YouTube has established itself as a premier destination for discovering, sharing and enjoying musical content online. However, as a streaming platform YouTube is dependent on an active internet connection. For users seeking flexibility and portability, being able to convert YouTube to MP3 format offers an appealing solution. By extracting just the audio portion from YouTube videos, converters allow songs and playlists to be enjoyed offline on devices like phones, tablets and mp3 players.
What exactly is the video converter tool?
YouTube to MP3 converters allow extracting audio from videos into MP3 format. Users input a URL or embed code, and the converter efficiently parses and saves the audio stream.
The key features as follows:
- Conversion Method: Most converters are available either as online websites or desktop applications. Online converters do not require any software installation while desktop converters provide additional features.
- Ease of Use: Online converters are very easy to use as they work directly in the browser. Desktop converters may require downloading and installing the software.
- Audio Backup: Converters help back up audio from YouTube as video files can be deleted from the platform anytime.
- Playlist Support: Many converters support converting an entire YouTube playlist containing multiple videos into a single ZIP file of MP3 songs.
- Customization: Advanced desktop converters provide options to customize settings like audio quality, video trimming, output format, file size etc. during the conversion process.
Tips for selecting the right converters method
When choosing a YouTube to MP3 converter, consider the following aspects:
Purpose
- Determine if you need an online or desktop converter based on your specific needs like ease of use, portability, advanced features etc.
Supported Formats
- Check formats of videos the converter supports like MP4, WebM, 3GP etc. and audio output formats.
Audio Quality
- Compare the quality of extracted audio files. Check if there is any loss in quality during conversion.
File Size Limit
- Consider size limits of individual/playlist videos or total MP3 file the converter can handle.
Features
- Compare extra features like batch processing, playlist support, streaming options, metadata retention etc.
Platform Compatibility
- Check supported operating systems if choosing a desktop converter.
Pricing
- Consider if a premium version is available with advanced features and if it offers a free trial.
Reviews
- Read user reviews and ratings to know about interface, issues, resolution support etc. before deciding.
Terms of Use
- Ensure the converter respects copyrights and terms of service before signing up.
Best YouTube to MP3 converters online
The following are some of the highest rated free online YouTube to MP3 converters:
1 5smp3
Best for: Beginners looking for a simple tool.
Price: Free
5smp3 is a lightweight online converter that offers clean and intuitive interface for easy navigation. It allows users to covert single YouTube videos or playlists into MP3 format with just the video URL. The conversion process takes under a minute to deliver high quality audio files.
Features:
- One-click conversion
- Support for YouTube playlists
- Multiple audio quality options
- MP3 and M4A output formats
Cons:
- No advanced customization options
- Ads can be annoying on free version
- Limited to 100 minutes of conversion per day
Verdict: 5smp3 is best suited for occasional personal use thanks to its barebones yet effective functionality. However, power users may miss advanced settings.
2 Y2mate
Best for: Users looking for a versatile free tool.
Price: Free
Y2mate is a powerful online converter that offers high quality audio extraction along with useful tools. It allows pre-conversion video trimming, playback of audio before download, and choice between various multimedia conversion formats.
Features:
- Video trimming before MP3 extraction
- Wide format support including MP3, MP4, FLV etc.
- Audio preview option
- Fast speedy conversion
Cons:
- Loaded with pop-up ads
- No customization of encoding settings
- Basic interface lacks advanced features
Verdict: Y2mate gets the job done well for occasional personal use. However, its intrusive ads and lack of settings may not satisfy professional or power users.
3 Kapwing
Best for: Users looking for advanced customization options.
Price: Free (paid pro version available)
Kapwing is a feature-rich online converter that goes beyond basic MP3 extraction. It allows users to customize audio settings like bitrate, sample rate etc. precisely according to their needs.
Features:
- Advanced audio trimmer with time selection
- Full customization of encoding parameters
- Filters to remove background noise
- Preview audio before downloading
- Pro version removes ads and lifts feature restrictions
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for advanced tools
- Basic version shows ads and has watermarks
- monthly file size limit for free users
Verdict: Thanks to powerful customization capabilities, Kapwing is a good fit for audio professionals and experienced users. However, casual users may find the tools overwhelming.
