Finding a YouTube video downloader is easy. Finding one that is safe, stable, works on Mac or Windows, supports MP4, playlists, subtitles, and high-quality downloads is harder.

This guide compares the best YouTube video downloaders in 2026, including desktop tools, online options, and multi-platform downloaders. We focus on real user needs: saving accessible YouTube videos for personal offline viewing, study, travel, creator reference, and better local organization.

Quick Comparison: Best YouTube Video Downloaders

Keeprix YouTube Downloader is recommended for users who want a simple desktop workflow to save accessible YouTube videos as MP4/MKV files, with playlists, subtitles, and up to 4K/8K when supported.

Tool	Best For	MP4	Playlist	Quality	Free Option
Keeprix	Free YouTube downloads + desktop workflow	Yes	Yes	Up to 4K/8K when supported	Free for supported YouTube downloads
4K Video Downloader	Playlist and channel saving	Yes	Yes	Up to 4K/8K depending on source	Free plan limits
Freemake	Format conversion	Yes	Limited	HD/4K depending on source	Free with limits
YTD Video Downloader	Simple URL downloads	Yes	Limited	HD depending on source	Free with limits
Any Video Converter	Download + conversion	Yes	Limited	HD/4K depending on source	Free version
EaseUS Video Downloader	Multi-site downloads	Yes	Yes	HD/4K depending on source	Free trial/paid
YouTube Premium	Official app offline viewing	No local MP4	App-managed	App-controlled	Paid subscription

How We Chose the Best YouTube Video Downloaders

We compared each tool based on practical factors that matter to real users:

– Platform support: Mac, Windows, PC, and browser-based workflows.
– Output options: MP4, MKV, audio, subtitles, and available quality.
– Playlist support: whether the tool can save playlists, channels, or multiple videos.
– Safety and usability: clean installation, fewer pop-ups, no fake download buttons, and clear settings.
– Free access: whether users can test the tool before paying.
– Use case fit: travel, study, creator reference, offline viewing, and local organization.

1. Keeprix Video Downloader: Best YouTube Downloader on Mac & Windows

Keeprix Video Downloader is a Windows and Mac desktop tool for saving accessible YouTube videos as local MP4/MKV files. It is a strong choice if you want more control than a random online downloader, especially for playlists, subtitles, audio tracks, and high-quality downloads.

For supported YouTube videos, Keeprix can be used as a free social video downloader. You can paste a YouTube link, choose your preferred output settings, and save videos for personal offline viewing, study, travel, creator reference, or local organization.

Special Features:

– Free downloads for supported YouTube videos.
– Save YouTube videos as MP4 or MKV on Mac and Windows.
– Download playlists, channel videos, and Shorts when supported.
– Keep available subtitles and audio tracks when supported by the source.
– Save in up to 4K/8K when source quality and technical conditions support it.
– Avoid risky online downloader pages with pop-ups, fake buttons, or unstable quality.

Step 1: Download and open Keeprix on your Mac or Windows computer. Choose YouTube from the supported platform list.

Step 2: Sign in your YouTube account. Paste a YouTube link or open YouTube inside the built-in browser. Open a video you want to save and click Download.

Step 3: Choose your preferred format, quality, subtitles, audio tracks, and output folder. Click the Download button to save the video as a local MP4/MKV file for personal offline viewing or organization.

2. 4K Video Downloader

The second great option is the 4K Video Downloader. With this tool, you can simply get videos, playlists, channels, and subtitles not only from YouTube but also from many other platforms. On top of that, you can also enjoy your videos in 4K.

The Smart Mode of the app will automatically adjust settings to help you download files faster. Subtitles are available in multiple languages, and you can download videos in MP4, MKV, or M4A formats.

Standout Features:

• Amazing Quality: Downloads videos in the highest possible resolutions available on YouTube.
• Channels & Playlists: Downloads entire YouTube channels or playlists with one click.
• Smart Mode: Set your preferred quality and format once (e.g., MP4, 1080p), and it will be applied automatically to future downloads, making the process faster.
• Subtitles: You can download subtitles along with the video in your chosen language.

Best for: users who often download playlists, channels, or videos in high quality.

Pros:
– Supports MP4/MKV and multiple quality options.
– Good for playlists and channels.
– Smart Mode helps reuse preferred settings.

Cons:
– Some advanced features may require a paid plan.
– The free plan may have usage limits.

3. Freemake YouTube Video Downloader

The Freemake YouTube Video Downloader is specifically designed for downloading YouTube videos and other media. With the ability to save multiple videos in batch format, you save both effort and time.

It also lets you convert downloaded videos into formats compatible with phones, tablets, and gaming consoles. Its fast downloads and ability to maintain video quality are among the reasons people like Freemake for downloading YouTube videos.

