Ever come across a must-watch video on YouTube that you just have to save for later? Maybe it’s a killer recipe for your next dinner party, a hilarious pet compilation for a pick-me-up, or a workout routine you can do anywhere. The problem? You might not always have internet access.
That’s where MP4 converters come in! They transform those YouTube videos into a format (MP4) that plays on almost any device, online or offline. But with tons of converter options out there, how do you pick the best one?
No worries, in this blog we will explore some awesome tools, both online and downloadable, to help you snag those YouTube videos and watch them whenever you want.
What is a YouTube to MP4 Converter?
YouTube to MP4 converter helps you turn your favorite YouTube videos into MP4 files, which are in a universal format and playable on most devices. This allows you to watch them anywhere, even without an internet connection, perfect for traveling or saving on data usage. Choose from various online converters or software options depending on your needs. Some converters offer lightning-fast downloads and basic functionality, while software might provide advanced features like high-definition quality selection, batch conversion, and even basic editing tools. Just remember to check the copyright status of a video before downloading, as some content creators may restrict downloads.
There are two main types of YouTube to MP4 converters:
- Online converters: These websites allow you to paste the URL of a YouTube video and then download it in MP4 format. They are usually free and easy to use, but some may have limitations on the quality of the video you can download or the number of videos you can convert per day.
- Software converters: These are programs that you install on your computer. They typically offer more features than online converters, such as the ability to download videos in higher quality, convert multiple videos at once, and edit the downloaded videos. However, they can cost money and may require more technical knowledge to use.
How do you choose the right converter?
Selecting the right YouTube to MP4 converter can significantly impact your video conversion experience. With numerous options available, it’s essential to consider key factors to ensure you choose a tool that meets your needs. Here are five crucial points to guide you in making the best choice.
1. Ease of Use: Select a converter that has a simple and intuitive interface. It should be easy to navigate, allowing you to convert videos without any hassle, regardless of your technical expertise.
2. Conversion Speed: Opt for a converter known for its fast processing speed. This is especially important if you need to convert large files or multiple videos, as it can significantly reduce waiting times.
3. Output Quality: Ensure the converter maintains the original quality of the video. High-quality output is essential for a good viewing experience, particularly if you intend to watch the videos on larger screens.
4. Security and Privacy: Choose a converter that guarantees the security and privacy of your data. Avoid tools that request unnecessary permissions or access to your personal information to ensure your safety.
5. Supported Formats and Features: Look for a converter that supports various output formats and offers additional features such as batch conversion, video editing, and subtitle downloads. These extra functionalities can enhance your overall experience and provide greater flexibility.
Key Features to Look for in a YouTube to MP4 Converter
When choosing a YouTube to MP4 converter, consider these key features to ensure a smooth and successful conversion process:
- Supported Resolutions and Quality: Aim for a converter that allows you to choose the desired video quality for the downloaded MP4. Ideally, it should support high-definition options like 720p, 1080p, or even 4K for pristine viewing, especially if the original YouTube video is available in those resolutions.
- Batch Conversion: If you plan on downloading multiple videos, a batch conversion feature is a time-saver. This allows you to add several YouTube URLs at once and convert them all to MP4 in one go, saving you the hassle of converting them individually.
- Safety and Security: Be cautious of online converters that bombard you with ads or require intrusive permissions. Opt for converters with a good reputation and secure practices. If opting for software, ensure it comes from a trusted developer and avoid downloading from unknown sources.
- User-Friendly Interface: A clear and easy-to-use interface is essential for a smooth experience. The converter should have a straightforward layout where you can easily paste the YouTube video URL, choose the desired output format (MP4) and quality, and initiate the conversion process in a few clicks.
- Fast Conversion Speeds: Nobody likes waiting for lengthy downloads. Look for a converter that offers fast conversion speeds, especially if you’re dealing with high-resolution videos. This is often influenced by your internet speed as well.
