In this article, we shall present Chrome users with an extension that boasts a download feature. However, due to the numerous limitations imposed on the downloading capabilities of this extension, we will also recommend some more powerful downloaders that surpass the Chrome downloader extension, so please read to the end.

  What is a Chrome video downloader extension?
It’s a small add-on that detects media on webpages and lets you save it. Good for basic clips on open sites.
  • Works well for: simple MP4/WebM on public pages.
  • Often fails on: YouTube and DRM/segmented streams (stability, updates, policy limits).
  • For Firefox users: best Firefox video downloader reviews
Compliance Note
  • Use downloads for personal, non-commercial purposes only.
  • Always follow site policies and local laws.
  • Protected/DRM streams are typically unsupported by extensions.

7 Selected Chrome Downloader Extensions

Chrome extensions, those handy bits designed by folks everywhere (sometimes for free), can really spice up Google Chrome. Add a few, and suddenly you’re breezing through things that normally take forever. Honestly, it makes browsing much less of a headache.

Conversely, an excess of extensions may impede the browser’s speed. Furthermore, many plugins may lag in updates, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities, which pose a significant risk.

1. Video DownloadHelper

Video DownloadHelper may be the most renowned download plugin. It facilitates the downloading of videos from numerous websites. You can specify the desired format for saving the videos, with support for various formats such as MP4, WebM, and OGG. Additionally, it is equipped with tools for playing, managing, and sharing downloaded videos.

video downloader chrome

WHAT WE LIKE
  • Works on many sites
  • Format selection (MP4/WebM/OGG)
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
  • May miss audio or fail on protected/YouTube streams

2. Free Download Manager

For those users who not only wish to download videos but also manage their download history and quantity, we recommend the Download Manager, which is another Chrome Downloader extension. Furthermore, the Download Manager enables you to utilize commands for efficient operation, such as opening the download library page with "Ctrl + J."

video downloader chrome

WHAT WE LIKE
  • Adds download management and shortcuts
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
  • Focuses on managing tasks
  • Site compatibility varies

3. Flash Video Downloader

The Flash Video Downloader enables swift and effortless downloads of Flash and video content from the majority of webpages. By clicking on the application icon, a list of available videos from the website is displayed. A subsequent click on the list initiates the download of a single file or all files simultaneously to the hard drive. Supported popular media formats include SWF, FLV, MKV, MP4, AVI, among others.

video downloader chrome

WHAT WE LIKE
  • One-click to grab the listed media
  • Bulk download
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
  • Legacy/Flash focus
  • Limited to modern protected streams

4. Easy Video Downloader

Easy Video Downloader lets you snag videos up to 720p, not bad. It works with FLV, MP3, 3GP, and MP4, though the design feels, well, pretty ancient. Just a heads-up: it can’t do YouTube, which is kind of a letdown.

video downloader chrome

WHAT WE LIKE
  • Simple UI
  • Up to 720p
  • Multiple formats
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
  • Outdated interface
  • YouTube not supported

5. Video Downloader Pro

Video Downloader Pro is a download extension that operates without displaying any advertisements. It is compatible with formats such as FLV, MP4, AVI, ASF, MPEG, and MP3. Notably, it supports not only video files but also audio files, making it a commendable choice for those seeking to download music. If you desire a swift and secure add-on, this extension comes highly recommended.

video downloader chrome

WHAT WE LIKE
  • No ads
  • Supports video & audio saving
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
  • Site coverage and quality vary by page

6. Ant Download Manager

Ant Download Manager supports automatic, manual, and batch downloading. To enhance user convenience, this extension adds options for "Download Link," "Download Selection," and "Download All" to the browser's context menu. Ant Download Manager is free from advertisements, spyware, or malware.

