How to Download YouTube Videos Without Premium
YouTube Premium costs $11.99/month for offline downloads. Here's how to download videos for free using alternative methods.
Free Desktop Software
1. 4K Video Downloader (Best Free Option)
- Free version allows up to 30 downloads per day
- No subscription required
- Supports up to 8K quality
- Works on Windows, Mac, Linux
2. yt-dlp (100% Free & Open Source)
# Download any video for free
yt-dlp "VIDEO_URL"
Unlimited downloads, all qualities, completely free forever.
Free Browser Extensions
- Video DownloadHelper: Firefox & Chrome
- SaveFrom.net Helper: One-click downloads
- Easy Video Downloader: Multiple formats
Free Online Tools
No installation required:
- Copy YouTube video URL
- Visit free online downloader
- Paste URL and download
Check our recommended free tools.
Free Mobile Apps
Android (Free):
- TubeMate: Completely free, no ads in downloads
- NewPipe: Open-source, privacy-focused
- VidMate: Multi-platform support
iPhone (Free Options):
- Documents by Readdle: Free app + online tools
- Shortcuts app: Create free download workflow
YouTube Premium vs Free Methods
| Feature | Premium | Free Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $11.99/mo | $0 |
| Quality | Up to 1080p | Up to 8K |
| Device Limit | Yes | Unlimited |
| Expiration | 30 days | Never |
| App Dependency | YouTube app only | Any player |
Advantages of Free Methods
- ✅ No recurring subscription fees
- ✅ Higher quality options (4K, 8K)
- ✅ Downloads never expire
- ✅ Use any video player
- ✅ Transfer between devices freely
- ✅ Keep videos even if you cancel
Legal Considerations
While free methods exist, downloading YouTube videos may violate Terms of Service. YouTube Premium is the official method for offline viewing. Only download content you have permission to use.