10 Best Online Video Downloaders: get videos directly to your computer

Online video downloaders let you save videos from platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok directly to your device. The top video downloader tools allow offline viewing of favorite clips anywhere.

How to choose the best online video downloader?

There are some factors to consider:

• Speed – Look for a tool with fast download speeds. You want to be able to download videos quickly, especially longer or HD quality videos. Avoid tools that throttle speeds or have strict download limits.
• Format Support – The best downloaders allow you to save videos in multiple formats like MP4, WEBM, and MP3. This allows flexibility for playback on different devices. Avoid tools with limited format options.
• Ads – Steer clear of ad-supported download tools which can slow performance and be annoying to use. The best options are cleanly designed and ad-free.
• Software Requirements – Prefer an online tool that doesn’t require installing any software or browser extensions. This ensures compatibility across devices and avoids security risks.
• Mobile Support – If you want to download videos directly on your iPhone or Android phone, pick a downloader with dedicated mobile apps. Not all offer this.
• Legality – Select an ethical tool that doesn’t violate video sites’ terms of service. Avoid downloaders with a history of lawsuits or bans.

How Do I Download a Video with an Online Downloader?

Step 1	Find the video you want to download and copy the URL or share link
Step 2	On a computer:
	– Go to the website of the online video downloader (example: YesvideoDownloader)
	– Paste the video URL into the search bar
	– Click the download button next to the video
Step 3	On mobile:
	– Install the app for the online video downloader (example: YesvideoDownloader app)
	– Open the app and tap the option to paste a video link
	– Share the video URL to the app
	– Tap the download button next to the video
Step 4	Select the desired file format and quality if prompted
Step 5	The video will start downloading and be saved to your device storage
Step 6	Locate the video in your computer’s downloads folder or mobile app gallery
Step 7	Enjoy the downloaded video!

Best Free Online Video Downloaders

YesvideoDownloader

YesvideoDownloader establishes itself as the premier one-stop solution for efficiently building exhaustive private video repositories.  It requires no software install and allows quickly saving videos in formats like MP4 and MP3.

Advantages:

1. Supports over 10,000 video sites including all major platforms.
2. Very fast and stable download speeds.
3. No length limits or caps on downloads.
4. Simple and clean interface with no ads.
5. Multiple video formats supported including MP4 up to 4K.

Disadvantages:

1. No browser extensions offered.
2. Limited to basic video conversion with no editing tools.
3. Fewer advanced configuration options.
4. Official mobile app only available on Android.

Operation flow:

1. Navigate to YesvideoDownloader.com
2. Paste the link to the video which you want.
3. Click the “download”.
4. Select MP4 or MP3 download if prompted.
5. Video will download to your computer.

4K Downloader

4K Downloader is a highly regarded digital media acquisition application possessing extensive online video source coverage.  It offers advanced functionality like playlists and subtitles.

Advantages:

1. Downloads entire YouTube playlists and channels.
2. Option to download video subtitles.
3. Supports numerous sites beyond just YouTube.
4. Browser extensions available for easy access.
5. Downloaded files organized into sensible folders.

Disadvantages:

1. Has ads unless you upgrade to paid version.
2. Limited mobile support.
3. Confusing interface with many options.
4. Requires software installation.

Operation flow:

1. Install and open the 4K Downloader program.
2. Copy a video URL and paste it into 4K Downloader.
3. Select MP4 or MP3 download options.
4. Choose subtitles if desired.
5. Click the download button to save video.

SaveTheVideo.net

SaveTheVideo.net is a lightweight online video downloader that supports over 500 sites. It is easy to use with no ads or software needed.

Advantages:

1. Minimalist design for fast downloading.
2. No limits on downloads.
3. Includes URL shortener tool.
4. Wide range of supported sites.
5. Mobile friendly interface.

Disadvantages:

1. Can’t download full playlists.
2. Limited output formats.
3. Slow download speeds at times.
4. No browser extensions.
5. Android app version lacks features.

Operation flow:

1. Go to SaveTheVideo.net
2. Paste video link into search box.
3. Tap the download icon next to video.
4. Select MP4 output format.
5. Video will download to computer.

Online Video Converter

Online Video Converter is a powerful digital media software solution that facilitates the efficient conversion and downloading of online video content. The application supports content acquisition from over 1000 extensively curated web domains and platforms.

Advantages:

1. Supports over 1000 video websites.
2. Video conversion capabilities.
3. Unlimited use with no registration.
4. Intuitive and simple interface.
5. Quick download speeds.

