Whether it’s a funny clip, a documentary, a workout session, or an educational tutorial, sometimes you just want to download that video and watch it later — without buffering or worrying it’ll vanish.
There are plenty of sites that let you download streaming videos from websites. Some work straight from your browser, while others give you more control with desktop apps or extensions. But here’s the catch — not all of them are safe or fast.
That’s why I went the extra mile to hand-pick 21 of the best websites that actually get the job done — cleanly, clearly, and with minimum hassle.
Whether you’re downloading from YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, or a more obscure random website, this guide has got you covered.
Quick Answer: The Top 3 Sites You Can Use Right Now
If you’re in a hurry and just want the best of the best, these three sites are where you should start. They’re fast, reliable, and support a wide range of platforms — from YouTube and TikTok to lesser-known video sites.
3 FREE Sites To Use NOW
1. SaveFrom.net
Why it’s great:
This one’s a long-time favorite for a reason — super easy to use. Just paste a link and boom, you’re downloading in seconds. It supports YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, and more.
Best part? It even has a browser extension for faster access. The only downside is that some features are limited unless you use their helper app — but for most users, the basic version works just fine.
2. Y2Mate
Why it’s great:
Y2Mate is all about speed and simplicity. No login needed, no weird pop-ups — just paste your link and download in various formats including MP4, MP3, and even 1080p HD when available.
It also works well with YouTube playlists, which not every site handles smoothly.
3. SnapSave.io
Why it’s great:
If you’re looking for crystal-clear video quality, SnapSave delivers. It supports 4K and HD downloads, especially from Facebook and YouTube.
What sets it apart is how clean and fast the interface is. No bloated ads, no sketchy redirects — just a smooth experience.
3 BEST PAID Sites You Can Use NOW
1. HitPaw
HitPaw is a feature-rich video downloader and converter that supports a huge range of platforms — from YouTube and TikTok to Instagram and Facebook. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to download in HD or 4K, trim videos, or convert to MP3 in just a few clicks.
2. 4K Video Downloader
This one’s a favorite for people who want maximum video quality. You can download entire playlists, subtitles, and even full channels — all the way up to 8K resolution. It’s clean, powerful, and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
3. ByClick Downloader
ByClick is incredibly easy to use — just copy a video link and it auto-detects it for download. It’s ideal for bulk downloading from sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo. You can also choose from MP4, MP3, AVI, and more.
What to Look for in an Online Video‑Downloader Site
✔️ Website Compatibility
A great downloader should support more than just YouTube. Think Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Dailymotion, Vimeo, and other niche video platforms. The more sites it works with, the more useful it becomes.
✔️ Format & Quality Options
At the very least, you want to be able to save in MP4 (most universal format). Some tools also offer WEBM, 3GP, or even audio-only MP3 downloads. Bonus points if you can choose between 720p, 1080p, or 4K.
✔️ Speed
Waiting 3 minutes for a 1-minute clip? Nah. A good tool will analyze and prepare the download quickly, without you needing to refresh five times.
✔️ Free to Use (with optional upgrades)
Most people are fine with basic downloads. Some sites have premium versions for faster speed or higher-quality output, but a solid free tier is a must.
The 21 Best Sites to Download Online Streaming Videos From Any Websites [FREE & PAID]
1. SaveFrom.net (https://en.savefrom.net)
This long‑standing online video downloader makes things as simple as pasting a URL and picking your format. According to one list of free online URL video downloaders, SaveFrom.net is especially praised for its broad support across websites like YouTube, Vimeo, Hotstar and more.
What I like: it supports multiple formats and even has a browser extension so you don’t always have to manually paste links. What to watch out for: it does display ads, and sometimes full 4K quality isn’t available.
2. Y2Mate (https://www.y2mate.com)
Y2Mate is one of the most popular tools out there, and for good reason. It supports a wide range of sites like YouTube, Dailymotion, Facebook, and more — all with zero account needed. You can download videos in various formats like MP4, 3GP, and even extract MP3 audio.
It’s fast, clean, and ideal for people who just want a no-frills experience. However, because of its popularity, you might see a few ads — just avoid clicking on anything that looks suspicious.
3. SnapSave.io (https://snapsave.io)
SnapSave stands out for its high-definition quality options, including 1080p, 2K, and even 4K. It’s particularly powerful for downloading Facebook videos, but also works smoothly with YouTube and several other platforms.
The interface is modern and ad-light, which is a huge plus. There’s no app required, and downloads are typically fast, even for large files. Just paste the link, choose your quality, and you’re good to go.