16 Best YouTube To MP4 Converters
1. Allavsoft
Ranked among the Best YouTube To MP4 Converter, Allavsoft is a comprehensive tool for downloading videos and subtitles from multiple platforms. It boasts compatibility with a diverse array of file formats including mp4, avi, mov, wmv, mpg, mp3, wav, flac, wma, and m4a, ensuring users can save content in their preferred format.
By seamlessly eliminating ads during YouTube downloads, Allavsoft enhances user experience. Beyond YouTube, it extends its capabilities to platforms like Vimeo, Soundcloud, Twitter, ABC iView, and BBC. With its Record option, users can effortlessly capture streaming content.
Available for both Windows and Mac, Allavsoft caters to a broad spectrum of users seeking efficient and versatile media downloading solutions.
Read Instruction: How to Use Allavsoft?
Key Features:
- It also has the Record option.
- It has both Windows and Mac version.
- can work on almost all Windows models like Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista etc.
- compatible with macOS Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur/Catalina/Mojave/High Sierra/Sierra, Mac OS X 10.11/10.10/10.9/10.8/10.7/10.6/10.5/10.4
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports multiple video formats | Requires a paid license for full features |
| Batch downloading capability | User interface can be confusing |
| High-speed download and conversion | Limited free trial |
| Built-in video player | Occasional download failures |
| Supports downloading subtitles | Can be resource-intensive |
Pricing:
| Products | Free Plan | Paid Plan |
| For Windows | free trial | Starts from $19.99 |
| For Mac | free trial | Starts from $19.99 |
2. Wave.video
If you need a trustworthy and secure way to get YouTube videos as mp4 files, Wave.video’s online tool is a great choice. It is a free web tool, so you don’t have to install any software to download YouTube videos in high quality. Just put in the video link and the mp4 file will save to your device. The awesome thing about Wave.video is you can do more than just download videos.
You can also save them to Wave.video’s online storage, edit the videos however you want using their online video editor, or easily send videos live to multiple sites and apps using their live streaming software. Wave.video lets you download, store, customize, and broadcast videos in simple ways.
Key Features:
- Batch processing for efficient conversion of multiple videos.
- Customizable output settings allow you to tailor the conversion to your requirements.
- Integrated editing tools for basic video modifications.
- Cloud storage for convenient access to converted files.
- Support for various video formats beyond MP4.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface | Limited to basic video editing features |
| Supports various video formats | Free plan has limited features |
| Built-in video editor | Watermark on videos in free plan |
| Includes stock video and music library | Higher subscription tiers can be costly |
| Allows direct sharing to social media | Export options can be limited |
Pricing:
| Free | Streamer | Creator | Business |
| $0/month | $20/month | $30/month | $60/month |
Also Read: Best AI Tools For YouTube Video Creation
3. Vidjuice
VidJuice lets you download and change videos from up to 1000 video websites at the same time. The app can download multiple video files and make very high quality 8K HD videos. You just click the “Paste URL” button to save videos from your favorite channels and playlists. VidJuice supports common video formats like MP4, AVI, MOV, FLV, MKV, and M4A. The program works on Mac and Windows computer operating systems, but not mobile devices. Some features are limited in the free trial version. You have to pay to get all the abilities of VidJuice.
Key Features:
- High-speed conversion with minimal quality loss.
- Support for various video resolutions, including 4K and HD.
- Built-in video downloader for accessing videos from multiple sources.
- Compatibility with popular video-sharing platforms besides YouTube.
- Audio extraction option for converting YouTube videos to MP3 format.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports batch downloading | Free version has limited features |
| High-speed conversion | Ads may appear in the free version |
| Supports various video and audio formats | Interface can be overwhelming for new users |
| Built-in video editor | Requires internet connection for operation |
| No registration required for basic use | Some advanced features may require payment |
Pricing:
| 1-Month Plan | 1-Year Plan | Family Plan | Lifetime Plan |
| $29.95 | $49.95 | $99.95 | $69.95 |
4. Clip Converter
Clip Converter allows you to download movies for free from any website URL. A key feature is that you can choose high resolutions like 720p, 1080p, 2K, or 4K when converting videos. You can also add a browser extension for Firefox, Chrome, or Safari to download and convert videos directly from websites.
