Video Downloader Pro vs Video DownloadHelper
Both download videos from the web. One adds watermarks and requires a companion app. The other gives you clean downloads from a single extension. Here's the full comparison.
Last updated: February 9, 2026
TL;DR
Video DownloadHelper (2.8M+ users, est. 2007) is a veteran browser extension with wide compatibility but adds QR code watermarks on free downloads and requires a separate companion app. Video Downloader Pro is a modern Chrome extension: no watermarks on any tier, no companion app, 8K support, and 4 proprietary detection methods. Choose Video Downloader Pro for clean, simple downloads. Choose Video DownloadHelper if you need Firefox support or very niche format conversion.
Head-to-Head Comparison
5 categories compared honestly
🎬Download Quality
PlugMonkey WinsClean downloads up to 8K — no watermarks, ever.
- HD, 4K, and 8K Ultra HD support
- No watermarks on any tier, including free
- Thumbnail preview before downloading
- Multiple format options per video
Good quality but adds QR code watermarks without premium license.
- HD and 4K support
- Large QR code watermark on free downloads
- Premium license required to remove watermark
- Users describe watermark as 'aggressive' and 'deceptive'
Verdict: Video Downloader Pro gives you clean, watermark-free downloads on every tier. Video DownloadHelper's watermark is a dealbreaker for most users.
⚡Setup & Simplicity
PlugMonkey WinsOne extension. Install and download. Nothing else needed.
- Standalone Chrome extension — no extra software
- 4 proprietary video detection methods
- One-click download with format/resolution picker
- Works immediately after installation
Requires a separate companion application for full functionality.
- Companion desktop app required for HLS and advanced features
- Additional installation step adds complexity
- Companion app raises security considerations
- Setup varies by operating system
Verdict: Video Downloader Pro is simpler: one extension, zero extra software. Video DownloadHelper's companion app adds unnecessary friction.
💰Pricing & Value
PlugMonkey Wins$6.99/month or $49.99 lifetime. Free tier with no watermarks.
- $6.99/month, $29.99/year, or $49.99 lifetime
- Free tier: 5 downloads/week, no watermarks
- All formats supported on free tier
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Free with watermarks, or premium license to remove them.
- Free tier is functional but watermarked
- Premium license pricing varies by region
- HLS downloads throttled to once per 2 hours on free Chrome
- Pricing model can be confusing
Verdict: Video Downloader Pro's free tier is genuinely useful (no watermarks). Video DownloadHelper's free tier is compromised by watermarks and throttling.
🌐Format & Site Support
≈ Tie1,000+ websites. MP4, WebM, HLS, DASH, AVI, MOV, MKV, FLV.
- 8 video formats supported
- 1,000+ websites
- Smart video detection across page types
- No YouTube (respects Chrome Web Store policies)
1,000+ websites with broad protocol support.
- Dash, HLS, MPD protocol support
- 1,000+ websites
- Long-established compatibility list (since 2007)
- No YouTube (same restriction)
Verdict: Roughly equal on site coverage. Video Downloader Pro supports more container formats (8 vs fewer) and goes up to 8K. Video DownloadHelper has broader protocol experience from its 18+ year history.
🖥️Browser Support
Competitor WinsChrome and Chromium-based browsers only.
- Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera, and other Chromium browsers
- Optimized specifically for Chrome's extension APIs
- No Firefox support
Both Chrome and Firefox — wider browser coverage.
- Firefox support (original platform, strongest version)
- Chrome support (with companion app for full features)
- Edge support
- 18+ years of cross-browser development
Verdict: Video DownloadHelper wins on browser support, especially for Firefox users. If you use Firefox, it's the better choice.
At a Glance
Quick feature comparison
| Feature | Video DownloadHelper | Video Downloader Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watermarks | QR code on free tier | Never — any tier | |
| Companion app required | Yes | No | |
| Max resolution | 4K | 8K Ultra HD | |
| Detection methods | Standard | 4 proprietary methods | |
| HLS throttling (free) | Once per 2 hours | No time limits | |
| Free tier quality | Watermarked | Clean, 5 downloads/week | |
| Firefox support | Yes (original platform) | No | |
| Years in market | 18+ years (est. 2007) | Newer | |
| Lifetime pricing | Varies | $49.99 | |
| Video formats | Dash, HLS, MPD | MP4, WebM, HLS, DASH, AVI, MOV, MKV, FLV |
Pricing: Video Downloader Pro vs Video DownloadHelper
Video DownloadHelper
Free tier has watermarks and HLS throttling. Premium license required for clean downloads. Pricing varies by region.
- Subscription-only pricing
- Lose access when you cancel
Video Downloader Pro
Video Downloader Pro's free tier already gives you watermark-free downloads. Pro at $49.99 lifetime unlocks unlimited downloads — no watermarks at any price point.
30-day money-back guarantee
Which Is Right for You?
Choose Video Downloader Pro
- You want watermark-free downloads on every tier, including free
- You don't want to install a separate companion application
- You need 8K Ultra HD support
- You want smart video detection with 4 proprietary methods
- You prefer a lifetime purchase ($49.99) over recurring fees
- You use Chrome or a Chromium-based browser
Choose Video DownloadHelper
- You use Firefox as your primary browser — Video DownloadHelper has native Firefox support
- You specifically need Video DownloadHelper's companion app for format conversion
- You prefer a tool with an 18-year track record and community
Clean downloads. No watermarks. No companion app.
Video Downloader Pro: HD/4K/8K from 1,000+ websites. Smart detection, one Chrome extension. Try free.
Frequently Asked Questions
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