10 Best YouTube to MP4 Converter: Get High-Quality Youtube Video
YouTube reigns supreme as the internet’s reference site for streaming media. Over a billion hours of video get watched daily. Downloading those videos to play offline provides usefulness you can’t stream alone. Conversion Youtube to MP4 format widens compatibility across devices too. But exactly how to record YouTube videos on your Windows PC or Mac for portable enjoyment later poses challenges we aim to solve.
Many tools exist promising effortless YouTube video downloads and flawless MP4 conversion. We separated the gems from the junk. Through hands-on testing against criteria benefiting average users, these favorites emerged delivering on functionality promises. Read on to unlock your capability harnessing YouTube’s massive libraries for anytime viewing minus connections.
What is mp4?
MP4 is a digital multimedia container format commonly used to store video, audio, subtitles, images, and more. MP4 files are versatile, compatible across platforms, and allow high quality content. Converting YouTube videos to MP4 can let you download files for portable devices and archives.
The top 3 reasons that you should know about YouTube to MP4 Converter
Reason 1
A YouTube to MP4 converter gives you the ability to download full YouTube videos for playback even when you don’t have an internet connection. This makes it great for situations like travel when you won’t have WiFi, allowing you to store videos on your phone, tablet, or laptop to watch on a plane ride, pass time in a waiting room, or entertain kids in the back seat. It also helps for saving homework explanation videos, tutorial videos, or other content you may need to reference later.
Reason 2
Because MP4 video files use advanced compression techniques, they take up significantly less storage space than most other video formats. A 5 minute 1080p YouTube video may be 80MB+ normally but less than 10MB when saved as MP4. This smaller file size allows your mobile device storage to hold 5x as many videos without having to delete other files or constantly manage space. It also takes less bandwidth to transfer MP4s so they’re faster to sync across devices.
Reason 3
The MP4 video format has become the gold standard for compatibility across mobile devices, desktop media applications, smart TVs, and websites that support embedded video. Virtually any phone, tablet, computer, or streaming box manufactured in the past decade supports smooth MP4 playback. And unlike platform-specific formatting like MOV or AVI files, MP4 avoids headaches where a video works on one device but gives codec errors in another app because the required video decoder isn’t supported. MP4 just works across the board.
10 Best Free YouTube to MP4 Converters in the USA
1. SSyoutube.mobi
SSyoutube.mobi is one of the most popular online YouTube video downloader tools that runs fully in your web browser. Just paste in a video URL and it will process the page to extract the media files. SSyoutube.mobi stands out for an intuitive interface allowing high quality downloads with customizable output settings. The conversion engine is very efficient so results are fast.
However, as an online platform SSyoutube.mobi requires you to upload files which uses bandwidth. It lacks advanced tools some desktop programs have for batch processing. And occasionally data collection on sites like this raises privacy concerns.
Pros | Cons |
Intuitive web interface | Must upload files so uses bandwidth |
Fast conversion speeds | Lacks batch processing features |
Quality customization options | Potential privacy issues on 3rd party sites collecting data |
2. Freemake Video Converter
Freemake Video Converter installs on Windows and macOS machines to provide advanced video conversion utility. It shines with customizable presets retaining quality and automations that can batch process unlimited YouTube playlist downloads at once. The layout offers simplicity for beginners but also deeper editing tools supporting over 500 input/output file types.
However Freemake has some annoying advertisement popups nagging about paid upgrades. Complex workflows can also slow it down compared to lighter-weight tools. Finally it lacks capabilities for mobile and Linux systems since it only supports desktop operating systems.
Pros | Cons |
Batch processing & playlist support | Annoying pop-up advertisements |
Over 500 file types supported | Complex interface slower than simple tools |
OS-native experience on Windows & Mac | Desktop-only, no mobile or Linux support |
3. Any Video Converter
Any Video Converter lives up to its name as a versatile cross-platform online and desktop tool for all video conversion needs. It can download entire YouTube channels and playlists then convert to MP4 retaining quality and metadata. Smooth workflow automation, editing capabilities, and an optional AI-powered assistant accommodate novices and professionals.
However it shows too many ads unless you purchase the Pro version. Formats are sometimes mislabeled during output. And unusual codecs likely require an additional plugin download to fully support.
Pros | Cons |
Downloads full YouTube channels | Too many ads in free version |
Workflow automation intelligence | Inaccurate output format labeling |
Robust editing tools | Rare codecs need extra plugins |
4. FileZigZag
FileZigZag simplifies YouTube video saving through a clean instant converter interface requiring only a link paste to download MP4 and other files. It extracts audio and handles playlists too. FileZigZag shines with unrestricted use having no caps, watermarks, size limits, or need to register accounts.
However the basic approach lacks fine tuning for quality or customizations beyond picking an output. Browser extensions provide heavier lifting. And the website itself is filled with low-quality sidebar ads and popups.
Pros | Cons |
Simple clean interface | Lacks advanced quality options |
Fast unrestricted downloads | Annoying third party advertisements |
No account required | More limited compared to desktop tools |
5. Online Video Converter
Online Video Converter also keeps YouTube downloading straightforward needing only the video URL. It lacks bells and whistles so just Queue up links then Download results fast through either website or browser extension interfaces. Useful presets retain quality during MP4 conversion for various devices and the tool handles large videos.
