Top 10 Best Youtube to MP3 Converters in 2024

As a YouTube content creator for over 12 years, I’ve tried my fair share of YouTube to MP3 converters. Being able to download the audio from YouTube videos comes in handy more often than you’d think – whether it’s to use a song in an offline video project, listen to a podcast during my commute, or extract the background music for a presentation.

Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of online and desktop converters. Through trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 that provide the best user experience in terms of conversion speed, audio quality, supported formats, and safety. I’ll also share some tips from my own YouTube journey on how to choose the right one for your needs.

Why Convert YouTube Videos to MP3

Here are the main reasons I use YouTube to MP3 converters as a content creator:

• Use music in offline projects: As a filmmaker and video editor, having the ability to separate and download just the audio from YouTube videos lets me use songs and background scores in my offline creative projects. This saves a ton of time compared to recording or recreating them.
• Listen offline: I often download my favorite songs, podcasts, and audiobooks from YouTube so I can listen offline when traveling or commuting without using mobile data. MP3 format gives me that flexibility.
• Extract background scores: I sometimes extract the background instrumental scores from YouTube videos to use in my own projects. The ability to isolate and download just the audio makes this possible.
• Create ringtones: I like setting songs from YouTube videos as custom ringtones for my phone. MP3 converters let me trim and export just the segment I want.

So whether you’re a content creator, music enthusiast, podcaster, or casual user, having the ability to strip and download only the audio from YouTube videos in MP3 format opens up a world of possibilities.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a YouTube MP3 Converter

When selecting the best YouTube to MP3 converter for your needs, there are several key factors you should consider:

Conversion Speed

How quickly can the tool extract and convert the audio? This is especially important if you plan to download multiple long videos. Desktop converters with GPU acceleration tend to be faster than web-based tools.

Audio Quality

The audio quality directly impacts your listening experience. Ensure the converter you choose retains the highest possible quality instead of introducing compression artifacts. 320kbps is ideal.

Supported Input & Output Formats

Can the converter handle all the major video formats on YouTube like MP4, WebM, MKV? Can it export multiple audio formats like MP3, M4A, WAV? The more flexible it is, the better.

User Safety

You want to avoid tools that are spammy or infect your device with malware. Check reviews and choose reputable, secure converters that don’t make you disable antivirus.

Price

Some desktop converters charge a one-time fee while most online tools are free. Consider whether paying extra is worth added features or speed. Factor in safety too.

I evaluate converters based on these parameters before recommending them. Now let’s look at my top picks.

Best Online YouTube to MP3 Converters:

1. ClipGrab – Best Free Online YouTube to MP3 Converter

ClipGrab is our top pick among free online converters that offer swift YouTube to MP3 conversions without compromises. Here are its notable features:

Key Features

• Intuitive browser-based interface
• 320kbps MP3 output quality
• Fast encoding servers
• Multi-format video/audio conversion
• Supports playlists and channels
• Completely free without limits

Pros

• Speedy conversion for long videos
• No quality loss in MP3 export
• Easy accessible without installs
• Safe and secure tool
• Clean interface for beginners

Cons

• Lacks advanced customization
• Mobile app unavailable
• Requires Flash to be enabled

With its user-friendly design, fast yet high-quality encoding technology and unlimited conversions policy, ClipGrab is our pick for the best free online YouTube to MP3 converter.

2. 4K Video Downloader – Best Desktop YouTube to MP3 Converter

If you want blazing fast batch conversion speeds offered by desktop apps, 4K Video Downloader is the best paid tool for YouTube to MP3 file conversion.

Key Features

• Full GPU acceleration
• Retains 320kbps output quality
• Converts playlists and channels
• Advanced audio customization
• Multi-platform support
• Lifetime license for $15

Pros

• Rapid conversion for batches
• Lossless MP3 audio quality
• Custom filenames and metadata
• Safe and trusted brand
• One-time reasonable payment

Cons

• Paid license is required
• Mobile version unavailable
• No editing functionalities

With its excellent multi-threading and GPU utilization capabilities, 4K Video Downloader beats all online tools hands-down when it comes to swift bulk conversions.

3. Freemake YouTube to MP3 Boom – Best for Simplicity

Freemake YouTube to MP3 Boom prioritizes ease of use over advanced functionalities, making it a great choice for beginners looking for a straightforward MP3 converter.

Key Features

• Minimalist one-click interface
• 320kbps MP3 download
• Browser extension for direct downloads
• Lightweight software
• Absolutely free

Pros

• Designed for simplicity
• Hassle-free MP3 conversion
• Handy browser add-on
• Small resource footprint
• Zero financial costs

Cons

• Lacks playlist support
• No customization options
• Limited to audio conversion
• Installer may bundle offers

For those focused purely on no-fuss YouTube to MP3 conversion, Freemake YouTube to MP3 Boom hits the sweet spot with its clean and minimalist approach.

4. WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe – Best for Customization

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is the most full-featured paid converter that offers unparalleled control over the output MP3 quality and customization.

Key Features

• 350+ audio/video formats
• Advanced audio parameters control
• Video editing tools
• Hardware acceleration
• $59.95 lifetime license

Pros

• Unmatched output quality control
• Audio normalization and effects
• Trim, crop and add watermarks
• High-speed GPU conversion
• Lifetime ownership for software

Cons

• Expensive license fee
• Overwhelming for beginners
• No web-based version

For advanced users seeking fine-grained audio quality and customization capabilities, WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is hard to beat despite its premium pricing.

5. Any Video Converter – Best Cross-Platform YouTube to MP3 Converter

Any Video Converter is the most versatile cross-platform tool that performs swift YouTube to MP3 conversions on Windows, Mac and Linux with ease.

