With this said, one would recommend using a video downloader extension for Google Chrome so you can store videos on your PC. These extensions are recommended only for downloading videos for personal consumption and not for sharing on social media and video-sharing platforms. This is to give respect to the privacy and copyright of the video owners and creators. In this guide, we’ll give a rundown of what a video downloader extension is and how it works on Google Chrome. Of course, we’ll also give you the best options out there so you can download your favorite videos instantly.
What Is a Video Downloader Chrome Extension?
As the name suggests, a video downloader Chrome extension is a tool you can add to your browser for video downloading purposes. Since it is only an extension, you can find it on the Chrome Web Store and add it to your Google Chrome browser in just a few clicks. It allows you to download videos from supported websites and save them in various formats and resolutions. This lets you enjoy the videos without loading them every time you feel the need to watch them. While there are desktop programs you can install that offer the same purpose, the process can be tedious. Google Chrome extensions, meanwhile, are easy to install as you only need to add them to your browser, and you’re good to go. You have to pin them, though, so it would be easier to access the tool and download the videos from the websites you want.
The Best Video Downloader Chrome Extensions
If you visit the Chrome Web Store, you’ll find a lot of video downloader extensions available for you to use. With the number of options available, it becomes harder to choose the perfect tool that will work best for you. To help you explore your options, here are the video downloader Chrome extension tools you can add to your browser.
Video Downloader Professional
One of the most popular extensions for video downloading is the Video Downloader Professional. With this Chrome extension, you can download videos from various websites and save them from your hard disk. The best part is you get to choose the video resolution for the file you want to download, but it still depends on the support of the site. While this may be true, you cannot download videos from YouTube because of Google’s restrictions. Aside from the basic download function, this tool also lets you save videos to your video list without having to download them. This added feature gives you quick access to the listed videos and allows you to watch them at any time and in any size you want. You should note, however, that it is only available on a few websites like YouTube and Vimeo. This Chrome extension also allows you to play videos you found via Google Chromecast on your TV or smart speaker. Add Video Downloader Professional to Chrome
Allows you to choose the video resolution Can save videos without downloading Can play found videos on TV or smart speaker
Some features not available on some websites
The Flash Video Downloader
The Flash Video Downloader is an advanced plugin you can use to download videos. It allows you to download a specific video you need or download all the videos on the website in a single click. You cannot change the filename, though, so the tool will save videos to your computer with their original file name. You also cannot change the file format because as soon as you click on the download button, it will save it in MP4 format. As for the video quality, this Chrome extension downloads files in the highest resolution available. Despite being only an extension that occupies little space, you can customize how you want it to show up on your browser. It can appear as either a sidebar or a pop-up tool that you can have in light or dark mode once you click on the extension. This tool can also support 53 languages including English, French, and German, making it perfect for everyone across the globe. Add The Flash Video Downloader to Chrome
Can download multiple videos simultaneously Can save in highest available resolution Highly customizable user interface
No rename option before the download
Video Downloader Pro
Another popular video downloader Chrome extension is the Video Downloader Pro. Once you are on the website that contains the video you want to download, you can click on the extension and then the Download button. You will be able to see the file size so you’ll know how much space it will take on your hard drive. If you want to be sure if you’ve picked the right video, you can preview the file first on a separate tab using the play button. Video Download Pro boasts a feature that allows you to download videos in various formats such as MP4, MPEG, and many more. If you don’t want to download videos, you can add them to your playlist instead, so you can review everything you’ve saved anytime. From the playlist, you can also rename video files to avoid confusion when you want to download or play them later. This video also supports 53 languages including but not limited to English, French, and Spanish. Add Video Downloader Pro to Chrome
Allows preview on a different tab Downloads in various file formats Lets you rename before the download
Cannot detect videos on some websites
Video Downloader for Web
