As the rise of popular video platforms and video search engines have grown in recent years, so has the need to use those platforms as a way to stream popular music.
Of those platforms, YouTube is one of the best sources for new music available – it’s free for everyone, and you can discover new music or listen to your old favorite songs.
However, it takes up much more bandwidth to watch a video than to listen to a song.
Fortunately, there are ways to download the songs from your favorite artists directly onto your devices.
Today we’ll discuss the best YouTube to MP3 converters, breaking down the features, prices, who they’re best for, and more.
Best YouTube to MP3 Converters (Overview)
We’ve included an overview of our top picks below. For detailed information on each pick, scroll down.
Best YouTube to MP3 Converter for PC
- Easily download videos from sites like Dailymotion, Break, Howcast, and more
- Functionality for a variety of audio files
- Robust feature set that has proven to be reliable time and time again
- Has a dedicated Android app, but also a great web interface and Chrome extension
- This software can download to many different file types and audio files
- One of the most professional and advanced video downloaders on the market
Why You Should Convert Videos From YouTube to MP3
There are several reasons to convert YouTube videos to a downloadable MP3.
First of all, by downloading them from YouTube, you won’t have to listen to the ads that generally start (and sometimes intersect) YouTube videos.
If the online video is downloaded onto your device, you won’t need to use internet services or cellular data to stream it.
Although many people have unlimited data, it can be difficult to access the internet if you’re in a rural area or need to switch your phone to airplane mode.
What Is MP3, and How Does It Work?
An MP3 file is the most common file format for audio and songs.
It compresses the complex audio sounds into one track for easier burning and duplicating.
MP3 compresses the sound into a single file, reducing the overall size of the file without taking away the complexity of the sound.
Benefits of Converting Videos to MP3
Here are the advantages of converting files from online videos to downloadable MP3s:
- Audio clearer
- Files are smaller and easier to save
- Audio no longer requires the internet to play
- You can keep all of your files together in one place
- No ads or lag due to a specific website
- Unlimited, free listening
The Best YouTube to MP3 Converters For 2023
If you are ready to begin downloading YouTube videos and converting them into MP3 music, we’ve compiled a list of the best converters.
These best free YouTube converters are safe and legal.
Best Youtube to MP3 Converters for Smartphones
Most people listen to music on their smartphones.
However, if you are driving or in a spot with a bad data connection, you might experience issues with your music streaming.
YouTube to MP3 Converters for iOS
Here are some of the best YouTube to MP3 downloading apps for iOs.
1. Video Downloader Pro
Notable Features of Video Downloader Pro
- Video Downloader Pro downloads any YouTube video onto your phone in minutes.
- It works with multiple video formats and can download in the background.
Video Downloader Pro works well if you don’t mind watching the video but can’t use data too much.
It downloads videos off the internet from any source. However, Video Downloader Pro doesn’t download to MP3.
Best For: Video watchers who don’t want to use too much data.
Pros:
- Can download multiple videos at once
- Storage and sorting for videos
- Password protection can be enabled
- Very fast download speeds
Cons:
- Doesn’t download to MP3
- Takes up space
- Videos pause background downloading after ten minutes
Is Video Downloader Pro Hard to Use?
Video Downloader Pro is pretty intuitive-all you have to do is download the app, find the video you want to download, and choose the new file type you need.
Pricing and Plans: $39.99.
Our Take: This is a solid little app but doesn’t download into MP3 format.
Although you’ll own the videos you download, you’ll have to find another way to convert them to audio format.
Otherwise, it works well.
2. YouTube++
Notable Features of YouTube++
- YouTube++ is one of the most popular “tweaking” apps available for YouTube.
- Instead of focusing on downloading MP3s off the site, it allows you to listen to videos while using other apps.
- You can also download the videos.
YouTube++ is one of the original YouTube workaround apps.
Instead of focusing on downloading YouTube songs into MP3s, YouTube++ tweaks the original app so you can listen to music without ads when the app is closed.
However, it does allow downloads as a secondary feature.
Best For: Those who don’t mind using the data and just want to let videos play in the background.
Pros:
- Blocks YouTube ads
- Allows you to listen to YouTube while using another app
- Available as a chrome extension
- Completely free
- no ads if you have YouTube premium
Cons:
- Tough to download MP3s
- Banner ads across the bottom
- Only downloadable on third-party stores
Is Youtube++ Hard to Use?: Youtube++ is not difficult unless you want to download the songs and play them offline.
It’s straightforward if you are just looking for a way to use the YouTube app while other apps are open.
