If you have a standard YouTube account then you might already know that your options are limited when it comes to downloading YouTube videos for offline viewing on the platform. But did you know that the premium version also only allows you to download videos on the platform?
If you want to store YouTube videos on your Mac or transfer them to your phone, then you need to consider a YouTube downloader for Mac.
The market is filled with a variety of YouTube downloaders for Mac, which makes it difficult to pick one that would make the most sense for us. Fortunately, we’ve covered all the bases for you and conducted thorough research to find the best YouTube downloaders for Mac.
There’s one desktop software, in particular, that stood out in terms of its usability, features, functions, and even pricing.
Keep reading to find out which YouTube downloader for Mac we liked the most and the remaining 12 tools that allow you to download YouTube videos efficiently along with their relevant pros and cons.
Without further delay, let’s jump right into it!
The Overall Best YouTube Downloader for Mac
We researched dozens of applications that allow users to download YouTube videos and even extract audio from them. Softorino YouTube Converter PRO [SYC PRO] by Softorino made its mark amongst all other desktop and online YouTube converters because of its exceptional 3-in-1 features, easy-to-use interface, and time- and cost-efficiency.
Although the product was launched recently, Softorino’s team has had their fair share of experience in this market. They previously launched SYC2, which is compatible with both Windows and macOS.
SYC PRO has been inspired by SYC2 but it has better features and its design and experience have been enhanced to meet the requirements and preferences of PRO users. We will get into the details of its features and why we liked it more than the other available video downloaders for Mac later on in this blog.
For now, let’s take a look at how SYC PRO works:
How to Use Softorino YouTube Converter Pro [SYC PRO]?
While SYC PRO is set to have numerous new features in the future to add to its usability and easy-to-use interface, it’s still quite easy to use with only three simple steps to follow. Take a look at the 3, easy-to-follow steps now:
Step 1: Downloading and Installing the Software
The first step entails downloading and installing this video downloader for Mac. To do this, head to Softorino’s official website, open the drop-down products list on the homepage, and open SYC PRO. You can either choose to invest in the premium licensed version right away or download the free trial version of the desktop software.
Once the installation file is downloaded on your Mac, go ahead and install the software by following the on-screen instructions. The first time you launch the app, you’ll be asked to enter the email address where you wish to receive the trial key for your 24-hour free trial.
It is pertinent to note that the free trial version of the software has all premium features unlocked for an entire day, making it easier for Mac users to decipher whether this software will be worth their time and money in the long run. So, we recommend going for the free trial version first.
Enter the trial key that you receive on the email address that you provided in the relevant field in the SYC PRO window and that’s it! You’re all set to download, convert, and transfer YouTube videos for free – for 24 whopping hours.
Step 2: Adding Videos from YouTube to the Download Queue
The future updates of SYC PRO will add an inbuilt search bar in the desktop software. For now, you can use any browser on your Mac to head to YouTube and search for your favorite YouTube videos to download. Once you’ve located the YouTube video that you want to download, you can go ahead and copy its URL.
SYC PRO has smart technology that detects when you copy a URL and automatically pastes it into the download queue, so you don’t have to go back and forth to copy and paste the URLs. Furthermore, you can also use the software to download videos from various other platforms, such as SoundCloud and Vimeo.
Copy the links to as many YouTube videos as you like and SYC PRO will keep adding them to the download queue.
Step 3: Hitting the Transfer Button
Once you’re happy with your selection, go back to the SYC PRO window, where you will now set the conversion and transfer settings. Find the conversion settings underneath the download queue. You can convert videos from YouTube to Audio or Video formats.
If you’ve selected Audio, you can choose to convert videos to iOS-friendly MP3 or the AAC format. Alternatively, if you’ve selected Video, you’ll be given the option to choose from resolutions spanning from 360p to 2160p.
Right under the conversion settings, you’ll find the transfer settings. Here, you can select the Downloads folder on your Mac, the Favorites folder in SYC PRO, or the Music Library as the output files’ destination. You can also choose to transfer your converted files wirelessly to other iOS devices, including your iPhone, iPod, or even Apple TV for video formats.
