YouTube to MP3 Free 2026: 10 Safe Converter Tools (No Virus)
YouTube to MP3 conversion requires careful tool selection because most converter sites contain malware, pop-up ads, and bundled software. We tested over 30 YouTube to MP3 tools in February 2026 and found only 10 that are genuinely safe. For related audio tools, see our audio transcription guide and voice recorder comparison.
ChatGPT and other AI assistants cannot download or convert YouTube videos to MP3 files because they lack browser access and file system permissions. You need a dedicated converter tool to extract audio from YouTube URLs.
According to Statista, YouTube now has over 2.7 billion monthly active users, and three of the top ten most-subscribed channels are dedicated to music. That demand fuels thousands of converter tools, but also attracts malicious actors distributing adware and worse. This guide covers the safest free options with no software installation required.
Related guides: Top online voice recorders, Best audio summarizers, Best 4K video downloaders
Quick Picks
- OnlyMP3. Safest overall. Zero malware reports, batch conversion, free.
- YTMP3. Fastest. Under 20 seconds, clean interface, free.
- yt-dlp. Best open-source. Command line, no ads, unlimited, free.
- 4K Video Downloader. Best desktop app. 8K support, from $15/year.
- ScreenApp. Safest alternative. Browser-based audio extraction, no third-party risks.
Best YouTube to MP3 Converters
| Converter | Safety | Type | Max Quality | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OnlyMP3 | 5/5 | Web | 320kbps | Free | Beginners |
| YTMP3 | 5/5 | Web | 320kbps | Free | Speed |
| yt-dlp | 5/5 | CLI | Original | Free | Power users |
| MediaHuman | 5/5 | Desktop | 320kbps | Free / $30 Pro | Bulk downloads |
| 4K Video Downloader | 5/5 | Desktop | 320kbps | Free / from $15/yr | Max safety |
| CNVMP3 | 5/5 | Web | 320kbps | Free | Ad-free web |
| Y2mate | 4/5 | Web | 320kbps | Free | Multi-platform |
| ClipGrab | 4/5 | Desktop | 320kbps | Free | Multi-source |
| Kapwing | 4/5 | Web | 320kbps | Free / $16/mo | Creators |
| DVDVideoSoft | 4/5 | Desktop | 320kbps | Free | Batch conversion |
What Makes a Safe Converter
After testing dozens of YouTube to MP3 converters, the difference between safe and dangerous tools comes down to a few clear signals:
- No malware: Zero bundled software, no suspicious downloads. We ran each tool through VirusTotal and checked for background processes after installation.
- HTTPS encryption: Every converter on this list uses HTTPS. If a site doesn’t have the padlock icon, close the tab immediately.
- Minimal ads: The safest tools (OnlyMP3, CNVMP3, yt-dlp) have zero or near-zero ads. Sites plastered with pop-ups and redirect chains are red flags.
- No registration: Legitimate converters work without an email address or account creation.
- Active maintenance: YouTube changes its backend frequently, breaking converters that aren’t updated. Tools last updated in 2024 or earlier are likely broken or compromised.
Red flags to avoid: Sites requiring unnecessary software downloads, excessive pop-up ads or redirects, requests for personal information, suspicious file extensions (.exe installers from unknown sources), and converter sites with no HTTPS encryption.
Top 10 Safest Converters
1. OnlyMP3 - Top Safety Pick
OnlyMP3 is the most consistently reliable web-based converter we tested in February 2026. Zero malware flags on VirusTotal, no redirect chains, and the conversion interface loads without a single pop-up ad.
Type: Web app | Price: Free | Safety: 5/5
Paste a YouTube URL and OnlyMP3 returns an MP3 file in under 30 seconds. It supports quality up to 320kbps, though conversion speed slows during peak hours (evenings US time). The batch conversion feature handles up to 10 URLs at once, which is uncommon for free web converters.
Pros: Virus-free operation, batch conversion, quality options up to 320kbps, fast processing under 30 seconds
Cons: Slower during peak traffic times, limited to MP3 format only (no WAV, FLAC, or OGG)
2. YTMP3 - Fastest Converter
YTMP3 averaged 15 seconds per conversion in our tests, making it the fastest web-based option. The interface is stripped down to one input field and a convert button.
