, record the video while it plays in full screen, and save it afterward. It’s completely free and requires no extra apps, though you’ll need to play the entire video in real time. Alternatively, tools like ClipGrab can do simple video downloads.

How do I download audio from YouTube to MP3?
You can download audio from YouTube to MP3 on Mac using either online converters or dedicated apps like EaseUS Video Downloader. Apps such as EaseUS Video Downloader make the process especially simple by combining video downloading and MP3 conversion in one place, with support for high-quality audio extraction and no need for extra plugins.

Is it safe to download from online video sites?
Downloading video from online sites is risky. Despite their aim to simplify downloads without software installations, many of these sites can become suspicious, especially when popular, leading to issues like explicit ads or ceasing functionality. Some sites have been removed due to such issues. Exercise caution, and if your browser or antivirus signals red flags, avoid them and look for safer alternatives.

Bend YouTube to your will

When it comes to choosing the best YouTube downloader for Mac, the key is matching the tool to your priorities.

• Want speed and quick trims? Go with Pulltube.
• Value site compatibility and subtitles? Downie shines with support for 1,200+ sites.
• Looking for an all-in-one solution with editing and AI tools? VideoProc has you covered.
• Need seamless iPhone/iPad transferring? SYC Pro is the natural choice.
• Prefer something lightweight and budget-friendly? EaseUS Video Downloader or ClipGrab are sweet options.

We avoided sketchy web converters and focused on established Mac downloaders with cleaner reputations and safer workflows. No matter which one you pick, you’ll have a reliable way to download and enjoy YouTube content on your Mac — your way.

* Readers like you help support TheSweetBits. When you buy something through the links in this article, we may get a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Loved the article, share!