7 Best Video Downloader Chrome Extensions in 2026
We installed and tested every major video downloader extension for Chrome. Some add watermarks. Some require companion apps. Some barely work. Here are the ones worth installing.
Last updated: February 9, 2026
Important note: no Chrome extension can download from YouTube — Google's Chrome Web Store policy prohibits it. If that's what you need, you'll need a desktop app. For every other video site (Vimeo, Dailymotion, social media, streaming sites, and 1,000+ more), these Chrome extensions are the fastest and simplest way to save videos. We tested each on resolution support, format detection, watermark behavior, and overall reliability.
How We Evaluated
Video Detection
How reliably does the extension detect downloadable videos on the page? Does it find HLS streams, embedded players, and dynamically loaded content?
Resolution & Format Support
Does it support HD, 4K, 8K? What container formats are available? Can you choose quality before downloading?
Clean Output
No watermarks, no quality degradation, no forced format conversion. The download should match the source.
Simplicity
Install and use. No companion apps, no desktop software, no account registration. A Chrome extension should be self-contained.
The Rankings
7 tools tested and ranked
Video Downloader Pro
Best overall — 8K support, 4 detection methods, no watermarks
Video Downloader Pro uses 4 proprietary video detection methods to find downloadable content on any page, including videos embedded in complex web applications. Supports 8K Ultra HD, 8 video formats (MP4, WebM, HLS, DASH, AVI, MOV, MKV, FLV), and never adds watermarks on any tier — including free. No companion app needed.
Pros
- 4 proprietary video detection methods — catches videos others miss
- 8K Ultra HD, 4K, HD support
- 8 video formats: MP4, WebM, HLS, DASH, AVI, MOV, MKV, FLV
- Zero watermarks on any tier, including free
- No companion app — standalone Chrome extension
- Thumbnail preview before downloading
Cons
- Chrome/Chromium only — no Firefox
- Free tier limited to 5 downloads/week
- No YouTube (Chrome Web Store policy)
Verdict: The best video downloader Chrome extension in 2026. Deepest video detection, highest resolution support, and the only top extension with zero watermarks on free downloads.
Video DownloadHelper
Veteran extension — 18+ years, but watermarks and companion app required
Video DownloadHelper (2.8M+ users, established 2007) is one of the oldest browser extensions still active. It supports 1,000+ websites with broad protocol support. However, free downloads come with a large QR code watermark, and full functionality requires installing a separate desktop companion application. Originally built for Firefox — the Chrome version is less mature.
Pros
- 18+ year track record — proven reliability
- 2.8M+ active users
- Firefox and Chrome support
- Broad protocol support (HLS, Dash, MPD)
Cons
- QR code watermark on free downloads (premium required to remove)
- Companion desktop app required for full features
- HLS downloads throttled to once per 2 hours on free Chrome
- Users describe the watermark as 'aggressive' and 'deceptive'
Verdict: A solid extension with a long track record, but the watermark on free downloads and companion app requirement are significant downsides. Best for Firefox users, where it's strongest.
SaveFrom.net Helper
Popular web-based tool — extension version has mixed reliability
SaveFrom.net is primarily a web-based video download service that also offers a browser extension. The web version works by pasting a URL. The extension version has had a rocky history — repeatedly removed from Chrome Web Store for policy violations, then reinstated. Currently available but reliability varies by site and version.
Pros
- Web-based option (no extension needed for basic use)
- Supports many video hosting sites
- Simple URL-paste interface on web version
- Free to use
Cons
- Extension repeatedly removed/reinstated from Chrome Web Store
- Aggressive advertising on the web version
- Security concerns raised by multiple reviewers
- HD/4K often requires desktop app or premium
- Inconsistent video detection across sites
Verdict: The web version works in a pinch. The extension version is unreliable due to its checkered Chrome Web Store history. For regular use, a dedicated extension is more dependable.
CocoCut
Good HLS support — clean interface, limited format options
CocoCut (Video Downloader CocoCut) is a Chrome extension with strong HLS and M3U8 stream detection. It excels at capturing streaming video that other extensions miss. Clean interface with no watermarks. However, format and resolution options are more limited than top-tier extensions, and some users report inconsistent detection on certain sites.
Pros
- Strong HLS/M3U8 stream detection
- Clean interface — no clutter
- No watermarks
- Good for streaming video capture
Cons
- Fewer supported formats than top extensions
- Resolution options limited on some sites
- Inconsistent detection reported on certain platforms
- Less established than veteran extensions
Verdict: A good option specifically for HLS streaming video. For general-purpose video downloading across formats and resolutions, Video Downloader Pro covers more ground.
Video Downloader Professional
High install count — functional but basic
Video Downloader Professional is one of the most-installed video downloader extensions on Chrome Web Store. It detects standard video embeds and provides download links for detected videos. Functional for basic downloads but lacks the advanced detection methods and format variety of top-tier tools. Mostly unchanged for years.
Pros
- Large user base — well-established
- Simple, straightforward interface
- Detects standard embedded videos reliably
- Free to use
Cons
- Basic video detection — misses HLS, DASH, and complex embeds
- Limited format and resolution options
- No 4K or 8K support
- Development appears stagnant
Verdict: Gets the job done for simple video downloads. Falls short on modern streaming formats and high-resolution content. Fine as a free backup, but not a primary tool.
FetchV (Video Downloader)
Modern UI — good detection, limited free tier
FetchV (formerly FastSave) is a newer video downloader with a modern interface and decent video detection capabilities. It handles standard video formats well and includes some HLS support. The free tier is restrictive, and the premium pricing is competitive with established tools.
Pros
- Modern, clean user interface
- Good detection for standard formats
- Some HLS stream support
- Active development
Cons
- Restrictive free tier
- Newer — less proven track record
- No 8K support
- Limited format variety compared to top tools
Verdict: A promising newer option with active development. Worth watching, but not yet on par with the established leaders for format coverage and detection reliability.
Vidow (Video Downloader Plus)
Quality selector — good for choosing resolution before download
Vidow (also known as Video Downloader Plus) focuses on giving users clear quality and format options before downloading. It detects videos on the page and presents available resolutions in a dropdown. Works well on popular platforms but detection can fail on less common sites. The quality selection interface is its strongest feature.
Pros
- Clear quality/format selection UI
- Works on major platforms reliably
- No companion app required
- Free version available
Cons
- Detection fails on less common sites
- Limited compared to 4-method detection tools
- No 8K support
- Premium required for some features
Verdict: Good interface for quality selection. Decent for mainstream sites but limited detection on niche platforms. A solid free option for basic needs.
Quick Comparison
Top 4 tools at a glance
| Feature | Video Downloader Pro | Video DownloadHelper | SaveFrom.net | CocoCut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max resolution | 8K Ultra HD | 4K | HD (4K with premium) | 4K |
| Watermarks | Never | QR code on free | No | No |
| Companion app required | No | Yes | For HD/desktop | No |
| Detection methods | 4 proprietary | Standard | URL-based | HLS-focused |
| Video formats | 8 formats | Dash, HLS, MPD | MP4 primarily | MP4, HLS |
| Firefox support | No | Yes (original platform) | Yes | No |
| Free tier quality | 5 downloads/week, no watermarks | Watermarked, HLS throttled | Ads, limited quality | Limited downloads |
Download any video. Any format. No watermarks.
Video Downloader Pro: 8K support, 4 detection methods, 1,000+ sites. $49.99 lifetime — or try free.
Frequently Asked Questions
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