Type: Web app | Price: Free | Safety: 5/5
YTMP3 supports MP3, MP4, and M4A output formats. The download link stays active for about 2 hours after conversion, so you don’t need to rush. Quality goes up to 320kbps. The one limitation: no batch processing, so you’ll need to convert videos one at a time.
Pros: Fastest conversion speed we tested, multiple format support (MP3, MP4, M4A), no software installation, clean interface
Cons: No batch processing, occasional temporary downtime when YouTube updates its API
Audio processing alternatives: For audio content creation and analysis, see our AI tools for audio guide or top 10 dictation software for speech-to-text.
3. yt-dlp - Best Open-Source Tool
yt-dlp is the gold standard for anyone comfortable with the command line. It’s a community-maintained fork of youtube-dl with dramatically better download speeds, active development, and support for over 1,000 websites beyond YouTube.
Type: CLI (Win/Mac/Linux) | Price: Free, open-source | Safety: 5/5
Install it with pip install yt-dlp or brew install yt-dlp on Mac. To extract audio as MP3: yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 [URL]. That’s it. No ads, no tracking, no bundled software. It pulls the highest available audio quality directly from YouTube’s servers without re-encoding unless you request a specific format.
yt-dlp updates frequently to keep pace with YouTube changes. If a web-based converter breaks, yt-dlp usually still works because its maintainers push fixes within hours.
Pros: No ads or tracking whatsoever, highest possible audio quality, supports 1,000+ sites, batch downloads with playlist support, actively maintained with rapid updates
Cons: Requires command-line knowledge, no graphical interface (though GUI wrappers like Tartube exist), initial setup takes a few minutes
4. MediaHuman - Best Desktop App
MediaHuman YouTube to MP3 is a proper desktop application with a drag-and-drop interface. It processes entire playlists in the background while you do other work.
Type: Desktop (Win/Mac/Linux) | Price: Free / $30 Pro | Safety: 5/5
The free version handles individual video downloads with no limits. Pro unlocks simultaneous downloads and full playlist support. MediaHuman runs entirely offline after installation, so there’s zero data transmission risk. The app auto-detects clipboard URLs, which speeds up batch workflows.
Pros: Offline processing (no data transmission risks), ad-free interface, batch processing for playlists, auto-detects clipboard URLs, works on all three desktop platforms
Cons: Requires installation (120MB), playlist downloads locked behind $30 Pro version
5. 4K Video Downloader - Max Quality
4K Video Downloader is a premium desktop tool from a publisher with a decade-long track record. It supports video quality up to 8K and extracts audio at the highest bitrate YouTube provides.
Type: Desktop (Win/Mac/Linux) | Price: Free limited / from $15/year | Safety: 5/5
The free tier allows 30 downloads per day, which covers most personal use. The $15/year Personal plan removes all limits and adds smart mode (saves your preferred settings). 4K Video Downloader also handles private and unlisted videos if you link your YouTube account, and it supports subtitles extraction.
Pros: Premium security with a trusted publisher, highest quality audio extraction, private playlist support, subtitle extraction, smart mode for repeat settings
Cons: Free version capped at 30 downloads/day, $15/year minimum for unlimited use, 85MB installer
6. CNVMP3 - Best Ad-Free Web Tool
CNVMP3 is a completely ad-free web converter, which is rare for free tools. No pop-ups, no banners, no redirect chains. The site loads clean and stays clean through the entire conversion process.
Type: Web app | Price: Free | Safety: 5/5
Beyond YouTube, CNVMP3 also supports Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok video conversion. Paste the URL, pick MP3 or MP4, and download. Conversion speed is solid (20-30 seconds for a typical music video). No registration or account creation needed.
Pros: Completely ad-free, supports multiple social platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), no registration, clean interface
Cons: Limited quality options compared to desktop tools, one file at a time, no batch processing
7. Y2mate - Multi-Platform Support
Y2mate supports multiple video platforms beyond YouTube, including Vimeo, Dailymotion, and Facebook. It offers various quality tiers from 64kbps to 320kbps.
