Safe YouTube Downloaders Without Virus (Verified Tools)

The safest YouTube downloaders are 4K Video Downloader (desktop) and YT-DLP (open-source). I tested over 20 YouTube downloaders with multiple antivirus tools, including VirusTotal, Malwarebytes, and Windows Defender. Here's which tools passed all security tests and which ones you should avoid.

Key Takeaways

• 4K Video Downloader and YT-DLP are the safest options tested
• Open-source tools are generally safer than closed-source alternatives
• Online converters pose the highest malware risk through advertising
• Always download desktop apps from official websites only
• Use VirusTotal to scan any file before opening
• Ad blockers are essential when using online tools

Safety Test Methodology

How We Tested

We evaluated each tool using:

Safety Rating Scale

Safest YouTube Downloaders (Verified Clean)

Desktop Applications

Online Tools (With Ad Blocker)

#1 Safest: 4K Video Downloader

4K Video Downloader consistently scores perfectly in all security tests.

Security Features

• No bundled software: Installer is clean
• No ads: Application has no advertising
• No tracking: Doesn't collect unnecessary data
• Regular updates: Security patches applied promptly
• Verified publisher: Digitally signed by 4K Download s.r.o.

Installation Safety Check

What to verify:

1. 1.Download from 4kdownload.com ONLY
2. 2.Check digital signature before installing
3. 3.Installer should be ~150 MB (not tiny)
4. 4.No "optional offers" during installation

VirusTotal Results

File: 4kvideodownloadersetup.exe
Size: 153 MB
Detections: 0/70
Conclusion: CLEAN

#2 Safest: YT-DLP (Open Source)

YT-DLP is open-source, meaning its code is publicly auditable for security.

Why Open Source Is Safer

• Public code review: Community checks for malware
• Transparent development: All changes are visible
• No hidden functionality: What you see is what you get
• Active security community: Issues reported quickly

Safe Installation Methods

Windows (Recommended):

# Using winget (built into Windows)
winget install yt-dlp

Mac:

brew install yt-dlp

Linux:

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install yt-dlp

# Or using pip
pip install yt-dlp

Avoiding Fake YT-DLP Downloads

⚠️ Only download from:

• Official GitHub: github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp
• Package managers (winget, brew, apt)
• PyPI (pip install)

❌ Never download from:

• Random websites claiming to host yt-dlp
• Sites offering "GUI version" (use official forks)
• Any site requiring email/payment

#3 Safe: ClipGrab

ClipGrab is a free, open-source alternative with a clean safety record.

Security Assessment

Safe Download

Official site: clipgrab.org

Verify authenticity:

• Site has HTTPS
• Installer is ~80 MB
• No redirects to other downloads

Tools to Use With Caution

These tools work but require precautions.

Y2Mate

Risks:

• Heavy advertising (malvertising risk)
• Multiple fake download buttons
• Pop-ups and redirects

How to use safely:

1. 1.Install uBlock Origin first
2. 2.Enable pop-up blocker
3. 3.Never click any green "Download" button except the final MP4/MP3 link
4. 4.Verify file extension before opening

SaveFrom.net

Risks:

• Aggressive advertising
• Browser extension requests permissions
• Redirects to other sites

How to use safely:

1. 1.Use website only, skip browser extension
2. 2.Enable ad blocker
3. 3.Don't install any "helper" software

Tools to Avoid (Malware Detected)

Our testing identified several dangerous tools:

Red Flag Tools

Warning Signs of Dangerous Downloaders

❌ Immediate red flags:

• Requires installing additional software
• Multiple "Download" buttons on page
• Asks for personal information
• Has typos in the URL
• Pop-up says you need to update Flash/Java
• File size is tiny (<1 MB for installer)
• Website has no HTTPS

How to Verify Any Downloader Is Safe

Step 1: Check VirusTotal Before Installing

For downloaded files:

1. 1.Go to virustotal.com
2. 2.Upload the installer file
3. 3.Wait for scan (70+ antivirus engines)
4. 4.0-2 detections: Generally safe
5. 5.3+ detections: Investigate further

For URLs:

1. 1.Go to virustotal.com
2. 2.Enter the website URL
3. 3.Check for malicious flags
4. 4.Review community comments

Step 2: Verify Digital Signatures (Windows)

Step 3: Run in Sandbox First

Windows Sandbox (Windows 10/11 Pro):

1. 1.Enable Windows Sandbox in Windows Features
2. 2.Open Sandbox
3. 3.Copy and run installer inside
4. 4.Check for suspicious behavior
5. 5.If clean, install on real system

Step 4: Monitor Network Activity

Use Task Manager or Wireshark to verify the app:

• Only connects to YouTube
• Doesn't send data to unknown servers
• No suspicious background processes

Protecting Yourself Online

Essential Browser Protection

Safe Downloading Practices

Before downloading:

During download:

After downloading:

Platform-Specific Safe Options

Windows (Safest Options)

1. 1.4K Video Downloader - Official download
2. 2.YT-DLP via winget - Package manager install
3. 3.VLC - Official download (can download YouTube)

Mac (Safest Options)

1. 1.4K Video Downloader - Official download
2. 2.YT-DLP via Homebrew - Package manager install
3. 3.ClipGrab - Official download

Linux (Safest Options)

1. 1.YT-DLP via package manager - apt/dnf install
2. 2.ClipGrab - AppImage from official site
3. 3.Tartube - Flatpak from Flathub

Android (Safest Options)

1. 1.NewPipe - F-Droid only
2. 2.Seal - F-Droid only
3. 3.YTDLnis - GitHub releases

Online (Safest Options)

1. 1.Cobalt (cobalt.tools) - No ads, open source
2. 2.Y2Mate - Only with strong ad blocker

Common Malware Types from Bad Downloaders

Browser Hijackers

• Homepage changed
• Unknown search engine
• New toolbars appear

Adware

Signs:

• Pop-ups on desktop
• Ads in unexpected places
• Slow computer performance

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)

Signs:

• Unknown programs in Start menu
• System optimizers you didn't install
• "Free" antivirus you didn't want

Crypto Miners

Signs:

• High CPU usage
• Fan running constantly
• Slow performance

1. 1.4K Video Downloader - Best GUI option, zero virus detections
2. 2.YT-DLP - Open-source, community-audited, zero detections
3. 3.Cobalt - Safest online option with no ads

For online tools, always use an ad blocker and be extremely careful about what you click. When in doubt, scan with VirusTotal before opening any file.

Remember: if a YouTube downloader asks you to install additional software, disable your antivirus, or download a "special plugin," it's almost certainly malware. Stick to the verified tools listed here, and you'll stay safe.

Related Resources:

• Best YouTube Downloader in 2026
• Best YouTube Downloaders Recommended by Reddit
• How to Download YouTube Videos