The converter has advanced options to pick where converted files are saved (like your desktop) and to encode files as AVI instead of MP4. However, one downside is that you cannot use it to save YouTube videos that contain music. Downloading those is not allowed.
Key Features:
- No installation required, accessible directly from the browser.
- Support for various video formats for conversion.
- Basic editing options such as trimming and cropping.
- Compatibility with both desktop and mobile devices.
- Secure conversion process with no data retention.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free to use | Limited to online use only |
| Supports various video and audio formats | May encounter compatibility issues |
| No registration required | Video length and file size limitations |
| Simple and intuitive interface | Dependent on internet connection |
| Supports downloading subtitles | Limited batch processing capabilities |
Pricing:
Free to use without any hidden costs.
5. Wondershare
Wondershare Free Video Converter lets you change YouTube videos into mp4 format. You can also use it to record and make movie discs. It is considered the top choice for converting YouTube to MP4 because it has special tools to edit and customize your videos. These tools let you crop, trim, and adjust the audio channels of videos. Wondershare works with around 160 different video formats, even ultra-clear 4K resolution.
Key Features:
- Wide range of supported formats for conversion, including 4K and VR.
- High-speed conversion with batch processing capabilities.
- Built-in video editor for enhancing and customizing videos.
- DVD burning feature for creating physical copies of videos.
- Transfer function for seamless syncing of converted videos to mobile devices.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports a wide range of formats | Free trial has limitations |
| High-speed conversion | Full version requires purchase |
| Built-in video editor | User interface can be complex |
| DVD burning and ripping capabilities | Updates can be frequent |
| Batch processing | Some advanced features may require additional purchases |
Pricing:
Free trial available. Pricing starts at $39.95/year.
6. ClipGrab
ClipGrab is an excellent free video converter for Mac that can convert YouTube videos to mp4 format. Besides MP4, it supports other formats like WMV, OGG Theora, and OGG Vorbis. ClipGrab works on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. You can find answers and guides to questions on the official website. It lets you remove audio from videos or add audio downloaded from YouTube.
Key Features:
- Simple interface with easy-to-use controls.
- Integrated search function for finding videos within the application.
- Support for multiple video resolutions and formats.
- Download acceleration for faster conversion.
- Cross-platform compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free and open-source | Limited video format support |
| Simple and easy to use | Occasionally experiences download issues |
| Supports batch downloading | Interface may seem outdated |
| Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) | Requires separate installation of ffmpeg for some features |
| Integrated search and download feature | Limited customization options |
Pricing:
Free to use without any subscription fees.
7. Download4.cc
Download4.cc is one of the oldest websites for converting YouTube videos to mp4 format. It is well-known for its video to mp4 converter tool. The converter uses a simple drag-and-drop system – you drag video files into the converter window. Or you can click “Add File” to select videos. Go to the settings to change the output format to mp4, mp3, webm, or others.
Download4.cc is also famous for letting you download YouTube videos directly without going to another site. It supports over 500 websites like Instagram, Reddit, Twitter, Twitch, and channels like NBC. You can download videos from all those sites and convert them using Download4.cc’s converter.
Key Features:
- Streamlined conversion process with minimal steps.
- Support for various video qualities, including HD and Full HD.
- No registration required, ensuring user privacy.
- Compatible with all major web browsers.
- Option to download videos from other popular platforms besides YouTube.
Pricing:
Free to use with no hidden costs.
8. VideoConverter
Video Converter is a website that lets you change videos into different formats for free, without installing any programs. It makes converting YouTube clips to MP4 videos really easy – you won’t have any trouble doing it. The website can also switch videos to audio formats or other video formats besides MP4. To use it, just copy the website address of the YouTube video you want. Then paste that address into the box on the Video Converter website.
