8 Best Free Video Downloader for Mac: Top Tools Compared

Do you know that online video content serves various purposes, which cover entertainment, education, and work? Whether it is a tutorial you want to revisit or an inspiring documentary, downloading videos offline and viewing them makes life easier. With so many video downloaders for Mac out there, finding the right one can be overwhelming. This guide will break down the best free Mac video downloaders, highlighting their features and compatibility.

Copyright Disclaimer:

• The tools listed are for downloading publicly available or non-copyrighted content only. Downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal and violates platforms' Terms of Service. Always ensure you have proper authorization and respect content owners' rights.
• The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. We are not responsible for any misuse of the tools or software mentioned herein.

Part 1. Why Use a Video Downloader on a Mac?

Before you know about the top Mac video downloaders, it is essential to understand the reasons behind using a video downloader on a Mac:

1. Creating Backups: It allows you to create a personal archive and ensure you have access to important content. By keeping the backups, preserve videos for the future even if it's removed from the web.
2. High-Resolution Downloads: Various tools support HD, 4K, and even 8K downloads to keep the original video quality. This is especially useful for Mac users with a Retina display to ensure sharp and clear visuals.
3. Batch Downloads: Instead of waiting for one large file to download, it provides multi-thread technology. This increases bandwidth for faster downloads, and with batch downloading, some tools let you save various videos at once.
4. Browser Integration: The built-in browsers and extensions allow you to search videos straight from streaming sites such as YouTube and Vimeo. This cut down the need to copy-paste the link of the videos.
5. Conversion & Compression: Many video downloaders come with a conversion tool to change formats based on device compatibility. They also offer compression features to reduce the file size without losing quality.

Part 2. Top 8 Free Mac Video Downloader

Before you know the best downloaders, here is a brief overview of the key features of the mentioned tools in a tabular format:

Now that you know why you should use a video grabber Mac to download content you want and what are key features of the given tools, let's explore them in detail. These downloaders will provide you with unlimited features that can benefit you in many ways.

1. UniConverter

Along with 20+ lightweight features, Wondershare UniConverter offers ultra-high-speed video downloading and conversion options. You can save your videos into different formats, from 4K to 8K, and even in HDR files. For large videos, it also allows you to compress them and reduce the size without losing much quality. This video download program for Mac also does batch conversion for up to 20 media files.

It supports over 1000 formats, which include popular audio and video formats like MP4, MKV, and MP3. With a wide range of platforms, it enables seamless file sharing across various devices, such as Mac and Windows. Users can log in to YouTube and even copy and paste the URL to download the videos.

Best Video Downloader for Mac

Easily save videos in batch with premium quality, also enabling to convert videos to any other formats like MP3 and more.

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User Experience

It is easier to use this tool, even for beginners, because of its simple interface. This platform lets you edit the video after downloading and add another file to make a new video for your personal use.

Key Features

1. Thumbnail Download: This platform allows you to save the video cover image along with the content.
2. Various Language Subtitles: For non-native people, it provides a wide range of different language subtitles.
3. Auto Resume: If your device startup again, you don't have to restart the process all over again as it auto-resumes the unfinished task itself.
4. Batch Downloads: It allows users to download multiple videos simultaneously with high output quality.

2. 4K Video Downloader

If you want to extract audio from the video, this tool is perfect as it lets you convert video to MP3. This video downloader Mac supports various platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram posts, and even stories. Users can download the video in 4K resolution for a crisp and clear viewing experience. It is a free platform that lets you download videos without any cost.

User Experience

Using this tool, downloading clips is very easy, and you can select the format and quality without any problem. You can activate the setting, and it downloads all the files without the need to change them again.

Key Features

1. With Slideshow Maker, you can combine your video and create slide shows of your memories.
2. It supports a wide range of languages, such as French, Japanese, and many more, for global audiences.
3. This platform supports various systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu 64-bit.

3. Downie

With over 1000 sites being supported,  this video downloader for Mac lets you download videos from YouTube, Bilibili, and many more. Unlike many other YouTube downloaders, Downie supports HD videos on YouTube up to 4K. After downloading the video, users can convert their video into audio with formats like MP3 and MP4. This platform synchronizes its history over iCloud between your device so you can easily access it anywhere.

User Experience

Downie provides an easy way to download videos, even short ones. It does not support other devices except Mac, which can limit it to Mac users and exclude those with other operating systems.

Key Features

1. Downie updates once a week or two with new features, so you don’t have to wait months for new sites to be supported.
2. It also supports country-specific sites which are localized in various languages.
3. You can install its browser extension and send the link directly with only one click.