4. ByClick Downloader (https://www.byclickdownloader.com)
ByClick Downloader is a desktop app for Windows that goes beyond just online tools. It supports YouTube playlists, channels, Facebook videos, Vimeo, and over 40 other platforms. It’s especially great if you want to download bulk videos or full playlists.
While it’s not entirely browser-based, it gives you more flexibility with download formats (MP4, MP3, AVI, etc.) and even lets you auto-detect videos from your browser. There’s a free version, but the premium upgrade ($4.99 USD) unlocks higher speeds and unlimited features.
5. KeepVid (https://keepvid.pro)
KeepVid has been around for years and is known for being one of the most stable and consistent tools. The online version supports a decent range of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch.
What’s great? There’s no software to install, and it supports resolutions up to 1080p. While the classic KeepVid.net was discontinued, KeepVid Pro has filled the gap with reliable performance — just be mindful of redirect ads.
6. 4K Video Downloader (https://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader)
If you’re all about video quality, this tool is for you. 4K Video Downloader is a downloadable desktop app for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It lets you save videos in up to 8K resolution, supports entire playlists and channels, and even offers subtitle downloads.
It works with all major platforms — YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and more. It’s not a web app, but it’s perfect for power users who want advanced features. The free plan is solid, and the premium version starts at $15 USD for lifetime access.
7. VidMate (https://www.vidmateapp.com)
VidMate is an Android app that lets users download streaming videos directly to their phone. It supports hundreds of platforms including YouTube, Facebook, DailyMotion, Instagram, and more. It’s especially popular in regions where mobile-first usage is the norm.
You won’t find it in the Google Play Store, so you’ll need to download it via the official website or other trusted sources. Despite that, it’s lightweight, easy to navigate, and supports both video and audio formats like MP4 and MP3.
8. TubeOffline (https://www.tubeoffline.com)
TubeOffline is a simple, old-school online video downloader that supports a wide variety of sites — over 100, actually — including some lesser-known platforms. It’s perfect if you’re trying to grab content from a site that other downloaders ignore.
The layout is very basic and ad-heavy, but don’t let that fool you. It gets the job done, and lets you convert videos into multiple formats like AVI, FLV, and MP4. Just be sure to avoid any pop-ups while using it.
9. YooDownload (https://www.yoodownload.com)
YooDownload is a web-based downloader that offers one of the cleanest and ad-free experiences. It’s best for downloading YouTube and Vimeo content, and also supports audio extraction.
What makes it shine is the fast download speed and no unnecessary redirects. You simply paste a URL, choose your file type, and hit download — no bells and whistles, just smooth functionality.
10. ClipConverter.cc (https://www.clipconverter.cc)
ClipConverter.cc is a reliable tool that supports both video and audio conversion. It’s compatible with popular sites like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and more. You can choose from formats like MP4, AVI, MOV, and MP3 — all within a few clicks.
One standout feature is the ability to manually select resolution and bitrate, which is great if you’re trying to save space or optimize for specific devices. Ads can be a bit annoying, but the tool itself is fast and effective.
11. Video Grabber (https://www.videograbber.net)
Video Grabber works as both a web tool and a desktop app. It supports a wide range of websites including YouTube, TikTok, and Dailymotion. It can also record your screen and edit downloaded videos.
What’s neat is the auto-detect feature that works in the background if you’re using the app. It’s perfect for those who want more than just downloading — like trimming or converting the final file afterward.
12. FBdown.net (https://fbdown.net)
As the name suggests, FBdown is specifically built for Facebook video downloads — and it does that one job extremely well. Whether it’s a private video, a live stream, or a public post, you just paste the link, and it grabs it in standard or HD quality.
It also has a Chrome extension, which is super convenient if you download Facebook videos often. Just note: it doesn’t work with YouTube or other platforms.
13. Catch.Tube (https://catch.tube)
Catch.Tube is a straightforward, browser-based downloader that supports a ton of platforms — from YouTube and Facebook to TED, Vlive, and more. It works by grabbing the direct video stream from the page once you enter the URL.
There’s also a handy browser extension for Chrome and Firefox, which makes it even faster to grab videos on the fly. No account needed, no spammy pop-ups — just a clean and easy experience.
14. FastestTube (https://kwizzu.com/fastesttube)
FastestTube is actually a browser extension, not a web app, and it’s one of the oldest and most lightweight YouTube downloaders out there. Once installed, it adds a download button right under the YouTube video you’re watching.