Best YouTube to MP3 converters for Mac & Windows
For downloading YouTube videos locally in MP3 format, here are some of the best desktop YouTube to MP3 converter software:
4 4K YouTube to MP3
Best for: Windows users looking for a lightweight application.
Price: Free
4K YouTube to MP3 is a simple desktop tool for Windows that allows swift conversion of YouTube videos into high quality MP3 format.
Features:
- User-friendly interface for beginners
- Minimal system requirements
- Option for changing output audio parameters
- Background downloading for multiple links
- Supports YouTube playlists
Cons:
- Not available for Mac/Linux
- No advanced editing options
- Basic support and features
Verdict: 4K YouTube to MP3 is best suited for Windows users needing a basic no-frills audio ripper for occasional personal use. Lacks customizations for professional workflows.
5 ClipGrab
Best for: Multi-platform use on Windows and Mac.
Price: Freemium
ClipGrab is a feamium desktop application that can download YouTube videos on Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. It supports batch conversion of multiple links into MP3, MP4 formats.
Features:
- Intuitive UI for beginners and experts
- Batch conversion option to save time
- Wide format support including MP3, FLAC etc.
- Scheduling downloads for later
- Pro version removes ads and lifts restrictions
Cons:
- Freemium model locks advanced features
- Learning curve for pro-level workflows
- Can be slow for large playlists
Verdict: With multi-platform compatibility and batch processing, ClipGrab is great for personal and pro users on Windows, Mac and Linux. Upgrading removes inconveniences.
6 Allavsoft YouTube Downloader
Best for: Power users demanding high customizability.
Price: Freemium
Allavsoft YouTube video downloader is an advanced desktop tool with high level of customization for audio extraction and download settings.
Features:
- Intuitive visual workflow builder
- Granular control over file attributes
- Batch conversion for bulk links
- Automatic metadata download
- Well organized output folders
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Free version has reduced presets
- Slow initial download for massive playlists
Verdict: Thanks to limitless customizations, Allavsoft excels for pros but casual users may get overwhelmed. Ideal for bulk, automated workflows.
7 VideoProc Converter
Best for: Users seeking all-in-one media tool.
Price: Freemium
VideoProc is a powerful desktop app for Windows/Mac that goes beyond YouTube to support 500+ formats and multiple editing features.
Features:
- One-click YouTube to MP3 conversion
- Trim, crop, merge, watermark videos
- Sync audio to videos or convert to MP3
- Burn videos to DVD/Blu-ray
- Batch processing
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for advanced tools
- May be an overkill for simple YouYube to MP3 needs
- Some paid features in free version
Verdict: As a multi-purpose media tool instead of pure extractor, VideoProc gives more value but requires higher learning. Best for versatile workflows.
8 EaseUS Video Downloader
Best for: Simple downloading from top 1000+ sites.
Price: Freemium
EaseUS Video Downloader streamlines the process of preserving web videos for offline enjoyment and access. Its intuitive interface makes downloading videos from various sources a breeze, helping users access multimedia content from across the internet with convenience and flexibility.
Features:
- Intuitive interface for newbies
- Supports 1000+ online video sources
- Batch download & conversion
- Automatic detection of videos
- Organized output folder structure
Cons:
- Average audio extraction quality
- Cannot import playlists
- Limited editing features
Verdict: EaseUS excels at hassle-free bulk downloading but average for advanced audio workflows. Suites casual personal use from multiple platforms.
9 MediaHuman YouTube to MP3 Converter
Best for: Windows users looking for customizable audio extraction.
Price: Freemium
MediaHuman YouTube to MP3 Converter is a full-fledged desktop tool for Windows providing endless customization options.
Features:
- Multi-format support including MP3, M4A etc.
- Granular control over audio attributes
- Chose from hundreds of audio presets
- Trim videos before converting
- Batch conversion
Cons:
- Cluttered interface for begginers
- Only available on Windows
- Steep learning curve
Verdict: With highly advanced customizability, MediaHuman excels for professionals and power users. However, casual users may find it overwhelming.