Next, pick the format you want from the menu, like MP4 or MP3. Click the button to start the conversion process. When it’s done, download your new converted video file. You can do this over and over for all the YouTube videos you want in your preferred format.
Key Features:
- Intuitive interface with easy-to-understand controls.
- Support for batch conversion for processing multiple videos simultaneously.
- Advanced settings for customizing output parameters.
- Built-in video editor for basic editing tasks.
- Cloud storage integration for easy access to converted files.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports various video formats | Free versions may have limitations |
| Batch processing capability | Full features often require purchase |
| Basic video editing features | Conversion speed and quality can vary |
| User-friendly interface | Watermarks in free versions |
| Additional features like downloading | Requires internet for online converters |
Pricing:
Free to use with optional premium features available.
Also Read:
9. MyConverters
MyConverters is a comprehensive online video converter that provides a seamless solution for converting YouTube videos to MP4 format. With its user-friendly interface and powerful conversion capabilities, it caters to the needs of both casual and advanced users.
Key Features:
- Simple and straightforward conversion process.
- Option to adjust video quality and resolution.
- No software installation required, accessible directly from the browser.
- Fast conversion speed without compromising on quality.
- Compatibility with all major operating systems and web browsers.
Pricing:
| Monthly Subscription | Annual Subscription | Lifetime |
| $19.9/Month | $59.9/Month | $149.9 |
10. Airy
WinX HD allows you to download whole playlists and channels from YouTube. You can even watch live YouTube streams with it. Just paste the video link, and it will show you the available video formats.
Key Features:
- High-speed downloading and conversion with support for batch processing.
- Option to choose video quality and resolution during conversion.
- Browser integration for easy access to download links.
- Pause and resume functionality for interrupted downloads.
- Ability to extract audio tracks from YouTube videos in MP3 format.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports downloading YouTube videos | Free version has limited features |
| Converts videos to various formats | Full features require purchase |
| Allows batch downloading | May encounter occasional download issues |
| Simple and easy-to-use interface | Updates and improvements can be infrequent |
| Supports downloading subtitles | May not support all YouTube videos |
Pricing:
Free trial available. Pricing starts at $19.95 for a single license.
11. 2CONV
2Conv lets you change YouTube videos into different formats right on their website. All you have to do is copy the website address for the YouTube video, and paste it into the box at the top of the 2Conv website. Then you can convert that YouTube video into an MP4 file or other video formats. 2Conv downloads the videos quickly while keeping the original high quality. It makes it super simple to get YouTube videos in formats like MP4 without losing any video quality.
Key Features:
- Simple and user-friendly interface suitable for beginners.
- Support for various video resolutions and qualities.
- No registration required for accessing conversion services.
- Option to download videos from other popular platforms.
- Compatible with all major web browsers and operating systems.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports YouTube video conversion | Free version may have limitations |
| Converts videos to various formats | Full features may require payment |
| Simple and straightforward interface | Conversion speed can vary |
| Allows batch conversion | Quality of converted videos may vary |
| No registration required for basic use | May have restrictions on file size and length |
Pricing:
Free to use with no hidden costs.
12. 4K Downloader
4K Video Downloader is a free program that lets you download high-quality videos from popular websites like YouTube. You can upgrade to a paid premium version if you want extra features. With the YouTube to MP4 converter in 4K Video Downloader, you can download YouTube videos to your computer in top-quality MP4 format, even in ultra-clear 4K or 8K resolution video.
Just one click downloads entire YouTube playlists and channels. The downloader also extracts the audio and subtitle tracks from videos so you can save those separately. It’s a simple way to get YouTube and other videos in the highest MP4 quality.
Key Features:
- High-speed downloading and conversion of videos in 4K resolution.
- Option to download entire YouTube playlists and channels.
- Built-in video player for previewing downloaded content.
- Proxy setup for accessing region-restricted content.