Pricing and Plans: Free download.
Our Take: Youtube++ can convert the videos to MP3s, but it tweaks the rules of YouTube a little.
If you don’t mind using the data, you can download this app to continue watching your videos while in another app, block ads, and skip or rewind.
3. Shortcuts App
Notable Features of Shortcuts App
- Your iOS shortcut app can do much more than you imagine.
- One of these things is converting videos to audio format.
- Once you’ve downloaded them, you’ll be able to convert them using your phone’s existing app.
The Shortcuts App on the iPhone is one of the most underrated apps available.
It can convert video files into audio files.
It works if you’ve taken a video or downloaded a video.
After a one-time setup, you can convert videos.
Best For: Users who have already downloaded YouTube videos.
Pros:
- Already installed in iOS
- Quick conversion
- Easy to use after the setup
- Convert batches of videos at once
Cons:
- Doesn’t support all audio formats
- Can’t download videos
- Difficult to set up
Is the Shortcut App Hard to Use?
Like many Apple apps, it’s quite easy to figure out the shortcut app.
However, the setup for audio transition can be difficult.
Pricing and Plans: Free with iPhone.
Our Take: We’re consistently surprised with the hidden treasures Apple installs in their phones.
The Shortcut app is a great way to convert downloaded videos into audio format.
It’s already a part of your phone, so the convenience is unparalleled.
YouTube to MP3 Converters for Android
While Apple phones have plenty of options, there are also good choices for those with another smartphone.
You can download these apps straight to your phone!
1. YTMP3
YTMP3 is an online source that has released an Android app.
By inserting a YouTube link into the website or app, you can transfer the audio to an MP3 file and download it straight to your device.
YTMP3 is an online source that has released an Android app.
By inserting a YouTube link into the website or app, you can transfer the audio to an MP3 file and download it straight to your device.
Best For: Those who want a single service for conversion.
Notable Features: YTMP3 does the entire job, converting a YouTube video into an MP3 file.
It has been around for years under different names.
There is also an iOS app, but it doesn’t work as well as the Android app.
Pros:
- Completely converts a video to an MP3
- No registration required
- Also a chrome extension
- Free
Cons:
- Takes a long time
- Popup ads can be malicious
Is YTMP3 Hard to Use? YTMP3 is one of the original conversion sites and is extremely easy to use.
All you need to do is enter the YouTube link and wait.
Pricing and Plans: Free.
Our Take: This is the original for a reason.
It may take a while, but it does the job.
Eventually, you’ll have a working MP3 of the Youtube video at no cost to you.
2. YT1s
Notable Features of Shortcuts App
- YT1s is one of the most popular video converters.
- You can simply download the video or convert it to another video or audio format before downloading it.
YT1s works on any platform and finds videos, converts them to different formats, and offers a new downloadable file for you.
Whether you need an MP3 version or a different video file, you’ll be able to find it with YT1s.
Best For: Anyone with multiple platforms.
Pros:
- Fast
- Safe
- Free
- No registration required
Cons:
- No app, just online
- Takes you to a third party page to download
- One song at a time
Is YT1s Hard to Use?
YT1s is easy to use—all you need to do is copy and paste the YouTube video URL into the website’s converter, choose “MP3,” and click “convert.”
The downloadable file will be ready in minutes.
Pricing and Plans: Free.
Our Take: This is another solid option for many users—it’s available on macOS, iOS, PC, and Android.
It’s rated very safely and has few ads (plus it’s quick!).
3. VidMate
VidMate is popular in countries like India, where YouTube videos take up more bandwidth than they’re worth.
Vidmate uses some bandwidth to stream videos, download them, and convert them to audio format for a data-free streaming experience.
VidMate is popular in countries like India, where YouTube videos take up more bandwidth than they’re worth.
Vidmate uses some bandwidth to stream videos, download them, and convert them to audio format for a data-free streaming experience.
Best For: Android users.
Notable Features: Vidmate is an Android-only app that allows users to stream videos, download, and convert to audio format.
Pros:
- Can convert to multiple formats
- Downloads any YouTube song
- Convenient
Cons:
- Uses a lot of data
- Multiple pop-up ads
- Takes a while
Is Vidmate Hard to Use? Vidmate is pretty easy to use.
Pricing and Plans: Free with ads.
Our Take: VidMate is one of the only Android-only downloading apps available.
However, it seems to take a while, cannot download all videos, and has some sketchy business history.
It does the job, but not as well as the others on this list.
