YouTube is a popular platform for watching and sharing videos online. However, sometimes you might want to download YouTube videos on Mac for offline viewing, such as when you have a slow internet connection, want to save data, or need to access the videos without an internet connection.
We have discussed Windows apps for YouTube video downloading in before, In this article, we will introduce you to five of the best YouTube downloader apps for Mac OS, and compare their features, pricing, pros and cons. We will also discuss the legal and ethical issues of downloading YouTube videos, and why you should be cautious before doing so.
Why Download YouTube Videos on Mac?
There are several reasons why you might want to download YouTube videos on your Mac, such as:
- To watch the videos offline, without buffering or interruptions.
- To save data, especially if you have a limited or expensive data plan.
- To create backups of your favorite videos, in case they get deleted or removed from YouTube.
- To edit the videos for personal or professional use, such as making a mashup, a remix, or a presentation.
- To enjoy the videos on other devices, such as your TV, smartphone, or tablet.
The Best YouTube Downloader Apps for Mac OS
If you still want to download YouTube videos on your Mac, you will need a YouTube downloader app that can help you do so. There are many YouTube downloader apps available for Mac OS, but not all of them are reliable, safe, or easy to use. Here are five of the best YouTube downloader apps for Mac OS, based on their features, pricing, pros and cons.
1. 4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader is one of the most popular and versatile YouTube downloader apps for Mac OS. It allows you to download YouTube videos in various formats and resolutions, including 4K, 8K, 360, and VR. It also supports downloading playlists, channels, subtitles, and annotations. You can also extract audio from YouTube videos, and convert them to MP3, M4A, or OGG. 4K Video Downloader is compatible with macOS 10.13 or higher, and has a simple and user-friendly interface.
Pricing: 4K Video Downloader is free to download and use, but it has some limitations, such as 30 videos per day, 10 videos per playlist, and 5 videos per channel. To unlock the full features, you need to purchase a license, which costs $15 for one computer, $25 for two computers, or $45 for five computers.
Pros:
- Supports downloading videos in high-quality and various formats
- Supports downloading playlists, channels, subtitles, and annotations
- Supports extracting audio from videos and converting them to different formats
- Has a simple and user-friendly interface
- Has a free version with basic features
Cons:
- The free version has some limitations and ads
- The paid version is relatively expensive
- Does not support downloading videos from other platforms besides YouTube
2. Airy
Airy is another powerful and easy-to-use YouTube downloader app for Mac OS. It allows you to download YouTube videos in various formats and resolutions, including HD, 4K, and 8K. It also supports downloading playlists, channels, and subtitles. You can also extract audio from YouTube videos, and convert them to MP3, M4A, or FLV. Airy is compatible with macOS 10.9 or higher, and has a sleek and intuitive interface.
Pricing: Airy is free to download and use, but it only allows you to download two videos per day. To unlock the unlimited features, you need to purchase a license, which costs $19.95 for one computer, $39.95 for three computers, or $59.95 for five computers.
Pros:
- Supports downloading videos in high-quality and various formats
- Supports downloading playlists, channels, and subtitles
- Supports extracting audio from videos and converting them to different formats
- Has a sleek and intuitive interface
- Has a free version with basic features
Cons:
- The free version has a very limited number of downloads
- The paid version is relatively expensive
- Does not support downloading videos from other platforms besides YouTube
3. YTD Video Downloader
YTD Video Downloader is a simple and fast YouTube downloader app for Mac OS. It allows you to download YouTube videos in various formats and resolutions, including HD and 4K. It also supports downloading videos from other platforms, such as Facebook, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and more. You can also convert the downloaded videos to different formats, such as MP4, MOV, WMV, AVI, and more. YTD Video Downloader is compatible with macOS 10.6 or higher, and has a basic and straightforward interface.
Pricing: YTD Video Downloader is free to download and use, but it has some limitations, such as no batch downloads, no playlist downloads, and no subtitles downloads. To unlock the full features, you need to purchase a license, which costs $29.90 per year, or $49.90 for a lifetime.