If you’ve chosen to transfer the converted files to another iOS device, you will first need to connect it to your Mac using its USB cable and turn on Wi-Fi connectivity from the SYC PRO settings menu. After this, you can make all future transfers wirelessly.
Once you’ve selected your preferred conversion and transfer settings, hit the Transfer button that’s located at the bottom of the SYC PRO window. That’s it! SYC PRO will take care of all the rest for you!
Weighing the Pros & Cons of SYC PRO
Even the best YouTube video downloader, such as SYC PRO, comes with a set of pros and cons that you must consider before making a final decision. Let’s take a look at all the vital pros and cons of using SYC PRO on your Mac:
Pros
- It supports download from various sites including YouTube, SoundCloud, and Vimeo
- It supports 4K UHD 60FPS
- You can also download subtitles and playlists from YouTube
- Its conversion and transfer speed are 6 times faster
- The metadata can be downloaded and edited through SYC PRO
- The output files have the best possible quality
- SYC PRO has smart technology that streamlines the copy-pasting operations
- Its design and interface are super-user-friendly and simple-to-use
- In terms of its features and competition, it’s quite budget-friendly
- All available formats are already iOS-friendly
- You can transfer output files wirelessly to other iOS devices
- The free trial includes all premium features for you to test
- It’s free of intrusive ads and other interruptions
Cons
- The app is Mac exclusive and it’s not supported by Windows
12 More YouTube Video Downloaders to Consider
There are 12 more YouTube video downloaders for Mac that you can consider downloading and installing on your computer if you think SYC PRO is not the best option for you. Let’s take a look at these downloaders’ features, pros, and cons:
Downie
Downie is supported by both macOS and iOS and it allows Mac users to download content from various streaming platforms and sites. The software includes an inbuilt search bar, which streamlines the process significantly.
The download process is also facilitated by the browser extension, which you can use to make the process relatively easier. However, your Mac needs to be running on macOS 10.11 or above for this app to work efficiently.
The software also has inconvenient quality control and you will require Setapp service membership for it to work.
Pros
- The software includes an inbuilt search bar
- It supports over 1k platforms and sites
Cons
- It has inconvenient quality control
- You’ll need Setapp service membership for this tool
YTD
Although YTD is multi-purpose software that supports downloads from various platforms, it might burn a hole in your pocket in the long run.
The output quality offered is exceptional and the software also comes with a free trial version. However, you will not find many format options in this software, making it less versatile compared to other similar tools in the market.
Pros
- It’s multi-purpose and supports multiple platforms
- The output quality is great
- The software has a free trial version
Cons
- It is not relatively versatile
- There aren’t many formats to choose from for your conversions
- The software might prove expensive for some users in the long run
Total Video Downloader
Total Video Downloader is fast and efficient and supports a variety of different sites and platforms. Furthermore, it has an easy-to-use design and interface that resemble an internet browser.
However, in terms of format conversions, this software definitely falls behind compared to other YouTube video downloaders in the market.
You will need to use other applications if you’re looking to convert downloaded YouTube videos, which is a little frustrating.
Pros
- It’s fast and efficient
- The software is extremely easy to use
Cons
- You will need to use a third-party converter tool
- The software is supported by macOS only
iTube Studio for Mac
iTube Studio for Mac is another Mac YouTube downloader that is pretty helpful and useful. Like SYC PRO, this software also has several different functions. You can use it to download, record, convert, and transfer videos.
However, unlike SYC PRO, you won’t be able to transfer the output files to other devices wireless, using the Wi-Fi connectivity option.
Pros
- It’s a multi-functional tool
Cons
- You can’t use it to transfer output files wirelessly to other devices
Wondershare AllMyTube
Wondershare YouTube Downloader is supported by Windows and macOS and there are several features that make it one of the best YouTube downloaders for Mac.
It’s a free YouTube downloader for Mac. However, there’s also a premium version available if you wish to try out all of the locked features in the free version.
The free version of this software includes intrusive ads and several other limitations.
