🎯 Quick Answer
Whether you're building an offline playlist for a road trip, need music for your video project, or just want to listen without ads, downloading music from YouTube is a common goal. We've tested the top 10 YouTube music downloaders across PC, Android, and iPhone to bring you this definitive guide for 2025.
All Platforms Covered
PC, Mac, Android, and iPhone solutions
High-Quality Audio
Up to 320kbps MP3 downloads
Playlist Support
Download entire playlists at once
Safe & Tested
Only malware-free, trusted tools
Top Picks: The Best YouTube Music Downloader for Each Device
🏆 Our Top Recommendations
| Category | Our Pick | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Best for PC & Mac | 4K Video Downloader | Powerful, high-quality, and downloads playlists |
| Best for Android | TubeMate | Feature-rich app with built-in browser |
| Best for iPhone | Documents by Readdle | Reliable workaround using browser feature |
| Best Online Site | YTMP3.nu | Simple, fast, and clean web-based converter |
Is Downloading YouTube Music Legal and Safe? A Quick Disclaimer
Important Legal Information
Downloading music from YouTube exists in a legal gray area. Here's what you need to know:
- Legal: YouTube Premium offline downloads, YouTube Audio Library content
- Gray Area: Personal use of copyrighted content for backup purposes
- Illegal: Distributing copyrighted music, commercial use without permission
According to U.S. Copyright Office guidelines, fair use may apply in limited circumstances, but downloading copyrighted music typically violates YouTube's Terms of Service.
Complete Comparison: All YouTube Music Downloaders
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare all 10 YouTube music downloaders at a glance
| Tool | Platform | Price | Max Quality | Playlist Support | Ease of Use | Safety Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4K Video Downloader | PC, Mac, Linux | Free/Premium | 320kbps MP3 | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🛡️ Excellent | Power users |
| By Click Downloader | Windows | Free/Premium | 256kbps MP3 | ❌ No | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🛡️ Good | Windows users |
| YTMP3.nu | Web Browser | Free | 320kbps MP3 | ❌ No | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🛡️ Good | Quick downloads |
| TubeMate | Android | Free | 320kbps MP3 | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🛡️ Good | Android users |
| NewPipe | Android | Free | 256kbps MP3 | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐ | 🛡️ Excellent | Privacy-focused |
| Documents by Readdle | iPhone | Free | 320kbps MP3 | ❌ No | ⭐⭐⭐ | 🛡️ Excellent | iPhone users |
| Shortcuts App | iPhone | Free | 256kbps MP3 | ❌ No | ⭐⭐ | 🛡️ Good | Tech-savvy users |
| YouTube Premium | All Platforms | $11.99/month | High Quality | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🛡️ Perfect | Official solution |
| yt-dlp | Command Line | Free | Lossless | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐ | 🛡️ Excellent | Advanced users |
| YouTube Audio Library | Web Browser | Free | High Quality | ✅ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🛡️ Perfect | Content creators |
How We Tested & Ranked the Best Music Downloaders
We evaluated each YouTube music downloader based on these critical criteria:
Platform & Ease of Use
Cross-platform compatibility and user-friendly interface
Quality Options
Support for high-quality audio (320kbps MP3 and above)
Features
Playlist downloads, batch processing, format options
Safety & Ads
Malware-free experience with minimal intrusive advertising
Value
Free tier functionality vs. premium features balance
Top 5 YouTube Music Downloaders for PC or Mac
Desktop users have access to the most powerful and feature-rich YouTube music downloaders. Here are our top picks:
1. 4K Video Downloader (Best Overall Desktop App)
4K Video Downloader
Most powerful desktop app for high-quality YouTube music downloads
A powerful and reliable application for Windows, macOS, and Linux that excels at downloading high-quality audio, videos, and playlists. Supports up to 320kbps MP3 and can handle entire YouTube playlists with ease.