Pros:
- Supports downloading videos in high-quality and various formats
- Supports downloading videos from other platforms besides YouTube
- Supports converting videos to different formats
- Has a basic and straightforward interface
- Has a free version with basic features
Cons:
- The free version has some limitations and ads
- The paid version is relatively expensive and requires annual or lifetime subscription
- Does not support downloading playlists, channels, or subtitles
4. ClipGrab
ClipGrab is a free and open-source YouTube downloader app for Mac OS. It allows you to download YouTube videos in various formats and resolutions, including HD and 4K. It also supports downloading videos from other platforms, such as Vimeo, Facebook, Dailymotion, and more. You can also extract audio from YouTube videos, and convert them to MP3, M4A, or OGG. ClipGrab is compatible with macOS 10.10 or higher, and has a clean and simple interface.
Pricing: ClipGrab is completely free to download and use, but it relies on donations from users to support its development and maintenance.
Pros:
- Supports downloading videos in high-quality and various formats
- Supports downloading videos from other platforms besides YouTube
- Supports extracting audio from videos and converting them to different formats
- Has a clean and simple interface
- Is completely free and open-source
Cons:
- Does not support downloading playlists, channels, or subtitles
- Might have some bugs or compatibility issues
- Might have some unwanted software or ads during installation
5. MacX YouTube Downloader
MacX YouTube Downloader is a fast and reliable YouTube downloader app for Mac OS. It allows you to download YouTube videos in various formats and resolutions, including HD, 4K, and 8K. It also supports downloading videos from other platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and more. You can also download playlists, channels, subtitles, and live streams. MacX YouTube Downloader is compatible with macOS 10.6 or higher, and has a modern and elegant interface.
Pricing: MacX YouTube Downloader is free to download and use, but it has some limitations, such as no batch downloads, no video editing, and no video conversion. To unlock the full features, you need to upgrade to MacX Video Converter Pro, which costs $29.95 for one computer, $49.95 for two computers, or $69.95 for five computers.
Pros:
- Supports downloading videos in high-quality and various formats
- Supports downloading videos from other platforms besides YouTube
- Supports downloading playlists, channels, subtitles, and live streams
- Has a modern and elegant interface
Cons:
- It has limited features compared to paid video downloader software
- It may encounter occasional download errors or interruptions
- It may contain ads or offer additional software during installation
- It does not support downloading videos from some websites with stricter copyright restrictions
- It does not support batch downloads, video editing, or video conversion in the free version
The Legal and Ethical Issues of Downloading YouTube Videos
Downloading YouTube videos on your Mac is not as simple as clicking a button. You should always respect the rights of the content creators, and follow the terms of service of YouTube and the laws of your country. Here are some of the legal and ethical issues of downloading YouTube videos:
- YouTube does not allow downloading videos from its platform, unless there is a download button or link provided by the uploader or YouTube itself. This is because YouTube pays royalties to the content creators based on the views and ads on their videos. By downloading the videos, you are depriving them of their income and recognition.
- Downloading YouTube videos might violate the copyright laws of your country, especially if you use the videos for commercial purposes, or distribute them to others without permission. You might face legal consequences, such as fines or lawsuits, if you infringe on the intellectual property rights of the content creators.
- Downloading YouTube videos might also violate the privacy and personal rights of the people featured in the videos, especially if you use the videos for malicious or harmful purposes, such as harassment, defamation, or blackmail. You might face legal or social backlash, such as complaints, reports, or boycotts, if you disrespect the dignity and reputation of the people in the videos.
Therefore, you should always be cautious and responsible when downloading YouTube videos on your Mac. You should only download the videos for personal and fair use, and not for any illegal or unethical purposes. You should also give proper credit and attribution to the original sources, and respect their wishes and preferences.
What is your favorite app for downloading YouTube videos on Mac?
Downloading YouTube videos on your Mac can be a convenient and enjoyable way to watch and share videos offline. In this article, we have introduced you to five of the best YouTube downloader apps for Mac OS, and compared their features, pricing, pros and cons. We hope this article has helped you find the best YouTube downloader app for your Mac, and enjoy your favorite YouTube videos anytime and anywhere. In case your job or collage has blocked access to YouTube, remember that there are solutions to that as well.
Know about any other apps that we should have included in this roundup? Share with us in the comments below.