Type: Web app | Price: Free | Safety: 4/5
Y2mate has been around for years, which means it’s well-maintained and adapts quickly to YouTube backend changes. The trade-off: it has more ads than the top-rated options on this list. Using an ad blocker is recommended. The built-in search feature lets you find YouTube videos without leaving the site.
Pros: Multi-platform support (YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, Facebook), built-in video search, various quality options, no registration
Cons: More ads than top-rated options, occasional redirect pages, use an ad blocker
8. ClipGrab - Multi-Source Downloads
ClipGrab downloads and converts videos from YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and other platforms. The built-in search feature means you don’t need to leave the app to find content.
Type: Desktop (Win/Mac/Linux) | Price: Free | Safety: 4/5
ClipGrab has a straightforward interface that monitors your clipboard. Copy a YouTube URL and it automatically detects it. One thing to watch: the installer bundles the Opera browser as an optional extra. Decline it during setup and the rest of the experience is clean.
Pros: Multiple platform support, built-in video search, clipboard monitoring auto-detects URLs, user-friendly interface
Cons: Installer bundles Opera browser (decline during setup), search results limited to 12 items
9. Kapwing - For Content Creators
Kapwing is an online video editing platform that also handles YouTube audio extraction. The key advantage: you can trim and edit the audio before downloading, which no other converter on this list offers in-browser.
Type: Web app | Price: Free / $16/mo Pro | Safety: 4/5
The free tier exports videos up to 7 minutes with a watermark on video exports (audio-only exports are unaffected). The $16/month Pro plan removes all limits. Kapwing also integrates with Vimeo as of mid-2025, so you can import from multiple sources.
Pros: Trim and edit audio before downloading, full video editing suite, Vimeo integration, browser-based with no installation
Cons: Free tier limited to 7-minute exports, conversion speed varies with video length, $16/month for Pro
10. DVDVideoSoft - Reliable Batch Tool
DVDVideoSoft has been making YouTube converters since the early days of the platform. Their developers push updates quickly when YouTube changes its backend, often restoring functionality within 24 hours of a breakage.
Type: Desktop (Win/Mac) | Price: Free | Safety: 4/5
The batch conversion feature handles entire playlists and channel downloads. Output options include MP3, M4A, and WAV with quality up to 320kbps. The interface is dated but functional. DVDVideoSoft’s long track record and responsive maintenance make it a dependable fallback when web converters break.
Pros: Fast response to YouTube changes, batch conversion for playlists, multiple output formats (MP3, M4A, WAV), long track record
Cons: Interface looks dated, Windows-focused (Mac version has fewer features), requires installation
How to Convert YouTube to MP3
Converting YouTube videos to MP3 format takes under 30 seconds with the right tool:
- Copy the video URL from your browser address bar or tap Share on YouTube and select “Copy link”
- Open a safe converter from our tested list (OnlyMP3 or YTMP3 for web, yt-dlp for command line)
- Paste the URL and select audio quality (320kbps for music, 128kbps for speech)
- Click Convert and wait for processing (typically 10-30 seconds)
- Download the MP3 to your device
For yt-dlp users: Open your terminal and run yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 --audio-quality 0 "VIDEO_URL". The --audio-quality 0 flag ensures the best possible quality. Add -o "%(title)s.%(ext)s" to name the file after the video title.
Quality guide: 320kbps provides the best MP3 quality for music (about 2.4MB per minute). 192kbps is a good balance of quality and file size (about 1.5MB per minute). 128kbps works well for podcasts and speech (about 1MB per minute). Since YouTube compresses audio to AAC at around 128-256kbps, converting to 320kbps MP3 preserves maximum quality without adding data that isn’t there.
YouTube to MP3 on Mobile
iPhone/iOS: Copy the YouTube link, open Safari, navigate to OnlyMP3 or CNVMP3, paste the URL and convert. The MP3 saves to your Files app. For easier file management, use the Documents app by Readdle, which lets you organize downloaded audio files into folders.
