Download.it search icon

Use this program to get the help you need to download almost any video online

Use this program to get the help you need to download almost any video online

Vote: (370 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Downloadhelper

Version: 7.6.3.3

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac

Vote:

Program license

(370 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Downloadhelper

7.6.3.3

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac

Pros

  • Browser extension
  • Video download assistant
  • Supports many different websites

Cons

  • Some features-paywalled

Video DownloadHelper is a Firefox and Chrome extension that simplifies video downloading.

Video DownloadHelper was originally launched way back in the Windows 98 days. It’s come a long way since then, so if you’re reading about the program, be sure it applies to the modern version. This is now a browser extension that helps with downloading video files from video sites like YouTube but also from any site with video links. There’s some old criticism and praise that just doesn’t apply any longer.

The modern version of Video DownloadHelper integrates with both Chrome and Firefox. As this review is written, Firefox has just made big changes that have outmoded many Firefox extensions. The developers of Video DownloadHelper had a new version ready to go when that changeover occurred. That gives you a good sense of how active development is still all these years later.

This program for Windows supports many different websites. In fact, it has a lot of website-specific support, such as YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Dailymotion and Twitter. It also fully supports most generic sites and generally only fails when a relatively unknown site uses a proprietary mechanism.

Video DownloadHelper adds an icon to your browser, which you can easily use to access the many features and options that extension provides. Most users will only ever use a small subset of them, but if you’re an advanced user, there a lot of ways to fine-tune your experience. The program supports shortcuts. It has quick download options. It can even download entire media galleries. It plays nice with AdBlock and the like—as long as those aren’t interfering with video playback—but it can also automatically avoid capture of advertisements without there assistance.

Video DownloadHelper isn’t completely free. There’s a freeware version that can then be upgraded to the full paid version. Upgrading is optional. However, if you choose not to upgrade, there are certain limitations you’ll have to contend with. For instance, videos downloaded with the free version include a DownloadHelper QR code in the top-left corner. The paid version also gives you the option to convert into MP3, such as for extracting music files from music videos on YouTube.

Pros

  • Browser extension
  • Video download assistant
  • Supports many different websites

Cons

  • Some features-paywalled