5 Best Free 4K YouTube Video Downloaders in 2024
YouTube introduced 4K video support back in 2010, revolutionizing the way we consume high-definition content. Today, millions of 4K videos are available on YouTube, making it the largest online library of ultra-high-definition content. In 2016, YouTube further enhanced its platform by enabling 4K live streaming for both 360-degree and standard videos. This allows users to enjoy the clearest, most vibrant visuals on 4K-supported devices.
However, streaming 4K 2160p videos online demands a high-speed internet connection and significant data usage. If your connection is unstable, you may experience buffering and interruptions, severely impacting your viewing experience. The best solution is to download 4K videos to your device for offline viewing. Since YouTube does not offer an option to download videos directly, you’ll need a reliable 4K video downloader.
Top 5 Free 4K YouTube Video Downloaders That Still Work
Many video downloaders are available on the market, but not all are effective. YouTube’s frequent algorithm updates can render many 4K video downloaders and online tools ineffective, such as 4K Download, AllMyTube, WinX YouTube Downloader, SaveFrom.net, etc. Fortunately, some tools still work perfectly. Below, we have curated a list of the top 5 4K video downloaders that are still functional and reliable in 2024.
1. Jihosoft 4K Video Downloader
As the name suggests, Jihosoft 4K Video Downloader is specifically designed for downloading 4K videos from YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and other platforms. However, its capabilities extend far beyond 4K. This versatile tool supports downloading videos in various resolutions, including 720p, 1080p, 2K, 8K, as well as 360° and 3D videos. With its fast download speeds and user-friendly interface, Jihosoft makes downloading videos effortless and efficient.
Moreover, Jihosoft 4K Video Downloader offers several advanced features beyond just downloading videos. You can download entire YouTube channels and playlists in one go, convert YouTube videos to MP3, and even download subtitles or closed captions. The software keeps up with YouTube’s algorithm updates, ensuring consistent performance without the risk of suddenly stopping working.
Now, let’s take a look at how to download 4K videos from YouTube with this magic tool:
Step 1. Download the YouTube 4K video Downloader from Jihosoft or click the download button provided in this article. Then follow the prompts to install it on your computer. After installation, run it, then enter the registration code (if you have one) in the required box, or try the free version first.
Step 2. Now, all you have to do is to copy the URL of the 4K video you want to download, then click the “+Paste URL(s)” button to paste it into the program and choose the quality you want to save the video as. You can select to download only the video, download the original audio, convert the video to mp3 format, download subtitles, or not. Once confirmed, tap the “Download” button to begin the process.
Step 3. The 4K video will start downloading with a clear progress bar. After the download is complete, you can find the video in the “Finished” section. Depending on your needs, you can click on the conversion icon to convert the video to other formats, such as MOV, MKV, AVI, etc. If you checked download subtitles, you can merge the subtitles to the video while converting.
2. YTD Video Downloader
YTD is a famous YouTube video downloader in the market. It works seamlessly on both Windows and Mac computers, enabling users to download 4K videos from over 50 different sites for offline viewing on various devices, including iPads, iPhones, iPods, Samsung Galaxy, HTC, Kindle Fire, and Blackberry, among others. YTD also features a built-in video converter that allows you to convert videos to multiple formats such as MP3, MP4, WMV, FLV, MOV, 3GP, AVI, and more.
A standout feature of YTD Video Downloader is its integrated video player, which allows you to watch your 4K videos immediately after downloading. However, the software does have a few drawbacks. The interface can be confusing and cluttered with ads, and users are frequently prompted to upgrade to the Pro version. On the plus side, YTD is regularly updated to stay compatible with the latest changes in online platforms; you can find detailed version updates on its official website.
3. Gihosoft TubeGet
Gihosoft TubeGet is a desktop-based 4K video downloader that can help users quickly download 1080P and 4K videos from YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Twitter, Bilibili, Reddit, and other video sharing sites in high quality. The software has both Free and Pro versions. The free version enables users to download YouTube videos 5 times per day; the Pro version allows users to download videos from any website without limitations.
Aside from being a downloader, Gihosoft TubeGet also functions as a video converter. This feature allows users to convert downloaded videos from WebM to MP4, AVI, MOV, and MKV formats, making them easy to play on Android and iOS devices. When converting videos, you can add subtitles or closed captions, which can either be burned into the video or kept as separate soft-coded files, allowing for a more flexible viewing experience.
4. iTubeGo
iTubeGo is a free online YouTube video downloader provided by Keepvid. What makes it stand out from other sites is that it supports downloading 4K YouTube videos and converting YouTube to MP4, M4A, etc., which is impossible for most online video downloaders. However, the downside is that if you download a 2160P format video, the video will have no sound and subtitles, which will significantly affect the viewing experience. So, if you want to download a 4K video that contains the original audio and subtitles, you’d better choose a desktop-based software like the Jihosoft 4K Video Downloader. It can fully meet your needs and is very practical.
5. VidPaw
VidPaw is another online video downloader that supports 4K video downloads, but it offers a unique approach. On its homepage, VidPaw curates a collection of trending YouTube videos, making it easy to find and download popular content. You can simply click the download button under any featured video or copy a video link from YouTube and paste it into the designated box to start the download. One downside to VidPaw is that it does not support downloading music videos.
VidPaw also offers a dedicated app for Android users, which allows for fast and smooth downloading of full HD videos from any site directly to your device.
Which 4K YouTube Video Downloader is Your Favorite?
The five tools mentioned above are some of the few remaining YouTube video downloaders that still work effectively in 2024. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose the one that best suits you. However, our top recommendation is the Jihosoft 4K Video Downloader because it offers a comprehensive set of features that cover almost all user needs.
Downloading 4K YouTube videos is easier than ever! If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with your friends. If you know of a better YouTube 4K video downloader not listed here, please leave a comment below!