Key Features

• Windows, Mac and Linux support
• Retains 320kbps MP3 quality
• 100+ video and audio formats
• Built-in media player
• Free version available

Pros

• Multi-OS compatibility
• Quality matches original
• Supports niche formats too
• Preview files easily
• Lifetime free version

Cons

• Confusing tiered licensing
• Bloatware in free version
• Limited batch processing

With the capability to deliver fast, high-quality and flexible YouTube video to MP3 conversions across major computing platforms, Any Video Converter is a reliable pick.

6. iSkysoft iMedia Converter Deluxe – Best for Beginners

iSkysoft iMedia Converter Deluxe stands out for its beautifully designed interface tailored to simplify the MP3 conversion process for novices.

Key Features

• Intuitive and easy workflow
• Retains audio quality up to 320kbps
• Hardware accelerated conversion
• Video downloading and editing
• 14-day free trial

Pros

• Perfect for beginners
• Lossless audio passthrough
• Quick GPU-based processing
• Trim, crop videos easily
• Free trial for evaluation

Cons

• Expensive at $65
• Limited output format support
• No browser extension

If you want to convert YouTube videos to MP3 in the most straightforward manner without technical complexities, iSkysoft iMedia Converter Deluxe is the perfect solution.

7. Online Video Converter – Best Online YouTube to MP3 Converter

Online Video Converter leads the pack when it comes to online YouTube to MP3 converters thanks to its versatile format support and advanced customization capabilities.

Key Features

• 300+ formats supported
• 320kbps MP3 quality
• Clip trimming and filters
• Online access on any device
• Unlimited conversions

Pros

• Broadest format compatibility
• Retains original audio quality
• Edit videos before download
• Easy web-based access
• Entirely free to use

Cons

• Slightly slower conversions
• Mobile app unavailable
• Requires Flash

If you want a reliable online converter that can handle niche video and audio formats flawlessly, Online Video Converter is a great pick for your YouTube to MP3 needs.

8. DVDVideoSoft Free YouTube to MP3 Converter – Best for Playlists

DVDVideoSoft specializes in effortless YouTube playlist and channel conversions to MP3 format using its straightforward interface.

Key Features

• One-click playlist/channel downloads
• 320kbps audio bitrates
• No length limits
• Lightweight software
• Completely free

Pros

• Perfect for full albums/podcasts
• Retains original quality
• No artificial caps
• Small resource footprint
• Zero cost

Cons

• Only converts to audio
• Few customization options
• Slower than competitors

If you want to convert entire YouTube playlists or channel videos to MP3 format, DVDVideoSoft Free YouTube to MP3 Converter is an excellent free choice.

9. YTMP3 – Fastest Online YouTube to MP3 Converter

YTMP3 is the undisputed speed champion when it comes to online YouTube to MP3 conversions while delivering high-fidelity 320kbps output.

Key Features

• Lightning fast conversion
• 320kbps MP3 quality
• Minimalist ad-free interface
• Unlimited downloads
• 100% free service

Pros

• Extremely quick encoder
• CD-quality audio
• Clutter-free website
• No capped conversions
• Free without registrations

Cons

• Only outputs MP3 format
• No customization features
• Desktop app unavailable

If you want to convert YouTube videos to MP3 online at blazing speeds without any limits, YTMP3 is the perfect hassle-free solution.

10. 7Converter – Most Reliable Online YouTube to MP3 Converter

7Converter] takes the crown when it comes to delivering reliable and consistent YouTube to MP3 conversions online thanks to its efficient backend infrastructure.

Key Features

• Robust cloud encoding
• 320kbps MP3 quality
• Multi-format video/audio conversion
• Intuitive web interface
• Unlimited downloads

Pros

• Most dependable conversions
• Audio matches source
• Flexible output options
• Easy to navigate UI
• Zero download restrictions

Cons

• Slightly slower speeds
• Limited customization
• No desktop application

If rock-solid reliability is your top priority, 7Converter beats its online competitors hands-down in terms of successful conversion rates and stability.

Tips for Choosing the Right YouTube MP3 Converter

Beyond my personal recommendations, here are 5 quick tips when evaluating and choosing a YouTube to MP3 converter tailored to your needs:

1. Online vs desktop: Online tools are easier to access but desktop converters are faster and offer more advanced options. Choose what suits your usage – casual or power user.

2. Check recent reviews: Reviews from 2023/2024 carry more weight to assess current safety and conversion success rates for any YouTube downloader.

3. Compare speeds: Conversion time is critical for large batches. Desktop apps are typically faster but test tools with the same video to compare speeds.

4. Listen to converted samples: Audio quality varies across converters. Download the same video MP3 from shortlisted tools and critically listen to pick the best quality one.

5. Use trustworthy brands: When it comes to installable software, reputed brands like Freemake, DVDVideoSoft, Xilisoft are safer bets than unknown, fishy tools you find online.

Evaluating your specific usage scenario and priorities will help narrow down the ideal YouTube MP3 converter for your needs from the vast options out there.

Closing Thoughts

The ability to swiftly and seamlessly convert YouTube videos to MP3 opens up an exciting world of possibilities both for casual listeners as well as professional content creators.

But not all converters are made equal. After testing countless tools hands-on over the past 12+ years creating YouTube videos, I’m most impressed with browser-based ClipGrab Online and desktop app 4K Video Downloader for their blazing speeds, uncompromised audio quality and trustworthy reputations.

I hope my decade-plus experience and recommendations help you pick your perfect YouTube to MP3 converter match too based on your preferences and use case. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!