Watching YouTube videos is a popular pastime for many, whether for entertainment, learning, or sharing. The default format YouTube videos are uploaded and played is FLV or WebM. However, sometimes you may want to download YouTube videos in MP4 format – one of the most compatible video formats – for offline playback or further editing. This is where YouTube to MP4 converters come in handy.
In this blog post, we will cover the 9 best free YouTube to MP4 converters for both Windows and Mac operating systems. We evaluated the converters based on conversion speed, output video quality, ease of use, supported platforms and additional features. Whether you need to download and convert a single video or bulk convert playlists, these YouTube downloaders have got you covered. Let’s get started!
1. 4K YouTube to MP4
4K YouTube to MP4 is one of the fastest YouTube to MP4 converters out there. As the name suggests, it can download YouTube videos up to 4K 2160p quality. You also get to choose other resolution options like 1080p or 720p based on your preference.
The clean and intuitive interface makes it very easy to paste into the YouTube video link for download. You can also directly drag and drop links onto the tool. Useful features include the option to trim videos, extract audio and even download entire YouTube playlists or channels. Both Windows and Mac versions are available.
2. Any Video Converter
Any YouTube Video Converter by Anvsoft is a versatile YouTube downloader supporting over 1000 sites. It can detect and download videos in HD, 4K, 8K or other resolutions automatically. You can batch-convert multiple files to MP4 at one go.
The tool can also rip DVDs and record videos from your screen and webcam. Editing options allow trimming, cropping, rotating, adding subtitles and more. The output MP4 videos can be played on various devices like iPhones, Android phones, gaming consoles and TVs.
3. WinX YouTube Downloader
As a dedicated YouTube downloading solution, WinX YouTube Downloader shines with its fast downloading and converting speed. Videos with up to 8K resolution are supported. You can download entire YouTube playlists or channels to MP4 in one batch through its YouTube playlist and channel downloader.
WinX YouTube Downloader automatically detects videos in HD or other qualities. Additional handy features include the ability to trim, crop and merge videos. It’s also worth mentioning the video thumbnail and screenshot capture tool.
4. ClipConverter
ClipConverter is an online YouTube to MP4 converter requiring no software installation whatsoever. Just head to their site, paste the YouTube video link and select MP4 as the output format. Videos can be downloaded in resolutions up to 4K Ultra HD.
As ClipConverter runs on the cloud, it leverages fast server speeds for quick video conversion. You don’t have to wait around and can simply come back later to collect converted MP4 videos. Private folders allow saving videos away from public access.
5. Online UniConverter (Media.io)
Formerly known as Online UniConverter, Media.io is a web app for file conversion and compression. Like ClipConverter, it requires no software downloads. You can use it to download YouTube videos as MP4s through the video converter tool.
Simply plug in the YouTube video URL and pick MP4. Set resolution options ranging from 144p to high-res 4K 2160p before converting. The file size can also be customized based on your needs. Media.io additionally supports bulk converting YouTube playlists. Converted files can be played back on mobiles, tablets, computers and other devices.
6. VideoProc
VideoProc excels as a fast video processing tool for Windows and Mac. The Level-3 hardware acceleration allows it to fully utilize GPU power for speedy YouTube video download and format conversion. Videos are automatically detected in 4K, 1080p HD, or other resolutions.
YouTube playlists and channel downloads are supported. Downloaded videos can also be easily edited by trimming, merging, rotating, adding subtitles, etc. Supported output formats include MP4, MOV, MKV, MP3 and more. Overall, VideoProc strikes a nice balance between conversion speed and output video quality.
7. Freemake Video Converter
Freemake Video Converter has been around for many years as a popular media conversion tool. It supports downloading clips from YouTube and 1000+ other sites. Both video and audio content can be converted to MP4 or imported for conversion from your computer.
Bulk conversion for multiple files is allowed for efficiency. Editing features like rotating, flipping, trimming and appending files are handy. There are also basic image editing tools to create thumbnails and animated GIFs. The free version has all the main functions covered, while still retaining good output quality.
8. aTube Catcher
aTube Catcher is a YouTube downloader and video converter tool for Windows. It can detect and download YouTube videos in 4K Ultra HD, 1080p Full HD, 720p HD or other existing formats automatically. You can also download entire playlists with ease.
Built-in editing features allow cutting unwanted parts, rotating, flipping and applying effects to videos. External subtitles can be added including multiple languages. The converted MP4 files have fairly high quality and smaller sizes, great for sharing and mobile devices. Overall, aTube Catcher is easy to use with an intuitive design.
9. YouTube to MP4 Converter by Softosen
From Indian developer Softosen, this YouTube to MP4 software has a clean interface that lets you easily convert videos with just a few clicks. It has servers across global locations that enable fast downloads and format conversion.
Videos are automatically detected in 4K, 1080p, or 720p resolution upon entering the YouTube link. You can also choose to convert audio only if needed. By default, the software optimizes MP4 videos for playback across devices like mobiles, tablets, PCs, smart TVs and game consoles. Multiple URLs can be queued up for batch processing.
Conclusion
In summary, downloading and converting YouTube videos to MP4 can be easily achieved through these free tools we covered. They work well for both Windows and Mac systems. Key factors we evaluated include the conversion speed, flexibility in output video resolution, ease of use and availability of additional features.
Both desktop tools like 4K YouTube to MP4, WinX YouTube Downloader and web apps like Online UniConverter offer great options to suit different user needs. You can choose the one that best matches your requirements. We hope this guide will help pick the right YouTube to MP4 converter for offline playback or further editing of your favorite video clips.
