10 Best Downie Alternative Apps to Download Videos on Mac

Key Takeaways:

• Downie works well for basic video grabs on Mac, but its Mac-only setup and occasional glitches push many users toward options that handle more sites or run smoother.
• Among 10 solid alternatives, SurFast Video Downloader leads with broad site support and 8K pulls, while free picks like ClipGrab suit budget setups.
• Focus on tools with batch support and format tweaks to match your needs, and always check for recent updates to avoid site blocks.

Downie is a straightforward app for pulling videos from over 1200 sites like YouTube and Vimeo right onto your Mac. You paste a link, pick a quality, and it handles the rest with a clean interface that feels native to macOS. It’s been around for years and gets praise for speed on single clips. That said, plenty of folks run into snags that make them look elsewhere. For one, it’s locked to Mac, so if you switch to a PC or need mobile sync, you’re out of luck. Users often gripe about random crashes during long batches or how it struggles with newer site changes, like YouTube tweaks that break links for hours. Then there’s the one-time $20 fee, which stings if you hit those limits early. Feedback on forums points to these headaches, with some calling it “reliable until it’s not.” If you’re after more flexibility or fewer hiccups, exploring alternatives can save time and frustration.

10 Mac-Friendly Video Downloader Alternatives to Downie

Here are 10 reliable options that run on Mac, each with a quick look at what it does, standout functions, and the upsides alongside rough spots.

1. SurFast Video Downloader

Platform: Mac, Windows.

SurFast Video Downloader is a desktop powerhouse built for grabbing media from across the web, whether you’re archiving playlists for offline viewing or pulling audio tracks for podcasts. It goes beyond simple downloads by layering in conversion and management tools that keep your library organized, all from a single window that feels polished yet approachable for everyday use.

Key features:

• It supports pulling videos up to 8K from over 1000 sites like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Twitch, SoundCloud, and even protected spots like Teams shares.
• Batch mode lets you queue up to 50 links or entire channels at once, with scheduling to snag new uploads automatically.
• You can extract audio to MP3, WAV, M4A, and more from online clips, grab subtitles and thumbnails as separate downloads, and use the in-app browser to access private content without jumping tabs.
• Built-in conversion handles MP4, WebM, MKV, or AVI outputs with quality presets, and a finished tab for quick previews and folder navigation right inside the app.

Pros:

• The lifetime license includes all future updates
• Strong on protected videos and live streams
• Versatile for creators with batch audio extraction

Cons:

• Occasional playlist parsing delays
• The interface can feel cluttered during heavy queues
• Paid plans start steeper than free rivals

2. 4K Video Downloader

Platform: Mac, Windows, Linux, Android.

One of the most trusted names in the game, 4K Video Downloader (now in its Plus version) has been the go-to for millions who want rock-solid, high-quality downloads without ads or bloat. It keeps the interface minimal while quietly handling everything from casual clips to entire channels and 3D/360 content.

Key features:

• Downloads in up to 8K from YouTube, Vimeo, TikTok, Facebook, and dozens more; grabs full playlists, channels, subtitles, and thumbnails with one click.
• Smart Mode applies your favorite settings to every new link and in-app proxy support bypasses blocks.

• you can extract audio straight to MP3, M4A, or OGG.
• It also pulls 360-degree and 3D videos, supports private YouTube content when you log in, and runs quiet background queues without slowing your Mac.
• The Plus version adds unlimited playlist/channel downloads, no ads, and priority updates.

Pros:

• Extremely stable
• Lightning-fast on high-res
• Cross-platform support
• Generous free tier
• Regular updates keep it working

Cons:

• Free version limits channel/playlist downloads after a daily quota
• No built-in trimming or editing

3. ClipGrab

Platform: Mac, Windows, Linux.

ClipGrab keeps things dead simple for newcomers dipping into video saving, focusing on clipboard magic to turn a quick copy-paste into a local file without overwhelming options. It’s the go-to for light users who just need the essentials without setup hassles.

Key features:

• Automatic clipboard scanning grabs links from YouTube, Vimeo, or Dailymotion as you browse, letting you choose resolutions from 144p up to 1080p on the fly.
• It converts during download to MP4, MPEG4, or MP3, with a built-in search to pull videos directly by keyword.
• Metadata like titles and tags get embedded for easy library sorting, and you can pause or retry failed grabs, though it shines most on smaller sets rather than marathons.

Pros:

• Completely free with no upsells
• Sips system resources
• Conversions are ready right away

Cons:

• Lags on large batches
• Random Mac freezes crop up
• Misses out on deeper site integrations

4. Motrix

Platform: Mac, Windows, Linux.

Motrix treats video downloads like any file transfer, blending torrent smarts with stream pulls for users who juggle multiple sources in one manager. Its open-source appeal draws in tinkerers who like customizing their flow.

Key features:

• Multi-threaded downloads carve files into up to 64 segments for faster speeds, supporting HTTP, magnet links, or direct video URLs.
• It runs 10 tasks in parallel with Touch Bar shortcuts on Mac, and browser extensions auto-feed links into the queue.
• Pause and resume work seamlessly across reboots, with bandwidth caps to keep your connection smooth, and basic format detection for quick MP4 saves without extra steps.

Pros:

• Free and tweakable via code
• Excels at running jobs side by side
• Stripped down without junk

Cons:

• Lacks video previews in-app
• Progress bars sometimes glitch on partial files

5. VideoDuke

Platform: Mac.

VideoDuke mimics a mini-browser dedicated to downloads, so you can scout sites and save content in a fluid loop, perfect for explorers who browse as they build collections.