Video Downloader for Web is one of the best and most popular extensions available on Google Chrome. With its fast download speed, you can download HD videos from almost all video hosting sites with ease. You can download several files at the same time, too, so you don’t need to wait for one to finish before adding another. This tool also supports various file formats such as MP4, MOV, and AVI, making it an excellent option. Like any other video downloader Chrome extension, this also has a user-friendly interface, so it’s easy to use. If it detects video files on the website you visit, the extension will have a turquoise color. It is worth noting that you may need to reload websites for the tool to detect media files successfully. Once you click on the extension, you’ll see the files available to download as well as their file size and format. From there you can download the video you need on your hard disk. You can also play detected videos before downloading them using its built-in player so you can check if it’s the right file. Add Video Downloader for Web to Chrome
Supports various file formats Offers a built-in player
May need to reload websites to detect files
Good Video Downloader
Good Video Downloader is one of the best tools to use in saving audio and video media files. It can download files from video hosting sites like Dailymotion and Vimeo as well as social media such as Facebook and Twitter. It is important to note that this video downloader Chrome extension cannot save YouTube videos due to Google’s restrictions. The best part is it indicates the available video resolutions of the detected files so you wouldn’t have to guess the quality. It will show the file size, too, allowing you to be aware of how much space it would take from your storage. As for the file format, it can recognize and support a lot, including MP4, MOV, WEBM, and even GIF files. This plugin also offers a simple user interface, making it easy for you to download video files on your local hard drive. There’s a built-in video player, too, so if you want to watch videos before downloading them, you can click on the play button. If you want to rename the file before downloading, it is not possible, as there’s no option to do that. Add Good Video Downloader to Chrome
Detects all available resolutions Recognizes various file formats Has a built-in video player
No rename option before the download
Video Downloader by Video Octopus
Developed by a team of experts, Video Downloader by Video Octopus is a reliable option for downloading media. It allows you to download video and audio files from over a thousand websites including Vimeo, Dailymotion, and SoundCloud. You can download videos from different social media networks, too, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Be it an MP4, MOV, MP3, or even M3U8 file format, this video downloader Chrome extension can detect and save it. As for the video quality, it detects all the available resolutions for every video it finds and makes each resolution downloadable. This tool displays the video length, too, making it easier for you to find the right video or audio file. If that still does not help you, you can also preview the files detected, thanks to its built-in player with a Picture in Picture tool. The only problem with this is you cannot rename the files before you download them to your local disk. It would also have been better if it does not redirect to another tab when downloading, since it only gives you the same option. This plugin is still a great choice, though, as it allows you to have quick communication if you encounter any problems or have complaints. You can click on the Contact option on the extension and it will redirect you to their contact page. Add Video Downloader by Video Octopus to Chrome
Supports several file formats Saves videos in different resolutions Has a built-in player with Picture in Picture tool
Redirects to another page when downloading Can’t rename files before the download
Video Downloader Plus
This is one of the most basic yet quick and excellent video downloader options out there. With Video Downloader Plus, you can download from more than a thousand websites including Dailymotion, Vevo, and Twitch. Like any other plugin, this also lets you save videos on your PC from social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It supports various file formats, too, including MP4, MOV, and FLV, allowing it to detect more files. If you want to preview it first before downloading, you can use the play button to watch it on a new tab. What makes this tool unique is the range of the video resolution it supports since it can detect even 4K videos. You should note, however, that you can only download files in 2K and 4K resolution if you upgrade to their Premium plan. Their paid plan can also unlock more websites to download from and allow you to cast found videos over Chromecast. You can add detected video files to your list, too, so you can access them all in one place for later. Add Video Downloader Plus to Chrome
Detects various file formats Allows preview on a new tab Wide range of supported video resolution
Some features requiring a Premium account
Video DownloadHelper
Best known for its version on Mozilla Firefox, this video downloader for Chrome is a must-have tool for video collectors. Video DownloadHelper allows you to download media files from various websites such as Vimeo, Dailymotion, and VK. Not only does it let you download videos, but it also allows you to save image galleries to your local drive. While others wouldn’t find this useful since they are only after downloading videos, it is still a great added feature. One of the unique features it boasts is its support for HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) files. With the support for these and other formats such as MP4, MOV, and 3GP, it would detect a wider range of downloadable files. This plugin also enables you to convert files you’re currently downloading or you’ve already downloaded, making it an excellent tool. Video DownloadHelper also allows you to blacklist domains, rename files, and download many videos at once. You can save files in the resolution of the source, too. If it’s in 4K, you can have it in that same quality. You should note, however, that this extension requires you to install a companion application to complete tasks because Chrome doesn’t have the interface needed for its features. However, everything should work seamlessly once you install the application. Add Video DownloadHelper to Chrome
