7 Top Rated Video Download Extensions for Chrome 2025
Summary: What's the best video download Chrome extension so far? In this article, I present a list of the best video download Chrome extensions this year, with my own experiences and ratings.
- Is it legal & safe to use video download extensions for Chrome?
- Start browsing the top 7 Chrome download extensions one by one
- Top 3 for me: StreamFab for Browser/Video DownloadHelper/IDM
- Overall comparion of these Chrome video download extensions
- A better solution with higher stability & wider site coverage
- More FAQs
Those small add-on that detects media on webpages and lets you save it can be called video download extensions. If you had once thought of making basic video clips or just wanna share a video with your friends, you may have tried a few of the famous ones. In this guide, I collected the 7 most popular and maybe the most powerful video downloader extensions for Chrome.
Read Before Act: Legality & Safety Tips
The legality relies on whether you use the downloads for personal, non-commercial purposes only. If you want to make clips or do anything related to distribution, please ask for permission from the original author first. In the end, always follow site policies and local laws. In addition, due to technical limitations, they cannot be adapted to any encryption mechanism.
Besides, for your browser, privacy, and device safety, remember to scan everything you are about to install on your device. The video downloader Chrome extensions in this guide are all scanned on Virustotal by me in person. Those cracked versions or some extensions with a similar name but from unknown sources are barely trustworthy.
Top 7 Video Downloader Chrome Extensions in 2025
To make this guide more useful than a simple feature list, I actually installed and tested each Chrome video downloader extension in a fairly typical home setup. Not gonna lie, my laptop is visually exhausted and will burn the next second while I'm testing the quality of the download videos, especially when the 8K ones(occupied 25% memory for VLC playbacks).
- Windows 11 laptop with Intel Core i7 CPU and 16 GB RAM
- Latest stable version of Google Chrome, no experimental flags enabled
- 200 Mbps home Wi-Fi with low latency
- No VPNs or proxy extensions used
Note: Quality and site support always depend on how each website delivers its streams and on Chrome’s current extension policies.
Since StreamFab for Browser and IDM are the only two Chrome extensions in the list capable of downloading YouTube videos, their download quality is demonstrated using an 8K YouTube video, while the other extensions are compared by downloading a 4K quality video from Vimeo. Although the screenshot of the downloaded video is compressed, you can still see the original status via the MediaInfo screenshot instead.
1. StreamFab for Browser
StreamFab for Browser is the Chrome (and Edge) extension from the StreamFab ecosystem. Instead of trying to do everything inside the plugin, it works together with a small desktop component (“CoApp”) to handle the actual video processing in the background.
Lightweight and secure method to detect and download videos from YouTube and other 1000+ sites directly from your web browser, without video and audio quality loss.
Since the extensions share a very similar workflow, I will just show you how to use a video download extension on Chrome for once, right here.
- Integrates with the StreamFab engine, so it’s more stable for long or adaptive streams (HLS, HTML5 players).
- Detects multiple videos on the page and lets you pick what to save.
- Interface is cleaner than many third-party plugins stuffed with ads.
- Up to 8K UHD with HDR quality output
- Supports common and 360° VR YouTube video downloads
- Requires installing an extra desktop component, which may feel heavier than “pure” extensions.
If you often download from the same several streaming sites and don’t mind installing a helper app, StreamFab for Browser is the most “guided” option in this list.
2. Internet Download Manager (IDM)
Internet Download Manager (IDM) is primarily a Windows desktop application, but it integrates tightly with Chrome via the IDM Integration Module. Once configured, IDM can intercept many video streams and offer to download them directly through the desktop client.
In my tests, it behaved more like a global download accelerator than a focused “video grabber”, but that can be a plus if you already use IDM for everyday files.
- Accelerated downloads and reliable resumes for large files.
- Automatically pops up when it detects downloadable media or files.
- Good for users who already purchased IDM and want “one tool for everything”.
- Windows-only; macOS and Linux users have to look elsewhere.
- Needs the full desktop app; the “extension-only” entries in the Chrome Web Store are often unofficial or fake.
- Detection of streaming video is hit-or-miss on complex MPD/HLS players.
- Too many annoying pop-ups during the trial period.
