10 Best & FREE YouTube Audio Rippers for MP3, FLAC & More — Tested 2026

Looking for the best YouTube audio ripper to rip audio from YouTube without broken links, fake download buttons, or unnecessary re-encoding? We tested more than 10 desktop apps, online tools, Android apps, and alternative methods to see how well they convert a YouTube video to audio in real-world use.

We compared download speed, audio quality, MP3/WAV/M4A support, playlist downloads, ID3 tags, ads, and ease of use. Whether you want a free YouTube audio ripper online, a YouTube to MP3 ripper for Windows or Mac, or simply need to save YouTube audio for offline listening, the picks below cover the main options.

Quick Comparison of the Top YouTube Audio Rippers

A YouTube audio ripper extracts audio from YouTube videos or YouTube Music and saves it in formats such as MP3, FLAC, WAV, or M4A. The table includes free YouTube audio rippers, desktop apps, and YouTube audio ripper online services, so you can quickly decide whether an app or a browser-based YouTube audio ripper website fits you better.

Which YouTube Audio Ripper Should You Choose?

Best Overall: Sidify All-In-One — playlists, metadata and batch downloads
Free Download Free Download
Best for Windows & Mac: 4K YouTube to MP3	Best Free / Open Source: yt-dlp	Best Easy yt-dlp App: Stacher
Best Free Online: EzConv	Best Online for WAV / FLAC: TubeRipper	Best Android App: NewPipe
Best for ID3 Tags: MediaHuman / OnlyMP3	Avoid for YouTube Right Now: Cobalt Audio Converter

How We Tested These YouTube Audio Rippers

1. Overall Best & Safest YouTube Audio Ripper: Sidify All-In-One

If you’re looking for a reliable YouTube audio ripper for Windows and Mac that’s free of ads and complicated settings, Sidify All-In-One is a great choice. It works with both YouTube Free and Premium accounts and lets you download multiple files at once. That way, you can easily listen to your music offline on MP3 players, phones, tablets, SD card or home speakers. In our testing, Sidify was simple to use and preserved all the key ID3 tags like title, artist, album, and cover art.

With Sidify, you’re not limited to YouTube. It also supports YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, and more.

How to rip audio from YouTube via Sidify All-In-One

Step 1 Add the YouTube Video. Find the YT video you want and add it to Sidify.

Step 2 Choose MP3 as the Output Format. Select MP3 and adjust the output quality or other settings if needed.

Step 3 Start Downloading. Click Convert to start. Once finished, you can find the downloaded MP3 files under History or in your selected output folder.

See also: How to download YouTube Music to a computer.

Also Consider: Sidify YouTube Music Converter — Best YouTube Music Ripper for Playlists

If you mainly want to save songs, albums, or playlists from YouTube Music, Sidify YouTube Music Converter is the more focused option. As a dedicated YouTube Music ripper, it is designed around music downloads, output formats, playlists, and metadata rather than general YouTube videos.

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Free Download Buy Now

Note:

Sidify All-In-One remains our top pick for the best overall experience, audio quality, and batch support. But if you only need a basic no-cost option, the free YouTube audio rippers below are also worth a look.

Before using any free tool:

• ⚠️ Avoid fake download buttons and aggressive ads.
• ⚠️ Never enter personal information on suspicious sites.
• ⚠️ Skip unknown software or browser extensions.
• ⚠️ Keep your browser and security software updated.

2. 4K YouTube to MP3 — Best YouTube Audio Ripper for Windows and Mac

4K YouTube to MP3 is more than a basic YouTube audio downloader. Its biggest advantage over an online YouTube audio ripper is playlist and channel support, so you don't need to convert videos one by one. It also works with sites such as Vimeo, TikTok, SoundCloud, and Twitch, while the built-in audio tools give you a few extra options for working with downloaded sound.

How to rip audio from YouTube via 4K YouTube to MP3

Step 1 Open Tools > Preferences and choose MP3, audio quality, and the output folder.

