15 Best YouTube Video Ripper Tools in 2024 (Free & Paid)

YouTube is home to a massive collection of videos on every topic imaginable. From music videos and movie trailers to educational content and viral clips, YouTube has it all.

Sometimes, you come across a video that you‘d like to save for offline viewing or use in your own content. However, you don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium, and you are probably right, as, in our opinion, it is not worth it for what it offers.

You don’t need it, as there are reliable, fast YouTube video ripper tools that can help you. These versatile tools allow you to download and convert YouTube videos for personal use.

In this article, we will explore the 15 best YouTube video ripper tools that will help you save your favorite videos safely with the best speed and features.

Why Use a YouTube Video Ripper?

Here are some of the key reasons why a YouTube video ripper can be useful:

• Offline viewing – With a ripper, you can download videos to watch later without an internet connection. This is great for trips, commutes, or other times you expect to be offline.
• Archiving – If there‘s a video you want to save forever, a ripper allows you to download it permanently. This prevents losing access if the video is removed from YouTube.
• Content creation – Downloaded YouTube videos can be edited and repurposed for your own content, provided you comply with fair use laws.
• Education – Students and teachers may use rippers to download educational videos for offline study and classroom use.
• Conversion – Rippers allow you to convert YouTube videos into other formats for playback on specific devices.

15 Best YouTube Rippers in 2024

Based on features, performance, and user reviews, here are 15 top-rated tools for downloading YouTube videos:

1. 4K Video Downloader

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

4K Video Downloader is one of the most popular and highly-rated choices for free YouTube ripping. It‘s incredibly fast, downloading videos in just seconds.

The name is a little misleading – it can download 1080p and 720p HD videos too, not just 4K. But 4K formats are supported if you want maximum quality.

Other key features:

• Download entire playlists or channels
• Extract audio into MP3
• Subtitle support
• Browser extension for quick downloading
• No ads or software bundles

YouTube isn‘t the only site supported either. 4K Video Downloader can also save videos from Vimeo, Flickr, Facebook, DailyMotion, and more.

Overall, it provides an easy, frustration-free experience with great speeds. The free version is feature-rich, but upgrading to premium adds even more capabilities.

2. SnapDownloader

Platforms: Windows, Mac

For Mac and Windows users, SnapDownloader is an excellent choice that focuses on fast, high-quality downloads. It can grab videos in up to stunning 8K resolution from YouTube and 900 other sites.

Despite the robust functionality, SnapDownloader retains a clean and simple interface. Downloading is a breeze – just copy the URL and click "Fetch". Batch downloading makes quick work of multiple videos.

Fixing quality and format issues from YouTube is easy with SnapDownloader‘s video editor. Other handy features include a built-in converter, ability to extract audio, and integration with popular services like Dropbox.

You can try SnapDownloader free for 24 hours to experience the speedy downloads first-hand.

3. YTD Video Downloader

Platforms: Windows, Mac

YTD Video Downloader is a longtime favorite thanks to its straightforward approach and wide format support. It can grab videos from YouTube plus over 50 other sites.

With just a couple clicks, you can download videos up to 4K resolution. HD and SD formats are available too. Downloaded videos can be saved in any format you need – MP4, AVI, MOV, and more.

YTD makes downloading entire playlists or channels simple. Just paste the link to download them all sequentially. Videos are tagged with metadata automatically.

The clean interface is appreciated by users. YTD has all the major features covered without unnecessary bloat. For those seeking a basic but powerful free YouTube ripper, YTD Video Downloader is a top choice.

4. Freemake Video Downloader

Platforms: Windows

Exclusively for Windows PCs, Freemake Video Downloader offers an enormous range of supported sites – over 10,000 in total! Of course, downloading from YouTube is seamless.

Beyond the massive site compatibility, Freemake stands out for handling 4K and even 8K videos effortlessly. For the highest quality downloads, it‘s a superb choice.

Converting downloaded videos into popular formats for playback on iOS or Android devices is simple with Freemake‘s built-in converter. Subtitles can be automatically searched and downloaded as well.

The interface strikes a nice balance between simplicity and depth. Beginners won‘t be overwhelmed, but more advanced users have plenty of customization options.

Overall, for Windows users seeking top-notch format support in a free package, Freemake Video Downloader is an excellent pick.

5. aTube Catcher


Platforms: Windows

aTube Catcher is an all-in-one downloader for Windows that can capture videos from a massive range of sites. Of course, it excels at pulling videos from YouTube with ease.

