ClipGrab
ClipGrab is a free video downloader and converter for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What ClipGrab is
ClipGrab is a free video downloader and converter for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can download videos from YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, Facebook, and other online video sites, then convert them to MPEG4, MP3, WMV, OGG Vorbis, or OGG Theora. Some videos can be saved in their original format. Its video recognition system may work on thousands of other sites, and the program includes an integrated YouTube video search. YouTube downloads are supported up to 1080p. ClipGrab says it can download Facebook videos, including private ones, in HD or standard definition. The Linux edition is GPLv3-licensed open-source software, available as a precompiled version or source code. Windows installers are offered with or without third-party offers; the installer with offers is operated independently by dotInstaller and TheCassiniLabs. ClipGrab cannot run on iOS devices, though videos can be downloaded on a PC or Mac and transferred. Its support FAQ notes that downloads may fail when the internet connection is unreliable or offline and recommends updating the software when video sites change. Email support, a feedback forum, and FAQs are available.
Good
- Downloads from YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and Facebook
- Converts videos to several listed audio and video formats
- Includes an integrated YouTube search function
- Linux edition is GPLv3-licensed open-source software
Watch out
- Cannot run on iOS devices
- Downloads may fail with unreliable or offline internet
- Video sites changing can require an update
Who it suits
ClipGrab suits people who want to download and convert online videos on Windows, macOS, or Linux. It is not for running directly on iOS devices.
Verdict
ClipGrab offers video downloading and conversion at no cost across Windows, macOS, and Linux. iOS users need another device to download videos, and unreliable connections or changes to video sites can interrupt downloads.
Plans and prices
From ClipGrab's own pricing page, checked 20 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Video downloading · Video conversion · GPLv3 open-source software |
| ClipGrab | Free | desktop downloader/converter · Windows, macOS and Linux |
| Donation €10 | €10, paid once | voluntary contribution |
| Donation €20 | €20, paid once | voluntary contribution |
| Donation €50 | €50, paid once | voluntary contribution |
The facts
Each one read from ClipGrab's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audio extraction
- Selecting MP3 downloads the video's audio track as an audio-only file.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Clipboard workflow
- The documented workflow is to copy a video URL, paste it into the Downloads tab, choose quality and format, then start the download.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limitation
- The official troubleshooting guide says website technical changes can break downloads and recommends updating ClipGrab.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Developer distribution
- The roadmap says current source is distributed as a tarball and that a public Git repository is only being evaluated.checked 14 Oct 2026
- History
- The ClipGrab 4 fundraiser page says the first version was released in 2007.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Independent test limitation
- A 2026 StreamFab test reported zero completed downloads from ten YouTube URLs, with blank search, stalled analysis and 403 errors.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Installer caveat
- The standard Windows installer can contain third-party offers operated by dotInstaller and TheCassiniLabs; the site provides a no-offer installer.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Legal caution
- An ORF/FM4 article described ClipGrab as free and open source while warning that downloading streams can conflict with broadcasters' rights.checked 14 Oct 2026
- License
- ClipGrab is described as GPLv3-licensed open-source software.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: installer extras
- Softonic reports that anti-malware tools may flag installCore bundled with some installers and recommends the direct installer.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: performance
- Tom's Hardware calls ClipGrab sluggish in use despite allowing resolution and format selection.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: source compatibility
- VideoHelp reviewers reported that version 3.9.15 did not work with YouTube while 3.9.14 did.checked 14 Oct 2026
The company
- Company registration
- A German commercial-register record lists libre media labs GmbH as formed on 22 August 2025 with €25,000 share capital.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2007checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Seybothenreuth, Germanychecked 28 Sep 2026
- Maker
- The legal page identifies libre media labs GmbH as responsible for clipgrab.org content and gives its address as Hauptstraße 10, 95517 Seybothenreuth, Germany.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Maker headquarters
- The legal address is Hauptstraße 10, 95517 Seybothenreuth, Germany.checked 14 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Facebook videos
- ClipGrab says it can download Facebook videos, including private ones, in HD or standard definition.checked 5 Oct 2026
- iOS limitation
- The site says ClipGrab cannot run on iOS devices and suggests downloading on a PC or Mac and transferring the video.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Linux and license
- ClipGrab is GPLv3-licensed open source software available as a precompiled Linux version or source code.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Linux support
- Linux users can download a 64-bit binary or compile the published source code.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Mac compatibility
- The site says ClipGrab for macOS works on Macs with macOS 10.12 or newer, including Macs with M1 processors.checked 5 Oct 2026
- macOS support
- The homepage lists macOS 10.12 or newer, including M1 Macs, for version 4.0.0-beta2.checked 14 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
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