10 DVDVideoSoft YouTube to MP3 Converter
Best for: Low resource users due to lightweight footprint.
Price: Freemium
DVDVideoSoft is an intuitive desktop tool for Windows and Mac that can swiftly convert YouTube to MP3 with minimal hardware usage.
Features:
- Ultra fast speed for small and large playlists
- Beginner friendly clean UI
- Download videos in MP3, MP4 and other formats
- Batch conversion
- Hardware acceleration for faster processing
Cons:
- Limited output audio customization
- Basic features compared to premium tools
- Pop-ups and ads in free version
Verdict: Ideal entry-level tool suitable for low-spec PCs with its balanced functionality and resource usage.
Comparison of the YouTube to MP3 converters
| Downloader | Platform | Downsides | Ratings |
| 5smp3 | Web-based | Limited to 100 minutes conversion per day, basic features | 4/5 |
| Y2mate | Web-based | Intrusive ads, no encoding customization | 3.5/5 |
| Kapwing | Web-based | Steep learning curve, watermarks on basic version | 4.5/5 |
| 4K YouTube to MP3 | Windows only | No support for other platforms, basic editing options | 4/5 |
| ClipGrab | Windows, Mac, Linux | Freemium model locks advanced features | 4.5/5 |
| Allavsoft YouTube Downloader | Windows, Mac | Steep learning curve, reduced presets on free version | 4.5/5 |
| VideoProc Converter | Windows, Mac | May be an overkill for simple needs, some paid features in free version | 4.5/5 |
| EaseUS Video Downloader | Cross-platform | Average audio quality, limited editing features | 4/5 |
| MediaHuman YouTube to MP3 Converter | Windows only | Cluttered interface, available only on Windows | 4.5/5 |
| DVDVideoSoft YouTube to MP3 Converter | Windows, Mac | Limited output customization, basic than premium tools | 4/5 |
Legal and Ethical Considerations about YouTube to MP3 converters
- Copyright laws: Converting YouTube to MP3 is generally considered fair use for personal use. But some countries have varying copyright laws, so check local laws.
- Commercial use: Using converters for commercial gains like monetizing downloaded songs can violate copyrights of music labels and artists.
- Distribution rights: Even if used privately, do not distribute copyrighted songs without permission from valid license holders.
- Artistic credit: Ensure to retain metadata details like song/artists name with downloaded audio files to maintain their creative credit.
- Private versus public: Conversion is safe if kept private but sharing downloaded MP3s publicly online without rights can invite legal complications.
- Terms of use: Always check the YouTube to MP3 converter website’s terms to ensure personal and non-commercial use is explicitly allowed as per their policy.
- Adherence to fair use: Factors like limiting volume/portion as per fair use, non-profit usage, and not affecting original work’s commercial value are safest from copyright perspective.
- Platform policies: Converting YouTube videos may sometimes violate the platform’s strict policies, so double check to avoid account bans or copyright strikes.
Are there any safe and legal conditions of YouTube to MP3 converters?
Yes, converting YouTube videos to MP3 format for personal use only and without further distribution satisfies fair use policies in many countries. Some safe practices include:
- Converting a limited number of songs for private listening instead of full albums.
- Not sharing or uploading converted MP3s online.
- Retaining metadata like artist name and album title with the audio file.
- Using trusted YouTube to MP3 tools that respect copyrights and have no malware/ads.
As long as the above conditions are followed, YouTube to MP3 conversion for non-commercial personal use shouldn’t raise legal issues in most cases. However, it’s advisable to check your country’s copyright laws for clarity.
Conclusion
In summary, YouTube to MP3 converters provide an easy way to rip audio from online videos for listening offline. This article discussed some of the best free online and desktop YouTube to MP3 tools along with factors to consider while choosing one. Sticking to fair use guidelines and evaluating extra features will help you pick the most suitable converter according to your specific needs. Go ahead and select your favorite YouTube to MP3 solution from the provided options.
