Top Free YouTube to MP3 Downloaders

YouTube is hands down one of the best ways for all of us to listen to music. You can find pretty much everything you want there and more – which is no surprise considering that we’re looking at the world’s biggest media platform here.

However, the two biggest problems here is that one, you’re looking at videos, and two, YouTube is a streaming service. So, unless you’re willing to pay for YouTube premium, you can’t get any songs. And that’s where free YouTube to MP3 downloaders come in!

Why YouTube to MP3?

In case you’re not familiar with it, MP3 is a file format that we use for music while MP4 is used for videos. So, a video to MP3 converter or downloader is ideally made to take a video then convert it to audio. That’s how you can download music video-clips – but without the video part.

To be more precise, YouTube to MP3 downloaders are not just downloaders – they are also converters. That’s because you don’t just download a video. If you want to listen to it as a song with an app that’s made for music playback, then you need to convert it to MP3.

While there are both paid and free options out there, we’d say that the presence of YouTube Premium kind of makes them obsolete. After all, if you are going to pay anyway, why not pay for the legal option that’s also much easier to use?

The question is, ‘Why use YouTube downloaders and/or converters at all’? Well, YouTube downloaders are not just a way to download songs or videos. Those of us with a slow internet connection barely have a choice at all as we just can’t stream high-resolution videos.

YouTube downloaders are also a great way to keep some songs or videos for while we’re on the road. Not to mention that many songs are not available on Spotify or in other streaming platforms – except YouTube – which is another reason to use a downloader.

Other than that, your reasons are your own. With that out of the way, let us check some of the best options!

• YouTube to MP3 Desktop Tools
• Web Online Tools
• iOS/Android Mobile Apps

# YouTube to MP3 desktop tools

MediaHuman YouTubetoMP3

If you’re looking for a reliable YouTube to MP3 downloader for your Mac, MediaHuman is probably the best choice you have.

What is so great about MediaHuman is that you get to save your favorite music in the software, listen to it whenever you’re using your Mac, and even have the ability to download your favorite music in MP3 format.

The highest quality available is up to 320 kbps, and you get to set a list of downloads that run automatically which can save you up some time.

On top of that, each song you download will come with a cover art image support that will replace the blank .mp3 format icon on your Mac. You can add downloaded songs into iTunes and listen directly from one library.

Along with the Mac, MediaHuman is compatible with Windows, and even Linux OS.

But you didn’t even hear the biggest benefit of MediaHuman yet. MediaHuman can help you download songs from other video platforms such as Vimeo, SoundCloud, Dailymotion, and others – along with YouTube.

YTD Video Downloader

If you’re looking for a simple, lightweight, and convenient software that will help you download and convert YouTube videos to MP3 directly from Windows – YTD Video Downloader has a great offer.

YTD Video Downloader offers a video converter for Windows that’s one of the most popular Windows options. It’s a very simple-looking software that allows you to paste the video link and yet get plenty of options that allow a great quality.

Other than the MP3 format, you can choose to convert your YouTube videos to M4A AAC, WAV, FLAC, OGG, and many other formats.

From pasting the link, waiting for the video to be converted, and choosing the format – you can get your YouTube videos directly saved on your Windows computer in only a couple of clicks.

But for the process to be even quicker, you can create a list of videos you’d like to convert and let it run a bulk conversion so you get all videos saved to your computer at once.

And here’s one of the best things you probably weren’t aware of. YTD Video Downloader’s YouTube to MP3 converter for Windows became so popular that they’ve introduced a new feature which allows you to convert almost any video you find online by pasting the link and getting the MP3 download through the tool. Therefore, you won’t only be limited to YouTube videos.

4K YouTube to MP3

4K YouTube to MP3 is one of the most advanced software that is compatible with macOS, Windows, and even Linux.

What I like the most about 4K YouTube to MP3 is the clean interface which gets updates often and just looks attractive and easy-to-use. On top of that, 4K YouTube to MP3 is really quick! All you have to do is paste the YouTube link to the search bar and let the software take it from there.

But you should also be aware of 4K YouTube to MP3 advanced features. For example, this software allows you to download the whole playlist or even every video from a YouTube channel.

To stay protected and secure, 4K YouTube to MP3 also offers an easy proxy set up so that your internet protocol address is hidden. When the songs download, you can listen to them within the software thanks to the integrated music player, or you can even go on and create an audiobook from a YouTube video (which is ideal for podcasts).

ClipGrab

ClipGrab is a very simple and efficient YouTube to MP3 downloader for almost all operating systems out there, including macOS, Windows, and Linux.

ClipGrab features a simple-to-use interface where you only need to insert the YouTube video link to the search bar and click on the “Grab the Clip” button. You also get to choose the quality and format so once the video is converted to an MP3 file, you’ll see it listed below the search bar.

The next thing you’ll have to do is to select where you’d like to save the MP3 file and that’s the whole process done!