- Automatic subtitles download for videos.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports downloading from YouTube in 4K | Free version has limited features |
| Converts videos to various formats | Full features require purchase |
| Allows batch downloading | May encounter occasional download issues |
| User-friendly interface | Updates and improvements can be infrequent |
| Supports downloading subtitles | Some advanced features may be locked behind a paywall |
Pricing:
| Starter | Lite | Personal | Pro |
| $0/month | $15/month | $25/month | $45/month |
13. iTubeGo
iTubeGo converts YouTube videos to MP4 format, as well as many other video and audio formats. It can quickly download high definition videos from over 10,000 different websites. The converted videos in various formats and qualities can be saved to your computer or mobile device. With iTubeGo, you can also edit videos by downloading just selected portions instead of the full video. It has a built-in web browser to easily access video streaming sites. However, the free version of iTubeGo has limited features – you need to pay for the full version to get all the capabilities of this converter program.
Key Features:
- Support for downloading videos in various resolutions
- Ability to convert videos to multiple formats, including MP4
- Option to customize output settings like resolution, bitrate, and more
- Batch conversion and downloading for multiple files
- Secure and ad-free conversion process
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports downloading from YouTube and other sites | Free version may have limitations |
| Converts videos to various formats | Full features may require purchase |
| Allows batch downloading | Conversion speed can vary |
| User-friendly interface | Quality of converted videos may vary |
| Supports downloading subtitles | May have restrictions on video length and quality |
Pricing:
Free trial, paid plans for full version
14. YtMp3
YTMP3 is another free tool for downloading YouTube videos. With YTMP3, you can quickly convert any YouTube video into an MP3 audio file or an MP4 video file, and then download it to your device for free. You can use YTMP3 on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. However, there is one limitation – this free tool can only convert YouTube videos that are 90 minutes or shorter in length. For videos longer than 90 minutes, you cannot use YTMP3 to download them.
Key Features:
- Streamlined conversion process with minimal steps.
- Option to choose video quality and resolution.
- No registration required for accessing conversion services.
- Compatible with all major web browsers and operating systems.
- Fast conversion speed without compromising on quality.
Pricing:
Free to use without any hidden charges.
Also Read: Best AI Tools For UI/UX Designers
15. Snapdownloader
One of the top YouTube to MP4 video converter options is Snapdownloader. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. This software provides a quick and dependable way to download YouTube videos and effortlessly convert them to the MP4 video format. Utilizing Snapdownloader is straightforward. The only step required is copying the URL of the desired YouTube video and pasting it into the program.
Next, you select MP4 as the output format and click the download button. The software will then automatically retrieve the YouTube video and convert it to an MP4 file that can be saved locally on your device.
Key Features:
- This tool facilitates acquiring and storing the complete set of videos from YouTube playlists or channels locally.
- Support for various video resolutions and qualities.
- No registration required for accessing conversion services.
- Option to download videos from other popular platforms.
- Compatible with all major web browsers and operating systems.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports downloading from YouTube and other sites | Free version may have limitations |
| Converts videos to various formats | Full features require purchase |
| Allows batch downloading | May encounter occasional download issues |
| User-friendly interface | Updates and improvements can be infrequent |
| Supports downloading subtitles | Quality of downloaded videos may vary |
Pricing:
Free to use.
16. Any Video Converter
One of the top YouTube to MP4 video converter options is Snapdownloader. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. This software provides a quick and dependable way to download YouTube videos and effortlessly convert them to the MP4 video format. Utilizing Snapdownloader is straightforward. The only step required is copying the URL of the desired YouTube video and pasting it into the program.
Next, you select MP4 as the output format and click the download button. The software will then automatically retrieve the YouTube video and convert it to an MP4 file that can be saved locally on your device.
Key Features:
- High-speed downloading and conversion with support for batch processing.
- Supports a wide range of input and output formats.
- Allows you to download and convert videos from multiple sources, not just YouTube.
- Offers a built-in video editor to customize the downloaded videos.