However, it is exclusively available for Windows! Additionally, please note that for the extension to function properly, you must have the AntDM software installed.

video downloader chrome

WHAT WE LIKE
  • Auto/manual/batch
  • Context-menu actions
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
  • Windows-only
  • Requires companion software

7. Video Downloader Professional

Video Downloader Professional is a user-friendly extension that allows you to download videos from platforms such as Vimeo. However, its inability to remove copy protection limits the videos that can be downloaded using this addon. It supports resolutions up to 1080p, making it ideal for those seeking to download high-quality videos that are free from copyright restrictions.

video downloader chrome

WHAT WE LIKE
  • Easy to use
  • Works on Vimeo
  • Up to 1080p
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
  • Cannot bypass copy protection
  • Limited coverage

Why I Stopped Relying on Chrome Extensions for Downloading Videos

I relied on Chrome extensions for years—until recurring issues made them unreliable for daily use. Here’s what commonly happens in 2025:

  • The video wouldn't download at all.
  • Or it would download without sound—just a silent file.
  • Some extensions randomly stopped working after browser updates.
  • And anything protected by DRM? Completely inaccessible.

After browsing dozens of Reddit threads and Quora posts, I realized I wasn't alone. As this Reddit thread shows, even if some people think the extension is useful and recommend it to everyone, there are still people in the comments saying that it doesn't work.

TOP Rated Video Downloader Chrome Extensions 2025

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That’s when I knew I had to really dig in and see what actually works for YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, Reddit, and all the rest in 2025. Curiosity got the better of me, honestly.

Better Solution: StreamFab Video Downloader

Chrome downloader extensions often struggle with YouTube and protected streams, or break after updates. If you hit errors, a desktop workflow is more stable. For broader, consistent coverage, we reviewed StreamFab and found it preserves streaming videos with higher quality and batch control.

Video downloader chrome extension alternative: streamfab

Effortlessly download videos from over 1,000 websites, including YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon, and support a multitude of platforms, and boasts an intuitive interface. With its integrated browser, you can save videos to your computer with just a few clicks, eliminating the need for copying and pasting.

Key Features
  • Over 1000+ sites are covered, including YouTube, Twitter, Vimeo, etc.
  • Get ad-free downloads from any country for an unlimited period.
  • Unlimited downloads with up to 8k & EAC3 5.1 or AAC 2.0 audio track.
  • Downloading option with H.264 or H.265 codecs to save space.
  • MP4/MKV saving for flexible access to downloads on any device.
  • Exclusive schedule mode to download newly released videos at a set time automatically.
  • Get downloads with your best-suited subtitles & metadata.

Is it legal & safe to use?

Using StreamFab to download videos is safe and legal for personal use. The official version has been tested by multiple security platforms (such as VirusTotal) and confirmed to be virus-free, plugin-free, and poses no security risks to your device. 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.

How to use it correctly?

There's no need for concern; you can enjoy a complimentary 30-day trial of all features without any restrictions on download duration, formatting, or output quality, and it also offers a refund policy. 

Step 1

Download the video downloader

Install the software on your device and open the interface

how to use streamfab, the better solution to chrome download extensions: step 1

Step 2

Choose the streaming service

Select the streaming service you want to download video from, or copy and paste the video URL into the StreamFab search bar.

how to use streamfab, the better solution to chrome download extensions: step 2

Step 3

Customize the file

When you play the video, a pop-up window will ask for your video options. You can choose the video resolution, format, subtitles, etc.

how to use streamfab, the better solution to chrome download extensions: step 3

Step 4

Click the download button

After customization, you can download it right now or add it to the queue.

how to use streamfab, the better solution to chrome download extensions: step 4

StreamFab vs. Video Download Chrome Extensions

Capability StreamFab Chrome Extensions
YouTube support Yes Often unsupported
Max resolution Up to 8K Usually ≤1080p
Batch/Queue Yes Limited/varies
Companion app required Built-in Sometimes
Ad-free Yes Varies
DRM/segmented streams Alternative desktop workflow Not supported

a radar chart comparing the features of streamfab and chrome download extensions

a bar chart comparing the capabilities of streamfab and chrome download extensions

FAQs

1) Why do many Chrome extensions fail on YouTube?

Policy limits and DRM/segmented delivery often block capture; coverage varies by site.

2) Are downloader extensions legal to use?

Use for personal, non-commercial purposes. Always follow site policies and local laws.

3) Extension works, but there’s no audio. What now?

Try a desktop workflow. See common fixes in the HTML5 video not found guide.

Conclusion

We covered seven Chrome downloader extensions and a desktop alternative. If you want fewer failures, broader site support, and higher quality, consider StreamFab for a safer, more consistent workflow on popular platforms.