Step 2 Copy the YouTube video, playlist, or channel URL you want to download.

Step 3 Click Paste Link. 4K YouTube to MP3 will parse the link and start downloading automatically.

Best Ways to Download Music from YouTube for Free

Want to download music from YouTube for free? Discover the best apps to save YouTube music for offline listening quickly and easily.

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3. yt-dlp — Best Free YouTube Audio Ripper for Advanced Users

yt-dlp is the most mentioned YouTube audio and video downloader on Reddit. It can save the best available audio stream directly or use FFmpeg to convert it to MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, Opus, and other formats. Playlists, channels, filenames, metadata, cover art, codecs, and quality settings can all be customized. The trade-off is straightforward: it is powerful and completely free, but the command-line workflow takes some learning.

How to rip audio from YouTube via yt-dlp

Step 1 Install yt-dlp and FFmpeg on your computer.

Step 2 Open Terminal or Command Prompt and enter:
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 "YouTube URL"

Step 3 Press Enter. yt-dlp will download the best available audio and convert it to MP3 automatically.

4. Stacher — Best yt-dlp GUI for Easy YouTube Audio Extraction

Stacher is a good middle ground for people who like what yt-dlp can do but don't want to work in Terminal or Command Prompt. You paste a YouTube link, choose an audio format, and adjust the settings through a graphical interface. It keeps much of yt-dlp's flexibility while making playlists and repeated downloads easier to manage, although some of the more advanced conversion features still depend on FFmpeg.

How to rip audio from YouTube via Stacher

Step 1 Paste the YouTube video or playlist URL into Stacher.

Step 2 Choose an audio format such as MP3 and adjust the quality or other download settings.

Step 3 Start the download. Stacher will use yt-dlp to fetch and process the audio.

Want something easier? Sidify All-In-One offers a graphical workflow with batch downloads and metadata support, without command-line setup.

5. MediaHuman — Best YouTube to MP3 Ripper for ID3 Tags

MediaHuman feels less like a throwaway downloader and more like a tool for organizing downloaded music. Its built-in tag editor lets you fix titles, artists, albums, genres, years, and cover art before the files end up in your library. It can also monitor playlists or channels for new uploads and automatically add completed tracks to iTunes or Music.app. If metadata matters as much as download speed, it has an advantage over most free YouTube audio rippers.

How to rip audio from YouTube via MediaHuman

Step 1 Copy the YouTube video or playlist URL.

Step 2 Paste the link into MediaHuman and choose MP3 or another audio format in Preferences.

Step 3 Click the Download button, or Start All to download multiple tracks at once.

6. NewPipe — Best YouTube Audio Ripper App for Android

For Android users, NewPipe is one of the best apps to rip YouTube audio without relying on a browser-based downloader. It runs without a Google account or Google Play Services, has no ads, and can save available audio streams such as M4A or WebM/Opus directly instead of forcing everything through MP3 conversion. It's lightweight and privacy-focused, but there is no native MP3 output, tag editor, or full playlist batch download.

How to rip audio from YouTube via NewPipe

Step 1 Open NewPipe and find the YouTube video you want to save.

Step 2 Tap Download, choose Audio, then select an available M4A or WebM/Opus quality.

Step 3 Choose the download folder and tap Download to save the YT audio directly to your Android device.

Note:

If you need the same type of batch workflow on Windows or Mac, Sidify All-In-One is a stronger desktop alternative.

Online YouTube audio rippers can be less reliable than desktop tools because sites may go offline or stop working after YouTube updates, so we only included options that were accessible, parsed YouTube links correctly, and completed downloads successfully.

Service	URL Status	Analysis	Download	Last Tested
EzConv	✅ Active	✅ Working	✅ Working	Aug. 2026
TubeRipper	✅ Active	✅ Working	✅ Working	Aug. 2026
YTMP3	✅ Active	⚠️ / ✅	⚠️ / ✅	Aug. 2026
OnlyMP3	✅ Active	✅ Working	✅ Working	Aug. 2026

Need playlists or better metadata? Free online YouTube audio rippers are convenient for one-off downloads, but Sidify All-In-One is more practical for batch downloads and organized music libraries.