Pros
- It offers all the basic YouTube downloader functions
- It is easy to use
Cons
- You’ll need the steep-priced premium version to unlock all of this tool’s features
- The free version includes intrusive ads
- There are other tools that offer better features
Apowersoft
Apowersoft offers various formats that are iOS-friendly, including high-resolution videos. Moreover, it also supports several other streaming platforms and sites and offers additional features, such as video conversion and screen recording.
However, since Apowersoft is a resource-hungry software, it uses a significant amount of computer resources and leads to crashes.
Pros
- The tool offers iOS-friendly formats
- You can download videos from various platforms
- It also offers a screen recording feature
Cons
- It’s a resource-hungry software that utilizes several computer resources
- The software might face several crashes
- It will make other processes hang in your Mac
5K Player
5K Player is another free YouTube downloader for Mac, which is efficient and fast. It offers numerous audio formats and video resolutions and it’s perfect for relatively longer recordings.
However, it’s not the most trusted application in the market. It will be set as your default video player without asking for your permission and also display various ads.
Pros
- It’s free of cost
- It is preferred for longer recordings
Cons
- It’s automatically set as your default video player
- The software has several ads
- It’s relatively less reliable
MediaHuman YouTube Downloader
MediaHuman YouTube Downloader is another great tool to download YouTube videos. It offers several formats to choose from and also supports synchronous downloads.
Like SYC PRO, it also automatically detects a copied URL and pastes it into the download queue.
However, you can’t use this app to transfer the output files to other devices.
Pros
- It allows batch downloading and offers numerous formats
Cons
- You can’t use it to transfer the output files
ClipGrab
ClipGrab is a free YouTube downloader that is both reliable and efficient. However, it is not the most user-friendly tool in the market and its features are also limited.
The process might be difficult for some users and there are no shortcuts or smart technology integrations to streamline the process.
Pros
- It is a free tool
- It’s more reliable than most YouTube downloaders
Cons
- It doesn’t allow batch downloading
- The software contains several problems that make it more difficult to download videos from YouTube than necessary
- It’s not user-friendly
- The tool has no smart technology integrated into it
Airy YouTube Downloader
Airy YouTube Downloader is supported by macOS as well as Windows. It supports playlist downloading as well as the download of subtitles.
You can use this tool as a converter, with numerous format options to choose from. It also comes with browser integration that makes it more convenient to use.
However, you can’t use Airy’s converter features separately. Moreover, the only supported platform is YouTube, so you can’t use it for downloads from other platforms and sites.
Pros
- It includes several useful features
- You can use download management to run numerous operations at once
Cons
- It only supports downloads from YouTube
- Its converter feature can’t be used separately
MacX YouTube Downloader
MacX YouTube Downloader is a desktop software made by Digiarty and it supports downloads from various streaming platforms.
This software is relatively budget-friendly and easy to use. However, the video and audio formats available are limited within this application.
Pros
- It supports downloads from numerous platforms
- The application has free technical support
Cons
- There aren’t many audio and video formats to choose from
4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader is also a desktop software that is supported by various devices, including macOS, Windows, Ubuntu, and Android. It has a Smart Mode that streamlines the copy-pasting process.
However, it is not the best YouTube converter for Mac users in terms of its features, usability, and efficiency. Moreover, there are numerous paywalls within the paid version of the 4K Video Downloader.
Pros
- It includes a free trial version
- The software comes with advanced features, such as subtitle options
- You can use the Smart Mode to streamline the copy-pasting process
Cons
- The paid version of this app includes numerous paywalls
- It’s not the best option for Mac users in terms of its features and usability
Reasons SYC PRO Beats Every Other YouTube Video Downloader
Now that we’ve taken a look at all the features, pros, and cons of all the other apps in this list, it’s time to take a look at some of the most essential reasons we think SYC PRO is better. Let’s begin:
It’s Mac-Exclusive
SYC PRO has been exclusively made for Mac users and thus includes all the features that prove vital for them.
The formats available in SYC PRO to convert videos from YouTube are already iOS-friendly, eliminating the need for another third-party converter.
