Many people want an easy way to save YouTube videos directly to their computer, but they often run into roadblocks. YouTube itself restricts downloads for most content, and even when downloading is allowed, the options are usually limited. Online YouTube downloader can help, but they’re often slow, packed with ads, or unable to handle high-resolution videos or playlist downloads. Some even pose risks such as malware or incompatibility issues especially when switching between Windows and macOS.
Dedicated desktop YouTube downloader apps solve most of these problems by offering faster downloads, more features, and a much safer experience. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most reliable downloaders available for PC, along with a quick guide on using if you need advanced downloading and editing functions.
Top YouTube Downloaders for Computer
1. Y2Mate
Y2Mate is a widely used YouTube video and audio downloader that works across mobile and desktop devices. It supports more than 50 platforms and can save videos in multiple formats with resolutions as high as 8K. Whether you download videos occasionally or on a daily basis, Y2Mate offers a smooth and flexible experience.
Pros
- Trusted by over 10 million users worldwide
- Works on both desktop and mobile devices
- Up to 4× faster downloads with the Ultimate subscription
- Converts videos into a wide range of formats and resolutions
2. YTMP4
YTMP4 is a simple, web-based YouTube-to-MP4 converter that requires no software installation. Just paste a YouTube link or use the built-in search bar and you can quickly convert and download videos in the quality and format you prefer.
Key Features
- Completely online no installation needed
- Fast and efficient video conversion
- Supports MP4, MP3, and other common formats
- Quality options from 144p up to Full HD (and higher when available)
- Works smoothly on both desktop and mobile browsers
- 100% free with no sign-up required
3. Y2Meta
Y2Meta is a convenient online downloader for both Mac and Windows users. Simply paste the video link, choose either MP4 or MP3, and start the download instantly. It offers unlimited downloads, reliable performance, and compatibility with major browsers making it a great option for quick, hassle-free conversions.
Key Features
- High-quality MP4 and MP3 output
- Unlimited downloads without registration
- Fast, stable conversions
- Works on macOS, Windows, and mobile browsers
- Easy copy-and-paste workflow
- No software or plugins required
How to Download YouTube Videos Using Y2Mate
Follow these simple steps to save a YouTube video using Y2Mate:
1. Open YouTube
Go to YouTube and find the video you’d like to download.
2. Copy the Video Link
Right-click the video and choose “Copy video URL”, or copy the link from your browser’s address bar.
3. Go to Y2Mate
Open your web browser and visit: y2mate.vet.
4. Paste the Link
Paste the copied URL into the search box on Y2Mate’s homepage.
5. Select Format & Quality
Once the video loads, you’ll see options for downloading it as an MP4 video or MP3 audio. Choose your preferred resolution and format.
6. Start the Download
Click Download next to your preferred option. Y2Mate will automatically start the conversion.
7. Save the Video
After conversion is complete, click Download again to save the file directly to your computer.
