YouTube is undoubtedly one of the most content-facilitating platforms worldwide. However, the platform doesn’t allow its users to download video files in audio format, nor does it have a play-in-background option. Plus, it does not allow the playing of video and audio files without the internet. To address these problems, YouTube to MP3 converters were developed.
These converters, however, are not easy to find, and when you find one, you have to be cautious about malware infections. Other converters have limits, so that’s another annoying thing to consider. Anyhow, we have curated a list of the top free YouTube to Mp3 converters that you can choose from. So, if you’re looking for the best solution to your YouTube sound and music needs, let’s dig into this article together.
What is MP3?
MP3 is an abbreviated form for MPEG Audio Layer III and a format of data compression for storing digital audio files, such as music. MP3 files are in a size that’s vastly reduced compared to compact disks. In 1993, the Moving Pictures Experts Group released the MPEG-1 standard for the compression of audio and video files. MP3 became the most popular among the three MPEG-1 layers of audio encoding because of the wide availability of computer programs used to compress files.
How Does Mp3 Work?
MP3 works by reducing the size of a CD file and discarding particular sounds based on what humans can and cannot hear. Compared to audio on a CD, MP3 files are reduced to 75-95% and they can be played on a computer or a portable digital player. These benefits even resulted in the development of MP3 converters that we know today.
What Can We Benefit by Converting YouTube to MP3?
If you swear by Apple Music or Spotify, you most likely haven’t tried converting YouTube videos to MP3 format. While these audio streaming platforms are some of the best, converting YouTube to MP3 has its benefits too.
One, you can keep the files’ original audio quality. Downloading may tamper an audio’s quality, but if you use a good YouTube to MP3 converter, you can be sure to get the original audio quality. Another benefit of a converter is it saves your device a lot of space so you are left with plenty of room for more downloads. The last but the best benefit that YouTube to MP3 converters has to offer is the portable listening experience. An MP3 converter gives us the freedom to listen to YouTube audio outside the platform and without an internet connection.
20 Best YouTube to MP3 Converters
ByClick Downloader
Pros:
- you can download multiple files at the same time
- supports numerous platforms
- offers a free edition
Cons:
- the paid premium provides more options
- you need to download their software
Y2MATE
y2mate is a free YouTube to MP3 converter that’s compatible with all devices and all operating systems, such as Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, etc. y2mate does not require any subscription or software download as it is an online converter.
Pros:
- free and easy conversion
- supports full file formats
- high speed downloading
Cons:
- you can only download YouTube videos
YTop1
If you’re looking for a YouTube to mp3 converter — and more, YTop1 could just be the app for you. It allows its users to download YouTube videos and convert them into more than one format. For video downloads, users can also choose the quality ranging from 240p to full HD.
Pros:
- Completely free
- Has a ton of choices for video quality
- Supports Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android
Cons:
- Uses rogue advertising monetization
OnlineVideoConverter
With OnlineVideo Converter, users can easily rip high-quality 4K YouTube videos without losing their audio quality. A quick and easy way of downloading videos off YouTube using the OVC is by putting “ss” after the “www.” portion of the URL.
Pros:
- Does not need any software
- Compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows
- Offers unlimited downloads
- Completely free
Cons:
- Limits downloading MP3 format for more than 10 minutes at a time
aTube Catcher
aTube Catcher is a free video downloader and converter that is compatible with any devices. It can also burn videos in DVD or VCD format. It’s best feature is the Screen Recorder that you can use to capture what’s on your screen, including video conferences. It has a multi-lingual interface and claims to be 100% free of malware.
Pros:
- You can download videos from hundreds of other video sharing sites aside from YouTube
- Offers features other than video conversion and downloading
Cons:
- You need to download and install their software
- The software requires a medium spec machine
Any Video Converter
Any Video Converter is a video downloader and converter software that’s compatible with Windows and Mac. It is a desktop application that requires you to download its installer before you can use it. The best thing about this converter is that it can download videos and audios from Spotify, Netflix, Amazon Music, and other platforms.
Pros:
- You can record and capture your screen with high-quality output
- Converts and downloads videos from premium streaming platforms
- Offers other video editing features
Cons:
- You need to download and install their software
- Doesn’t support mobile apps
Freemake
Freemake is a free YouTube downloader and converter with no limitations. It utilizes a multi-thread download technology that allows its users to simultaneously convert and download multiple YouTube videos at a fast speed.
Pros:
- Allows simultaneous downloading, playing, and searching of YouTube videos
- Offers smart search suggestions
- Automatically detects videos with high quality
- Completely free
- You can upload directly to Dropbox and Google drive
Cons:
- Requires you to download their software
Converto
Converto is another online converter with a simple interface. It allows its users to convert any YouTube video to MP3 and MP4 formats. It also has other features and is completely free of charge.