Best YouTube to MP3 Converter for macOS
Of course, you might be looking to build your backup music library and download these songs to your MacBook or laptop.
You must check your space before downloading music, as macs aren’t known for a lot of space.
1. Pulltube
Pulltube is one of the most professional video downloaders on the market.
Although it’s a paid service, it can download multiple videos at once in a safe and completely legal manner.
Pulltube is one of the most professional video downloaders on the market.
Although it’s a paid service, it can download multiple videos at once in a safe and completely legal manner.
Best For: Mac users who don’t mind a one-time payment.
Notable Features: Pulltube is a Mac app that downloads YouTube videos and converts them into audio files.
It can save them anywhere on the computer and screens every video for safety and malware.
Pros:
- Great design
- Easy to use
- Multiple videos at once
- download video trimming available
- Chrome extension available
Cons:
- It will take up space on your computer
- Not very many formats
- More expensive than most
Is PullTube Hard to Use?
No!
Pulltube is easy to use and configure.
It sets up automatically on your Mac, and you change the settings whenever you need to.
Pricing and Plans: $14.99 for a lifetime membership.
Our Take: Pulltube is one of the simplest and best MacOS YouTube converters.
For consistent, personalized video to MP3 conversion, this is a great option.
2. Folx
Folx is less of a video downloader or converter and more of a file organization app.
No matter what files and downloads you keep from the web, Folx can help you organize them and save space on your Mac.
Folx is less of a video downloader or converter and more of a file organization app.
No matter what files and downloads you keep from the web, Folx can help you organize them and save space on your Mac.
Best For: Expert users with multiple types of downloads.
Notable Features: Folx is more than just a downloader-it organizes and categorizes your downloads so that you can download more things more quickly.
Pros:
- The best download organizer available
- Can schedule and organize downloads
- Compatible with most browsers
Cons:
- Most of the best features are in the pro version
- Difficult to use for beginners
Is Folx Hard to Use?
Folx is a little difficult for beginners or those not familiar with torrents or some of the other features.
However, it becomes easier once you get the hang of it.
Pricing and Plans: Free or $20 for the Pro upgrade.
Our Take: This is a great service with a relatively inexpensive Pro upgrade for those who will use its multiple features.
If you just want to download videos from YouTube, it’s probably too much for you.
3. AnyTrans
AnyTrans downloads and converts files and transfers them between devices.
It essentially works as a rival to iTunes, the largest mp3 transfer system available.
There are many extra features, including editing, conversion, and sharing.
AnyTrans downloads and converts files and transfers them between devices.
It essentially works as a rival to iTunes, the largest mp3 transfer system available.
There are many extra features, including editing, conversion, and sharing.
Best For: Those who want to transfer files between Apple devices.
Notable Features: AnyTrans is a file manager and storage system that can download videos, convert formats, and transfer between devices.
Pros:
- Rivals iTunes in capabilities
- Stores and organizes all downloads and files
- Has lots of extra features
- Officially approved
Cons:
- Expensive
- Mostly for file transfers instead of downloading
Is AnyTrans Hard to Use? AnyTrans is easy to use and was made with transferring beginners in mind.
Pricing and Plans: Free trial for three days then $30 for the full service.
Our Take: This is an excellent piece of software that can help you organize and transfer your files, whether they’re audio, video, or other.
You’ll have tons of extra features, so only get AnyTrans if you need them.
Best YouTube to MP3 Converter for PC
Here are the best converters for PC users so that you can connect an iPhone or android and add your favorite songs to your phone without using all the storage.
1. ClipGrab
ClipGrab is a popular YouTube to MP3 converter with a search function so that you don’t have to copy and paste the link into the converter.
It’s a web app that is easy to use and doesn’t require registration or a username.
ClipGrab is a popular YouTube to MP3 converter with a search function so that you don’t have to copy and paste the link into the converter.
It’s a web app that is easy to use and doesn’t require registration or a username.
Best For: Beginners or those who don’t want to learn a new system.
Notable Features: Clipgrab is unique in its search function, clipboard monitoring, and great ease of use.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Free
- Uses clipboard monitoring
Cons:
- The low-quality search function
- Crashes sometimes
Is Clipgrab Hard to Use? Clipgrab is extremely easy to use.
Pricing and Plans: Free.
Our Take: Clipgrab is one of the most popular YouTube conversion sites for a good reason—it’s easy to use and does its job well.
This is one of the best available!
2. Wondershare UniConverter
WonderShare UniConverter does more than just convert–you can edit software, trim videos, and preserve the original quality of the audio when transferring to MP3 format.
