If you want to download YouTube playlists to watch offline on your PC, there are several free tools and methods you can use. The easiest options allow you to paste a playlist URL and download the entire thing with just a couple clicks. More advanced tools give you additional features like choosing video formats, downloading captions, and more.
Why Download YouTube Playlists?
There are several reasons you may want to download a YouTube playlist rather than stream it:
Watch offline – Download playlists to view during trips, commutes, or when you don’t have an internet connection.
Avoid ads – Downloaded videos let you watch without any disruptive ads.
Listen to audio – Convert playlists to MP3 to enjoy audio-only versions of videos.
Archive content – Download your favorite playlists to have copies in case videos are removed.
Save data – Streaming playlists uses more mobile data compared to playing local files.
Choosing a YouTube Playlist Downloader
Here are the main things to look for when picking a playlist downloader for PC:
User-friendly interface – The tool should be straightforward to use with clear options.
Video format choices – Ability to download HD, MP4, and other quality options.
Playlist support – Can detect and download full playlists from URLs.
Speed – Fast downloading even for long playlists.
No malware – The software should be safe and reputable with no bundled junk.
Free – Avoid paid tools since there are plenty of free options.
Top 6 Playlist Downloaders for PC
Based on the criteria above, here are the best free YouTube playlist downloaders for Windows and Mac:
1. 4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader is one of the most popular choices for downloading YouTube playlists and channels.
It can detect playlist links automatically and downloads each video in the background while you browse for more.
Videos are saved in MP4, MKV, or MP3 format.
Key features:
- Downloads entire playlists or channels
- Supports playlists with up to 5,000 videos
- Configurable video and audio quality
- Subtitle support
- Browser extension available
- Free with no ads
2. aTube Catcher
aTube Catcher is a longtime favorite thanks to its simplicity and speed. Just copy and paste any playlist URL, choose MP4 or MP3 format, and click Download. It also can convert downloaded videos to common formats.
Key features:
- Easy drag-and-drop downloading
- Built-in video conversion
- Downloads playlists and single videos
- Configurable quality and formats
- 100% free tool
3. WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe combines a YouTube downloader and video converter in one tool. It can identify playlist links automatically, and download entire playlists at up to 8x faster than realtime speed. The converter also lets you optimize videos for playback on mobile devices.
Key features:
- One-click playlist downloading
- Up to 8x faster downloading
- Built-in video converter
- Downloads captions
- Free trial available
4. Free YouTube Download
Free YouTube Download focuses solely on downloading from YouTube and similar sites. It can download full playlists or channels by entering the page URL. A browser extension is also available to grab videos directly from YouTube as you browse.
Key features:
- Specializes in fast YouTube downloading
- Simple interface
- Playlist and channel support
- Browser extension for easy grabbing
- Complete ad-free tool
5. YouTube Playlist Downloader
YouTube Playlist Downloader is a web-based application requiring no download or install.
Just enter a playlist URL and configure settings like video quality and download location. It’s easy to use but has fewer advanced options than desktop software.
Key features:
- Web app requiring no install
- Downloads whole playlists
- Lets you choose MP4 quality
- Simple interface
- Free to use with no limits
6. YTMP3
YTMP3 is ideal for downloading just the audio from YouTube videos and playlists. It can rip audio in MP3, M4A, and other formats. Playlists can be entered via URL for quick downloading. Keep in mind it only grabs audio, not video.
Key features:
- Downloads audio in MP3 and more
- Supports playlist links
- Basic options
- Completely free to use
- No video downloading
How to Use Playlist Downloaders on PC
Most Youtube playlist downloaders work in a similar straightforward way. Here are the basic steps:
- Copy the playlist URL from Youtube – This is found on the left side of the playlist page.
- Open the downloader and paste the URL.
- The tool will automatically detect it’s a playlist.
- Choose options like MP4 quality and download location.
- Click the download button to start grabbing videos.
- Downloads happen in the background even if you close the app.
- Open the download folder to play the local video files.
Some tools have additional features like proxies to avoid blocks, ID3 tagging, downloading captions, and more. Refer to each downloader’s documentation for specifics.
Downloading Single Videos Instead
The tools above focus mainly on full playlists. To download just a single video, you have other options:
Browser extensions – Add an extension to grab any video from the YouTube site.
Online converters – Websites like OnlineVideoConverter let you paste video links.
VLC Media Player – Opens YouTube videos for downloading directly in VLC.
youtube-dl – A command line program to batch download videos.
However, downloading full playlists is generally easier and faster than managing each video separately.
The key is finding a tool that makes the process fast and seamless.
For most users, 4K Video Downloader is the best overall option thanks to its automatic playlist detection, background downloading, and ability to grab both video and audio in high quality formats.
Lightweight tools like aTube Catcher and YouTube Playlist Downloader provide a simpler experience for quickly grabbing playlists through a clean interface.
And if you only need the audio from playlists, YTMP3 is ideal for easily ripping playlists to MP3 and other audio formats.
Take a few of these top playlist downloaders for a spin to see which one best fits your needs and usage.
