OnionMedia review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

OnionMedia is a free, open-source Windows application for downloading and converting videos and music. It suits Windows users who want more than a basic URL downloader, particularly those focused on YouTube processing. The application accepts video URLs, includes built-in YouTube search, and can download video or audio-only files. Its queue supports multiple downloads processed at the same time, while selectable resolution options provide control over the output. The project is distributed through GitHub releases and the Microsoft Store.

Its strongest distinction is the combination of downloading and post-download media work. OnionMedia can recode video and audio codecs, apply post-download H.264 recoding, and use hardware-accelerated video encoding. It also provides controls for resolution, aspect ratio, bitrate, and frame rate, along with trimming and media-tag editing. That makes it a practical fit for users who want to prepare downloaded files in the same desktop application instead of relying only on a downloader. The feature set is broader than a narrow save-from-URL utility, while remaining centered on local Windows use.

The trade-off is platform and source scope. The main OnionMedia repository is Windows-focused, and YouTube is the listed supported source in the category details. The vendor also maintains a separate OnionMedia X repository for cross-platform ports, but the main application should be considered a Windows choice. The release information lists version 1.2.25.0 as latest and shows ongoing releases, while some download-site issues remain open. Choose OnionMedia if free, open-source software, queued downloads, YouTube search, and conversion controls matter most. Choose an alternative if you need a broader confirmed source range or a primary application for platforms beyond Windows.

OnionMedia pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Queues and processes multiple downloads simultaneously
  • Offers resolution selection and audio-only downloads
  • Adds recoding, trimming, tag editing, and hardware encoding
• Where it doesn't
  • The main application is focused on Windows
  • YouTube is the listed supported source
  • Some download-site issues remain open

OnionMedia fact sheet, pricing and score →

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update