This software was made for users who want more than a simple conversion process.
WonderShare UniConverter does more than just convert–you can edit software, trim videos, and preserve the original quality of the audio when transferring to MP3 format.
This software was made for users who want more than a simple conversion process.
Best For: Video downloaders and editors who will consistently use more features.
Notable Features: Editing software, video quality preservation, and quick transformation are all hallmarks of Wondershare.
Pros:
- Extremely fast
- Editing features
- Good quality videos
Cons:
- Expensive
- Difficult to fine-tune edits
Is Wondershare UniConverter Hard to Use?
For the most part, Wondershare is very easy to use.
Some customers have complained about the difficulty of trimming videos to the right length, but if you are planning on downloading more than editing, it’s easy.
Pricing and Plans: Free trial, then $10 for a partial license or $50 for a full license.
Our Take: This is a great option if you want to do more than download video content!
Of course, anyone who just wants MP3s of YouTube videos will probably do better on a less expensive brand.
However, for those with more goals, this is great software.
3. 4K Video Downloader
4K Video downloader has a three-download license.
Once you purchase it, you can use it on three separate computers.
It can download the highest quality videos and convert them into any kind of format.
4K Video downloader has a three-download license.
Once you purchase it, you can use it on three separate computers.
It can download the highest quality videos and convert them into any kind of format.
Best For: Families or those with multiple computers.
Notable Features: This is a good option for anyone planning on using multiple computers or who might need a new computer after a while.
The license is a lifetime guarantee.
It works well and can convert to multiple forms.
Pros:
- Can download from multiple sites (TikTok, YouTube, etc.)
- Can be used on three computers with one license
- Supports several audio formats
- High-quality 4k YouTube video and audio
Cons:
- Limited downloads unless you pay
- Could use an update
Is 4K Video Downloader Hard to Use?
It’s easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and step-by-step instructions.
Pricing and Plans: Free or $15 for upgraded service.
Our Take: 4K Video Downloader is great for anyone who uses more than one computer and downloads a lot.
It can handle multiple videos and has great customer service.
How Do YouTube to MP3 Converter Tools Work?
YouTube to MP3 converters are complicated pieces of software that work to take a video from a website and convert it into a downloadable audio file.
The video converter tool usually scrapes the site for the YouTube URL and locates the file that way.
Then, it converts that file to an audio-only file using a pre-existing code or system.
Once the site serves the audio file, making it available to you, the job is done.
You have a downloadable audio file with sound from the original video.
Are YouTube to MP3 Converters Legal?
The only legal issue you might run into while downloading music is copyright law.
However, as long as you’re downloading music for your personal use, you’re not breaking any law.
Distributing music that you’ve downloaded is illegal and punishable by law.
Although YouTube to MP3 converters are technically legal, converting a YouTube video to an MP3 file goes against YouTube’s community policies.
It’s usually the site or app doing this, and it’s still not illegal.
Are YouTube to MP3 Converters Safe?
Some sites are scams.
If you trust the site and don’t have to put in personal information, many conversion sites are safe.
Always be careful online and check for signs of foul play.
However, if you believe you can trust a site, you can move forward with the conversion.
Can You Convert YouTube to MP3 for Free?
Youtube to MP3 files can sometimes be converted for free and are sometimes a paid service.
If it is free, it makes its money through advertisements.
To remain completely secure, you can install virus protection software to ensure that your hardware isn’t infected.
Where Is the YouTube MP3 File Saved After Downloading?
Usually, the Youtube downloader will allow you to choose where to save the file when downloading the file.
If you’re operating on a smartphone, it will either put the MP3 directly into your iTunes app or a voice memories app for storage.
With a computer, the site will give you options of where to keep the file.
What Other Conversion Formats for YouTube Videos Are Available?
Youtube videos are generally uploaded in .mp4 or .mov files, depending on what software created them.
However, they can be downloaded as a simple file and converted to MP3 or another type of file.
Here are some of the conversion formats available for YouTube videos:
- Mpeg 4 (video format)
- AVI (video format)
- WAV (audio format)
- FLAC (audio format)
- Vorbis (audio format)
Final Thoughts
Whether downloading music to listen to on the plane or to save data, you can use one of these converters to safely and efficiently download your favorite YouTube videos into audio format.
Check out our guide to downloading YouTube videos to unlock even more helpfulness of this powerful video platform.
Alternatively, if that doesn’t work, you can also unblock YouTube and download the content using another method.
