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Looking for a SaveFrom.net alternative? Compare features, safety, and quality side by side.
SaveFrom.net (also known as the "ss" trick — adding "ss" before youtube.com in the URL) has been around since 2008 and was one of the original online video downloaders. For years, it was the go-to tool for downloading YouTube videos quickly.
However, SaveFrom has accumulated serious issues over the years. The site pushes a browser extension that has been repeatedly removed from the Chrome Web Store for requesting excessive permissions and engaging in suspicious data collection. The website itself is cluttered with ads, and many users report being redirected to third-party sites.
SaveFrom's video quality has also fallen behind. Downloads are often limited to 720p without the extension, and even with it, quality is inconsistent. The service primarily focuses on YouTube, with limited support for other platforms.
BlackHole offers a modern alternative that requires no extensions, shows no ads, supports 15+ platforms, and delivers downloads up to 4K quality — all from a clean, fast web interface.
| Feature | BlackHole | SaveFrom.net |
|---|---|---|
| Browser Extension Required | ✅ No — fully web-based | ⚠️ Pushes extension aggressively |
| Ads & Pop-ups | ✅ Zero ads | ❌ Heavy ads & redirects |
| Safety / Privacy | ✅ No data collection, no tracking | ⚠️ Extension collects browsing data |
| Max Video Quality | ✅ Up to 4K (2160p) | ⚠️ 720p without extension |
| Supported Platforms | ✅ 15+ platforms | ⚠️ Mainly YouTube |
| Audio Downloads | ✅ MP3, M4A, best quality | ✅ MP3 available |
| Batch Downloads | ✅ Yes (with account) | ❌ No |
| API Access | ✅ Developer API | ❌ No API |
| Mobile Friendly | ✅ Full responsive design | ⚠️ Clunky on mobile |
| Pricing | ✅ Free tier + affordable Pro | ✅ Free (ad-supported) |
| TikTok No Watermark | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Active Development | ✅ Regular updates | ⚠️ Stagnant |
SaveFrom.net's biggest red flag is its browser extension. The extension — called "SaveFrom.net Helper" — has been removed from the Chrome Web Store multiple times for violating policies. It requests permissions to read and change all data on all websites you visit, which is a massive privacy concern.
Even without the extension, SaveFrom limits download quality to 720p and pushes users toward installing it. This creates a frustrating experience where you either accept a lower-quality download or risk your privacy.
BlackHole requires zero installations. Everything works directly in your browser at full quality. No extensions, no desktop apps, no compromises.
While SaveFrom focuses almost exclusively on YouTube, BlackHole supports a wide range of platforms. Download videos from TikTok (without watermarks), Instagram (Reels, Stories, Posts), Twitter/X, Facebook, Reddit, Vimeo, SoundCloud, and many more.
Instead of bookmarking five different download tools for different platforms, BlackHole handles them all in one place. Paste any supported URL and get your download in seconds.
For developers and power users, BlackHole offers something SaveFrom never has: a full API. Integrate video downloading into your own applications, automate workflows, or build custom tools on top of BlackHole's infrastructure.
Combined with batch downloading capabilities, BlackHole is built for both casual users and professionals who need reliable, scalable video downloading.
No extensions, no ads, no compromises. Try BlackHole today.
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