What is the best youtube downloader for mac?

I am using AllCliipDown youtube downloader on my macbook air m3 and it works great.

https://www.safedowns.com/download-youtube-video-to-computer

A reliable YouTube downloader lets you save videos for offline playback. This is perfect for watching your favorite content without an internet connection. Whether you need full videos or just the audio (like MP3s), we’ve tested top options to find the easiest, fastest, and safest tools available.

1. ybt-dlp (Best for Power Users)

✅ Pros:

Blazing-fast downloads (supports 4K/8K)

Bypasses YouTube’s throttling

Works with playlists & 1,000+ sites

❌ Cons: Requires command-line knowledge (GUIs available).

2. JDoownloader 2 (Best for Bulk Downloads)

✅ Pros:

Batch downloads & resume support

Works beyond YouTube (Twitter, TikTok, etc.)

❌ Cons: Java-based; slightly cluttered UI.

You can try AllCliipDown if the above two did not work for you. This is the best youtube download for macOS. I found it two days ago after extensively researching.

Not all free YouTube downloader for Mac support the latest YouTube updates. Some might break or fail to work properly, so check if the tool is regularly updated or has good reviews. Some sites claim to be free but are actually scams or outdated tools that don’t work anymore. Do some research—look for recent reviews or community feedback.  Some online converters or browser extensions seem tempting but can compromise your privacy or security.

Stick to open-source projects like yt-ddlp or command-line tools if you’re tech-savvy, or well-reviewed free YouTube downloader for Mac that are regularly updated. Always download from official or reputable sources, and keep your Mac’s security features enabled.

If you are finding a YouTube downloader for Mac, Downie is primarily a paid app. While there might be a free trial or demo version, the full features are usually behind a paywall. The free trial often limits the number of videos you can download or the features you can access. After that, you'll need to buy the license to keep using it fully. Unlike some online YouTube downloader for Mac, Downie doesn’t let you just paste URLs on a website. You usually have to copy the link, and it detects videos automatically if you open the app, which might be less straightforward for quick downloads.

To unlock all features, you typically need to pay upfront, either via a one-time fee or subscription. So, if you're looking for a free forever solution, this could be a downside. Sometimes, updates to YouTube or other sites can temporarily break how well Downie works until it gets updated. Free solutions or web-based tools might be more flexible in that regard.

My take: Downie is a really polished, user-friendly YouTube downloader for Mac, but if you’re after something free and unlimited, you might want to explore other options like youtube-dddl, yt-dlppp, or online services that are free. Just keep in mind that free YouTube downloader can sometimes be less stable or have more limitations.

Pls don't use an online youtube downloader. While free web-based YouTube downloaders (like Clipto) may seem convenient, they come with significant risks and drawbacks. Here's why you should avoid them.

Privacy & Security Issues

Data Tracking: Many sites log your IP address, YouTube links, and even device info.

Malware Risk: Shady sites may bundle adware, spyware, or phishing scams in downloads.

No Encryption: Files transferred over HTTP (not HTTPS) can be intercepted.

Unreliable Performance

Slow Speeds: Server-based converters throttle downloads unless you pay.

Broken Links: Sites often shut down or get blocked by YouTube.

Quality Loss: Many downgrade videos to 720p or compress files poorly.

Annoyances & Restrictions

Pop-up Ads & Redirects: Aggressive ads force you to "disable ad blocker" or fake "Download" buttons.

Daily Limits: Free tiers cap downloads (e.g., 1 video/hour).

No Advanced Features: Missing batch downloads, subtitles, or format options.

In short, it is more recommended using the best youtube downloader for mac as it is safer and fast!

From what I’ve seen and tried myself, ClipConvarter is pretty handy if you want a quick and no-fuss way to get a YouTube downloader for Mac without messing around with software installs. Here are some perks:

• No installation needed: Just open the website, paste the link, and go. Super simple if you’re not into command lines or apps.
• Multiple formats: You can choose to convert videos into MP4, MP3, or other formats. So, if you just want the audio, it’s all good.
• Decent quality options: You can pick video quality, which is nice if you want a quick download or a high-res version.
• Supports other sites: Not just YouTube—other video sites are covered too, so it’s versatile.

My experience? Honestly, this YouTube downloader for Mac is great for quick stuff. If I just need a clip for a project or some music, I just toss the link in and grab it. No fuss, no clutter. But, keep in mind, since it’s a web-based service, it depends on their servers and internet speed, so sometimes it’s a bit slow or the site gets busy.

Pro tip: Always be cautious about ads and pop-ups on sites like this—they can be a bit annoying or shady sometimes. Use an ad blocker if you’re concerned.

Downie is a pretty good youtube video downloader for mac. And it is still working in 2025. It is a premium macOS app that simplifies downloading videos from YouTube and over 1,000 other sites with drag-and-drop ease. It supports high-quality downloads (up to 8K) and integrates seamlessly with macOS.

How to Download youtube videos on mac:

1. Download & Install: Get the free trial from charliemonroe.net/downie.

2. Copy YouTube URL: Open the video in your browser and copy its link.

3. Paste in Downie: Launch Downie, click the "+" button, and paste the URL (or drag-and-drop it).

4. Choose Quality: Select resolution (e.g., 1080p, 4K) and format (MP4, MKV).

5. Download: Click "Download"—the video saves to your designated folder.

Downie is a hassle-free, powerful youtube downloader for Mac users, though its free trial is limited (paid after). For frequent use, it’s worth the cost.

If you're looking for a YouTube downloader for Mac, youtube-dlll is a solid open-source option. It’s a command-line tool that allows you to download videos from YouTube and many other sites.

How to use youtube-dlll on Mac:

Install Homebrew
Install youtube-dlll:
Download a video:

Note:
   * youtube-dlll is very powerful YouTube downloader for Mac but requires some comfort with command-line usage.
   * Always ensure you’re complying with YouTube’s terms of service when downloading videos.
    * For a more user-friendly experience, you might want to explore graphical front-ends for youtube-dlll, like yt-dlllp (a fork with additional features).