Key features:

• Full embedded browser navigates 1000+ sites to fetch up to 8K videos, handling playlists or channels with one-click exports.
• It pulls audio, subtitles, or metadata separately, and an advanced stream selector lets you pick exact qualities or mirrors.
• Queue tools mix formats like MP4, MKV, or MOV, with folder organization and speed limits to fit your network, plus auto-updates for site tweaks.

Pros:

• Huge site reach with easy in-app hunting
• Subtitle pulls are spot-on, feels integrated

Cons:

• Free trial caps at two downloads
• Curve for absolute beginners

6. Folx

Platform: Mac.

Folx started as a torrent app but expanded to video grabs, offering Mac-tuned organization for users who tag and schedule their hauls like a pro library.

Key features:

• File splitting into 20 threads ramps up speeds on videos or links, with tags that feed into Spotlight for instant searches; schedule downloads for quiet hours, and browser integration snags URLs automatically.
• It manages magnets, proxies for safe pulls, and basic conversions, with progress tracking across sessions and pause points for interruptions.

Pros:

• Deep Mac ties with smart search
• Free basics include threading
• Clean for organizers

Cons:

• Pro bump for top speeds
• Can hang on oversized batches

7. JDownloader

Platform: Mac, Windows, Linux.

JDownloader is the bulk beast for scraping and automating, ideal for power users who want to vacuum up media from pages without manual clicks.

Key features:

• Site crawlers uncover embedded videos, grouping them for bulk pauses or resumes.
• It cracks CAPTCHAs automatically, caps bandwidth per task, and unpacks archives after landing.
• Premium account hooks speed up hosts, with plugin support for custom scripts and link filters to skip duds.

Pros:

• Zero cost
• Crushes huge loads
• Community keeps it fresh

Cons:

• Java roots mean high memory use
• Initial config demands patience

8. YT Saver

Platform: Mac, Windows.

YT Saver (formerly YTD Video Downloader) got a complete overhaul in recent years and is now one of the most actively developed Mac downloaders, focusing on ultra-fast batch downloads and high-resolution support. It’s especially loved by YouTube power users and collectors who want 4K/8K content with minimal fuss.

Key features:

• Supports 8K, 4K, and 1080p from over 10,000 sites, including YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Twitter, and more.
• Batch download up to 999 links or entire playlists/channels at once with a 10x speed boost.
• Browser hooks capture videos on sight, and simple format handling covers MP4 basics without flair.
• Built-in browser for private/age-restricted videos.
• One-click conversion to MP3, MP4, MOV, and 20+ formats.

Pros:

• Blazing fast
• High success rate
• Powerful batch tools
• Clean modern interface

Cons:

• Free version limited to 3 downloads per day
• Occasional pop-ups
• Requires account sign-in on first launch

9. MacX YouTube Downloader

Platform: Mac.

MacX zeros in on YouTube but stretches to streams, delivering Apple-optimized speed for HD fans who want seamless iTunes drops.

Key features:

• Multi-threaded batches hit 1000+ sites up to 8K, auto-sending to iTunes or folders.
• It detects private links, pulls subs or audio, and skips watermarks with resolution picks.
• Queue management and format locks make repeats effortless, with light editing like cropping baked in.

Pros:

• Lightning on high-def
• Free core functions
• Tuned for Mac hardware.

Cons:

• No deep converters
• Sticks to streams over files

10. Pulltube

Platform: Mac.

Pulltube blends grabs with light edits, crafted for social media scavengers who trim and save in a whisper-quiet interface.

Key features:

• Clipboard auto-grabs from YouTube or Instagram, pre-download trims for clips.
• It converts to MP3 with sub embeds, queues playlists via proxy for anonymity, and keeps a slim window for monitoring without distraction.
• Basic scheduling and format swaps round out the set.

Pros:

• Effortless flow with trim perks, no ads, small footprint

Cons:

• Narrower site support, trial ends in lifetime buy

Picking the Video Downloader: A Quick Comparison

Tool	Supported Sites	Platforms	Feature Richness	Price	Stability	Update Frequency	Recommendation (1-10)
Downie	1200+	Mac only	Medium	$20 one-time	Good, some crashes	Monthly	7
SurFast Video Downloader	1000+	Mac, Win	Very High	Free trial/$50 lifetime	Solid	Frequent	9
VideoProc Converter AI	1000+	Mac, Win	Very High	Free/$30+	Solid	Frequent	8
ClipGrab	20+	Mac, Win, Linux	Low	Free	Fair	Quarterly	6
Motrix	100+	Mac, Win, Linux	Medium	Free	Good	Monthly	7
VideoDuke	1000+	Mac	High	$30 one-time	Reliable	Bi-monthly	8
Folx	500+	Mac	Medium	Free/$20	Strong	Regular	7
JDownloader	1000+	Mac, Win, Linux	Very High	Free	Variable	Daily	8
iGetter	200+	Mac	Medium	Free/$20	Good	Occasional	6
MacX YouTube Downloader	1000+	Mac	High	Free	Excellent	Frequent	9
Pulltube	50+	Mac	Medium	$15 one-time	Solid	Monthly	7

FAQs

What’s the top free alternative to Downie?

ClipGrab or Motrix get the nod for zero cost and easy starts, though they trade some site depth for simplicity.

Do any work outside Mac?

SurFast Video Downloader, JDownloader, and Motrix run on Windows, too, if you bounce between machines.

How often do site blocks happen?

Rare with frequent updaters like SurFast Video Downloader, but test a link first to confirm.

Is batch downloading safe on Mac?

Stick to official downloads, and you’ll avoid issues; tools like Folx add proxy options for extra peace.

Wrapping Up

Downie does the job for Mac loyalists who want no-frills pulls, but if glitches or limits bug you, these alternatives open up better paths. Whether it’s broad power from SurFast or all-in-one editing from VideoProc, pick based on your daily clips and sites. Give a couple a spin, and you’ll land on one that just clicks for your setup.