It supports MP4 and FLV formats and lets you pick from several resolution options, including HD. It works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera — but doesn’t support other platforms outside YouTube.
15. SSYouTube (https://ssyoutube.com)
This tool is basically a shortcut version of SaveFrom.net. All you do is add “ss” in front of any YouTube URL (like ssyoutube.com/watch?v=XYZ) and it takes you directly to a download page.
It’s fast, clean, and perfect if you’re on YouTube a lot. It doesn’t support other websites, but for quick YouTube grabs, it’s a real time-saver.
16. OnlineVideoConverter (https://www.onlinevideoconverter.com)
OnlineVideoConverter is a popular web-based tool that supports a wide range of input formats and video platforms. You can convert videos to MP4, MOV, FLV, or MP3, and it works on both desktop and mobile browsers.
It’s fast, free, and doesn’t require any sign-up. However, due to copyright enforcement, it no longer supports YouTube — so it’s best used for other streaming platforms like Vimeo or Dailymotion.
17. YT5s (https://yt5s.io)
YT5s is another clean, no-frills YouTube downloader that supports multiple resolutions, including 720p, 1080p, 2K, and even 4K. It also offers MP3 audio extraction, making it a great tool for music lovers.
Downloads are quick, and the interface is beginner-friendly. It also provides a QR code for transferring the file straight to your phone, which is a nice touch.
18. Flvto (https://www.flvto.biz)
Flvto specializes in converting YouTube videos to MP3 and MP4, but it also works with other video platforms. The interface is basic, but the conversion engine is surprisingly powerful and works well for grabbing music or podcasts.
There’s also a downloadable version if you prefer a desktop app. Just watch out for excessive pop-up ads — they’re the biggest downside to an otherwise solid tool.
19. Viddly (https://www.viddly.net)
Viddly is a lightweight Windows app that’s ideal for downloading entire playlists, channels, or single videos from YouTube. It supports 4K and 8K resolution, subtitle downloads, and even batch conversion to MP3 or other formats.
The interface is slick and easy to use. There’s a free version with solid features, and a Pro upgrade ($17.99 USD one-time) if you need advanced tools like auto-conversion and unlimited downloads.
20. HitPaw Video Converter (https://www.hitpaw.com/video-converter.html)
HitPaw offers more than just downloads — it’s a full-blown video conversion tool. But when it comes to pulling streaming videos from YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and other sites, it performs like a champ.
The app works on both Windows and Mac, with high-speed batch downloads and conversion to just about any format you can think of. While it’s a desktop tool, it’s user-friendly and great for content creators or power users.
21. SaveTheVideo (https://www.savethevideo.com)
SaveTheVideo is a solid browser-based downloader that supports over 1,000 websites, including Reddit, Twitter, SoundCloud, and even news sites. You can convert to various formats and trim videos before downloading.
What sets it apart is its modern interface and focus on privacy — it doesn’t store your downloads or track usage. It’s a go-to if you want more than just basic downloads with a touch of control over the final file.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Let’s quickly tackle some of the most common questions people have when it comes to downloading streaming videos.
Q1. How do I download a video from a website that doesn’t allow it?
You’ll need a more advanced tool — like 4K Video Downloader, Video Grabber, or a screen recorder. These tools can pull video even when the site tries to block it. That said, always check if it’s legal to download from that specific platform.
Q2. How to unlock blocked videos?
Sometimes videos are region-locked or restricted by content filters. Using a VPN can help you bypass geo-blocks. Also, some downloaders like SaveTheVideo or Catch.Tube work well with proxy settings built-in.
Q3. How to rip from streaming services?
If you’re talking about platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, downloading with third-party tools is against their terms and could be illegal. The best practice is to use their built-in offline download features, available in their apps.
Q4. Can I save a streaming video to my computer?
Yes, if the content is not DRM-protected and you’re using the right tool (like Y2Mate, SaveFrom.net, or SnapSave.io), you can easily download and save the video in formats like MP4 or WebM for offline viewing.
Conclusion
There you have it — 21 of the best websites to download streaming videos, plus everything you need to know to pick the right one for your needs.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick YouTube tutorial, saving a Facebook live stream, or downloading a full playlist in HD, there’s a tool on this list that’ll get the job done — fast, clean, and (mostly) free.
Just remember: not every site plays nice with every platform, so it’s worth keeping a couple of these tools bookmarked as your go-to toolkit.
