Best Video Downloaders for Mac in 2026: 6 Compared
The short answer: For one plan that covers a Mac app and the browser, BlackHole: its Mac app is signed and notarized by Apple, runs on Apple Silicon and Intel, and starts with a free 48-hour trial, then Pro is $19.99 a year or $49 once. For a Mac-only app with 1,000+ sites, Downie is $19.99 once. For free, use yt-dlp in Terminal, or Open Video Downloader if you'd rather have a window.
We compared six video downloaders that run on a Mac on what decides the choice there: whether it's a real Mac app or a Terminal tool, the highest quality it saves, playlist support, ads, and what it costs. The table comes from each tool's own site, checked on 29 October 2026, and our own use of BlackHole. Apple's App Store rules keep YouTube downloaders out of the Mac App Store, so each app here comes from its developer, Homebrew or Setapp.
Last updated: October 2026
How to download a video on a Mac without installing anything
Three steps with BlackHole in Safari, Chrome or Firefox.
- Copy the video link. Copy the address bar, or use the site's Share button and choose Copy link.
- Paste it into the box above. Paste the link into the download box at the top of this page and choose a format and quality. A free account gets 3 downloads a day at up to 480p. YouTube and 4K need Pro; a 24-hour pass is $1.99.
- Save the file. Click Download. Safari saves the file to your Downloads folder; open it from the Downloads button in the toolbar.
Quick Verdict
Best for a Mac app and the browser on one plan
BlackHole
The Mac app is signed and notarized by Apple, runs on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, and saves to a folder at your connection's full speed. The same Pro key works in any browser, your phone's included. Free 48-hour trial, then $19.99 a year or $49 once.
Best Mac-only app
Downie
Built only for the Mac, it supports 1,000+ sites, updates every week or two, and costs $19.99 once. It needs macOS 13 or later.
Best for 8K and trimming
Pulltube
Saves up to 8K at 60fps and trims a YouTube video before it downloads. From $19.99 after a 7-day trial; it needs macOS 13 or later.
Best for channels, with a free plan
4K Video Downloader Plus
Downloads whole playlists and channels at up to 8K. The free plan has limits; paid plans start at €18.75 a year, and Personal and Pro are one-off licences. It needs macOS 12 or later.
Best for Terminal users
yt-dlp
Free, open-source and the most capable tool here. Install it with brew install yt-dlp, then type yt-dlp and paste a link.
Best free app with a window
Open Video Downloader
Puts yt-dlp in a window: free, open-source, downloads playlists, and has builds for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Feature Comparison
| Tool | Type | Max Quality | Batch Downloads | No Ads | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlackHole#1 | Web + Desktop | 4K | ✓ | ✓ | Free (unlimited) / $5.99/mo, $19.99/yr, or $49 lifetime Pro |
| Downie | Desktop | 4K | ✓ | ✓ | $19.99 once (free trial) |
| Pulltube | Desktop | 8K | ✓ | ✓ | From $19.99 (7-day trial) |
| 4K Video Downloader Plus | Desktop | 8K | ✓ | Paid plans | Free (limited) / from €18.75/yr |
| yt-dlp | CLI | 8K | ✓ | ✓ | Free (open-source) |
| Open Video Downloader | Desktop | Same as yt-dlp | ✓ | ✓ | Free (open-source) |
In-Depth Breakdown
BlackHole
Web + DesktopBest for a Mac app and the browser on one planPros
- ✓No ads, clean interface — no malware risk
- ✓Supports 9 platforms including TikTok, Instagram and Reddit
- ✓Native desktop app for Windows and Mac — downloads run locally at your connection's full speed
- ✓Unlimited free downloads on every site but YouTube
Cons
- ✗Free tier limited to 480p, and YouTube needs Pro
- ✗Requires free account signup
- ✗No Linux build of the desktop app
Downie
DesktopBest Mac-only appPros
- ✓Built only for the Mac, with support for 1,000+ sites
- ✓One $19.99 purchase, no subscription; a licence allows 3 activations
- ✓Updates every week or two, so it keeps up when sites change
Cons
- ✗Mac only: no Windows, phone or browser version
- ✗Needs macOS 13 or later
- ✗Tops out at 4K, where Pulltube and 4K Video Downloader go to 8K
Pulltube
DesktopBest for 8K and trimmingPros
- ✓Saves up to 8K and 60fps
- ✓Trims a YouTube video before you download it
- ✓Spots playlists and applies one format and quality to every video in them
Cons
- ✗Mac only: no Windows, phone or browser version
- ✗Needs macOS 13 or later
- ✗No free plan once the 7-day trial ends
4K Video Downloader Plus
DesktopBest for channels, with a free planPros
- ✓Up to 8K, plus 360° and 3D video
- ✓Downloads whole playlists and channels, and can skip videos already saved
- ✓Subtitles in 50+ languages; Smart Mode applies your usual settings in one click
Cons
- ✗Desktop only (Windows, macOS 12+, Ubuntu); its Android app is sold separately
- ✗The free plan caps downloads without publishing the limits; ad-free is a paid-plan feature
- ✗No Instagram or X; 4K Download's separate Instagram app, Stogram, no longer gets support or bug fixes
yt-dlp
CLIBest for Terminal usersPros
- ✓Supports 1000+ sites — widest platform coverage of any tool
- ✓Fully customizable: quality, format, subtitles, metadata, filters
- ✓Actively maintained with frequent YouTube bot-detection workarounds
Cons
- ✗Command-line only — requires technical knowledge to use
- ✗No GUI: you install it and run it from a terminal
- ✗Ongoing maintenance needed as platforms update their anti-bot measures
Open Video Downloader
DesktopBest free app with a windowPros
- ✓Free and open-source (AGPL-3.0): yt-dlp in a window, so no terminal
- ✓Downloads whole playlists, and keeps itself and yt-dlp up to date
- ✓Builds for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, plus Windows and Linux
Cons
- ✗Desktop only: nothing for a phone or a browser
- ✗Comes from GitHub or Homebrew, with no app store listing on the Mac
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best video downloader for Mac in 2026?▾
Is there a free video downloader for Mac?▾
Why aren't video downloaders in the Mac App Store?▾
Is it safe to install a video downloader on a Mac?▾
Does BlackHole work on a MacBook Air with Apple Silicon?▾
BlackHole or Downie: which should I get?▾
How do I download a YouTube video on a Mac with yt-dlp?▾
Is BlackHole for Mac the BlackHole audio driver?▾
Try BlackHole Free Today
No installation required. Download videos from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and six more platforms right in your browser.
Try BlackHole Free →