However Online Video Converter does cap daily usage allowance which could limit batches. And the website feels dated still using Adobe Flash along with old fashioned sidebar advertisements. But simplicity stays the focus.
Pros | Cons |
Simple fast workflow | Daily conversion allowance caps |
Handy device conversion presets | Dated website design with Flash |
Unlimited video size | Can seem basic feature-wise |
6. VideoProc Converter
VideoProc Converter installs powerful software unlocking premium video processing, editing, conversion, downloading, recording, and more. For YouTube specifically it delivers flawless 4K quality MP4 results surpassing web-based tools. Batch processing, hardware acceleration, merging, trimming, filters, Gif creation, screen recording, DVD burnning, and even mobile support provide an all-in-one toolbox.
However the fuller suite of tools results in higher complexity lacking the simplicity of dedicated converters. Few limits exist on usage or files but privacy could be a concern sending data to VideoProc servers. And best features still require paid licenses after trial expiration. But quality and versatility excel.
Pros | Cons |
Powerful all-in-one video toolbox | Complex full suite of tools |
Retains full 4K YouTube quality | Potential privacy issues |
Faster GPU accelerated conversions | Paid licensing model |
7. Xilisoft YouTube Video Converter
As its name denotes, Xilisoft YouTube Video Converter focuses specifically on downloading then converting YouTube videos and playlists. Smooth workflow automation retains quality through MP4 and other output formats. It easily handles HD and 4K media in batches. Clean interface aims ease of use for beginners while still enabling customization of settings for professionals needing more control.
However beyond the singular focus on YouTube, other video sites and types require additional plug-ins at added cost. Some newer advertising techniques also manage to bypass the download automation. And recent updates appear less frequent so limited future support remains a concern.
Pros | Cons |
Specialized for automated YouTube downloads | Limited to only YouTube without plugins |
Quality HD & 4K conversion | Struggles with some modern YouTube ad methods |
Great for beginners but allows customization | Lagging developer updates |
8. WinX YouTube Converter
WinX YouTube Converter also zeroes in on YouTube downloading through a straightforward interface that retains video quality and metdata during conversion to MP4. It supports the very latest codecs and handles 4K plus large batch processes efficiently leveraging GPU acceleration. Additional tools integrate downloading other web videos, DVD backups, and screen recording.
However beyond robust YouTube features, other aspects seem lacking compared to fuller production suites. The interface itself feels dated – almost reminiscent of early 2000s software. Documentation remains thin requiring self-exploration. And continual nudging towards paid Pro upgrades introduces annoyances. But for core function it delivers.
Pros | Cons |
Specialized high quality YouTube downloading | Dated and cluttered interface |
Supports latest video codecs | Light on documentation & guiding resources |
Fast GPU accelerated batch conversion | Heavily pushed to upgrade to Pro |
9. AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate
Living up to its “ultimate” naming, AnyMP4 Video Converter provides an all-in-one powerhouse suite for processing media files. Focus stays on speed and quality for converting YouTube and other videos. But comprehensive tools like video editor, download manager, screen recorder, DVD creator and more give professional capabilities. The batch converter allows mixing unlimited files types too.
However as a jack-of-all-trades master of none effect emerges trying to pack everything in. Complex workflows and analyses slow things down compared to specialized tools. Some advanced filters and effects require paid add-ons diminishing value. And bloatware accompanies installer downloads. But for an overall toolbox it fits many needs.
Pros | Cons |
Fully packed video toolbox | Jack-of-all-trades can mean master of none |
Fast high quality batch video conversion | Complex workflows slow things down |
Supports converting unlimited mixed files | Lots of bundled add-ons require separate purchase |
10. aTube Catcher
Lastly, aTube Catcher provides a longtime YouTube download solution packing in dozens of capabilities spanning video and audio conversion plus downloading media, burning DVDs, or capturing screens and webcam video. The tool manages to balance depth of features with a gracefully simple interface. Multiple tabs keep things organized when handling batches and playlists.
However broader support across sites appears lacking compared to niche YouTube tools. Some newer compression formats show troubles in encoding properly. Impacts emerge from aging code lacking updates ultimately feeling dated, although functional. And the developer website itself feels low-budget raising some credibility doubts.
Pros | Cons |
Smoothly packed feature set | Support is wider but lacks YouTube specialization |
Gracefully simple interface | Dated code base impacts functionality |
Convenient tabbed workflow | Low-budget developer site raises concerns |
Is it safe to convert YouTube videos to MP4?
Yes, converting YouTube videos to MP4 for personal offline use follows fair use policies and is perfectly legal. Most online converters employ secure connections for safe download links without privacy concerns. Simply avoid redistributing files after conversion without permission.
Last Word
YouTube to MP4 converters unlock many useful capabilities allowing you to archive videos for offline use across devices, reduce file sizes, and smooth compatibility. A range of excellent free online and software options help effortlessly save YouTube videos in MP4 format for high quality portable playback anytime. We covered top picks optimized for ease of use, speed