YouTube is the biggest social media platform in the world that offers more than just videos—it also has music, audiobooks, podcasts, and other content. If you want to listen to your favorite music without ads and have access to play it anytime, even when you’re offline, you’ll need to download the audio and save it on your device. A YouTube audio downloader tool makes it easy.
We’ve created a list of the top 10 YouTube audio downloaders for Windows, based on our testing, to help you safely and quickly download YouTube audio to your computer.
Why You Need a YouTube Audio Downloader
While free online converters work for occasional downloads, a YouTube audio downloader offers far more benefits for regular users. Here’s why upgrading to a professional tool can make a difference:
- High-Quality Audio: This tool allows downloads in 320kbps or even lossless formats, giving you studio-like sound quality.
- Batch Downloads: Download entire playlists or multiple videos at once, saving time and effort.
- Speed and Stability: Desktop apps are faster and more reliable than free online tools, with fewer interruptions or ads.
- Multiple Formats: Convert YouTube videos into MP3, WAV, M4A, or other formats to match your devices and needs.
- Extra Features: Many downloaders include built-in search, editing options, and multi-platform support, making them versatile for music, podcasts, or lectures.
A YouTube audio downloader is perfect for beginners who want to download high quality audio and prefer a safer, ad-free experience. It’s an investment in convenience, reliability, and better audio enjoyment.
10 Best YouTube Audio Downloader Tools
1. 4K YouTube to MP3
4K YouTube to MP3 is one of the most reliable audio downloaders, offering crystal-clear sound up to 320kbps. It supports all playlists and channels, making it top-notch for bulk downloads. If you want to save high-quality MP3 files easily. This tool is perfect for music lovers, podcast listeners, or anyone needing professional-grade audio without hassle.
Pros:
- High-quality audio up to 320kbps
- Supports playlists and entire channels
- Lightweight and beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Free version has limited features
- No browser extension support
Also read: 5 Best YouTube Subtitle Downloaders
2. YTMP3 (Online Tool)
YTMP3 is a free online YouTube audio downloader tool designed for simplicity and ease of use. Just paste your YouTube link, click convert, and download MP3 audio without installing any software. While it doesn’t offer advanced features, its speed, compatibility with both PC and mobile browsers, and easy access make it one of the most popular free audio converter tools.
Pros:
- 100% free and easy to use
- No installation required
- Works on both PC and mobile browsers
Cons:
- Only supports MP3 format
- Too many ads on the site
3. SnapDownloader
SnapDownloader is a high-quality tool that works on both Windows and Mac computers. You can download video and audio from 900+ websites likes YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. You can save audio in multiple formats such as MP3, M4A, or WAV. This tool also has a batch download option that allows you to download multiple files at the same time. If you need an effective all-in-one YouTube audio downloader, SnapDownloader is a perfect option.
Pros:
- Works with 900+ websites beyond YouTube
- Multiple audio formats supported (MP3, M4A, WAV)
- Fast batch downloads
Cons:
- Paid tool (no completely free version)
- Requires software installation
4. YT Saver
YT Saver is a tool that allows you to download videos and audio from YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Spotify. You can save video and MP3 audio in high quality, and it also has an integrated browser that will help you easily find and access the content you want. YT Saver is perfect for those who want to enjoy music offline while also having the option to grab videos. It’s reliable, versatile, and highly efficient.
Pros:
- Built-in browser for direct downloads
- Supports multiple platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Spotify)
- Simple, clean interface
Cons:
- Free version has restrictions
- Not the fastest downloader compared to others
5. Any Video Converter (AVC)
Any Video Converter is a trusted software that does more than convert videos—it also extracts MP3 audio directly from YouTube. It supports multiple file formats and offers quick conversions with good quality. Ideal for both beginners and advanced users, AVC is lightweight yet powerful. If you’re looking for a free tool that handles both audio and video tasks, this YouTube audio downloader is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Converts both video and audio easily
- Supports many file formats
- Lightweight and free to use
Cons:
- Interface feels outdated
- Installation comes with optional extra software
6. ByClick Downloader
ByClick Downloader simplifies the process of saving YouTube audio with its one-click feature. It automatically detects video links when you copy them, making downloads effortless. You can save all playlists, choose formats, and even high quality audio. Designed for speed and ease of use, ByClick is ideal for users who frequently download music or podcasts. It’s a fast, reliable, and efficient YouTube audio downloader for daily use.