You can also use aTube Catcher as a screen recorder to save online video streams or recordings from your webcam. Audio extraction from videos is another handy feature.

Once downloaded, aTube Catcher has excellent built-in tools for editing and converting videos. Trimming, effects, subtitles, watermarks, and more are supported.

The interface can feel a bit outdated, but don‘t let that fool you – the functionality is robust. For Windows users seeking an integrated downloader and video editor, aTube Catcher is a great fit.

6. WinX YouTube Downloader

Platforms: Windows

Boasting fast speeds and a clean interface, WinX YouTube Downloader makes downloading YouTube videos on Windows a breeze. It can fetch videos up to 4K quality with no hassle.

WinX stands out with its level of configurability. You can fine-tune format, video and audio codecs, resolution, bit rates, and other settings for maximum control over quality and file size.

For added convenience, WinX can automatically back up downloads to cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox.

Overall, WinX YouTube Downloader combines simplicity and adaptability. For Windows users who want precise control when ripping YouTube videos, it‘s a great solution.

7. VideoProc

Platforms: Windows, Mac

VideoProc does much more than just download from YouTube. It‘s an incredibly versatile suite for downloading, editing, converting, recording, and more.

As a downloader, VideoProc can rip content from 1000+ sites beyond just YouTube. It excels at post-processing too – trimming, merging, subtitles, GIF creation, and video optimization can all be handled in VideoProc.

The screen recording features allow capturing video from Netflix, webcam, your screen, or external devices. For creators seeking an all-in-one video toolbox, VideoProc is worth checking out.

While the interface can feel dense for casual users, VideoProc makes up for it with surprisingly fast performance despite the stacked feature set.

8. ClipGrab

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

ClipGrab takes downloading videos from not just YouTube but also Vimeo, Dailymotion, and other major sites. It can fetch videos in any available resolution up to 4K.

A standout feature of ClipGrab is its ability to extract and download audio in high-quality MP3 format. This allows saving just the audio track from music videos or other clips.

ClipGrab has a super clean interface that makes it enjoyable to use. Despite the simplicity, it still packs handy features like a built-in search and video preview.

Open-source and completely free, ClipGrab focuses on being a frictionless option for quick media downloads. It may lack deeper customization and power user features, but for straightforward ripping, ClipGrab is great.

9. Any Video Converter

Platforms: Windows, Mac

As the name implies, Any Video Converter lives up to its promise of being universally compatible. It can download videos from all the major streaming sites, including YouTube.

The real value comes after downloading, as Any Video Converter includes powerful conversion features. Videos can be effortlessly optimized for mobile devices, gaming systems, TVs, and more.

Format support is excellent. You can convert downloaded videos into MP4, AVI, WMV, FLV, MOV, and hundreds more. Audio extraction from videos is also provided.

Overall, for Mac and Windows users seeking robust format flexibility, Any Video Converter delivers. Downloading YouTube vids is just the beginning.

10. iTubeGo YouTube Downloader

Platforms: Windows, Mac

As an affordable premium tool, iTubeGo YouTube Downloader provides excellent download speeds and format versatility. Videos up to 8K resolution can be downloaded and converted.

iTubeGo makes it easy to build a YouTube video library. Full playlists and channels can be downloaded sequentially with a single click. Downloads can be automatically organized into folders by playlist or channel.

Editing and conversion features allow trimming, effects, rotating, compressing, and more. iTubeGo also has great built-in tools for fixing common YouTube download issues like codec problems.

Overall, iTubeGo brings premium features and format support that enhance the downloading experience. For added power at a reasonable price, it‘s a compelling option.

11. 5KPlayer

Platforms: Windows, Mac

For Mac and Windows, 5KPlayer is an ideal free YouTube downloader thanks to its minimalist yet functional interface. Videos up to 4K can be downloaded with just a couple clicks.

5KPlayer sets itself apart by integrating downloads, media playback, AirPlay streaming, and casting all in one app. Downloaded videos can be directly viewed or casted to TVs and devices.

Smart search and auto-tagging make managing a download library effortless. As you‘d expect from the name, 5KPlayer can even handle video up to stunning 5K resolution.

Overall, if you want downloading, organizing, and playing YouTube videos in one seamless experience, 5KPlayer is a top pick.

12. Savido YouTube Downloader

Platforms: Windows

Savido YouTube Downloader is a Windows-only powerhouse that can download 4K videos from YouTube plus over 50 other streaming sites with blazing speed.