🎯 Best For
- Users who want the best audio quality
- Downloading entire playlists
- Professional content creators
- Batch processing multiple videos
✅ Pros
- Supports high-quality audio up to 320kbps
- Downloads entire playlists automatically
- Clean, ad-free interface
- Regular updates and support
- Cross-platform compatibility
❌ Cons
- Free version limits downloads
- Premium version costs $59
- Larger file size for installation
2. By Click Downloader (Easiest to Use for PC)
By Click Downloader
One-click downloading with automatic detection
Known for its simplicity, this PC-only app allows you to download from YouTube with a single click via its auto-detect feature. Perfect for Windows users who want a hassle-free experience.
🎯 Best For
- Windows users seeking simplicity
- One-click download experience
- Users who browse YouTube frequently
- Quick single-track downloads
✅ Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Automatic detection of YouTube videos
- Fast download speeds
- Clean interface
❌ Cons
- Windows only
- Limited format options
- Premium features require payment
3. YTMP3.nu (Best Online Site)
YTMP3.nu
Quick browser-based YouTube to MP3 converter
For quick, one-off downloads without installing software, this site is a clean and efficient YouTube to MP3 converter. Works on any device with a web browser.
🎯 Best For
- Quick conversions of single tracks
- Users who don't want to install software
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Occasional downloaders
✅ Pros
- No installation required
- Works on any device
- Fast conversion speeds
- Clean, minimal interface
❌ Cons
- Contains some advertisements
- Limited to single downloads
- Dependent on internet connection
The Best YouTube Music Downloaders for Android
Android users have several excellent options for downloading YouTube music directly to their devices:
4. TubeMate (Most Feature-Rich App)
TubeMate
Comprehensive YouTube downloader with built-in browser
A long-standing and powerful Android app that lets you download videos and music from YouTube in various formats and qualities. Features a built-in browser and supports multiple resolutions.
🎯 Best For
- Android power users
- Multiple format downloads
- Built-in YouTube browsing
- Batch downloading
✅ Pros
- Built-in YouTube browser
- Multiple quality options
- Fast download speeds
- Completely free
- Regular updates
❌ Cons
- Not available on Google Play Store
- Requires APK sideloading
- Contains advertisements
5. NewPipe (Best Ad-Free & Open-Source)
NewPipe
Open-source YouTube client with download capabilities
NewPipe is a lightweight, privacy-focused, and completely ad-free alternative YouTube client that includes robust download features. Perfect for users who value privacy and an ad-free experience.
🎯 Best For
- Privacy-conscious users
- Ad-free YouTube experience
- Open-source software advocates
- Lightweight app preference
✅ Pros
- Completely ad-free
- Open-source and transparent
- Privacy-focused design
- Regular community updates
- Background audio playback
❌ Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Not available on Play Store
- Less user-friendly interface
The Best YouTube Music Downloaders for iPhone
iPhone users face more restrictions, but these workarounds provide reliable solutions:
6. The “Documents by Readdle” App Method
Documents by Readdle
File manager with built-in browser for downloading
This popular file manager app includes a built-in browser that can be used with an online converter site to download and save MP3s directly to your iPhone. The most reliable workaround for iOS users.
How to Use Documents by Readdle:
- Download Documents by Readdle from the App Store
- Open the app and tap the browser icon
- Go to a YouTube to MP3 converter site
- Paste the YouTube URL and convert
- Download the MP3 file to your iPhone
✅ Pros
- Available on App Store
- Built-in file management
- No jailbreak required
- Reliable and updated
❌ Cons
- Multi-step process
- Requires online converter
- Limited format options
7. The “Shortcuts” App Method
Shortcuts App Method
Automated workflow using Apple's Shortcuts app
For more tech-savvy users, a custom Siri Shortcut can automate the process of downloading a YouTube video's audio from the share menu. Requires some setup but provides seamless workflow.
🎯 Best For
- Users who enjoy automation
- Seamless workflow preference
- Share menu integration
- Tech-savvy iPhone users
✅ Pros
- Integrates with share menu
- Automated process
- Uses official Apple app
- Customizable workflow
❌ Cons
- Complex initial setup
- May break with iOS updates
- Requires technical knowledge
The Official & Community-Approved Methods
For users who prefer official or community-endorsed solutions:
8. YouTube Premium (The Official Method)
YouTube Premium
The only legal way to download YouTube music offline
The only official, legal, and guaranteed safe way to download music from YouTube is by subscribing to YouTube Premium, which allows for offline downloads within the YouTube and YouTube Music apps.