7. EzConv (formerly EzMP3) — Best Free YouTube Audio to MP3 Ripper Online

EzConv (formerly EzMP3) works well when you just want to convert YouTube videos to MP3 without installing anything. Paste the link, choose a bitrate, and download the finished file; there's also a simple trimmer if you only need part of the audio. It is quick and easy for occasional use, but there are no playlist downloads or proper ID3 tools. Selecting 320 kbps also won't improve audio that came from a lower-quality YouTube source.

How to rip audio from YouTube via EzConv

Step 1 Open EzConv and copy the YouTube video URL.

Step 2 Paste the URL and choose an MP3 quality from 64 to 320kbps.

Step 3 Click Convert, then click Download MP3 when processing is complete.

8. TubeRipper — Best Online YouTube Audio Extractor for WAV, FLAC & More

TubeRipper is useful when format choice matters more than extras. Unlike many browser-based YouTube to MP3 converters, it offers options including MP3, FLAC, WAV, Opus, M4A, OGG, and WebM. It also accepts links from platforms such as SoundCloud, TikTok, Vimeo, Facebook, and X.

How to rip audio from YouTube via TubeRipper

Step 1 Open TubeRipper.net and copy the YouTube video URL.

Step 2 Paste the URL into the input box and start parsing the video.

Step 3 Choose MP3 or another available audio format, then click Download to save the file.

9. YTMP3 — Simple YouTube to MP3 Converter for One-Off Downloads

YTMP3 is one of the oldest and most widely recognized free online YouTube converters. Designed with absolute simplicity in mind, it allows users to convert and download individual YouTube videos to MP3 audio files or MP4 video files directly within a browser window.

How to rip audio from YouTube via YTMP3

Step 1 Open YTMP3 and copy the YouTube video URL.

Step 2 Paste the URL into the input box and select MP3.

Step 3 Click Download, then choose a save location to save the MP3 file.

10. OnlyMP3 — Best Website to Rip YouTube Audio with ID3 Tags

If you want to save YouTube audio as MP3 while keeping more metadata, OnlyMP3 did better than most of the free online tools we tested. A useful bonus is support for videos up to 4 hours long, plus the option to save finished MP3 files directly to Dropbox.

How to rip audio from YouTube via OnlyMP3

Step 1 Open OnlyMP3 and copy the YouTube video URL.

Step 2 Paste the URL into the search box and click Convert.

Step 3 Once processing is complete, click Download MP3 to save the audio, or save it to Dropbox when available.

Other Ways to Rip YouTube Audio

Besides YouTube to MP3 apps and websites, you can also save YouTube audio using Apple Shortcuts, Telegram bots, browser extensions, or recording tools (Audacity). Each method works differently and is better suited to a different type of user.

Apple Shortcuts — Best Way to Rip YouTube Audio on iPhone and Mac

If you're looking for a YouTube audio ripper for iPhone, Apple Shortcuts offers a convenient alternative to installing a dedicated downloader. With a compatible third-party shortcut, you can copy a YouTube URL, run the shortcut, and save the extracted audio to your device or iCloud Drive. Some shortcuts can also process YouTube playlists for multiple downloads.

Safety note: YouTube downloader shortcuts are usually community-made rather than official Apple tools. Check the shortcut's source and review its actions and permissions before running it.

How to rip audio from YouTube via Apple Shortcuts

Step 1 Install a trusted YouTube audio downloader shortcut and copy the YouTube video URL.

Step 2 Run the shortcut and choose the available audio format or download option.

Step 3 Save the extracted audio to Files, your device, or iCloud Drive.

See also: How to download YouTube Music on iPhone.

