YouTube video downloader tools allow users to save videos from the platform for offline use. When choosing a downloader, it’s important to pick a safe option that won’t install malware or violate YouTube’s terms. MP4 is commonly the best format for preserving quality and compatibility. This article will provide 10 of the top recommended safe YouTube video downloader tools for users in the USA.
Why Should You Choose MP4 as a Video Format?
When saving YouTube videos for offline playback, MP4 offers some advantages over other formats. For one, MP4 files provide great quality while keeping file sizes reasonable. Additionally, the MP4 video codec enjoys nearly universal device compatibility. Whether watching on a phone, tablet, computer, or television, MP4 files should play smoothly. Lastly, MP4 does not require specialized paid software for creation compared to less common codecs. For all these reasons, MP4 is an ideal choice for downloaded YouTube videos.
The Top 3 Reasons You Should Know About YouTube Video Downloader
There are a few key reasons users may want to use a YouTube video downloader:
Firstly, it allows offline access to videos. If you don’t have an internet connection but want to be able to watch saved YouTube videos, a downloader enables this capability.
Secondly, using a downloader allows you to archive videos for long-term storage. YouTube videos can be deleted or made private over time. With a downloaded copy, you know you’ll still have access.
Finally, downloading tools make it easy to extract audio from YouTube videos. You can save just the audio track from lectures, music, or more.
List of the Safe YouTube Video Downloader
When selecting a YouTube video downloader, it’s crucial to choose a safe option that won’t violate YouTube’s terms or potentially expose you to malware. Here are 10 highly recommended safe downloaders for use in the USA:
Tool | Platform | Key Features | Benefits | Downsides |
Youtube2mp3.pro | Desktop app | Supports up to 8K formats; Batch downloading | Great quality; Downloads playlists | Dated interface; Requires Java |
SaveFrom.net | Web-based | Browser-based downloading; 50+ sites | No installs needed; Easy to use | Lacks customization |
DVDVideoSoft | Windows desktop app | YouTube-focused; Simple interface | Fast speeds; Auto-saves MP4 | YouTube only; No settings |
WinX YouTube Downloader | Desktop app | Downloads & converts video | Integrated workflow; Easy UI | Limited parameters |
Y2Mate | Web application | Multiple sites; No software needed | Hassle-free use; Quick grabbing | Distracting ads; Bad UI |
Softorino YouTube Converter 2 | Mac desktop app | Downloads & converts YouTube videos | One-click function | YouTube only; Paid upgrade |
RipYoutube | Desktop app | Specializes in YouTube downloads | Simple graphical interface | Few sites; No edits |
iTubeGo | Windows/Mac desktop app | YouTube downloader & converter | Reliable grab-and-go saving | YouTube only; Contains ads |
SSYouTube | Desktop app | Made for YouTube downloading | Very simple to use | YouTube only; No customization |
ytmp3 | Web-based | YouTube to MP3 converter | Fast browser-based audio rips | MP3 only; Intrusive ads |
10 Best Safe YouTube Video Downloader
1) Youtube2mp3.pro
Youtube2mp3 is a popular free tool used to download videos from YouTube and other sites for offline viewing and storage. This open source downloader supports high quality formats up to 8K resolution. With its simple interface, Youtube2mp3.pro is easy enough for novices but also provides advanced functionality for power users.
This YouTube video saving software is best suited for people who regularly access YouTube videos and want the ability to reliably save copies for offline access. Especially for those with limited internet connectivity, Youtube2mp3.pro enables building a library of videos to view anytime without an active connection. Additionally, it can benefit content creators who reuse clips in their own productions with proper permission.
Pros
- Supports a wide variety of output video formats including MP4, MKV, and FLV along with audio-only files
- Can download entire YouTube playlists or channels with a single click
- Offers basic video conversion features within the app like cropping and subtitles
Cons
- Lacks options for editing metadata or customizing advanced encoding settings
- User interface shows outdated Windows XP-era aesthetics
- Requires Java to be installed for full functionality
2) RipYoutube
RipYoutube is a free downloader focused specifically on saving videos from YouTube and a few other select sites. It markets itself as the leading video downloader for YouTube, making it easy to grab videos for offline use. The simple and clean interface makes it accessible for all users.