Supports different files, including HLS and DASH Can convert downloading and downloaded files Offers various video resolutions
Requires a companion application
Video Downloader – CoCoCut
Video Downloader – CoCoCut is another simple to use Chrome extension that offers useful features. It allows you to download not only video files but also music files that you can save to access offline later. If you wish to download videos to your computer, you can have them in different resolutions and any format. You can preview them first before downloading, too, so you can confirm if it is the right file from the detected videos. Like the Video DownloadHelper, this also boasts its support for HLS and DASH files and can save them in MP4 format. There might be instances that the Chrome extension cannot detect videos on the website you visit. If this happens, you can try playing the video first so the tool can recognize it and make it available for download. One of its best features is the Support Recording Mode, which allows you to record videos that are hard to download. With this, you can download almost any video from any website you want. You should note, however, that when recording, you must not close the opened page and keep the video playing until it has finished buffering. Add Video Downloader – CoCoCut to Chrome
Offers HLS and DASH files support Can save videos in different resolutions Has a Recording Mode
May need to play videos first to detect them
Turbo Download Manager
If you want a tool that allows you to pause, resume, and recover downloads, Turbo Download Manager is perfect for you. Pausing can be useful when you need to reduce network traffic if there’s a more important thing you need to do. Resuming and recovering downloads, meanwhile, can help you when you lose connections or there’s an unexpected power outage. With these, you wouldn’t need to start downloading from the beginning as you can resume where the interruption started. Thanks to its internal HTML spider module, it can detect media files including videos, images, and audio sources from a website. It can detect M3U8 and HLS files, too, and download them in MP4 format. It also boasts a built-in tool that fetches multiple segments of the file at once, allowing it to download faster. If you want to download several files at once, you can do that, too, as you only need to click the download button for every file. One disadvantage is you cannot rename the files before downloading them, but it’s still a suitable tool to use if you want to download videos. Add Turbo Download Manager to Chrome
Can increase download speed Can recover broken downloads
Can’t rename files before the download
Web Video Downloader
When it comes to the ease of use and safety of Chrome extensions, Web Video Downloader is one of the best options you can find. With this tool, you can download videos from almost 99% of video hosting sites, including Dailymotion and Vimeo. It can support various formats, too, such as the most popular MP4 as well as MOV, FLV, and many more. This also allows you to download multiple files at once so you don’t need to wait for one to finish before downloading another. As for the quality, this video downloader Chrome extension lets you save files in different resolutions if the source can support it. You will see the available resolutions on the video itself, making it easier for you to download the right file with your preferred quality. You should note, however, that once you click on the video resolution, it will automatically download to your PC. This means that you wouldn’t have a chance to rename the file before saving it. There are also no other features aside from its purpose since nothing would pop up when you click on the extension. Add Web Video Downloader to Chrome
Saves in different video resolutions Detects various file formats Allows simultaneous downloads
Can’t rename files before the download Limited features
Video Downloader PLUS
Video Downloader PLUS is another excellent option to download files from over a thousand video hosting sites. It can detect various file formats such as MP4, 3GP, and FLV to expand its range of support. With this video downloader Chrome extension, you can also store multiple video files at once on your computer. It also boasts a feature that lets you record live streams online, making it one of the best plugins available. This tool prompts you to deal with a little confusing process, but it should be easy to use once you’ve read how it works. If the Chrome extension detects a video and you click the Download button, it will redirect you to another page. The tool does this to analyze the file first and check its safety with an antivirus so you can have it in the best quality possible. From the new page, you need to click the Download your Video button. If it only plays the video on another tab and doesn’t download it, go back to the previous page. After that, right-click on the Download your Video button and click the “Save link as…” button to save it on your PC. Add Video Downloader PLUS to Chrome