The download quality of StreamFab for Browser and IDM is astonishingly consistent, both being 8K HDR with equally high bitrates. The only difference is that IDM's metadata retention is not as complete as that of StreamFab for Browser.
IDM makes sense if you’re already in its ecosystem and want to extend it to videos, but it’s overkill if you only need an occasional Chrome video downloader.
3. Video DownloadHelper
- *Since this extension, all subsequent extensions tested do not support downloading YouTube videos, so they were tested using 4K videos from Vimeo.
Video DownloadHelper is one of the most recognizable names in the browser-downloader world, especially on Firefox, and it also offers a Chrome version. It can detect and combine segmented streams, convert formats, and handle a variety of sites that simpler plugins can’t.
- Very flexible: supports many video formats and delivery methods (MP4, WebM, some HLS, etc.).
- Can merge separate audio/video tracks in some cases, reducing “silent video” failures.
- Long-standing community reputation and frequent updates.
- The interface can feel complex for new users compared with one-click downloaders.
- HLS or MPD downloads are time-limited and can only be performed once per 2 hours.
- Still cannot “magically” bypass YouTube’s restrictions and Chrome policies; coverage is good but not perfect.
The download speed of this thing is unusually slow, and it even got interrupted twice. It doesn’t seem like a problem with my network. For tech-savvy users who don’t mind a bit of learning, Video DownloadHelper is a powerful toolbox rather than a simple “Download” button.
4. Video Downloader Professional
Video Downloader Professional focuses on quick, straightforward downloads from sites like Vimeo and many HTML5 players. Most people use it for grabbing tutorial clips, marketing videos, or social media content that’s not heavily protected.
- Clean, minimalist UI; you click the icon and see a list of detected videos.
- Can save up to 1080p where the source allows it.
- Good choice for users who just want a simple, free extension for common content.
- Cannot be used for YouTube downloads anymore.
- Site compatibility varies; some platforms change their player code frequently.
- No advanced features like scheduled downloads or heavy batch management.
If your main goal is to grab open web videos in decent quality, Video Downloader Professional is easy to start with.
5. Video Downloader Plus
Video Downloader Plus is a very popular Chrome extension designed to detect and download videos from social networks and general video sites (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and more). It supports many formats, MP4, MOV, FLV, AVI, WEBM, ASF, MPG, and in some cases offers 2K or even 4K options.
- Easy-peasy, one-click workflow that suits casual users.
- Support multiple resolution options up to 4K UHD.
- Developers actually keep it updated, squashing bugs with every Chrome tweak.
- No YouTube downloads, ruined by the policy restrictions.
- Some users report that certain sites stop working temporarily after Chrome updates, until the next patch arrives.
- No built-in way to organise large download libraries.
For everyday social and news clips, Video Downloader Plus is convenient, but don’t rely on it for everything.
6. CocoCut
CocoCut is a dedicated video downloader extension available for Chrome and Edge. It’s positioned as a “top-rated” option for saving both music and video from a variety of websites, and the developer emphasizes privacy and non-sale of user data.
- Works across multiple Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, and others).
- Simple enough for non-technical users: click the icon, choose your video, and download.
- Supports common formats and can handle many HTML5 and HLS streams.
- Like all browser extensions, it struggles with premium streaming content.
- Occasional incompatibility when sites redesign their players.
- No advanced queueing or sophisticated file-naming rules.
If you mostly download open-access clips and like having the same extension on both Chrome and Edge, CocoCut is a solid pick.
7. FetchV Video Download Extension
FetchV is a dedicated browser extension for downloading HLS and m3u8 streaming videos and live streams. It works on Chrome, Edge and other Chromium-based browsers, and is designed as a general web video downloader rather than a site-specific grabber. It can capture HLS streams, merge the segments into a single MP4 file, and also handle regular MP4/WEBM videos directly inside the browser.
- Specializes in HLS/m3u8 streams and live video, which many simple extensions struggle with.
- Recording mode can save videos even when the direct media URL is hidden behind a blob-based player.
- Only supports standard, unencrypted videos; it doesn’t work on encrypted content, and success is not guaranteed on every site.
- The interface and advanced options (record mode, stream selection) can feel a bit technical for absolute beginners compared with one-click downloaders.
