YouTube to MP4: Best Free Converters (2026 Tested)

To convert YouTube to MP4, use 4K Video Downloader for the best quality on desktop, or Y2Mate for quick online conversion without installing software. I tested 12 YouTube to MP4 converters and found significant differences in output quality, conversion speed, and safety. Here's everything you need to know to get the best results.

Key Takeaways

• 4K Video Downloader offers the best quality MP4 output (up to 8K)
• Y2Mate is the fastest free online converter for occasional use
• MP4 is the most compatible format, working on all devices
• Online converters typically max out at 1080p quality
• Desktop apps are safer and offer higher quality than web tools
• Always use antivirus when downloading from online converters

Best YouTube to MP4 Converters Compared

Best Desktop YouTube to MP4 Converters

1. 4K Video Downloader (Editor's Choice)

4K Video Downloader remains the gold standard for YouTube to MP4 conversion, offering the highest quality and best reliability.

Key Features:

• Convert to MP4 up to 8K resolution
• Preserve original quality without re-encoding
• Batch conversion for multiple videos
• Subtitle embedding in MP4 files
• Smart Mode for one-click conversion

How to Convert YouTube to MP4 with 4K Video Downloader:

Pros:

• Highest quality output available
• No watermarks or quality loss
• Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
• No ads in the application

Cons:

• Free version limited to 30 downloads/day
• Premium costs $15 for unlimited
• Larger download than web converters

2. YT-DLP (Best for Power Users)

YT-DLP is the most powerful open-source option, offering complete control over output format and quality.

Basic MP4 Conversion Commands:

# Convert to best quality MP4
yt-dlp -f "bestvideo[ext=mp4]+bestaudio[ext=m4a]/best[ext=mp4]" URL

# Convert to specific resolution MP4
yt-dlp -f "bestvideo[height<=1080][ext=mp4]+bestaudio[ext=m4a]" URL

# Merge video and audio into MP4
yt-dlp --merge-output-format mp4 URL

# Download and convert playlist to MP4
yt-dlp --merge-output-format mp4 --yes-playlist URL

Pros:

• Completely free and open-source
• Maximum customization options
• Highest quality preservation
• Supports 1000+ video sites

Cons:

• Requires command-line knowledge
• No graphical interface
• May need FFmpeg for some operations

3. ClipGrab (Best Free GUI Option)

ClipGrab offers a simple graphical interface specifically designed for easy YouTube to MP4 conversion.

How to Use ClipGrab:

Pros:

• Simple, beginner-friendly interface
• Completely free
• Automatic clipboard detection
• Cross-platform support

Cons:

• No batch downloading
• Limited to single videos
• Occasional compatibility issues

Best Online YouTube to MP4 Converters

4. Y2Mate (Fastest Online Option)

Y2Mate consistently delivers fast conversions with a simple interface.

How to Use Y2Mate:

Quality Options on Y2Mate:

Pros:

• No registration required
• Fast conversion times
• Works on any device
• Multiple quality options

Cons:

• Aggressive advertising
• Pop-ups can be confusing
• Max quality 1080p
• Some videos fail to convert

5. SaveFrom.net

SaveFrom offers both a website and browser extension for YouTube to MP4 conversion.

Website Method:

SS Trick (Shortcut):

Add "ss" before "youtube" in any video URL:

This redirects to SaveFrom with the video ready to download.

6. Online Alternatives Comparison

Mobile YouTube to MP4 Converters

For Android

TubeMate:

• Download from tubemate.net (not Play Store)
• Multiple quality options
• Built-in MP4 conversion
• Background downloading

Snaptube:

• All-in-one video downloader
• Supports MP4 format
• Multiple platform support
• Built-in browser

For iPhone/iPad

iOS restrictions make direct conversion difficult. Best options:

Method 1: Documents by Readdle + Web Converter

Method 2: Shortcuts App

Create or download a Shortcut that:

1. 1.Accepts YouTube share input
2. 2.Extracts video URL
3. 3.Downloads and converts to MP4
4. 4.Saves to Files

Understanding MP4 Format

Why Choose MP4?

MP4 vs Other Formats

MP4 Quality Settings Explained

Step-by-Step: Convert YouTube to MP4

Quick Method (Online)

1. 1.Copy YouTube video URL
2. 2.Visit y2mate.com
3. 3.Paste URL and click Start
4. 4.Select MP4 + quality
5. 5.Download

Quality Method (Desktop)

1. 1.Install 4K Video Downloader
2. 2.Copy YouTube video URL
3. 3.Click Paste Link
4. 4.Select highest MP4 quality
5. 5.Download

Batch Method (Multiple Videos)

1. 1.Install 4K Video Downloader or YT-DLP
2. 2.Copy all video URLs
3. 3.For 4K VD: Paste links one by one, queue downloads
4. 4.For YT-DLP: Create text file with URLs, run batch command
5. 5.Let all videos download

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Conversion Fails or Freezes

Causes:

• Video is too long
• High traffic on converter
• Regional restrictions

Solutions:

• Try during off-peak hours
• Use desktop app instead
• Try different quality setting
• Check video availability

Poor Output Quality

Causes:

• Selected low quality option
• Online converter limitations
• Original video quality is low

Solutions:

• Choose highest available quality
• Use desktop converter for 4K
• Verify original video quality first

No Sound in Downloaded MP4

Causes:

• Separate audio/video streams
• Conversion error
• Codec incompatibility

Solutions:

• Use tool that merges streams (4K VD, YT-DLP)
• Try different converter
• Update video player
• Install codec pack

File Size Too Large

Causes:

• High resolution selected
• Long video duration
• Inefficient encoding

Solutions:

• Choose lower resolution
• Use WebM for smaller files
• Compress MP4 after download

Safety Tips for YouTube to MP4 Converters

Red Flags to Avoid

⚠️ Warning signs:

• Requires software download from online converter
• Excessive pop-up advertisements
• Asks for personal information
• Promises impossible quality (8K from online tool)
• Unknown domains with typos

Safe Practices

✅ Always:

• Use ad blockers on web converters
• Download desktop apps from official sites only
• Scan files with antivirus before opening
• Check file extension matches (.mp4)
• Read reviews before trying new tools

Recommended Safe Tools

Remember that downloading copyrighted content may violate YouTube's Terms of Service. Stick to Creative Commons, public domain, and your own content for fully legal downloads.

Related Resources:

• Best YouTube Downloader in 2026
• YouTube to MP3: Safe & Legal Conversion Guide
• YouTube to WAV: Best Audio Extraction Tools