This software is ideal for casual YouTube viewers who only need to occasionally save videos offline. Because it lacks advanced options, power users may want more customizable features. However, for quickly grabbing videos, RipYoutube excels through its specialization in downloading from YouTube versus a wider variety of sites.
Pros
- Very easy-to-use one-click downloading for videos and playlists
- Automatically detects links from YouTube for downloading
- Includes basic video conversion like selecting output quality
Cons
- Can only download from a handful of sites, focused heavily on YouTube
- Lacks tools for editing metadata, subtitles, or encoding
- No customization options for advanced users’ needs
3) DVDVideoSoft Free YouTube Download
DVDVideoSoft offers an ad-supported but completely free YouTube video downloader for Windows. As its name suggests, it specializes in downloads specifically from YouTube rather than a wide range of sites. With a huge userbase, DVDVideoSoft leverages simplicity in order to appeal to the masses for basic YouTube video saving needs.
This tool is tailored precisely for the user who only requires basic functionality to grab videos off YouTube to watch offline later. It forgoes advanced features in favor of clean one-click downloads optimized for the average user. The basic nature means power users will likely find it lacking in customization however.
Pros
- Very fast download speeds reported due to optimization for YouTube
- Saves files automatically in MP4 format for max compatibility
- Easy-to-understand interface with only essential options
Cons
- No advanced settings for customization of output files
- Can only handle downloads from YouTube
- Contains ads (though completely free)
4) Softorino YouTube Converter 2
Softorino YouTube Converter 2 provides a dedicated tool exclusively for saving YouTube videos offline, offering reliable one-click downloads. Like its name says, it goes beyond basic downloading by also incorporating video conversion features at the same time.
This YouTube downloader adds in basic integrated video conversion capabilities for optimizing videos for playback on devices beyond a desktop. It best suits users wanting to download and convert YouTube videos for transferring to phones or tablets for offline viewing. The integrated conversion skips a separate transcoding step.
Pros
- Quickly downloads and converts YouTube videos in one seamless process
- Intelligently picks best file format/resolution for iOS or Android devices
- Dead simple clicking of the big Download button to save any YouTube video
Cons
- Purely designed only for YouTube so no other video site support
- Lacks any advanced settings for custom file parameters
- Requires paid upgrade for full functionality
5) Y2Mate YouTube Downloader
Y2Mate is a popular free online tool for downloading videos from YouTube, Facebook, and over 1000 other sites. It is entirely web-based, requiring no software installs. The minimal design prioritizes ease of downloading above all else.
As a simple but effective online downloading solution, Y2Mate suits more casual YouTube video savers rather than power users. The streamlined downloads cater to those wanting just a quick and hassle-free way to grab videos for offline enjoyment without extra frills.
Pros
- Wide range of support across 1000+ video hosting sites
- No installations necessary for the web app
- Speedy downloads with all major formats supported
Cons
- Dated looking interface isn’t as intuitive
- Lacks any advanced settings or customization options
- Being Ad-supported, contains distractions during use
6) iTubeGo YouTube Downloader
iTubeGo offers a clean, simple YouTube video downloader focused on fast saving of videos for offline enjoyment. As its name suggests, it exclusively targets downloading from YouTube rather than a wide range of platforms. Quick grab-and-go downloads cater towards casual users.
This downloader best suits those who occassionally want to save YouTube videos, especially for offline viewing when internet access proves unreliable. Lacking more advanced functionality however, power users would need to look elsewhere for greater control over downloads.
Pros
- One-click downloads of videos with intelligent naming
- Automatically detects and downloads entire playlists
- Saves preferred language subtitles alongside videos
Cons
- Unable to handle downloads from websites beyond YouTube
- Provides no video format conversion or editing
- Contains ads unless upgrading to the paid version
7) WinX YouTube Downloader
WinX YouTube Downloader provides a straightforward desktop app for saving videos from YouTube, Facebook, Dailymotion, and other sites. Beyond simple downloading, it also incorporates video conversion functionality as well. The streamlined interface targets simplicity over advanced controls.
