If you are a frequent viewer of YouTube, you must know the frustration of wanting to save the song, lecture, or podcast episode for offline listening on your Mac. Streaming is fine when you have a stable internet connection, but what about commutes, workouts, or trips where Wi-Fi isn’t available? You might try online converters or sketchy websites, only to run into ads, broken links, or poor-quality audio.
This is why it is essential to find a dependable YouTube audio downloader for Mac. In this article, we’ll show you the best tools for Mac, both software and online options, so you can grab high-quality audio quickly and safely. When you finish reading, you will know exactly which one to choose and how to use it step by step.
Best YouTube Audio Downloader for Mac Recommended
When it comes to downloading high-quality audio from YouTube on a Mac, few tools make the process as seamless as AudiConv Audio Downloader. This all-in-one music converter isn’t just for YouTube it supports Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, SoundCloud, and more. Whether you’re looking to grab individual tracks, full albums, playlists, or even podcasts and audiobooks, AudiConv lets you save everything locally in lossless quality for offline listening. Its user-friendly interface and multi-platform support make it a perfect companion for any music lover who wants freedom over their collection.
AudiConv Audio Downloader does more than just download music. It can also change DRM-protected tracks into MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, AIFF, AAC, or ALAC formats. You can change bitrates, keep ID3 tags, and send files to many devices, like MP3 players and smart TVs. With batch downloads, a built-in music player, and fast conversion, it’s easy to see why AudiConv is a great choice for Mac users who want a quick and reliable YouTube audio downloader.
Key Features of AudiConv Audio Downloader:
- Supports 17+ streaming platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music
- Converts DRM-protected music to MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, AIFF, and more
- Downloads individual songs, playlists, albums, podcasts, and audiobooks
- Retains ID3 tags including title, artist, album, genre, and cover art
- Batch download with up to 10X faster speed
How to Download Audio from YouTube to Mac in High Quality for Free?
Step 1: Copy the YouTube URL of the video you want to download.
Step 2: Open AudiConv Audio Downloader on your Mac. Choose your preferred output format, such as MP3, and select the audio quality you want.
Step 3: Click the “Paste URL” button. The software will automatically start downloading the audio from the video.
Step 4: Once the download is complete, go to the “Downloaded” tab to find your audio ready for offline listening.
How to Download Audio from YouTube to Mac Online for Free
If you prefer not to install software, there are online tools that let you download YouTube audio directly from your browser. Keep in mind, online tools usually offer fewer features compared to desktop converters like AudiConv Audio Downloader. They often have limitations in output quality, batch downloads, or format options, and some may show ads or require extra steps. Here are three options worth considering:
1. Clipto YouTube Audio Downloader
Clipto YouTube Audio Downloader is an easy-to-use web-based tool that lets you convert YouTube videos to MP3 quickly. It works entirely in your browser, so there’s no software installation needed. While it doesn’t support playlists or batch downloads, it’s perfect for one-off audio conversions and works across multiple devices, including Mac, Windows, and mobile browsers.
Step 1: Go to the Clipto YouTube Audio Downloader page.
Step 2: Paste the YouTube video URL into the input box. Click the Start Download button.
Step 3: Next, choose the format and just click on ‘Add to Download List’.
Pros:
- No installation required
- Works across platforms
- Simple interface
Cons:
- Limited output formats
- Cannot download playlists
- Ads on the website
2. Y2Mate YouTube to MP3
Y2Mate is a widely used online tool for converting YouTube videos into MP3 files. It supports multiple output formats, including MP4 and MP3, and works directly from your browser. While it’s fast and free, it can’t handle playlist downloads, and you might encounter pop-up ads during use. Still, it’s convenient for quickly saving individual videos to your Mac without any software.
Step 1: Visit the Y2Mate YouTube to MP3 page.
Step 2: Paste the YouTube video link in the conversion box.
Step 3: Click “Download” and save the file.
Pros:
- Free and fast
- Multiple format support
- Works on Mac, Windows, and mobile
Cons:
- Popup ads can be annoying
- Playlist downloads not supported
- Occasional slowdowns with long videos
3. YTMP3 YouTube to MP3 Converter
The YTMP3 YouTube Converter is another web-based option that makes converting YouTube videos to MP3 simple and quick. No software is needed, and it works on any browser. While it doesn’t offer batch downloads or advanced features, it’s reliable for single video conversions, letting you save audio files directly to your Mac in a few clicks.
Step 1: Open The Cheese Trap YouTube Converter in your browser.
Step 2: Paste the video URL in the provided field.
Step 3: Click “Convert” and then download the audio.
Pros:
- No software installation needed
- Works on any browser
- Straightforward process
Cons:
- Limited to single video downloads
- Fewer format options than desktop software
- Ads can interfere with navigation
AudiConv Software vs. Online Tools: Which One is Better?
After exploring both desktop software and online tools for downloading YouTube audio on Mac, it’s clear that each method has its pros and cons. Online tools can be convenient for quick downloads without installation, but they come with limitations. Desktop software like AudiConv Audio Downloader offers more stability, higher quality, and advanced features. Let’s compare them side by side:
| Feature | AudiConv Desktop Software | Online Tools |
| Safety | 100% safe and clean | Not always safe, risk of malware or pop-ups |
| Ads | None | Often contains multiple ads |
| Stability | Highly stable, rarely crashes | Can crash, the domain may change due to copyright |
| Video/Audio Quality | Lossless, up to 320kbps MP3 | Lower quality, limited options |
| Output Formats | MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, ALAC | Usually only MP3, limited other formats |
| Batch Download | Supported | Not supported or very limited |
| Additional Features | Retain ID3 tags, multi-platform, lyrics, built-in search | Minimal features, mostly one-click download |
| Speed | 10X faster download | Depends on the server speed and the internet |
Conclusion
While online converters can be handy for occasional downloads, they are limited in features, quality, and reliability. For anyone serious about downloading YouTube audio regularly, a robust tool like AudiConv Audio Downloader is the best choice. It ensures high-quality downloads, supports multiple formats, retains all metadata, and works flawlessly on Mac. For a safer, faster, and better experience, AudiConv Audio Downloader is the clear winner.
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