StreamgrabPricing / Streamgrab vs yt-dlp
Streamgrab vs yt-dlp
Updated
yt-dlp is a free, open-source command-line program that downloads video from a very large number of sites, including YouTube. Streamgrab is a browser extension for saving the video on the page you have open. They suit different people.
yt-dlp is described here from its project page in general terms, not tested against Streamgrab, and we did not re-check its supported-site list on 3 October 2026. Streamgrab is our own tool, so read the table with that in mind.
| Topic | yt-dlp | Streamgrab |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free; Pro €29 for Lifetime or €15 for 1 year |
| How you use it | In a terminal, by typing a command with the page address | In the browser. Open the popup on the page, pick a quality, press Download |
| Install | A program on your computer. It usually needs ffmpeg to join audio and video | A browser extension. Nothing else to install |
| Sites | A very large list, including YouTube | Video the page you have open loads. YouTube is refused |
| DRM | Does not remove DRM | Does not remove DRM. The popup says so |
| Bulk and playlists | Built for them | Free: one running at a time. Pro: any number queued, 3 running at once, and Download all |
| Control | Many options for formats, names and sorting | A quality list; filename templates on Pro |
Sources: none checked. The yt-dlp column is a general description, not a test or a benchmark.
Who should use yt-dlp
Use yt-dlp if you are comfortable in a terminal, want to download many videos or whole playlists, need YouTube, or want fine control over formats and file names. It is free and has no limits. It is the better tool for technical users.
Who should use Streamgrab
Use Streamgrab if you want to save the video you are watching with a click, do not want to install a program or find a page address, and do not need YouTube. Direct files are free without limit, and HLS and DASH streams are free up to 720p, one at a time.
What neither does
Neither removes DRM, and neither is a reason to copy what you do not have the right to keep.
Questions
Is yt-dlp free?
Yes. It is a free, open-source command-line program with no limits, described here from its project page in general terms.
Can Streamgrab download YouTube?
No. YouTube is refused, and neither tool removes DRM. The Streamgrab popup says so.
Do I need a terminal for Streamgrab?
No. Open the popup on the page, pick a quality and press Download.
How much of Streamgrab is free?
Direct files without limit, and HLS or DASH streams up to 720p, one at a time. Pro is €29 for Lifetime or €15 for 1 year.
See also
Try Streamgrab free
Free saves direct files without limit and HLS or DASH streams up to 720p one at a time, with no watermark and no account. It does not download YouTube or DRM-protected video.
Streamgrab is an independent product and is not affiliated with the tools it is compared with.