Detects different video resolutions Supports various file formats
Complicated downloading process
Wise Video Downloader
Another simple Chrome extension you can use to download files to your computer is the Wise Video Downloader. This tool is like the Web Video Downloader that displays supported video resolutions on the video itself. It will show the available quality you can download from that specific video, making it easier to identify the exact file you want. What makes this unique is it allows you to select the file format you want and even convert videos into audio files. This video downloader Chrome extension also lets you download multiple files all at the same time. It supports various video hosting sites as well as social media networks, so you have a lot of options to download from. Apart from the mentioned features, there’s nothing else to explore on this tool; you can’t rename or add files to a playlist. While this may be true, it can still do what users expect it to do, so it is still something worth considering. Add Wise Video Downloader to Chrome
Saves in different video resolutions Detects various file formats Allows simultaneous downloads
Can’t rename files before the download Limited features
Free Video Downloader
This Chrome extension lets you download videos from almost 99% of video hosting sites such as Vimeo, Dailymotion, and more. You can download videos from your social media networks like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. It is also possible to download multiple files simultaneously since you only need to click on the Download button for each. This video downloader Chrome extension supports videos in different file formats such as the popular MP4, MOV, and AVI. It also detects files in various video resolutions, allowing you to have them in the quality of your choice. It is worth noting that there are instances that it cannot detect videos on the website you visit. Should this happen, you can contact the developer and report the problem. Its interface is also user-friendly as it displays the file name and its size, making it easy for you to select the correct video. It also boasts a built-in video player, which allows you to preview the videos before downloading them. You can add them to a playlist, too, so you would have quick access to all the videos you saved in one place. Add Free Video Downloader to Chrome
Supports various file formats Detects different video resolutions
Cannot detect videos on some websites
Video Downloader Premium
Video Downloader Premium is another tool that lets you save videos from thousands of websites. This Chrome extension supports any file format, giving you a wider range of files you can store on your computer. It can detect various video resolutions, too, so you can choose the quality of the file you can download. If you want to save multiple files at once, you may also do it so the download process will continue until it’s all done. One of the features this video downloader Chrome extension boasts is its ability to record live streams. You can select the video quality before you start recording so you can save it according to your preference. You should note, however, that you may encounter a file that is not supported by a certain video player. With this said, they recommend using a VLC player when playing all files. It is also worth noting that your default search settings will change if you use this extension, but you can still change it later. Add Video Downloader Premium to Chrome
Supports various file formats Detects multiple video resolutions Can record live streams
Changes your default search settings
Pro Video Downloader by Skyload
If you are looking for a plugin that offers a lot of features, Pro Video Downloader by Skyload is worth considering. Not only does it let you download video files, but it also detects audio files on the page and makes them downloadable. It can also support various file formats and video resolutions, allowing you to download files in your preferred quality. This video downloader Chrome extension can download multiple files at once, too, making it a great option. This tool offers a user-friendly interface as it displays everything you need to know, such as the size, format, and quality of the files. From the pop-up menu, you can also change the language, disable the extension on a certain website, and see the download progress. There is also a built-in player that allows you to play video or audio files before downloading them. While this may be true, there are instances that the built-in player cannot play certain videos due to unavailable format. This problem only applies to the built-in player, though, so you can still save it on your computer and expect no problem. Add Pro Video Downloader by Skyload to Chrome
Supports various file formats Can do simultaneous downloads Packed with significant features
Can’t rename files before the download Built-in player sometimes not playing videos
What to Consider When Choosing a Video Downloader Chrome Extension?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a tool to use for downloading videos. Knowing them before adding a plugin to your browser would make things better, as you are aware of what to look for. To help you end up with the right choice, here are some of the things you should check in a video downloader Chrome extension.