4. ClipGrab

This free video downloader for MacBook keeps your videos safe and secure with its strict privacy policy. Users can simply download the video by copying the link and pasting it on ClipGrab. From the download section, you can select the quality of the video, such as 1080p or more. Apart from that, it supports a wide range of formats, which include MPEG4 and more.

User Experience

It is a simple platform that allows everyone, even beginners, to download the video without any problem. The downloading process takes a little longer than usual, especially with large files.

Key Features

1. Other than video, it also lets you download audio files, whether you want it in original form or MP3 format.
2. Users can download videos from various websites as it supports Facebook, Vimeo, and more.
3. It serves as a proxy server, which makes it useful for users in locations with download restrictions.

5.  Y2Mate

Whether it’s a short or long video, this online video downloader Mac allows you to paste the link to download the video. By pasting the link, you can choose if you want the video in MP4 or MP3 format from its main interface. Regardless of the format you choose, Y2Mate allows you to convert and download unlimited videos while offering high speed.

User Experience

Downloading the video is seamless with this tool because of the simple interface, as it only requires you to paste the video link. While doing so, it displays the video and audio quality details to determine if it's worth saving.

Key Features

1. Besides videos, this tool supports audio formats like FLV, WEBM, and AVI.
2. The foremost aspect is that it doesn’t require signup to download the video, saving your personal details.
3. Just by pasting links, the tool automatically fetches the data from YouTube to download videos.

6. aTube Catcher

Instead of limiting you to YouTube, this free video downloader software for Mac allows you to access videos from Dailymotion, Spike, and more. No matter the platform, it supports various formats like 3GP, 3G2, MP3, and many more. To ensure every user accesses videos on their device easily, aTube Catcher offers multilingual support. Plus, this tool is entirely free to use, saving you from paying extra downloading charges.

User Experience

Once the user meets the set criteria of the tool, it allows users to paste the source URL that they can download and save. While screen recording, they can choose to record audio and compress the quality for tailored results.

Key Features

1. Rather than downloading, this free video downloader for MacBook works as a screen recorder.
2. With its built-in screen recorder, record live interaction and on-screen activities from platforms like Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, etc.
3. For using this tool, it requires a processor x86 or a compatible CPU running Microsoft Windows.

7. QDownloader.cc

If privacy is your concern while downloading the video, this tool ensures to preservation of the user details and makes the procedure secure. Using this video downloader Mac, you just have to paste the link from platforms like Instagram or Twitter to access the videos. Being an online tool, using it's not just simple but free of cost, saving you from technical expertise and additional costs.

User Experience

Saving video or audio from various sites and platforms is simple with this tool, as it lets you choose your preferred quality. However, when clicking, it takes to a random page and can cause frustration among users.

Key Features

1. This tool supports video saving in MP4 format, offering widely compatible file options.
2. Besides social media platforms, you can save the video from 800 websites by video link.
3. Once you press the download button, it allows you to pick the video quality from 720p HD to 2160p UHD 4K.

8. Free YouTube Download

Using this Mac video downloader, users can save YouTube shots and videos in MP3 and MP4 format seamlessly. For that, you have to paste the link, and the tool will extract the information from the platform, letting you download the video. Not just that, it offers multiple quality options like standard quality, high definition, Full HD, 2k, etc.

User Experience

Whether from add-ons or downloaders, the tool is simple to use and doesn’t require any technical knowledge. However, users who want to access videos for extensive periods have to pay less than 33% for one month or more as per the preferred duration.

Key Features

1. Offering uninterrupted access to YouTube videos, users can save videos in MP3, MP4, WEBM, or 3GP format.
2. You can also use this downloader on mobile, making it a perfect go-to option to save videos.
3. By adding “sfrom.net/” or “savefrom.net/” before the link, you can download videos from almost 99% of websites.

Part 3. How to Choose the Right Video Downloader for Your Mac?

After learning about the foremost Mac video downloader options, you might be wondering what is the best tool among them. Thus, to aid you in picking the right solution, here are considerations you need to think about:

1. Compatibility with macOS: First off, ensure that the tool is easily available on all macOS versions since many tools don’t support older versions. For that, you can check the tool requirements like the one mentioned in aTube Catcher.
2. Supported Websites and Formats: Pick a tool that offers seamless video access across websites and platforms and supports multiple format options. Instead of limiting yourself to MP3 and MP4, make sure the video grabber Mac download tool has other formats.
3. Download Speed and Quality: If quality is your priority, go for the solution that either lets you choose the quality while downloading or displays the quality during the process. Just like aTube Catcher and UniConverter, these tools allow you to pick the desired quality while saving.
4. Extra Features and Ease of Use: When the tool has additional features like batch processing and built-in converters, it's an ideal option, no matter if you have to purchase plans. Through this, you can download and convert multiple files in bulk, saving you from manual effort.
5. Security and Cost: While saving the device, ensure that the tool is safe from malware and protects your data from third parties. Plus, look for a tool that doesn’t require or pick platforms like QDownloader.cc to make sure that the data is encrypted.

