The best free YouTube to MP3 converters allow you to enjoy your favorite audio content from YouTube anytime, anywhere—at no cost. These tools convert YouTube videos into MP3 files, perfect for offline listening on your iPhone or Android device. This is ideal for long flights, road trips, or other situations where you don’t have reliable internet access.
How YouTube to MP3 Converters Work
Unlike free YouTube downloader apps that save entire videos, these converters focus on extracting the audio. This is particularly useful for music, podcasts, and other audio-based content. We’ve tested many of these tools and compiled a list of the best ones that meet our high standards.
Ethical Considerations
While using these converters, it’s important to remember that viewing content on YouTube helps support creators, as more views translate to more revenue. Unauthorized downloads are against YouTube’s terms of service, and it’s crucial to ensure you have permission from the uploader or copyright holder before downloading their content for personal use.
Top Free YouTube to MP3 Converters for 2023
1. Any Video Converter Free
The best overall YouTube to MP3 converter
Operating System: Windows
Pros:
- Excellent format options
- Extra filters and effects
- Profiles for different devices Cons:
- Bundled extra software
Any Video Converter Free is a versatile tool that not only converts videos from various formats but also downloads and saves YouTube videos as MP3 files. Despite its multifunctionality, it remains user-friendly, although you should avoid installing optional adware during setup. The process involves pasting the YouTube video URL and selecting MP3 as the output format.
2. 4K YouTube to MP3
Most versatile and easiest to use
Operating System: Windows
Pros:
- No extra bundled software
- Choice of audio formats
- Supports many video sites Cons:
- Only one download at a time
4K YouTube to MP3 excels in simplicity and versatility, supporting various audio formats like OGG and M4A. It works with multiple video sites including Vimeo, Flickr, and Facebook. The free version is perfect for everyday use, although the premium version offers additional features like playlist downloads.
3. 4K Video Downloader
Best for M4A or OGG formats
Operating System: Windows
Pros:
- No ads or bundled software
- Can download playlists Cons:
- Only available for Windows
- Long playlists require a license
Similar to 4K YouTube to MP3, this tool allows for downloading entire videos and extracting audio in MP3, OGG, or M4A formats. It’s efficient and straightforward, making it a top choice for those needing more than just MP3 conversions.
4. Free YouTube to MP3 Converter
Best for converting music with album artwork
Operating Systems: Windows, macOS
Pros:
- Very simple to use
- Well-designed interface
- Can merge videos Cons:
- Bundled software
This tool is straightforward, with no unnecessary features. You can choose the quality and format, paste the URL, and download the audio. It’s designed for efficiency and ease of use, making it ideal for quick conversions.
5. ClipGrab
Best for beginners: all you need is the YouTube video URL
Operating System: Windows
Pros:
- One-click downloads
- Integrated video search
- Supports many video sites Cons:
- Bundled extra software
ClipGrab is user-friendly and efficient. It activates upon copying a YouTube URL to the clipboard, offering to download the related video. You can then choose to download the audio as an MP3, making the process seamless.
Choosing the Best Free YouTube to MP3 Converter
When selecting a YouTube to MP3 converter, consider how many videos you want to convert. For occasional use, an online tool may suffice, but for frequent conversions, a dedicated desktop application is more efficient and faster. Be cautious of malware and ensure the tool you choose has positive reviews and meets your needs.
Testing and Safety
We thoroughly test these tools for features, ease of use, and safety. While some free converters come with bloatware, the ones we recommend are proven safe. Always check for online reviews to avoid harmful software.
By using these converters responsibly and ensuring you have permission for downloads, you can enjoy your favorite YouTube audio content anytime, anywhere.