Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' note: The Download Now link will download a small installer file to your desktop. Remain online and double-click the installer to proceed with the actual download.
CNET Editors' review
We love YouTube downloaders because they make it so easy to grab and save video from YouTube's inexhaustible, ever-expanding supply. Whatever you like, if it's on video, it's probably on YouTube in one form or another. HOW's Free YouTube Downloader is one of the easiest tools for that job we've found. It not only downloads videos from YouTube but also converts them and files from your hard drive into formats you can play on your iPad, iPhone, and similar devices. It offers several quality levels, including HD quality, and plays your converted file when the job is done, if you want it to.
Convert YouTube videos to multiple formats
Ads pay the bills for freeware, and though Free YouTube Downloader contains no adware, we had to click through several screens to get to the actual program's download. It's worth the effort, though, since Free YouTube Downloader's easy settings and minimal user interface (think media player) let you quickly configure downloads and keep an eye on them in a corner of the screen while you do other things. We browsed to a YouTube page and copied and pasted its URL into Free YouTube Downloader's entry field (you can also browse to and add your own files). We selected Windows Media Video from an extensive drop-down list of Output Format options. We also selected the highest output quality, Full High Definition (1080p). We clicked Settings, too; these let us set always-on-top, a default output folder, simultaneous download and conversion, and language options. The browser-based Help file uses screenshots to make each step clear.
Once we'd made our selections, we pressed Download. Free YouTube Downloader began downloading and converting our video almost instantaneously (your connection will affect the speed) and finished by asking if we wanted to view our video. The video opened and played normally in our default media player. After that, we started downloading and saving videos we wanted to watch later. We like the way Free YouTube Downloader lets you choose a device-specific format for conversions, too. Don't forget to watch some of those videos you'll be saving with Free YouTube Downloader!
Publisher's Description
From HOW:
Would you like to watch your favorite videos from YouTube whenever and wherever you please? All this and more is possible with Free YouTube Downloader. With this download manager you can save YouTube videos in various video and audio formats. We support standard quality, high quality and even Full High Definition video.
What's new in this version: Version 3.5.134 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 870 votes
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Current version:
1.9 starsout of 55 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"sometimes it works & sometimes it does Not."
Version: Free YouTube Downloader 3.5.134
Pros
it's nice to be able to download you tube videos for later.
Cons
out of 4 attempts, it was able to download ONE. there seemed to be a variety of reasons why it couldn't download the others. And it took a long time. like an hour to download a less that 15 minute video.
Summary
really don't know if i'll use it again
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"think twice before installing it"
Version: Free YouTube Downloader 3.5.134
Pros
Pretty much useless software
Cons
However, the worse part that cnet is pushing annoying adware for instance, Lucky Savings or Delta Search. Proofs > http://deletemalware.blogspot.com/2013/02/remove-delta-searchcom-redirect-delta.html
Summary
All in all, it's a useless software and you also probably end up with some crapware on your computer, like Lucky Savings or Delta Search. Download with caution!
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"Infected big time"
Version: Free YouTube Downloader 3.5.134
Pros
none, dont do it
Cons
whatch out for delta search spyware
Summary
just dont
cnet should take this down now or pay to have this removed from your computer -
"SERIOUS VIRUS"
Version: Free YouTube Downloader 3.5.134
Pros
NONE UNLESS YOU WANT TO WRECK YOUR COMPUTER OR ENJOY BEING SCREWED WITH.
Cons
EVERY NEGATIVE COMMENT BEFORE AND THEN SOME.
Summary
TRIED TO STOP THE DOWNLOAD WHEN I SAW WHERE IT WAS GOING. HAD TO DISCONNECT THE ADSL LINE. RAN CCLEANER AND VIRUS SCAN. RESTART AND IT'S STILL TRYING. HAD TO PULL THE ADSL LINE AGAIN. REPEAT ALL OF THE ABOVE. MIGHT HAVE TO PAY TO GET RID OF THE CRAP THIS PROGRAM LEFT BEHIND AND I NEVER INSTALLED IT. SPENT ANOTHER 30MIN SCREWING AROUND WITH CNET REGISTRATION JUST TO LEAVE THIS COMMENT. MY TRUST IN CNET IS SHATTERED. SURE DIDN'T JOIN FOR ANY MORE TRUSTWORTHY'?RECOMMENDATIONS?"
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"Virus Infected"
Version: Free YouTube Downloader 3.5.134
Pros
None at all
Cons
Downloaded a month ago and it did not work anymore. It use to be great. Now suddenly it has taken over my search engine. It will not let you search anything that it does not want such as how to remove it. I thought the previous reviewers were novices. I usually avoid such things entirely and it was a great product a year ago. It asked if I wanted to upgrade to newest version --Terrible mistake. I am currently doing a full scan an am not sure what it will take to clean up my system.
Summary
I am only writing this as a warning. I would not believe any current good reviews. I believe they must be plants. It does nothing but infect your computer. If CNEt does not pull this soon, I assume they are worthless as well. I use to trust their downloads.
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"Great product"
Version: Free YouTube Downloader 3.5.134
Pros
Ease of use
Cons
Can't think of a thing at this time.
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"Easy to use"
Version: Free YouTube Downloader 3.5.134
Pros
Fast, none intrusive, works almost every time.
Cons
Updates come with unwanted software. Careful with that.
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"CNET can't be serious!"
Version: Free YouTube Downloader 3.5.134
Pros
none i can think of
Cons
I did not believe the reviews and downloaded the damned thing. Well, I still have my computer infected. I want to sue these guys!
Summary
It sucks. I will give a try to VideoZonk or MelodyQuest.
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"Avoid it like the plague"
Version: Free YouTube Downloader 3.5.134
Pros
None whatsoever
Cons
Infects your PC requiring hours of hard work to undo the damage done by installing it.
Summary
Why on earth C/Net risks their reputation by associating with this program is the best kept secret of the 21st century. Would have allotted zero stars if it were possible.
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"SHAME ON YOU CNET!!!"
Version: Free YouTube Downloader 3.5.134
Pros
None. This product is just a means to get malware on your computer.
Cons
I used to trust CNET but they just earned a spot on my banned list as soon as this post is finished. Despite all the above posts they continue to host products like this? My daughter downloaded this and it's full of malware. Took me days to clean it all up.
Summary
I won't use or recommend CNET anymore
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