ClipGrab Review 2025: Is It Safe, Still Working, and What Are the Best Alternatives?

Looking for a simple and reliable tool for downloading YouTube videos, but not sure if ClipGrab is still good in 2025? ClipGrab has been one of the most common free tools for downloading YouTube videos (and other sites) for many years. However, a lot of changes and restrictions in recent years have led to issues. Users complained about various download problems, speed issues and error messages along with safety concerns.

In this ClipGrab review article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about ClipGrab, including what it is, if it’s safe to use, and why it might not be working. We’ll also introduce you to the best ClipGrab alternative, which will let you do the same job in just a few clicks, and answer common questions around legality, reliability, and how to download YouTube videos on PC or Mac.

What is ClipGrab?

ClipGrab is a free and lightweight video downloader and converter. It has been used for a long time by millions of people to download video files from various video sharing services, including YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and others. ClipGrab has another useful function, which is a video converter which can save video files in several different formats, including MPEG4, MP3, WMV and more. This is extremely convenient, as you can download a full video file or its soundtrack using the service.

ClipGrab is popular among users also because it is very easy to use. The user interface is designed in an extremely clear and concise way, the installation process takes a few seconds, and the whole downloading and conversion process is also completed in one click. For casual users, this is ideal.

😀 Pros:

Free to use and does not require any payment or subscription.
Available on multiple platforms, including YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook.
Allows you to download videos in a variety of formats, including MP4, MP3, and WMV.
Lightweight and easy-to-install program.
Easy to use for beginners.

😐 Cons:

Some versions of ClipGrab include bundled software that may have safety concerns.
ClipGrab has fewer features than some of its premium alternatives.
ClipGrab can experience compatibility issues with new platform updates.
ClipGrab can be slower than other downloaders, especially with HD or larger files.
There are reports that it will no longer function properly in 2025.

Is ClipGrab Safe to Use?

Safety has been a persistent issue with ClipGrab. In certain cases, users have reported that the installer was paired with adware, which installed additional programs on a user’s computer. In other cases, this has led to antivirus software detecting it as a PUP (potentially unwanted program). The built-in search engine provides a limited number of results, and there are also no advanced search options, like choosing a specific audio quality for the output file. Download speed is slow, and clipboard monitoring has been described as taking a relatively long time to detect URLs.

User comments on community forums have been varied. While some users have stated that they have used ClipGrab without any issues, others have reported instances of unwanted software installation and alteration to their computers. By user recommendation, downloading the version of ClipGrab that deletes third-party offers does provide a means to limit the risk of installation. Overall, ClipGrab can function effectively for basic downloading, but users should only download from a legitimate source and ensure their antivirus software is active during installation.

ClipGrab Not Working in 2025? Is It True?

There were many users who had just posted above that ClipGrab is dead these days, and it definitely stopped working at least for YouTube links. However, in order to test the above statement, I just decided to quickly verify whether ClipGrab actually still works in 2025.

To be honest, ClipGrab does not seem to work fine. After starting the app and pasting a YouTube link inside, the installer asked me to install yet another utility called youtube-dlp (just as you can see in the screenshot below). This means that this extra software is now needed by ClipGrab to process YouTube links, and just having the downloader alone is not enough anymore.

Even after clicking on Continue, the YouTube-dlp download didn’t start, as the progress bar showed 0% and nothing else happened next. Clip Grab cannot maintain its pace with all of YouTube’s frequent and necessary security and compatibility updates since YouTube frequently improves its protocols to block third-party downloaders. In the end, after many failed attempts, I was able to download it. I opened up ClipGrab, copied the link for the YouTube video and pasted it inside the downloader. The tool tries to retrieve the video, but the download stalls and eventually fails. The tool doesn’t save a file and just simply mentions that no downloadable videos could be found.

This failure indicates that ClipGrab is either not updated with the latest versions of YouTube or that YouTube has patched certain vulnerabilities. Users who have used the software in the past without encountering this problem may see inconsistent or complete failures. screenshots of failed downloads may highlight some of these limitations and show failure points.

Best Alternative to ClipGrab Video Downloader

So, as we just discussed, ClipGrab has started to disappoint its users recently. Ever since 2025, many have complained that ClipGrab has not been able to do its job properly. Users all over the internet have been reporting a failed download, a broken link, or a video that won’t convert. The worst part is when a service you have been using suddenly can’t process simple tasks, especially when you need to download videos fast and of high quality. That is where iDownerGo Video Downloader can help. A new and more reliable alternative to ClipGrab for when ClipGrab can’t work anymore. It’s the right downloader for all your video downloading needs. iDownerGo is simple to use with advanced features and works with multiple sites.

Why Choose iDownerGo?

Download Videos, Music and Playlists from Over 10,000 Sites.
Download videos in HD, 4K and 8K resolution losslessly.
Record live-streaming videos as they are played.
Enjoy 10X faster downloading and conversion speed.
Convert video to any desired formats, like MP4, MP3, MKV, AAC, etc.

▼ How to Download YouTube Video on PC/Mac for Free?

It’s time to leave ClipGrab behind since it is nowhere near as reliable as it used to be. Let’s take an app that works and actually gets the job done. I already mentioned iDownerGo as a solid alternative, and here’s how you can use iDownerGo to download your favourite YouTube videos for free on PC or Mac.

Step 2 Open the software, select the output format, e.g. MP4 and the video quality you prefer.

Step 3 Click “Paste URL”, and your video will start to be downloaded automatically.

FAQ

1. Is It Legal to Use ClipGrab to Download YouTube Videos?

ClipGrab and other similar software are in the “Grey Zone”. Saving a video for offline personal use is generally tolerated by the YouTube community. Redistributing and commercial use are prohibited and can have legal consequences. So, make sure that you own the videos or that they are completely copyright-free before you download YouTube videos with ClipGrab.

2. Why Doesn’t ClipGrab Work Anymore?

ClipGrab is no longer working to its fullest because YouTube is constantly improving its video encryption, security and protection features. Outdated software versions are no longer on par with advanced YouTube changes. They can no longer download videos and, therefore, crash or fail to proceed due to errors. ClipGrab is no longer able to bypass those new restrictions if it is not updated.

Conclusion

ClipGrab was a favourite choice among people looking for a quick video download solution. But as of 2025, ClipGrab has some glaring issues. It’s slower, has compatibility issues, and sometimes requires hacks and workarounds like having to install youtube-dlp just to make it work! What used to feel like a shortcut now feels like a headache.

For those who want something truly simple, easy, fast and reliable to just download a video in HD, 4K or even 8K resolution, iDownerGo Video Downloader is a strong alternative. No annoying ads or watermarks, broad compatibility of thousands of sites, and a simple copy, paste, and click to download make it a compelling choice. If you are tired of workarounds and want a seamless downloader with zero bugs, zero additional downloads, iDownerGo is what ClipGrab can no longer offer.