Part 4. Step-by-Step Guide: Downloading Videos on Mac

From all the mentioned considerations, UniConverter is undoubtedly the foremost solution one can try to securely and seamlessly download the video. Hence, to know how to use this video download program for Mac, here is a simple guide:

Step 1. Access the Tool on Your Device and Locate the Tool

To begin with, download download and access the tool on your device and head to the “Home” tab. There, pick the “Downloader” tool from the top right corner and tap the “Try Now” button to start the process.

Step 2. Paste the Video Link and Head to Settings

After that, paste the link in the given text box by picking the “Video” option from the dropdown menu displayed beside the link box. After that, press the “Settings” icon from the top right corner before you start downloading the video.

Step 3. Choose the Quality and Save Changes

Upon doing so, a new window will appear where you have to pick the language and file quality besides the video section. As it is done, tap the “OK” button and head back to the downloader interface.

Step 4. Press Download and Access the Video From the Finished Section

There, press the “Download” option and wait till the tool downloads the video in the set quality and format. When the process completes, you can fetch the video from the “Finished” section seamlessly.

Tips For Beginners While Using Video Downloader

Though all the given free video downloaders for MacBook options offer effortless downloading facilities, here are some tips to ideally save the video.

1. Ensure Fast and Stable Internet Connection: Having a slow and unstable internet connection can cause failed downloads; hence, using a strong Wi-Fi connection is advised for better speed.
2. Organize Your Downloads: If you are saving multiple videos, arrange them periodically to avoid clutter and easily access files when needed.
3. Learn Basic Troubleshooting: Sometimes, when the download fails, try restarting the app or checking the internet connection since knowing simple fixes can save time and frustration.
4. Use a Download Manager Feature: Pick a tool that offers a built-in manager feature, letting you pause and resume downloads when you have large files or a slow connection.
5. Be Cautious of Ads and Pop-Ups: Finally, beware of the tools that come with ads or unnecessary pop-ups, as they might have suspicious links that can cause malware.

Part 5. Risks and Legal Considerations

Whether you use paid or free video download software for Mac, know that saving any site or platform videos without consent can raise ethical and legal concerns, too. By adhering to these points, you can securely access videos from sites and platforms like YouTube without any concern:

1. Copyright Infringement: Platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or Hulu are protected by copyright, and because of that, you need the creator’s consent or license to download the video. If you download the videos without rights, it can pose legal threats or account suspensions.
2. Malware and Security Threats: When you pick free or unofficial downloaders, be aware that they might contain viruses or spyware. These websites cannot just harm your device but also access your personal data, and downloading the software from official sites is the best option.
3. Violation of Terms of Service: Most of the famous websites explicitly mention their term of service to determine whether downloading is prohibited or not. If they don’t have such policies, they offer legally bound downloading options to securely save the video without violating copyrights.
4. Privacy Risks: Many online Mac video downloaders can also track your activity online, collect browsing data, or ask for unnecessary permissions. After that, they can expose the collected data to target ads and third parties, so reviewing their feedback is crucial before considering one.
5. Legal Consequences in Different Countries: The legal process of downloading the videos varies according to region Therefore, to save yourself from legal issues, it is advised to research local laws for a seamless downloading experience.

FAQs about Video Download Program for Mac

1. What is the best video downloader app for Mac?

From various known applications, 4K Video Downloader is considered the foremost Mac video downloader. This tool offers you simple downloading options while offering compatible format options like MP4 or MP4.

2. What's the best free video player for a Mac?

Considering VLC media player is the best solution, using this tool requires zero learning curve. Additionally, it has zero ads and ensures a seamless and hindrance-free viewing experience.

3. Are free Mac video downloaders safe?

Various downloaders like Free YouTube Download or Y2Mate are secure to use as they ensure to preserve the user data from third parties. However, if you still have legal and ethical concerns, try downloading offline tools from official sites.

4. Can I download videos from Netflix/Prime on Mac?

No, Netflix and Prime don’t allow users to download the videos on MacBook. However, they can download the videos within the platform and watch them offline easily.

Conclusion

Summing up, whether you want to save site videos for entertaining or educational purposes, having the right Mac video downloader can be a foremost option. Therefore, in this guide, we have mentioned various solutions that offer you simple and effortless video access. Among all, we recommend using UniConverter, allowing you to download 20 video files at the same time with high quality and fast speed because of its powerful feature.

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