Downie: A rare Mac utility that actually sticks (2026 review)
As content creators, we often need to download or edit videos for offline use. Since we started using Macs, we have been searching for a reliable video downloading tool that works with YouTube and other popular platforms. One day, while sifting through a Reddit thread about macOS apps, we discovered Downie.
What exactly is Downie?
Downie is a macOS video downloader developed by Charlie Monroe Software. As the developer told us:
“Downie is simple to use, yet offers advanced features, it’s frequently updated (on weekly to biweekly basis) and mainly offers easy ways to request support (me). I offer one-on-one support via email, in most cases within 24 hours, I look into the issue and do my best to help the user get the desired results.”
Read the full interview on Charlie Monroe’s discussion of Downie’s journey from vision to reality.
While most people initially discover it as a YouTube downloader, the app actually supports thousands of websites, including Vimeo and many smaller regional platforms.
But what makes Downie interesting is not simply the number of supported sites. It does more:
- Downie can download videos from tons of sites (including YouTube in 4K!).
- Integrate with browsers and let you convert downloaded videos in one go.
- It can also convert to MP4 (for iPad and iPhone use) or do only audio extraction on the fly.
- Support iCloud synchronization to maintain your download history over different devices.
The features
Downie looked like a small Mac utility at first, but after a few weeks of testing, it slowly became part of our everyday workflow. Not because it tried to do everything, but because it handled the annoying parts of video downloading unusually well.
We are currently testing Downie 4.7.20 on an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS Tahoe at the time of writing.
- Various sites support
As we said, Downie’s compatibility with video hosting websites is impressive. We could easily download videos from local and international websites. You can contact the developers for a resolution if you find a website that does not allow Downie to download videos. We had to use this option only once or twice.
- 4K video support
Downie lets you download videos at the highest possible quality. In the case of YouTube, 4K video support is excellent. You simply have to paste the YouTube URL, and Downie does the rest. We often use the built-in Post-processing feature to save time.
However, the best part is what you can do after Downie downloads something.
- Automatic conversion
With most YouTube downloading tools, We have faced issues with format compatibility. We download the video, but it is often in a format designed for maximum compression. If we want to play it on an iPad or our PC, we might need to convert it. Typically, we have to use a secondary tool for this conversion.
However, with Downie, things are much easier due to the built-in post-processing option. Whenever a video is being downloaded, we can select a post-processing option. This includes choosing from various available formats and resolutions or sending it to Permute, a media converter tool developed by Charlie Monroe.
- Customizable settings
For the reasons we just told you, customization is an important option when we use a YouTube downloader tool.
Downie has one of the most advanced preference menus we have seen in YouTube downloading apps. You get to control almost every aspect of the app, including the appearance, history, browser extensions, and post-processing options.
You can also view a list of supported sites and explore custom integrations. Additionally, there are options to select which search engine you use via Downie and enable privacy-centric features, such as anonymous data statistics.
We also like the option for browser extensions, which are available for Firefox, Safari, and many Chrome-based apps, including Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
The experience
Are you wondering how Downie works in real life? Here is a quick overview of our workflow with Downie.
- User interface
As we already mentioned the simple user interface, we don’t want to be redundant. However, there are some crucial points to keep in mind.
First, Downie is designed to download multiple files simultaneously, offering maximum performance. As a result, the whole process may seem a bit technical initially, and it can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar.
It would be great if the developer included a more straightforward option for pasting the URL. You have to locate the plus button in the bottom left corner of the screen to initiate the download.
Once you get used to the interface, everything will be easy. You can get rid of downloads in a single click or clear all the finished downloads. There are also options to explore history if you download multiple videos simultaneously.
- Video downloading
We often come across YouTube or Vimeo videos that we want to download while browsing. With Downie running in the background, the process is seamless. First, we have to copy the video URL to the clipboard.
You can open Downie and press Command + V to start the download. Downie will download the video file immediately, but you can customize the post-processing options anytime.
If you need to convert a file after downloading it, you can also easily use Permute for further conversion.
- Performance
One interesting thing we noticed is how much better Downie feels on Apple Silicon compared to older Intel Macs.
Earlier versions occasionally felt inconsistent during heavier downloads and post-processing tasks on Intel hardware. On our M1 Mac mini with 8GB RAM and a restricted 10Mbps connection, however, the experience was much smoother.
Downloads remained stable.
Post-processing was quick.
Simultaneous downloads rarely caused slowdowns.
For a utility app that constantly moves large media files around, that stability becomes noticeable quickly.
The price
Downie doesn’t disappoint when it comes to pricing, either. You can download Downie from the official website and take advantage of the free trial option that is included. However, to access all the features, you must purchase a license. There are a few options available:
- You can buy a single one-time license for Downie for $19.99.
- You can subscribe to Setapp, which gives you access to Downie and numerous other apps for a monthly fee of $9.99.
- You can get the Downie+ Permute bundle for $26.99, a saving compared to the individual price of $35.
Additionally, Charlie Monroe Software offers discounts for students, which you can avail of to reduce the cost further.
Bottom line
The latest version of Downie has not changed our opinion about its YouTube video downloading capabilities. There are now even more reasons to recommend this app to Mac users.
Previously, we noticed some performance issues while using an Intel processor. However, after testing the app on an Apple Silicon device, the entire experience has improved. The performance is reliable throughout every stage of the process. Plus, the developer keeps adding more websites to the supported list.
Pros
- Wide Site Support
- High-Definition 4K Video Downloads
- Advanced customization options
- Integration with Permute and browsers
- Consistent performance
Cons
- Limited to macOS Users
- The UI could be more straightforward
- Past security concerns (addressed by the developer)
Considering all these features, Downie justifies its $20 price tag. While you can save money with additional discounts, you get a great deal with Downie even without them.
Last Updated: May 26, 2026, by TheSweetBits Team