Bulk downloading entire playlists is a cinch – Savido will sequentially download every video with just one click. An integrated converter makes switching between formats and resolutions easy.

One of Savido‘s best features is flexible scheduling. You can schedule downloads in advance and even set download rate limits for when you expect lower bandwidth.

For Windows users who frequently download multiple YouTube videos, Savido is a robust tool with the power user features you need. The interface could use a refresh, but the functionality is unmatched.

13. Free YouTube Download

Platforms: Windows

As a dedicated YouTube downloader for Windows, Free YouTube Download makes ripping videos straightforward. Simply paste in a YouTube link to download HD and 4K quality videos.

But Free YouTube Download sets itself apart from the pack with advanced features like the ability to download age-restricted videos. This requires verifying your age.

The tool also boasts excellent subtitle support and can automatically download captions in multiple languages. This is handy for language learners.

Overall, Free YouTube Download delivers an easy downloading experience focussed squarely on the needs of YouTube users. From intuitive design to unique features like age verification, it’s a great choice for YouTube addicts on Windows.

14. Fastest YouTube Downloader

Platforms: Windows

As you may have guessed from the name, speed is the name of the game with Fastest YouTube Downloader. For impatient Windows users, it rips YouTube videos for offline viewing faster than competitors.

Despite the blazing speeds, Fastest YouTube Downloader still faithfully retains video quality. You can choose to download in MP4 up to 4K resolution. Audio extraction is also supported.

The no-nonsense interface avoids unnecessary clutter and makes downloading extremely quick and painless. Just copy and paste the YouTube link to start your high-speed download.

While it may lack deeper customization and special features, Fastest YouTube Downloader delivers exactly what many users want – ultra-fast video downloads in original quality.

15. EagleGet

Platforms: Windows

Our final pick, EagleGet, proves downloading YouTube videos on Windows doesn‘t have to be complicated. With an incredibly simple interface, it makes ripping videos straightforward.

EagleGet foregoes the bells and whistles and instead delivers a solid YouTube downloading foundation. Just paste in the video URL and click download – that‘s pretty much it!

Built-in video preview allows sampling videos before downloading. EagleGet can also grab videos from other major streaming sites beyond just YouTube.

For Windows users seeking a basic, hassle-free YouTube ripper, EagleGet fits the bill. It handles the essential downloading tasks while avoiding feature bloat.

Key Factors when Choosing a YouTube Ripper

Here are some key criteria to evaluate when selecting a YouTube downloader:

• Platform support – Make sure the tool works on your operating system, whether Windows, Mac, Linux, or even mobile.
• Video quality – Select a ripper that can grab HD and 4K formats if you want the highest resolutions.
• Download speed – Faster is better! Look for tools that can download videos quickly.
• Format flexibility – The ability to save videos in different file types and codecs gives you more options.
• Playlists and channels – Downloading entire YouTube playlists or channels is convenient.
• User interface – Pick a ripper with a clean, simple interface for frustration-free downloading.
• Additional features – Added capabilities like video editing, casting, and cloud sync may appeal to some users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to download YouTube videos?

Generally, downloading videos just for your own personal offline use is allowed under YouTube‘s terms of service. However, you cannot redistribute downloaded videos without permission. Be sure to comply with all copyright laws.

Can these tools download age-restricted videos?

Most YouTube rippers cannot bypass age restrictions and download age-restricted content. A few advanced tools have options to attempt downloading age-restricted videos after age verification.

What‘s the best video format to download from YouTube?

MP4 is typically recommended as the best format since it preserves original quality while still being compatible with nearly all devices and video players. For the highest quality, download the largest available MP4 file.

Is downloading YouTube videos safe?

Downloaded videos are safe, but beware of potentially malicious video ripper software. Stick to well-known, trusted tools to avoid viruses or malware bundled into sketchy YouTube rippers.

How do I download subtitles and closed captions?

Look for a YouTube downloader with built-in subtitle support. This will allow automatically downloading subtitles and captions in your language of choice.

Wrap Up

Thanks to the powerful YouTube ripping tools on this list, you‘ll be able to build an offline video library of all your favorite YouTube content. No longer do you need to rely solely on an internet connection to enjoy top YouTube videos.

Just be sure to use your downloaded videos ethically and legally. Avoid redistributing them publicly or using them commercially without permission.

Now get out there and start ripping your favorite YouTube videos with these excellent downloader tools! With the ability to grab videos in HD and even 4K quality, you‘ll get to enjoy YouTube videos to their fullest.