Disadvantages:

1. Contains some download ads.
2. Max resolution limited to 1080p.
3. No playlists or bulk downloading.
4. Limited to MP4 and MP3 formats.
5. Lacks browser extensions.

Operation flow:

1. Go to OnlineVideoConverter.com
2. Paste video link into search.
3. Click the download MP4 or MP3 icon.
4. Select resolution if prompted.
5. Video will download to your device.

ClipConverter.cc

ClipConverter.cc allows downloading videos from YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and more. It offers unlimited use with no registration required.

Advantages:

1. Supports major sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch.
2. Unlimited downloads with no caps.
3. Simple and intuitive interface.
4. Multiple output formats available.
5. Completely free with no ads.

Disadvantages:

1. Unable to download full playlists.
2. Limited to common video sites.
3. Confusing name similar to other tools.
4. Max resolution of 1080p.
5. No mobile app available.

Operation flow:

1. Go to ClipConverter.cc
2. Paste the video link into search bar.
3. Click the download icon next to the format you want.
4. Video will start downloading to your computer.

Converto.io

Converto.io offers fast video downloading speeds and an intuitive interface. It supports many sites with no length limits.

Advantages:

1. Clean and easy to use interface.
2. Fast download speeds.
3. No restrictions on video lengths.
4. Wide device compatibility.
5. Supports common video platforms.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited to the most popular sites.
2. Max resolution restricted to 1080p.
3. No advanced features like playlists.
4. Requires an account for uploading files.
5. Contains some ads during downloading.

Operation flow:

1. Go to Converto.io
2. Paste the video link into the search box.
3. Select the output format desired.
4. Click the download button.
5. Video will download to your computer.

9Convert

9Convert allows downloading videos from over 300 sites. Downloaded videos never expire.

Advantages:

1. Supports over 300 video websites.
2. Downloaded files do not expire.
3. Unlimited downloads with no caps.
4. Simple and easy to use interface.
5. Multiple output formats available.

Disadvantages:

1. Contains video ads during downloading.
2. Max resolution limited to 1080p.
3. No advanced features for playlists or channels.
4. Limited to the most common file formats.
5. Slow download speeds at times.

Operation flow:

1. Go to 9Convert.com
2. Paste the video link into the search bar.
3. Click the download icon next to the desired format.
4. Wait for the video to download to your device.
5. Locate the completed video file.

FDownloader

FDownloader offers lightning fast downloading for videos from YouTube and other portals.

Advantages:

1. Very fast download speeds.
2. Streamlined and simple interface.
3. Support for common video portals.
4. Unlimited downloads with no caps.
5. Clean design free of ads.

Disadvantages:

1. Unable to download full playlists.
2. Requires Java to be installed.
3. Not many customization options.
4. Lacks browser extensions.
5. No mobile app available.

Operation flow:

1. Go to fdownloader.net
2. Paste the video link into search bar.
3. Select MP4 or MP3 format if prompted.
4. Click the download button.
5. Video will download rapidly to your device.

DistillVideo

DistillVideo offers an elegant designed online video downloader with no plugins or registration required.

Advantages:

1. Clean and intuitive web interface.
2. Fast download speeds.
3. No account creation necessary.
4. Unlimited downloads.
5. Support for major video sites.

Disadvantages:

1. Unable to download full playlists.
2. Only most common formats supported.
3. Max resolution limited to 1080p.
4. Contains some video ads.
5. No browser extensions offered.

Operation flow:

1. Go to DistillVideo.com
2. Paste the video link into search bar.
3. Click the download icon next to desired format.
4. Select resolution if prompted.
5. Video will download to your computer.

AceThinker

AceThinker downloads videos from over 1000 sites with advanced editing capabilities.

Advantages:

1. Downloads from major video platforms.
2. Built-in video editor to trim clips.
3. Create custom thumbnails.
4. Add watermarks and annotations.
5. Unlimited high-quality downloads.

Disadvantages:

1. Fairly complex interface.
2. Must download desktop software.
3. Registration required to use tool.
4. Contains some ads.
5. Android app lacks many features.

Operation flow:

1. Download and install AceThinker.
2. Copy a video link and paste into the app.
3. Select output format and options.
4. Use editor to customize the video.
5. Export the downloaded video.