- As with any powerful video downloader, you should still review permissions and reputation carefully, and install it with extra caution.
FetchV is a strong choice if you regularly deal with HLS/m3u8 streams, live broadcasts, or blob-based players and don’t mind a slightly more advanced workflow. If you only occasionally save simple MP4 clips from open sites, one of the lighter one-click extensions in this list may still feel more convenient.
Overall Comparison of Video Downloader Chrome Extensions
- Ease of use
- Site compatibility
- Stability & maintenance
- Safety & cleanliness
| Extension | Version | Overall (10) | Suit for |
|---|---|---|---|
|
StreamFab for Browser |
1.0.0.2 |
8.8 / 10 |
Heavy streaming media users, used together with desktop clients |
|
Internet Download Manager |
6.42.50 |
7.6 / 10 |
Existing IDM veteran users |
|
Video DownloadHelper |
10.0.251.2 |
8.0 / 10 |
Advanced users willing to tinker |
|
Video Downloader Professional |
2.1.6 |
7.6 / 10 |
Entry-level users who only download from open sites |
|
Video Downloader Plus |
3.0.2 |
7.8 / 10 |
Mainly social media & news short videos |
|
CocoCut |
3.54 |
7.5 / 10 |
Want to install a set on both Chrome/Edge |
|
FetchV Video Download Extension |
2.6.5 |
7.6 / 10 |
Users who often deal with HLS/m3u8 & live streams |
A Better Solution: StreamFab Video Downloader
I have to say, I relied on Chrome extensions for years, until recurring issues made them unreliable for daily use. Sometimes the video wouldn't be downloaded at all, or it would be downloaded without sound, just a silent file. Some extensions randomly stopped working after browser updates. Even if most people like me admit that the video download Chrome extensions are useful, there are still occasional non-working issues happening every day.
At this time, a desktop workflow is more stable for most time. For broader, consistent coverage, I reviewed StreamFab desktop version after trying StreamFab for Browser, and found it preserves streaming videos with higher quality and batch control.
- Over 1000+ sites & 50+ OTTs are covered, such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, etc.
- Get ad-free downloads from any country for an unlimited period.
- Up to 8K UHD resolution & EAC3 5.1 or AAC 2.0 audio track.
- Downloading option with H.264 or H.265 codecs to save space.
- MP4/MKV output for playbacks on major devices.
- Supports schedule mode to download newly released videos at a set time automatically.
- Get downloads with best-suited subtitles & metadata.
It's not malware since I scanned it in Virustotal. However, it's important to note that this software is for personal use only. Downloaded content may not be used for commercial purposes, public dissemination, or copyright-infringing video resources.
Select the streaming service you want to download video from, or copy and paste the video URL into the StreamFab search bar.
When you play the video, a pop-up window will ask for your video options. You can choose the video resolution, format, subtitles, etc.
After customization, you can download it right now or add it to the queue.
FAQs
Policy limits and protected/segmented delivery often block capture; coverage varies by site. If you really want the YouTube download function, StreamFab for browser and IDM are your choices.
Yes. You can use them for personal, non-commercial purposes. But remember to always follow site policies and local laws.
Try a desktop workflow like StreamFab Video Downloader instead. The desktop software usually has better stability and compatibility. If you wanna stick with the extensions, see common fixes in the HTML5 video not found guide.
If you’re just after the occasional short clip, then a Chrome extension probably works fine. But, if you’re grabbing full movies, TV shows, or whole courses and want your subtitles and soundtracks to actually match up, use a desktop app like StreamFab.
Conclusion
Chrome video downloader extensions are great for quick, lightweight tasks. Among the seven tools in this guide, Video Downloader Professional / Video Downloader Plus work best for simple open-web clips, Cat-catch and Video DownloadHelper suit more technical users, and StreamFab for Browser is the most “guided” option if you’re already using the StreamFab ecosystem.
Just keep in mind the built-in limits: browser plugins cannot reliably handle streams always, and may break when sites or Chrome update. My practical rule is simple: use a Chrome extension for casual social/news clips, and switch to a desktop downloader like StreamFab whenever you care about success rate, stable quality, and long-term backups.