💰 Pricing
- Individual: $11.99/month
- Family: $17.99/month (up to 6 members)
- Student: $5.99/month (with verification)
✅ Pros
- Completely legal and safe
- Supports artists and creators
- Ad-free experience
- Background playback
- YouTube Music included
❌ Cons
- Monthly subscription fee
- Downloads expire if subscription ends
- Limited to YouTube apps
9. The Reddit Consensus: yt-dlp
yt-dlp
Command-line tool recommended by tech communities
On communities like Reddit, the overwhelming recommendation for advanced users is yt-dlp—a powerful command-line tool that is fast, ad-free, and can download virtually anything from YouTube and other platforms.
🎯 Best For
- Tech-savvy users
- Command-line interface comfort
- Batch processing
- Maximum customization
✅ Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- Extremely powerful and flexible
- Regular updates
- Supports many platforms
- No ads or limitations
❌ Cons
- Command-line only
- Steep learning curve
- Not user-friendly for beginners
10. YouTube’s Audio Library (For Creators)
YouTube Audio Library
Free music library for content creators
For video creators looking for music to use in their own content, YouTube's own Audio Library offers thousands of copyright-free tracks to download. Perfect for content creation without copyright concerns.
🎯 Best For
- Content creators
- Video production
- Copyright-free music needs
- Commercial use projects
✅ Pros
- Completely copyright-free
- High-quality audio
- Various genres available
- Safe for commercial use
❌ Cons
- Limited to library content
- Not popular music tracks
- Requires YouTube account
Professional Screen Recording for Content Creation
For content creators who need to capture YouTube music for video projects, professional screen recording tools like ScreenApp’s screen recording features offer a copyright-compliant way to capture audio for creative projects. This method ensures you maintain high audio quality while staying within legal boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free YouTube music downloader?
For desktop users, 4K Video Downloader offers the best free experience with high-quality downloads. Android users should consider TubeMate for its comprehensive features. For online use, YTMP3.nu provides a clean, ad-minimal experience.
How can I download high quality audio from YouTube?
For the highest quality audio, use desktop applications like 4K Video Downloader or yt-dlp which support up to 320kbps MP3 or even lossless formats. Always select the highest available quality option when downloading.
Is it safe to use online YouTube downloaders?
While some online YouTube downloaders are safe, many contain malicious ads or malware. Stick to well-reviewed sites like YTMP3.nu and always use ad blockers. Desktop applications are generally safer than online converters.
Can I download entire YouTube playlists?
Yes, several tools support playlist downloads. 4K Video Downloader and yt-dlp excel at downloading entire playlists automatically. Simply paste the playlist URL instead of individual video URLs.
What's the best YouTube music downloader for iPhone?
iPhone users have limited options due to App Store restrictions. The Documents by Readdle method is most reliable, using the app's built-in browser with online converters. For the most seamless experience, consider YouTube Premium.
Conclusion: The Best Downloader for Your Needs
After testing dozens of YouTube music downloaders, here are our final recommendations:
🏆 Final Recommendations
Choose the perfect YouTube music downloader based on your device and needs
Desktop Power Users
Offers the best combination of features, quality, and reliability. Perfect for users who want to download playlists and need the highest audio quality.
Android Users
Provides the most comprehensive mobile experience with its built-in browser and multiple format options. NewPipe is ideal for privacy-focused users.
iPhone Users
The most reliable workaround for iOS users. For the best experience, consider YouTube Premium for official offline downloads.
Quick Downloads
Offers the cleanest online experience for occasional downloads without software installation. Perfect for one-off conversions.
💡 Quick Decision Guide
Remember the Alternatives
For content creation needs, consider using professional recording tools and the best screen recording software to capture audio legally. For more video-related guides, check out our video editing software reviews and Windows screen recording tutorials.
The landscape of YouTube music downloading continues to evolve. According to Statista, YouTube processes over 2 billion logged-in users monthly, making it the world’s largest music discovery platform. While downloading methods exist, always prioritize legal alternatives and consider supporting artists through official channels.