- Comes with a free version with basic features.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports a wide range of video formats | Free version may have limitations |
| Allows batch processing | Full features may require purchase |
| Includes basic video editing features | Conversion speed can vary |
| User-friendly interface | Watermark in free version |
| Supports downloading from YouTube | Advertisements in free version |
Pricing:
Free
My Experience with YouTube to MP4 Converters
I tested several tools. Here, I share my experience with two of the most effective converters: Allavsoft and Snapdownloader.
Allavsoft
Using Allavsoft was a smooth and efficient experience. The installation process was quick, and the interface is straightforward, making it easy to navigate. I appreciated the wide range of supported formats, which allowed me to convert videos not just to MP4 but also to many other formats.
One of the standout features of Allavsoft is its ability to download multiple videos simultaneously. This was a huge time-saver when I needed to convert several videos at once. The conversion speed was impressive, and even large files were processed quickly without any significant loss in quality. The built-in player is a handy feature that allowed me to preview videos before converting them, ensuring I had the correct files.
However, Allavsoft does require a paid license to unlock all its features. The user interface, while functional, can be somewhat confusing at times. The free trial is quite limited, which might be a downside for some users. I also experienced occasional download failures, and the software can be resource-intensive.
Overall, Allavsoft is a reliable and efficient tool, especially for users who need to convert videos in bulk.
Snapdownloader
Snapdownloader offered a user-friendly experience from the start. The installation was hassle-free, and the interface is intuitive, making it easy to get started. I found it particularly useful for downloading videos from a variety of sites, not just YouTube.
Snapdownloader supports downloading videos from over 900 websites, making it a versatile tool for all my video downloading needs. Similar to Allavsoft, Snapdownloader also supports batch downloading, which was very efficient when I needed multiple videos converted at once. The ability to download and convert videos in 4K quality was a big plus, ensuring high-definition video output.
Despite its many strengths, the free version of Snapdownloader has limitations, and the full features require a purchase. I did encounter occasional download issues, and the frequency of updates and improvements could be better. The quality of downloaded videos can also vary depending on the source.
Snapdownloader stands out for its versatility and ease of use, making it a great option for users looking for a comprehensive video downloading solution.
Why Use YouTube to MP4 Converters?
There are a couple of key reasons why people use YouTube to MP4 converters:
- Offline Viewing: Maybe the biggest draw is the ability to watch YouTube videos without an internet connection. This can be extremely useful for situations where you have limited or no data access, like on a plane or a trip with spotty internet. Downloading videos beforehand ensures you have entertainment wherever you go.
- Save on Data Usage: Streaming videos can eat up a lot of data, especially if you’re watching in high definition. By downloading videos with a converter, you can avoid using up your mobile data plan or your internet service provider’s data cap.
- Convenience and Accessibility: Downloaded videos can be easily transferred to other devices like phones, and tablets, or even for creating compilations. This allows you to have your favorite content readily available without needing to rely on an internet connection to access YouTube.
Conclusion
With this handy guide, you’re now equipped to choose the perfect YouTube to MP4 converter for your needs. Remember, whether you prefer the convenience of online tools or the extra features of downloadable software, there’s an option out there to turn your favorite YouTube videos into offline viewing champs.
Now get out there, explore those converters, and start saving those must-watch videos for whenever you need a laugh, a learning session, or just a quick escape into the amazing world of YouTube!
FAQ’s
1. Is it legal to convert YouTube videos to MP4?
Legality can be a bit of a gray area. Generally, it’s okay to convert videos for personal use, as long as they don’t violate copyright. Always check the video description for any copyright restrictions before converting.
2. Aren’t there free online converters? Why would I pay?
Free converters are an option! However, they might have limitations like video quality restrictions, file size limits, or pesky ads. Paid converters often offer faster conversion speeds, higher quality outputs, and additional features like batch conversions.
3. Is downloading software safe?
Stick to reputable websites when downloading converter software. Free downloads can sometimes be bundled with unwanted software, so be cautious during the installation process and only choose options you trust. When in doubt, online converters are a safe bet!