As an integrated downloader and converter tool, WinX YouTube Downloader works well for those wanting to quickly prepare videos for viewing on devices like phones or tablets. The ability to download and convert in one program saves hassle. However, the focus on simplicity means more advanced users have less customization ability.
Pros
- Downloads and converts video in a single seamless workflow
- Intuitive clicking of buttons rather than complex settings
- Supports extracting MP3 audio from downloaded videos
Cons
- Fairly limited in terms of customizable parameters for encoding
- Does not fully support downloading very lengthy videos
- Contains some upsells to paid version in the interface
8) ytmp3
ytmp3 provides a quick way to extract audio into MP3 format from YouTube videos. As an online web converter, it doesn’t require installing desktop software. The simple input and download buttons make grabbing audio tracks easy.
This online YouTube to MP3 solution works well for casual music savers wanting to quickly download audio from videos. However, more advanced users would likely prefer a desktop solution with more output format options.
Pros
- Fast way to extract MP3 audio from YouTube videos through the browser
- Easy-to-use with just entering the video URL to convert
- Does not require downloading converter software
Cons
- Only able to output MP3 audio format
- webpage interface displays intrusive ads
- More experienced users would desire greater functionality
9) SaveFrom
SaveFrom furnishes an easy way to download videos from YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and over 50 other sites through a web-based interface. As a web application, no software installs are required to start grabbing videos. The tool emphasizes simplicity and speed.
With its quick video saving direct through the browser, SaveFrom works best for casual users looking to occasionally download videos without wanting to setup desktop software. Power users though may find it lacking in more advanced controls.
Pros
- Downloads videos completely through the browser without installs
- Supports over 50 video hosting sites beyond just YouTube
- Clean and simple interface for fast downloads
Cons
- Fairly limited in advanced customization options
- Contains display ads on the site
- Does not fully support downloading lengthy livestreams
10) SSYouTube
SSYouTube offers a straight-forward desktop application specialized specifically for downloading videos from YouTube. Beyond simple downloading, SSYouTube incorporates basic video conversion features as well. The minimalist design makes SSYouTube accessible even for novices.
This tool works well for casual YouTube viewers wanting a desktop app just to occasionally save videos for offline enjoyment. However, more advanced users are likely to desire greater customization and output formatting options available in other tools.
Pros
- Very easy to use for quickly grabbing YouTube videos
- Converts videos to common formats like MP4 during downloading
- Recognizes YouTube links automatically to download
Cons
- Only capable of handling downloads from YouTube
- Lacks more advanced settings or encoding customization
- Contains some display ads unless upgrading
Why ripyoutube is the best youtube video downloader
Ripyoutube stands out as a top choice for a YouTube ripper thanks to its accessible and easy web-based downloading functionality. No desktop software installation is required – downloading happens purely through the browser. This provides a very low barrier to entry for casual users to quickly save videos.
Specifically, Ripyoutube shines when it comes to speed and convenience. The site detects YouTube video URLs automatically, allowing one-click downloads by the time the site finishes loading. Videos get saved to the desktop swiftly without hassle. This makes grabbing videos a completely frictionless experience for the user.
Additionally, Ripyoutube supports over 50 video hosting sites beyond merely YouTube. Other tools place heavy focus exclusively on YouTube at the expense of wider platform support. The broad compatibility gives Youtube2mp3.pro an edge for general video saving needs across the web.
Finally, the web-based nature means no antivirus conflicts or compatibility issues to worry about, unlike installed desktop software. It just works directly through the browser across devices. For fast, reliable, and hassle-free YouTube video and general web video downloading, Ripyoutube is likely the best do-it-all choice for user-friendliness. The only compromise is a lack of deeper customization options, but for simplistic needs, it excels tremendously.
Last Word
Downloading YouTube videos can be a great way to enable offline playback or long term archiving of content. This article has covered top recommended safe YouTube video downloader options for use in the USA along with tips for selecting the MP4 format. Be sure to avoid less reputable websites offering YouTube downloaders which could put device security at risk or violate usage terms. With the right downloader properly installed, saving YouTube videos for personal offline use can certainly be accomplished safely.