Ghost Downloader is a free, open-source application for download management, torrenting, stream capture, and media parsing. It supports YouTube and Bilibili downloads up to 4K HDR, including subtitles and playlists, plus GitHub releases, Hugging Face models, HTTP, FTP, BitTorrent, eD2k, M3U8, and MPEG-DASH sources. Batch downloading is supported, and the listed output format is .ts. HLS and DASH live streams can be recorded in real time, then decrypted and merged after recording stops; recordings cannot be paused. A browser extension for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox can intercept downloads, detect page media, collect images, and send selected resources to the desktop app. The app offers automatic download-thread adjustment, aria2-compatible RPC, and localhost WebSocket communication from the extension. Builds are listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Requirements include Windows 10+, macOS 13+, Linux glibc 2.35+, and Android requirements listed as 10+ in documentation and 11+ in the README. Windows 7 and processors without AVX are unsupported.
Who it is for
It suits users downloading from multiple services and protocols, capturing live streams, or connecting browser activity with a desktop downloader. Torrent users and people needing playlists, subtitles, or batch downloads may also find it relevant.
What is good
- Supports YouTube and Bilibili up to 4K HDR
- Handles HTTP, FTP, torrents, and eD2k
- Downloads playlists, subtitles, and batches
- Offers Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions
- Free and open-source
What to know first
- Live recordings cannot be paused
- Listed output format is .ts
- Windows 7 is unsupported
- Processors without AVX are unsupported
Verdict
Ghost Downloader covers conventional downloads, torrents, browser capture, and live-stream recording in one free package. Confirm operating-system versions, processor support, and TS output requirements before use.
Ghost Downloader plans and pricing
All plansCompared on video downloaders
- Free plan
- Yes
- Maximum video quality
- 4k
- Supported sources
- YouTube, Bilibili, GitHub, Hugging Face, HLS, MPEG-DASH, HTTP, FTP, BitTorrent, eD2k
- Output formats
- .ts
- Playlist downloads
- Yes
- Subtitle downloads
- Yes
- Batch downloads
- Yes
- Device platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome, Edge, Firefox
