Open Video Downloader is a free desktop application for downloading videos, audio, subtitles, and metadata from supported websites. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and provides a graphical interface for yt-dlp to retrieve media information and start downloads. The project lists YouTube and more than 1,000 other services as supported sources. You can save complete videos or extract audio, choose resolution and frame rate, and select MP4 or MKV output. Playlist, subtitle, and batch downloads are supported, with up to 32 parallel downloads advertised. Download locations and filenames can use presets or custom templates. Browser cookie files, basic authentication, and video passwords are available for sources that require them. The app and yt-dlp update automatically, except that the Microsoft Store version does not automatically update yt-dlp and may receive updates later. Downloads are offered through GitHub Releases, Microsoft Store, Homebrew, and WinGet.
Who it is for
It suits people who want a graphical alternative to command-line downloading across Linux, macOS, or Windows. It is also useful for playlist, subtitle, audio-extraction, and batch-download tasks.
What is good
- Free desktop app
- Supports 1,000+ services
- Playlist and batch downloads
- Up to 32 parallel downloads
- MP4 and MKV output
What to know first
- Microsoft Store yt-dlp updates are not automatic
- Users must follow applicable laws and platform terms
- Older 1.x and 2.x releases lack security updates
Verdict
Open Video Downloader combines broad source support with format, playlist, subtitle, and batch options. Check the Microsoft Store update limitation and keep to supported 3.x releases for security fixes.
Open Video Downloader plans and pricing
All plansCompared on video downloaders
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported sources
- YouTube; 1000+ services
- Output formats
- MP4; MKV
- Playlist downloads
- Yes
- Subtitle downloads
- Yes
- Batch downloads
- Yes
- Device platforms
- Windows; macOS; Linux