Video Download Quality
One of the most important considerations when picking tools is the available video resolution of the files you can download. Since the downloaded file is what you’ll have on your PC, you would most likely prefer it to be in its best quality. With this said, you should go for the video downloader Chrome extension that can detect different resolutions. Almost all the tools from the list above can detect several video resolutions from a single video. For instance, Good Video Downloader offers this functionality and even displays the file size so you’ll know what’s coming. Another Chrome extension is the Video Downloader Plus that offers up to 4K resolution; it requires a Premium account. The only problem here is the higher the resolution, the larger the file size, so you’ll need a lot of storage if you’ll download many files.
Supported Formats
Another consideration is the file format support of the video downloader Chrome extension. It’s better if the tool can detect a wider range of file formats so you can download more media files. This can be helpful when you want to download files other than the MP4 such as GIF or MOV format. The good thing is all the Chrome extensions listed here can support various file formats.
File Conversion Tool Inclusion
While it is true that most Chrome extensions in this list can support various file formats, a conversion tool would be a great added feature. This can come in handy if you want to share the files later with another device, say a mobile phone, which cannot support all types of formats. With this said, having a file conversion tool can solve this, as you can turn the file into something that all your devices support. One video downloader Chrome extension included on this list offers this feature. Video DownloadHelper can convert files after or during the download process, making it stand out from the rest of the playing field. If it was not a great option for you but you still want to convert files, you may try using some video converter tools online.
Security
It is undeniable that Google Chrome’s power and flexibility come from its huge library of extensions. While this may be true, these plugins can do more than their supposed function — including stealing your data and watching your move. With this said, you must check if the video downloader Chrome extension is safe to use. Identifying if a tool is safe to use can be harder than you thought, but there are things you can do to avoid a less secure extension. One of the easiest ways is to check out the website of the Chrome extension’s developer. You may also check the reviews on the Chrome Web Store so you’ll know what the users think. Remember also to take a good look at the permissions because sometimes, you are already allowing them to do other things on your data.
Websites Supported
The last but definitely not the least thing to consider when choosing a Chrome extension is its list of supported websites. This is just as important as any other consideration because if a tool does not support the website, it won’t detect files to download. One example of this is YouTube, which all the Chrome extensions cannot download from due to Google’s restrictions. Though there are extensions that can let you download YouTube videos, you will have to use a different browser.
What to Use if You Want to Download YouTube Videos?
While it may be true that Google restricts downloading YouTube videos, there are still other ways to download them. As mentioned earlier, you can use extensions from a different browser, but if you don’t have any, there are still other ways. This includes downloading from YouTube itself, but you should note that not all videos are available for offline viewing. As another alternative, you can use the following websites that allow you to download using only the YouTube video’s URL.
KeepVid
KeepVid is one of the most popular tools that people use when downloading videos from YouTube and other websites. It can convert YouTube videos into MP4 as well as MP3 file format, making it an excellent choice to download video or music files. The best part is it is available on different devices as long as there is a browser. The process of downloading files is easy. You would only need to copy the video address of the YouTube video or any file you want, then paste it on the text box. Once done, you can click on the Download button and choose whether to download it in MP4 or MP3. You can choose your preferred video resolution, too, but it can only support up to 1080p for the free version. It also limits you to download only one file at a time, but you can download multiple videos simultaneously if you avail the Desktop Client.