A great advantage is that ClipGrab gets frequent updates so it will always be a reliable option that will offer you to download your favorite music straight from your desktop.

# Web online tools

Addoncrop YouTube to MP3 Converter Extension

If you browse the internet using the Google Chrome browser, you’re in luck. Addoncrop created a Chrome extension that is easy to add to your browser and yet it can download and convert any YouTube video to MP3 in only seconds.

Once you install and activate the Addoncrop YouTube to MP3 Chrome extension, all you have to do is browse YouTube and find a video you’d like to convert.

When you are viewing the video, you will see a new button above the “Subscribe” button. If you click that button, your converting process will start immediately and once it’s done, a download of the MP3 will start.

If you’re an avid Chrome user, this is one of the best ways to get the most from the browser by integrating this simple yet very efficient extension that allows an on-page download.

I also have to mention that this Chrome extension does a really good job and the MP3 quality is outstanding (supports up to 320 kbps). However, if you’d only like to download embedded videos, you’d love to know that this extension also offers an integrated option for embedded videos.

ClickMP3

If you aren’t able to take advantage of Chrome extensions, there’s nothing to worry about. ClickMP3 offers a simple way anyone connected to the internet can take advantage of.

ClickMP3 is a simple website that is very quick and easy to use. When you visit ClickMP3, you’ll be greeted with a simple search bar where you have to insert the YouTube link, then press the button, and ClickMP3 will get everything done for you. This includes conversion to a high-quality MP3 file and an easy download link.

What I like the most about ClickMP3 is that you can use it without any registration or account creation, and yet it’s free.

Considering that the ClickMP3 is fast, quick, visually attractive, and easy to navigate, I was really surprised to see that there are no ads at all. ClickMP3 is fully free and you won’t even have to look at an ad in return for a download link.

And only when you thought things couldn’t get better, ClickMP3 allows you to download an unlimited number of MP3 files and it doesn’t even matter how long the YouTube video is.

We’re going to talk about iOS and Android apps later on, but ClickMP3 makes a great choice for everyone who doesn’t want to install an app to convert and download YouTube videos in the MP3 format. However, keep in mind that this will require you to download an additional file downloader while using the ClickMP3 on a phone – but I think it’s worth the time.

The only downside is that ClickMP3 works with YouTube and it doesn’t support other video platforms such as DailyMotion. But with that being said, ClickMP3 is probably at the top of the list among its web-based competitors.

YT1S

If you’re looking for a lightweight online YouTube to MP3 service, YT1S is the third-best option you can use.

YT1S is a fast and easy-to-use service that offers no limit and yet provides a 100% safe and clean way of downloading high-quality YouTube videos in MP3 format. Along with the MP3 format, you can use YT1S to convert and download other formats such as MP4, 3GP, WEBM, and even M4A.

All you need to do is copy and paste the YouTube URL into the YT1S’s search bar, click the “Convert MP3” button, and wait for the conversion to complete. As soon as you press the button, you won’t have to do anything else and yet YT1S will take care of everything for you. Even though it’s a free service, I was very surprised with the performance and speed.

Considering that this is one of the least known YouTube to MP3 conversion places on the internet, you might even benefit from quicker conversion and download speeds.

Even though YT1S doesn’t allow you to convert and download videos in an MP3 file from any other platform than YouTube, there’s one interesting feature. YT1S features a Facebook downloader that allows you to download videos from Facebook in MP3 and other formats.

X2Convert

X2Convert is another less known but very efficient YouTube to MP3 download service that allows you to download about any video you see on YouTube in less than a minute.

There is no limit on how many videos you can convert and download, but one thing is for sure. Other than only converting MP3 format, you can also convert YouTube videos into other formats such as MP4, M4V, 3GP, and a couple of other formats.

One of the most brilliant X2Convert features is that you won’t even have to copy and paste the YouTube URL into its search bar. Instead, all you have to do is type “x2” after YouTube and before .com in the URL. This will automatically trigger the conversion process directly from YouTube and you won’t have to do anything else.

However, if you are not comfortable with this way, you can also use the more traditional way of copying and pasting the YouTube URL into the X2Convert’s search bar. Worth mentioning is that every download you make using the X2Convert will result in a high-speed and high-quality performance.

What surprised me the most is that this free conversion service doesn’t even require you to create an account in return for using a high-quality yet free service.

# iOS/Android Mobile Apps

Syncios (Android)

If you’re looking to convert and download YouTube videos in MP3 format directly to your Android smartphone – there’s no better option than Syncios.

Syncios is a company that provides a decent way not only to download YouTube videos in MP3 formats to your computer but also your smartphone. All you need is an android Syncios app that works similarly to all other web and browser-based YouTube to MP3 converters.

The biggest advantage of Syncios is that you get to create a playlist within the app that can serve as an offline player (when you’re not connected to the internet). Another great advantage is that Syncios can convert almost all video formats into MP3 and other music formats. It can allow you to listen to unsupported Android formats through the Syncios app.

