yt-downloader review
A focused, free YouTube downloader with playlist support and practical controls.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
yt-downloader is an open-source graphical application for downloading individual YouTube videos and complete playlists. Written in Go with the Fyne toolkit, it is aimed at users who want a focused downloader across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Its interface centers on practical download controls rather than a broad media-management feature set: users can choose quality presets for best, medium, or audio downloads, configure filename templates, and save files to the system Downloads folder by default.
Download management is the clearest strength. yt-downloader shows live progress, speed, and estimated time remaining, while controls let users pause, stop, resume, or reveal downloaded files. Parallel downloads can be enabled with configurable limits, which suits playlist work and other batch-download tasks. Completion notifications and localization add useful convenience, while MP4 and WebM preferences cover the listed output options. Playlist support and filename templates make it more suitable for repeated downloads than a tool limited to one video at a time.
Its focus is also its main boundary. yt-downloader supports YouTube, so users who need downloads from a wider range of services should choose a broader downloader instead. The application also does not include AI features or a subtitle-download feature. For users whose needs stay within YouTube, the combination of open-source distribution, free access, cross-platform releases, quality presets, and visible progress controls makes it a straightforward choice. It is less suitable for broader source coverage or more specialized media-processing workflows.
yt-downloader pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Downloads individual videos and complete YouTube playlists
- Parallel downloads with configurable limits and live progress
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
- Where it doesn't
- Supports YouTube rather than a broader range of sources
- Output formats are limited to MP4 and WebM
- No subtitle-download feature is included
yt-downloader fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update