Key Features:

• Huge Format Support: Converts videos to over 500 formats, ensuring compatibility with phones, tablets, etc.
• Built-in Tools: Often includes basic conversion and editing tools (like cutting parts of the video) right in the downloader.
• Quality Downloads: Also supports HD and 4K downloads.

Best for: Perfect if you need videos in specific formats for different devices or want simple editing tools included.

4. MovPilot Video Downloader

With MovPilot, you can download videos from popular sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion. With this tool, you can easily download videos in standard definition, HD, or any other format they prefer. With its fast and simple design, the software allows you to download videos with ease.

MovPilot allows you to download whole playlists or several videos all at the same time. It also includes the ability to extract audio from videos. MovPilot is ideal for anyone who wants to download videos smoothly and easily due to its seamless functionality and support for multiple devices.

Special Features:

• Wide Site Support: Works with YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more.
• Playlist/Channel Downloads: Easily grabs entire YouTube playlists or channels.
• Good Quality & Subtitles: Downloads in high quality (often in 1080p) and supports downloading subtitles.

Best for: A convenient option if you download from multiple streaming services and want one tool for the job.

Further reading: How to Download Videos Without DRM

5. YTD Video Downloader

You can use YTD Video Downloader to download and convert videos from YouTube and many other streaming websites. Owing to this perk, you can watch videos in MP4, AVI, and MOV formats on any device. A handy perk is that the tool is easy to use with its simple interface, as you just need to paste the video URL and start downloading right away.

A video player is also included to let you view the video before downloading it. YTD helps you download a batch of videos quickly, which is beneficial for those who need to save multiple videos.

Unique Features:

• Built-in Player & Converter: Allows you to download videos effortlessly and convert them to other formats (like MP3 audio) within the app.
• Playlist/Channel Downloads: Supports downloading full playlists and channels.
• Pause/Resume: May allow you to pause downloads and resume them later if needed.

Best for: Good if you like having a player and converter included in one simple package.

6. Any Video Converter

Any Video Converter (AVC) brings together video downloading and advanced conversion tools. It allows you to download videos from YouTube as well as hundreds of other sites, so you can store them in formats such as MP4, AVI, WMV, and others. AVC’s multithreading technology allows for swift downloads.

Besides downloading, it comes with tools for editing videos, including trimming, cropping, and adding effects. The tool can handle multiple videos simultaneously and offers settings for converting them for use on smartphones and gaming consoles. People like AVC because its user-friendly design and many features allow them to download and convert videos all in one place.

Key Features:

• Fast Conversion: Converts videos quickly between many formats, sometimes using special tech (like NVIDIA CUDA) for extra speed.
• Editing Tools: Includes basic editing like trimming, cropping, merging clips, and adding effects.
• Audio Extraction & DVD Burning: Easily saves just the audio (MP3) from videos and might even let you burn videos to DVDs.

Best for: A great choice if you need fast conversions, basic editing, or unique features like DVD burning.

You may also like: Best Disney Plus downloaders for Windows & Mac

7. EaseUS Video Downloader

EaseUS Video Downloader allows you to download videos from YouTube and many other video-streaming sites quickly. The software supports various video resolutions, including HD, and allows you to save their videos in MP4 or AVI format.

Thanks to its clear and simple design, anyone can paste a video URL and begin downloading the video immediately. It also makes it easy for you to save several videos in one go.

Because it is both fast and compatible with a wide range of platforms, EaseUS Video Downloader is perfect for users who need a simple video downloading tool.

Best Features:

• Huge Website Support: Claims to work with over 1,000 websites.
• Bulk Downloading: Easily downloads playlists, channels, or even all videos from your YouTube “Liked” list.
• Speed & Quality: Downloads quickly and supports HD/4K quality.
• Simple Interface: Designed to be very easy for beginners to use.

Best for: Excellent if you download from many different sites or want easy ways to download videos in bulk.

FAQs About YouTube Video Downloaders

Q1. Can I download YouTube videos in 1080p, 4K, or 8K?

Yes, when the source video quality and technical conditions support it. Keeprix supports high-quality YouTube downloads, including up to 4K/8K for supported videos.

Q2. Can I download a YouTube video to MP4?

Yes! MP4 is a very common format that works on almost all devices. Nearly every downloader offers MP4 as a saving option. For the complete desktop workflow, see how to download YouTube videos to MP4 for free on Windows or Mac.

Q3. Can I download YouTube playlists?

Yes. Some desktop tools, including Keeprix, support playlist or batch downloads when supported. This is useful for courses, tutorials, music collections, lectures, or creator reference folders.

Conclusion

For most Mac and Windows users, the best YouTube video downloader should be stable, easy to use, support MP4/MKV output, playlists, subtitles, and high-quality downloads. If you want a desktop workflow instead of risky online tools, Keeprix is the recommended first choice for saving supported YouTube videos for personal offline viewing and organization.