Android: Copy the YouTube link, open Chrome, navigate to a converter site, paste and convert. Files download directly to your Downloads folder. Android users can also install yt-dlp via Termux for ad-free command-line conversion on mobile.
For maximum safety on mobile, use ScreenApp’s mobile-friendly web app for secure audio extraction without third-party converter risks.
YouTube Premium vs Converters
YouTube Premium costs $13.99/month ($167.88/year) and includes offline downloads within the YouTube app. The audio stays locked inside YouTube’s ecosystem, though. You can’t transfer it to other devices, use it in other apps, or keep it after canceling your subscription.
Free converters give you an actual MP3 file you own and can play anywhere. The trade-off is legal gray area: converting copyrighted content without permission may violate YouTube’s Terms of Service and copyright law in your jurisdiction.
For podcast-style content, lectures, and Creative Commons music, converters are the practical choice. For mainstream music you listen to daily, a YouTube Premium or Spotify subscription ($11.99/month) is more convenient and legally clear.
Extract Audio with ScreenApp
Instead of risking third-party converter sites, ScreenApp provides built-in audio extraction with enterprise-grade security:
- Paste your YouTube URL at screenapp.io/features/youtube-to-mp3 or upload audio files directly.
- Pick your format and download the audio.
- Optional: Run AI analysis to generate a summary or transcription.
No malware risk, no external sites, no registration required for the free tier. ScreenApp processes the audio server-side and delivers a clean download link. For video downloads, see our video downloader or extract audio from videos tools.
Safety Best Practices
Legal considerations: Only convert copyright-free content or material you have permission to use. YouTube Premium ($13.99/month) offers legal offline listening within the app. Copyright regulations vary by country, but most jurisdictions treat unauthorized downloading of copyrighted music as infringement.
Security checklist:
- Use HTTPS sites only (look for the padlock icon in your browser)
- Prefer web-based converters over software downloads when possible
- If you download software, verify the installer checksum or use a package manager (Homebrew, Chocolatey)
- Keep your antivirus updated and scan all downloaded files
- Use an ad blocker when visiting converter sites
- Clear your browser cache after using converter sites
FAQ
What is the safest YouTube to MP3 converter in 2026?
OnlyMP3 and CNVMP3 are the safest web-based options, with zero malware reports and minimal or no ads. For technical users, yt-dlp is the safest overall because it’s open-source, has no ads, and runs locally on your machine. For maximum security, ScreenApp’s built-in extraction eliminates third-party risks entirely.
How do I convert YouTube to MP3 for free?
Copy the YouTube video URL, paste it into a free converter like OnlyMP3 or YTMP3, select your quality (128-320kbps), and click download. The process takes under 30 seconds with no registration required. For command-line users, install yt-dlp and run yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 [URL].
Are YouTube to MP3 converters legal?
Converting copyrighted content without permission violates copyright law in most countries. Personal use exceptions exist in some jurisdictions but are not universal. Only convert videos you own, copyright-free content, Creative Commons material, or content with explicit permission. YouTube Premium ($13.99/month) provides legal offline access within the app.
Can I convert YouTube to MP3 on my phone?
Yes. On both Android and iPhone, use any browser-based converter (OnlyMP3, YTMP3, or CNVMP3). On Android, files download to your Downloads folder. On iPhone, files save to the Files app via Safari. No app installation needed. Android users can also use yt-dlp through Termux.
What is the best quality: 128kbps or 320kbps?
320kbps provides the best MP3 audio quality for music but creates larger files (about 2.4MB per minute). 128kbps (about 1MB per minute) is sufficient for podcasts, lectures, and speech. YouTube typically stores audio at 128-256kbps AAC, so 320kbps MP3 preserves maximum fidelity without adding information that isn’t in the source.
How can I avoid viruses from YouTube to MP3 converters?
Use only browser-based converters (no software downloads needed), verify HTTPS encryption, use an ad blocker, and stick to tools from our tested list. Avoid any site that requires you to download an .exe file before conversion. ScreenApp offers zero-risk browser-based audio extraction.