Y2mate
Y2mate is another YouTube video downloader that allows you to save videos in various resolutions ranging from 144p to 1080p. It is a free tool and does not require you to create an account to start downloading. What makes it excellent is it allows you to search for a song or video from the text box so you wouldn’t have to open any other site. It can download different video and audio file formats, too, such as 3GP, MP4, MP3, M4A, and many more. Aside from searching on the text box, you can also paste the video link there, then click on the Start button. You can choose if you want to convert it into a video or audio file, then pick the file format available. Once done, click on the Download button so it can save the file to your computer. It is worth noting that Y2mate cannot download multiple files at once, so you need to wait for it to finish before downloading another.
Paste Download
If you are looking for a video downloader that also saves image and audio files, the Paste Download is worth considering. This is completely free and does not require you to make an account before you enjoy its features. It also updates the website regularly, so you can expect fixes to any problems you encounter. This tool can download files from over 500 websites including Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, and YouTube. All you need to do is paste the video URL on the box, click on the Download button, then wait for it to finish downloading. After that, you will see files with different formats so you have to right-click on your preferred file, then save it on your PC. If the download process was interrupted, it can resume from the point it stopped, making it an excellent tool for busy people.
YT1s
Another YouTube video downloader that’s easy to use and available online is the YT1s. It only asks for the URL of the video you want, and it will convert and make it downloadable. You can save the file as a video or audio file and in various formats such as MP4, MP3, or even WEBM. While you can download unlimited videos, you can only convert one file at a time, as it does not support simultaneous download. Like Y2mate, you wouldn’t also have to visit other video hosting sites to get the URL because you can search from YT1s’ text box. It offers a Facebook Downloader tool, too so you can save any Facebook video using only its link. As for compatibility, you can use this tool using any device, be it a smartphone or a PC as long as it has a browser.
YTOffline
YTOffline is one of the best free online tools to use if you want to download unlimited YouTube videos. With this, you can convert a YouTube video into a downloadable video or audio file in various formats such as MP4, MP3, and WEBM. You can choose the video resolution, too, so you can have the files in the quality you prefer. While you can convert the file using its URL, you can also use the text box to search for the video you want to download. This makes it more convenient, as you wouldn’t have to open another tab to get the link to the file. Speaking of convenience, you can access YTOffline using any browser from any device, be it a smartphone, tablet, or PC. Apart from that, they claim their site is 100% secure so you wouldn’t have to worry about your privacy and security. If these are not enough for you, there are other options you can explore on how to download videos from YouTube.
What Are the Benefits of Downloading Videos?
There are a lot of advantages when you download videos:
You can watch videos offline.
If you download any video, you wouldn’t have to connect to the internet to watch it. This will save bandwidth as you wouldn’t have to use your cellular data or Wi-Fi anymore to load it.
You can transfer them.
Downloading files also allows you to reproduce a copy for your other devices such as mobile phones or tablets. With this said, you can use a device that is convenient for you anytime and anywhere.
You can use them for educational purposes.
There are times that some people, mostly students working on their project or presentation, would need a clip online. With this, downloading videos is the answer, provided that there’s permission from the content owner. While all of these may be true, downloading videos without permission from the content owner is not encouraged. The Chrome extensions and online YouTube downloader tools mentioned in this article are only here to help you pick the best option. Downloading copyrighted content without the knowledge of the owner is illegal. With this said, you should be wise when saving files because you might end up committing a serious crime if you’re not careful enough.
Wrap-Up
Since all the video downloader Chrome extensions are free and feature-rich, they are worth adding to your browser. They all offer a user-friendly interface so you can download the files you need with ease. Most of them also let you save files in various formats and different resolutions, allowing you to have your ideal video. Again, to respect the privacy and copyright of video owners and creators, these Chrome extensions are only recommended for downloading videos for your personal consumption only. Start visiting the video hosting sites you want to download videos from and see how well the mentioned tools work.