Comparison of the 10 Online Video Downloaders

Downloader	Platform	Best for	Websites supported	File formats supported	Ratings
YesvideoDownloader	Web, Android app	Simplicity, speed	10,000+	MP4, MP3	4.5/5
4K Download	Windows, Mac	YouTube, playlists	300+	MP4, MP3, M4A	4.2/5
SaveTheVideo.net	Web, iOS, Android apps	Quick downloading	500+	MP4, WEBM, MOV	3.8/5
Online Video Converter	Web	Format conversion	1000+	MP4, AVI, MOV, MP3	4.1/5
ClipConverter.cc	Web	YouTube, Facebook	Major sites	MP4, MP3, MOV	4.0/5
Converto.io	Web, iOS, Android apps	Intuitive interface	Major sites	MP4, WEBM, MP3	4.2/5
9Convert	Web	Variety of sites	300+	MP4, AVI, MP3	3.5/5
FDownloader	Windows, Mac, Linux	Speed	YouTube, Dailymotion	MP4, FLV, MP3	4.0/5
DistillVideo	Web	Simplicity	Major sites	MP4, WEBM	4.1/5
AceThinker	Windows, Mac	Editing features	1000+	MP4, WMV, MOV, GIF	3.9/5

Limitations and Drawbacks of Online Video Downloaders

Video Quality

• Downloaded videos may be lower quality than the original, especially HD formats.
• Compression from formats like MP4 can reduce video quality.

Playback and Compatibility

• Downloaded videos may not play properly on all devices due to format limitations.
• Playing videos on mobile devices can be problematic without the right encoding.
• Limited formats like MP4 reduce compatibility across different platforms.

Speed and Performance

• Download speeds depend heavily on the user’s internet connection.
• Servers and traffic can affect download speeds and cause slowness.
• Large high-quality videos take much longer to download fully.

Site Restrictions

• Many sites actively try to block and prevent downloading to curb piracy.
• Maintaining compatibility as sites update can be challenging.
• Downloaders often cannot access private or restricted video content.

Ads and Annoyances

• Ad-supported downloaders contain disruptive video and banner ads.
• Some tools try bundling extra software and toolbars during installation.
• Sites restrict speeds or place download limits unless users upgrade.

Legality Concerns

• Downloading copyrighted material raises piracy and infringement issues.
• Users may violate terms of service by downloading restricted content.
• Ethical concerns around bypassing ads and limiting site traffic.

Which is the Best Online Video Downloader?

I recommend YesvideoDownloader as the best overall choice based on these  factors:

Simplicity

• The platform requires no additional software installation, browser extension setup, or application configuration.
•  The streamlined design allows even novice users to easily download videos without technical prerequisites or specialized knowledge. 
• The site is cleanly designed with prominent download buttons for each video.

Speed

• Video downloads from YesvideoDownloader are very fast thanks to their robust infrastructure.
• Videos begin downloading almost instantly after clicking the download button.
• Even large high-quality videos download smoothly without slowdowns.

Format Support

• YesvideoDownloader supports downloading in multiple formats including MP4 up to 4K resolution.
• You can choose to save videos for optimal playback across devices.
• It also allows downloading just the audio as MP3 if you want to save music.

No Limits

• YesvideoDownloader imposes no annoying download caps or video length limits.
• You can download as many videos as you want without throttling or upgrade prompts.
• This makes it ideal for capturing entire playlists and long videos.

Frequently asked questions

What is the safest online video downloader?

• YesvideoDownloader is one of the safest options with:
  • No software downloads or extensions required
  • Clean interface completely free of ads
  • Does not violate site terms of service
  • Trusted by millions of users
• Other safe options include 4K Download, SaveTheVideo.net, and ClipConverter.cc

Which video downloader extension is the best?

• Video DownloadHelper for Firefox and Chrome Video Downloader for Chrome are two top extensions:
  • Integrate cleanly into the browser
  • Allow fast downloading from many sites
  • Simple click to download any video you play
  • Avoid navigating away from the page

Is Any Video Downloader safe?

• Be cautious with unfamiliar video downloaders:
  • Check reviews and reputation carefully
  • Avoid any software requiring installation
  • Do not use tools with excessive ads
  • Downloaders violating terms of service are more risky
• Stick to well-known reputable sites like YesvideoDownloader for secure downloading

Is it illegal to download videos from the Internet?

• Downloading videos for personal use is generally not illegal, but there are some caveats:
  • Avoid sharing paid content or restricted videos
  • Don’t re-distribute or publicly upload downloaded videos
  • Read the terms of service of any site you download from
  • Limit downloads to what you can reasonably watch yourself

Summary

Online video downloaders provide a quick and convenient way to save clips from YouTube, social media, and thousands of other sites. The best options allow fast and easy downloading without ads, malware risks, or format limits. YesvideoDownloader stands out as a top choice to safely get videos directly on your computer or mobile device for offline viewing and enjoyment.