Furthermore, You can use the software to also transfer the converted YouTube videos to other iOS devices wirelessly. The videos can also be transferred to your Apple TV.
It’ll Save You Time and Money
Since this desktop software entails all the vital features that you might need when downloading and converting videos from YouTube, it’s considered one of the most time- and cost-efficient applications in the market.
Its speed is 6 times faster, making it one of the fastest and best YouTube downloaders for Mac users. You can also transfer all downloaded YouTube videos to other iOS devices without having to leave the SYC PRO window.
If all of that is not enough, the desktop software also comes with a free YouTube downloader version that allows you to download unlimited YouTube videos for an entire day. All the premium features are unlocked for 24 hours, so you can test them out for yourself. The free trial is also free from intrusive ads and other such interruptions.
You Won’t Need Any Third-Party App
The best feature of SYC PRO is that it’s a 3-in-1 app. In addition to being a YouTube downloader for Mac, it’s also a converter tool that allows you to download and convert videos to iOS-friendly formats. Moreover, you can also use it to transfer the output files to various destinations, which includes wireless transfers to other iOS devices.
It also supports downloads from various other streaming platforms, such as Vimeo and SoundCloud.
Moreover, you can use SYC PRO to download YouTube playlists and subtitled videos and even download and edit metadata. What more could we ask for?
SYC PRO Supports Batch Downloading
Want to download numerous videos from YouTube in one go? Not a problem! SYC PRO allows you to download as many YouTube videos as you like and convert and transfer them in a batch.
There Are No Interruptions in This Software
There are numerous free YouTube downloaders and free trial versions of video downloaders for Mac that contain ads, unexplained and unnecessary error messages, crashes, and bugs.
However, you won’t find any such interruptions with SYC PRO. It has a clean and easy-to-use interface that is free from intrusive ads and other distractions, making the whole process relatively easier, efficient, and pleasant for Mac users.
Concluding Remarks
This concludes our list of the best YouTube downloaders in the market this year and all the information needed regarding SYC PRO, our top choice for a YouTube downloader for Mac.
In the end, the final decision of which YouTube downloader for Mac makes the most sense for your preferences and requirements lies in your hands.
We hope this list has given you a detailed insight into all the best YouTube downloaders and converters for Mac.
Which YouTube video downloader stood out the most to you? Let us know in the comments section!
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Do you want more information on this topic? Read the following FAQs for further information:
Which is the best YouTube downloader for Mac?
Softorino YouTube Converter PRO [SYC PRO] is one of the best YouTube downloaders for Mac in the market. It has been explicitly designed for Mac users and can be used to download, convert, and transfer YouTube videos – all from one single application. It works six times faster, supports playlist downloads, and allows users to download and edit metadata. In addition to YouTube, it also supports various other platforms, including SoundCloud and Vimeo. You can use its free trial version today, which is completely free of ads and other such interruptions to find out if it’s the one YouTube video downloader for you.
Does YouTube downloader work on Mac?
There are numerous YouTube downloaders in the market that are supported by macOS. The best YouTube downloader for Mac includes Softorino YouTube Converter PRO [SYC PRO], which allows users to download, convert, and transfer videos from YouTube in three simple steps. You can learn more about this tool by visiting the official Softorino website.
How do I download and save a YouTube video to my Mac?
To download and save YouTube videos on Mac, download and install the free 24-hour trial version of Softorino YouTube Converter PRO [SYC PRO] on your Mac. Copy the links to your favorite YouTube videos, let SYC PRO detect and automatically paste them into the download queue, and, finally, tweak the conversion and transfer settings and hit the Transfer button at the bottom of the SYC PRO window.
What is the best YouTube downloader?
If you’re a Mac user, the best YouTube downloader for your computer would be Softorino YouTube Converter PRO [SYC PRO]. However, if you want to download and convert videos from YouTube on a Windows PC, you can consider downloading and installing the 24-hour free trial version of Softorino YouTube Converter 2 [SYC2]. For further information regarding these two products, head to the official Softorino website.