Why did my YouTube to MP3 converter stop working?
YouTube updates its backend infrastructure regularly, which breaks converters that depend on specific API endpoints. Well-maintained tools recover quickly: yt-dlp typically pushes fixes within hours, and OnlyMP3 and YTMP3 usually restore service within a day or two. If your converter has been broken for more than a week, it’s likely abandoned.
Do I need software to convert YouTube to MP3?
No. The safest converters (OnlyMP3, YTMP3, CNVMP3) work entirely in your browser with no installation. Desktop apps like MediaHuman, 4K Video Downloader, and yt-dlp are safe alternatives if you want more features like batch downloads, playlist support, and higher quality options.
What is yt-dlp and is it safe?
yt-dlp is a free, open-source command-line tool for downloading audio and video from YouTube and 1,000+ other websites. It’s maintained by a large community of developers on GitHub, with source code anyone can audit. It contains no ads, no tracking, and no bundled software. It’s widely considered the safest YouTube downloader available, though it requires basic command-line knowledge.
Can I download entire YouTube playlists as MP3?
Yes. yt-dlp handles playlists natively: yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 "PLAYLIST_URL". MediaHuman ($30 Pro) and 4K Video Downloader ($15/year) also support full playlist downloads with graphical interfaces. Most free web converters only handle one video at a time.
FAQ
OnlyMP3 and CNVMP3 are the safest web-based options, with zero malware reports and minimal or no ads. For technical users, yt-dlp is the safest overall because it's open-source, has no ads, and runs locally on your machine. For maximum security, ScreenApp's built-in extraction eliminates third-party risks entirely.
Copy the YouTube video URL, paste it into a free converter like OnlyMP3 or YTMP3, select your quality (128-320kbps), and click download. The process takes under 30 seconds with no registration required. For command-line users, install yt-dlp and run `yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 [URL]`.
Converting copyrighted content without permission violates copyright law in most countries. Personal use exceptions exist in some jurisdictions but are not universal. Only convert videos you own, copyright-free content, Creative Commons material, or content with explicit permission. YouTube Premium ($13.99/month) provides legal offline access within the app.
Yes. On both Android and iPhone, use any browser-based converter (OnlyMP3, YTMP3, or CNVMP3). On Android, files download to your Downloads folder. On iPhone, files save to the Files app via Safari. No app installation needed. Android users can also use yt-dlp through Termux.
320kbps provides the best MP3 audio quality for music but creates larger files (about 2.4MB per minute). 128kbps (about 1MB per minute) is sufficient for podcasts, lectures, and speech. YouTube typically stores audio at 128-256kbps AAC, so 320kbps MP3 preserves maximum fidelity without adding information that isn't in the source.
Use only browser-based converters (no software downloads needed), verify HTTPS encryption, use an ad blocker, and stick to tools from our tested list. Avoid any site that requires you to download an .exe file before conversion. ScreenApp offers zero-risk browser-based audio extraction.
YouTube updates its backend infrastructure regularly, which breaks converters that depend on specific API endpoints. Well-maintained tools recover quickly: yt-dlp typically pushes fixes within hours, and OnlyMP3 and YTMP3 usually restore service within a day or two. If your converter has been broken for more than a week, it's likely abandoned.
No. The safest converters (OnlyMP3, YTMP3, CNVMP3) work entirely in your browser with no installation. Desktop apps like MediaHuman, 4K Video Downloader, and yt-dlp are safe alternatives if you want more features like batch downloads, playlist support, and higher quality options.
yt-dlp is a free, open-source command-line tool for downloading audio and video from YouTube and 1,000+ other websites. It's maintained by a large community of developers on GitHub, with source code anyone can audit. It contains no ads, no tracking, and no bundled software. It's widely considered the safest YouTube downloader available, though it requires basic command-line knowledge.
Yes. yt-dlp handles playlists natively: `yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 "PLAYLIST_URL"`. MediaHuman ($30 Pro) and 4K Video Downloader ($15/year) also support full playlist downloads with graphical interfaces. Most free web converters only handle one video at a time.