Pros:
- One-click automatic download detection
- Supports playlists and HD audio
- User-friendly for frequent use
Cons:
- Premium features require purchase
- Windows-only, no Mac version
7. Y2Mate (Online Tool)
Y2Mate is a popular browser-based tool for downloading YouTube audio in different quality levels. It works smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices, offering free and unlimited conversions. You don’t need to install any software—just paste the URL and convert instantly. Its wide availability, simplicity, and compatibility make it one of the best free YouTube audio downloaders for users who want convenience and quick access to MP3s.
Pros:
- Unlimited free downloads
- Works on all browsers and devices
- No software installation needed
Cons:
- Heavy ad placement
- Limited audio format choices
8. Freemake YouTube to MP3 Boom
Freemake YouTube to MP3 Boom allows users to search and download audio files without opening YouTube separately. It’s a lightweight app with a clean interface, offering fast MP3 conversions. You can save individual songs or playlists effortlessly, making it best for creating custom offline track collections that make Freemake is an amazing choice for music lovers seeking a smooth downloading experience.
Pros:
- Built-in search for YouTube music
- Allows playlist downloads
- Fast MP3 conversion with good quality
Cons:
- Free version has a watermark/limitations
- Windows-only, no Mac support
Also read: 6 Best TikTok Audio Downloader: Save TikTok Audio in Seconds
9. VidMate (Android App)
VidMate is a popular Android app for downloading YouTube audio on your phone. It supports multiple formats, including audio, video, and also supports platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This is a user-friendly app, and great for offline listening on mobile devices. If you prefer using your smartphone as your main music player, VidMate is one of the most convenient YouTube audio downloaders available today.
Pros:
- Mobile-friendly with multi-platform support
- Download audio directly to smartphone
- Lightweight and fast
Cons:
- Not available on Google Play Store (manual APK install needed)
- Contains ads inside the app
10. MP3Studio
MP3Studio is a flexible cross-platform YouTube audio downloader for Windows, Mac, and Android. It offers easy conversions and supports high-quality MP3 files up to 320kbps. The tool allows batch downloads and multiple formats. With its modern design and straightforward controls, MP3Studio is a reliable solution for anyone who wants to build an offline collection of YouTube audio.
Pros:
- Works on Windows, Mac, and Android
- High-quality audio (up to 320kbps)
- Supports batch downloads
Cons:
- Paid software after a free trial
- Doesn’t support Linux
Final word
Finding the best YouTube audio downloader doesn’t have to be complicated. Each tool we’ve explored has its own personal strengths. Some are first-class options, one-time downloads, while others shine in case you want first-rate audio, batch downloads, or full playlists.
If you want fast and free online tools like YTMP3 or Y2Mate, get the audio without any installations. But if you want more features and higher quality audio, apps like 4K YouTube to MP3, SnapDownloader, or MP3Studio are the best.
FAQs about YouTube Audio Downloader
What is a YouTube audio downloader?
A YouTube audio downloader is a tool that lets you extract and save audio from YouTube videos in formats like MP3 or WAV for offline listening.
What is the best free YouTube audio downloader?
YTMP3 and Y2Mate are the easiest free tools, while 4K YouTube to MP3 is the best free software option.
Can I use a YouTube audio downloader on mobile?
Yes, apps like VidMate or browser-based tools work directly on smartphones.
Which downloader gives the best quality?
4K YouTube to MP3 and MP3Studio both allow 320kbps high-quality downloads.
Which formats can I download audio in?
Most YouTube audio downloaders support MP3, WAV, AAC, and sometimes FLAC formats, allowing high-quality playback on any device.
Can I download playlists as audio files?
Some downloaders support entire playlists, allowing you to extract audio from multiple videos at once.
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