Telegram Bot —— Best Quick Way to Save YouTube Audio on Mobile

Telegram bots offer a surprisingly convenient way to extract audio from YouTube when you're already using the app. Supported content and processing speeds vary depending on the bot you use.

Safety note: Use reputable bots and avoid sending private or sensitive links. Third-party bot operators may be able to log submitted URLs or usage data.

How to rip audio from YouTube via Telegram Bot

Step 1 Open a trusted YouTube downloader bot in Telegram.

Step 2 Send the YouTube video URL and choose MP3 or another audio option.

Step 3 Download the returned audio file to your device.

Browser Extension— Best for One-Click YouTube Audio Extraction

A browser extension saves you from copying YouTube links into a separate converter every time. Compatible extensions can add a download option near the video page or detect available media through the browser toolbar, making repeated downloads faster. If you're looking for a YouTube audio ripper Chrome extension, check the extension's current browser compatibility and store availability before installing it.

Safety note: Check extension permissions carefully before installation. Avoid tools that request unnecessary access to browsing history, passwords, or unrelated websites.

How to rip audio from YouTube via Browser Extension

Step 1 Install a compatible and trusted media download extension in your browser.

Step 2 Open the YouTube video you want to save.

Step 3 Click the extension's download button, choose the available audio format or quality, and save the file.

Recording Tools — Best Way to Record and Extract YouTube Audio to WAV

Audacity takes a completely different approach from a normal YouTube audio ripper. Instead of parsing a video URL, it records the sound playing through your computer in real time and then lets you trim, clean up, normalize, or edit the recording before exporting it as MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, and other formats. It's much slower than downloading because a 60-minute video takes roughly 60 minutes to record, but it's the most flexible option here if editing matters as much as extraction.

How to rip audio from YouTube via Recording Tools

Step 1 Open Audacity and configure the recording input to capture your computer's system audio, such as Windows WASAPI loopback on Windows.

Step 2 Click Record in Audacity, then play the YouTube video from the beginning and let it record in real time.

Step 3 Stop recording when the video finishes, trim or edit the audio if needed, then go to File > Export Audio and save it as MP3, WAV, FLAC, or another supported format.

Cobalt Audio Converter — Avoid for YouTube Right Now

When we checked the public Cobalt instance in August 2026, it wasn't a dependable option for YouTube downloads.

Cobalt has one of the cleaner interfaces among browser-based media downloaders, but it isn't a dependable choice for YouTube at the moment. The public Cobalt website may fail to process YouTube links, so someone looking for a working YouTube audio ripper can easily end up wasting time before discovering the limitation. The project itself is still worth knowing about, but for YouTube specifically, one of the working alternatives above is a safer recommendation.

Are YouTube Audio Rippers Safe and Legal?

YouTube audio rippers can be safe if you use reputable tools, but some websites, bots, and extensions may contain misleading ads, redirects, or unsafe downloads. Avoid tools that ask for your Google password or unnecessary browser permissions.

Legality depends on what you download. Saving your own content, public-domain media, or material you have permission to use is generally safer. Downloading copyrighted music without permission may violate copyright law and YouTube's Terms of Service.

Bottom line: Use trusted tools and only download audio you have the right to save.

Final Verdict: Which Is the Best YouTube Audio Ripper?

There’s no single best YouTube audio ripper for every user. EzConv is a convenient free option for quick online conversions, yt-dlp is better for advanced users who want more control, 4K YouTube to MP3 is easier for Windows and Mac, and NewPipe is the best fit for Android.

For users who regularly download playlists or want to keep their music library organized, Sidify All-In-One is our overall pick. It performed well in our batch download tests, supports multiple output formats, and preserved more useful ID3 metadata than most of the simpler tools we tested.

Free Download Buy Now

Free Download Buy Now

Note:

Sidify All-In-One supports YouTube and other major streaming platforms. The trial version lets you convert the first minute of each audio file for sample testing. You can purchase the full version to remove the time limitation.