Best Free Video Downloader for PC & Mac 2026 — 10 Desktop Tools Compared
Published: July 8, 2026
Written by TechEvangelistSEO team
Expert video downloader reviews since 2024
Looking for the best free video downloader for your PC or Mac in 2026? With YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram constantly updating their platforms, choosing the right tool matters. We tested 10 desktop downloaders across Windows and macOS to help you pick the right one.
Web Downloaders vs Desktop Software
Before diving into desktop tools, it helps to understand the trade-off between web-based downloaders and installed software.
Web Downloaders
- Work on any device with a browser
- No installation or updates needed
- Update automatically on the server side
- Limited batch and playlist support
- Dependent on server uptime
Desktop Software
- More features: batch, playlists, scheduling
- Higher download speeds (multi-threaded)
- Works offline for format conversion
- Requires manual updates
- Only works on the installed OS
If you mainly download single videos from YouTube, a free online downloader may be all you need. If you manage large media libraries, playlists, or need advanced features, a desktop tool is worth installing.
Top 10 Free Desktop Video Downloaders
Here are the best free desktop video downloaders for Windows and macOS in 2026, ranked by features, reliability, and platform support.
1. 4K Video Downloader
Best all-around free downloader. Supports YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Vimeo in up to 8K resolution. Downloads entire playlists and channels. Free version handles up to 30 videos per day with a simple drag-and-drop interface. Windows and macOS.
2. JDownloader
Open-source download manager with support for 900+ sites including YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion. Features automatic link extraction from clipboard, captcha recognition, and multi-threaded downloads. Windows and macOS. Advanced users will appreciate the plugin system.
3. yt-dlp (CLI)
Command-line downloader and the most powerful option on this list. Supports hundreds of sites through extractors including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, and many more. Handles 4K, 8K, playlists, subtitles, and audio extraction. Constantly updated by its open-source community. Windows, macOS, and Linux.
4. Internet Download Manager (IDM)
Paid download manager with a 30-day free trial. Integrates with all major browsers to capture video streams automatically. Multi-threaded downloads offer the fastest speeds. Supports YouTube, Vimeo, and most streaming sites. Windows only.
5. Video DownloadHelper
Browser extension (Firefox, Chrome, Edge) with a companion desktop app. Detects video and audio files on any page and lets you download them in various formats. Works with YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Vimeo. Free and open-source.
6. DownThemAll
Browser extension download manager optimized for batch downloads. One-click download of all links, images, and videos on a page. Supports filtering by file type and size. Lightweight and free. Firefox and Chrome.
7. Free Download Manager (FDM)
Full-featured download manager with built-in video downloading from YouTube and 300+ sites. Supports multi-threaded downloads, BitTorrent, and scheduled downloads. Free and open-source with a clean interface. Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
8. VLC Media Player
The popular media player can also download and convert videos. Open a streaming URL via Media → Open Network Stream, then save the stream locally. Supports any format and platform. Completely free. Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
9. StreamFab
Premium downloader that specializes in streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and HBO Max. Supports 1080p downloads with EAC3 audio. Free trial available. Windows and macOS. Overkill for YouTube but essential for streaming platforms.
10. Any Video Converter
Video downloader and converter in one. Supports YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion downloads plus conversion between 200+ formats. Includes built-in video editor for trimming and cropping. Free version includes ads. Windows only.
Feature Comparison Summary
| Downloader | Free | YouTube | Playlists | 4K+ | Batch | Windows | macOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4K Video Downloader | 30/day | ✅ | ✅ | 8K | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| JDownloader | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| yt-dlp | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 8K | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Internet Download Manager | 30-day | ✅ | ✅ | 4K | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Video DownloadHelper | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | 4K | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| DownThemAll | ✅ | Partial | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free Download Manager | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 4K | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| VLC Media Player | ✅ | Manual | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| StreamFab | Trial | ✅ | ❌ | 1080p | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Any Video Converter | Adware | ✅ | ✅ | 4K | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Which Tool for Which Platform?
Not every tool works well with every platform. Here is our recommendation for the best desktop downloader by platform:
YouTube
4K Video Downloader for ease of use, or yt-dlp for max quality (8K, HDR, VP9). Our online YouTube downloader also works if you prefer not to install anything.
TikTok
yt-dlp supports TikTok downloads without watermarks via the tikwm API. For a simpler option, use our free TikTok downloader online.
yt-dlp with cookies can download Instagram reels and posts. Video DownloadHelper also works for single reels. Online tools are often simpler for quick downloads.
4K Video Downloader and yt-dlp support Facebook video downloads. Video DownloadHelper can capture videos from your browser feed.
Streaming Services (Netflix, Prime, Disney+)
StreamFab is the only reliable option for streaming services. Most free downloaders cannot bypass DRM encryption. Note that downloading from streaming platforms may violate terms of service.
Multiple Platforms
yt-dlp supports the widest range of platforms (200+ extractors). JDownloader covers 900+ sites. For a simpler alternative, check our all-in-one web downloader.
Is It Safe to Use Desktop Downloaders?
Safety depends entirely on where you download the software. Reputable tools from official sources are safe. Here are guidelines to protect yourself:
Download from Official Sources Only
Always download from the developer’s official website or GitHub repository. Avoid third-party download sites like CNET, Softonic, or FileHippo that bundle adware or toolbars with installers.
Avoid Cracked or Paid Software
Cracked versions of paid downloaders often contain malware, keyloggers, or cryptominers. Stick to genuinely free tools or pay for the official license.
Check Permissions
Be suspicious of downloaders that request administrator access, network monitoring permissions, or access to personal files without a clear reason. Legitimate tools only need filesystem write access.
If you prefer to avoid installation entirely, our guide to video downloader safety explains why web-based tools eliminate many security risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best free video downloader for Windows in 2026?
4K Video Downloader is the best free option for Windows with support for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. For power users, yt-dlp offers the most features and broadest platform coverage.
Is there a free video downloader for Mac that works in 2026?
Yes. yt-dlp works on macOS via Terminal, Video DownloadHelper integrates with Firefox and Safari, and Free Download Manager offers a native Mac app. Online tools also work in any browser on Mac.
Is it safe to use desktop video downloaders?
Reputable tools from official sources are safe. Avoid cracked versions and third-party download sites that bundle adware. Always download from the developer’s website or GitHub.
Do desktop downloaders work better than online web downloaders?
Desktop tools offer more features like batch downloads, playlist support, and higher speeds. Web downloaders are more portable and update automatically. The choice depends on your needs.
Can desktop downloaders handle YouTube 4K in 2026?
Only tools with PO token authentication like 4K Video Downloader and yt-dlp can download 4K YouTube in 2026. Many older tools stopped working due to YouTube’s stream encryption changes.
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Written by TechEvangelistSEO team. Published: July 8, 2026.