Pros:
- Automatically adds an album art to MP3 downloads.
- Allows for filename changes and ID3 tags prior to downloading
- Change the quality of the of file
Cons:
- Only compatible with YouTube videos
YTSILO
PROS:
- Unlimited video conversion
- No limits to the length of the video
Cons:
- Converts to MP3 format only
- Supports YouTube videos only
MP3 Studio
Pros:
- You can download up to 8k video resolution
- Offers unlimited download speed
- Supports multi-downloads
- You can downloads YouTube playlists and channels
Cons:
- Free version allows up to three conversions only
VideoHunter
Pros:
- Supports downloading from more than 1000 websites
- supports downloading of subtitles in a different SRT file
- has built-in proxy that bypasses region codes
Cons:
- Free version limits up to 3 downloads a day only
YTMP3
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Doesn’t require software downloads
- Completely free
Cons:
- Doesn’t allow downloading and conversion of YouTube videos with 1-hour duration or more
- Can only convert to MP3 and MP4 formats
OnlyMP3
Pros:
- Unlimited
- YouTube video conversions
- Supports video longer than 5 hours
- Easy uploading of MP3 files to Dropbox
Cons:
- Converts to MP3 format only Supports
- YouTube videos only
BigConverter
Pros:
- Provides an ability to trim songs and create ringtones
- Free of charge
- Doesn’t require software downloads or subscription
Cons:
- Limits you up to 90 minutes for videos
MP3FY
Similar to the other tools in this list, MP3FY is a web-based conversion tool for videos from more than 1000 websites. However, its most astounding feature is its ability to download videos that are either restricted or blocked in a country.
Pros:
- Offers a built-in video search engine
- No limits on video and audio lengths and sizes
- Automatically selects the highest possible bitrate
Cons:
- You are limited to only convert to MP3 and MP4
VideoProc
Pros:
- Support all formats
- Extract audios from videos
- Supports batch conversion from various sites
- Can record YouTube live videos
- Can edit videos
Cons:
- The free version only allows conversion to MP3 format
- Tree version converts and edits short videos only
iTubeGo
Pros:
- Can protect downloaded files with a password
- Offers a built-in browser
- Supports downloading of 4k and 8k videos
- Supports downloading videos in bulk
Cons:
- Free plan has very limited features
- Plans are a bit expensive
Ontiva
Pros:
- Unlimited conversion and downloads
- Free of charge
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Only supports YouTube
MP3download.to
Pros:
- All features are in a single webpage
- Simple and useful search feature
Cons:
- Only for MP3 conversion
DVDVideoSoft
Pros:
- You can download entire YouTube channels and playlists
- Offers unlimited batch downloads
- Convert YouTube playlists to MP3
Cons:
- Requires to download their software
There are plenty of YouTube to MP3 converters to choose from, and all of these do an exceptional job in helping us get a hold of that YouTube video and audio. You only have to weigh the pros and cons to identify which converter suits you the most.
How Do YouTube to MP3 Converter Works?
Most YouTube to MP3 converters are hassle-free and do not require intensive conversion procedures. For most, users simply have to copy the link or URL of the video they want to convert, paste it on the conversion tool, and wait for the output. If the conversion tool requires a software, then users must download the software first before they can convert their audio and video files.
Is Converting Legal?
Converting YouTube to MP3, for the most part, is illegal. Most YouTube videos is copyrighted and no one is allowed to take and make a copy of the videos for themselves, unless they own a copyright or pay a royalty fee.
Convert YouTube to MP3 for Free
Converting YouTube to MP3 is mostly free. Hundreds of conversion tools are available online, including the ones enumerated in this list.
Other Formats You Can Convert
Video conversion isn’t limited to MP3. As mentioned above, some tools are able to convert videos into different formats, such as MP4, MOV, WMV, AVI, AVCHD, WEBM, MPG, MP2, MPEG, MPE, M4V, FLV, and SWF.
Key Takeaway
So, what is the best YouTube to mp3 converter? Our top pick ByClick Downloader provides all that you need in such a tool.
Now, we all enjoy streaming and listening to YouTube videos. However, we are limited by some of the platform’s restrictions. Fortunately, these YouTube to MP3 converters allows us to experience the bliss of not having to deal with ads and the hassle of not being able to minimize the web page. As a bonus, we get to listen without the need for an internet connection.
We hope that our list has helped you decide on what YouTube to MP3 app to use. If you’re interested in other formats, check out our post, “Top 10 YouTube to WAV Converter 2023.”