The app is very responsive, easy to navigate, and it’s very smooth to use which increases the user experience. On top of that Syncios is a well-known company in the smartphone industry as they feature many other useful apps and software that can help you manage your smartphone, transfer your files, improve your health, and much more.

However, the only thing is that Syncios comes in .exe format for your computer, from where you have to connect it to your Android smartphone via USB cable to install the app to your smartphone as there is no direct download available.

Peggo (Android)

Peggo is another interesting Android app that works differently, and yet provides a great user experience for anyone who’s looking to convert YouTube videos into an MP3 format.

The best thing about Peggo is that it can be downloaded directly in the Play Store or from the official website. Once you install the app on your Android smartphone, Peggo allows you to browse YouTube within the app to find a video you’d like to convert.

When you find the desired video, Peggo works in a way of “recording” instead of converting your video. You get to choose a timeframe you’d like to record from the video (or you can record the whole video length).

The app also allows you to choose the title and even name the artist so once the MP3 file is saved, it will be well-organized on your smartphone.

Along with the ability to record video’s audio and make an MP3 file out of it, you can also record the video as well, creating an MP4 file. Once you find your video, you can record your MP3 (or MP4) file in only minutes which is another convenient feature of Peggo.

TubeMate

TubeMate is made for Android, yet it functions very similar to other Android apps above.

This is an Android app you can download to your Android phone and once installed, it allows you to browse YouTube and choose any video you’d like to convert & download in an MP3 format.

Along with the ability to download videos, you’ll even be able to download movies which is a great advantage if you’ve been looking to store a couple of videos on your Android smartphone for the upcoming trip. However, keep in mind that this will require a bit of storage on your smartphone.

You won’t even need to grab the YouTube URL to convert and download the MP3 version to your Android device. All you need is to search and find a desired video and press the convert & download button.

What’s also great about TubeMate is that it doesn’t only work with YouTube. Instead, you can browse any video platform of your choice, such as DailyMotion, Vimeo, or even Facebook to find a desired video to convert & download as an MP3 to your Android smartphone. So if you know a good movie website and you’d like to download a movie in an MP4 format along with MP3 music files, TubeMate is an app worth considering!

However, keep in mind that you might not be able to find the app directly in the Play Store. But all you need is to follow the official download link, download the app to your computer, and then transfer it to your Android smartphone so it’s ready for installation and use.

Softorino YouTube Converter (for iOS)

If you’re looking for one of the best ways to download YouTube videos in an MP3 format on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod – Softorino YouTube Converter is a great option.

Unfortunately, there’s no iOS native app that you can download from the App Store and download YouTube to MP3 videos directly to your iPhone. Instead Softorino YouTube Converter is an app that’s ideal for Windows and Mac OS which allows you to convert YouTube videos into MP3 files, and directly transfer them to your iPhone (or iPad and iPod).

Other than that, Softorino YouTube Converter is as efficient in both versions and it can help convert any YouTube video by only pasting a link into the app while you have your iPhone connected to the computer. On top of that, Softorino YouTube Converter also allows you to convert any videos saved on your computer to MP3 format.

Also, you can even use Softorino YouTube Converter to convert any other audio or ringtone to MP3 format so you can use it on your iPhone or any other device too. It doesn’t always have to be a video.

FAQs

Are YouTube to MP3 Downloaders Illegal?

In a way, yes, they are. This is a violation of YouTube’s terms of use and YouTube or YouTube channels could technically sue you. The thing is this rarely happens – if ever at all.

It looks like huge companies like Google are barely ever willing to bother with simple users like us. It’s probably not worth their time.

Overall, yes, YouTube downloaders are illegal but nobody ever bothers with’pirates’. Unless yo’re living in a strict country like Germany and even there they usually only worry about those who use torrents as these are extremely easy to target through ISPs (Internet Service Providers).

Is There Any Way to Download YouTube Music Legally?

A few years ago, the only way that you could download YouTube videos was illegally by using YouTube downloaders and or converters. But now there is also YouTube Premium which allows you to legally download all the videos and music that you want.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that it asks for a monthly subscription.

The exact price may differ from region to region. So, check it out yourself. Also, other than being able to download YouTube videos and songs, you may also get a free subscription of Google Music. Again, this also depends on your region which means that you’ll have to go check it out yourself.

Why do You not Include More Programs?

More often than not, we try to limit our top picks down to 2 or 3 and then we may also include a few honorable mentions. But, generally, we think it’s better to only pick the best 2 to 3 programs that are available and expand on them instead of listing 15 programs of which 13 are just okay.

Wrapping up

These are our top picks for now. You can use them to watch videos or listen to songs while you’re on the road, or, you can also use them to watch a video that’s normally non—streamable on a very slow internet connection.

If you liked this article, feel free to stick around as we upload software-related articles on a weekly basis. We talk about productivity, free or premium tools that you can use, editing software, and pretty much anything that has to do with Mac, Windows, mobile devices, and, sometimes, maybe even Linux!

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