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YouTube is the largest video platform, with more than 2.5 billion monthly users and over 1 billion hours of video watched every day. Yet downloading videos directly remains anything but straightforward. While desktop apps and online services dominate most ‘best downloader’ lists, many users prefer a lightweight browser extension that works right inside YouTube. The problem? Most Chrome extensions that claim to download YouTube videos are either broken, outdated, or riddled with malware. That’s why we’ve put together this shortlist of five Best YouTube Extensions for Video Downloading in 2025.
We’ve cut through outdated claims, side-loading headaches, and tools that don’t really work anymore. What remains are the few options still delivering (plus a bonus desktop app), with their strengths and trade-offs clearly outlined.
1. Video DownloadHelper
Best for multi-site support
● Why it stands out: With a legacy stretching back nearly 20 years, Video DownloadHelper is one of the most established browser extensions in the space, supporting a wide range of platforms beyond YouTube.
● Limitations: The Chrome version no longer works with YouTube. On Firefox, it requires an additional companion app, and performance on YouTube can be inconsistent.
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● Best for: Users who want one tool for downloading from multiple sites and are comfortable with additional setup steps.
2. Addoncrop YouTube Video Downloader
Well-known option with extra utilities
● Why it stands out: Addoncrop integrates into YouTube with a download button supporting multiple formats (MP4, FLV, WebM, etc.). With its companion software (Flixmate), it adds features like MP3 conversion, video trimming, and screenshots.
● Limitations: It is not available in the Chrome Web Store. Installation requires sideloading via CRX Emulator, plus an additional software install (Flixmate) to unlock downloads above 360p. Recent reviews also flag reliability issues and potential adware concerns.
● Best for: Tech-savvy users comfortable with manual installation who want extra functions like video trimming.
3. Tubly Downloader
Best overall YouTube downloader extension
● Why it stands out: Actively maintained in 2025, Tubly reliably supports true 4K/8K video and MP3 downloads without external software. It is known for speed, reliability with long 4K videos, an ad-free interface, and consistent performance. Tubly integrates directly into YouTube with a one-click download
button, and works across Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
● Limitations: The free tier caps higher-quality downloads, with unlimited 480p but daily limits for 1080p, encouraging heavy users to upgrade to the Pro plan ($1.49/month).
● Best for: Creators, educators, and users who want a straightforward in-browser tool that consistently works.
4. Easy YouTube Video Downloader Express (Firefox only)
Best standalone Firefox option
● Why it stands out: This highly rated Firefox add-on provides an integrated, one-click download button on YouTube with options for MP4 (360p, 720p, 1080p).
● Limitations: It is not available on Chrome, lacks cross-browser support, and does not offer 4K or MP3 conversion.
● Best for: Firefox users who want a simple, integrated YouTube downloader.
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5. 4K Video Downloader (Desktop app, not extension)
Best desktop alternative
● Why it’s here: Though not a browser extension, 4K Video Downloader is a well-regarded desktop application. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, supporting platforms beyond YouTube such as Vimeo and TikTok. It handles playlists, subtitles, and high-resolution files efficiently.
● Limitations: Requires desktop installation, the free version limits daily downloads, and it does not integrate into YouTube’s interface. MP3 conversion requires additional paid software.
● Best for: Power users who need bulk downloads and advanced features, and don’t mind stepping outside the browser.
In 2025, finding a reliable YouTube downloader extension is harder than ever. Chrome Web Store restrictions, broken updates, and security risks have left users sifting through half-functioning tools and risky sideload installs. What people consistently say they want is simple, speed, stability, quality, and safety.
The reality is that only a handful of options still deliver, and even fewer do so consistently across browsers. For users, from content creators backing up their work to students saving lessons, extensions that ‘just work’ are no longer a luxury, they’re the baseline expectation.
Disclaimer: Downloading YouTube videos is against YouTube’s Terms of Service unless you have permission from the copyright holder, the video is your own content, or it’s explicitly licensed for reuse. The tools listed here are intended for personal, offline use cases such as saving educational content, tutorials, or your own uploads. Always respect copyright and platform rules when downloading.
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