What is the most effective way to save online videos without installing risky software?

Are there any truly dependable Firefox add-ons for downloading videos in 2025?

Saving videos from the internet can seem tricky. While the Firefox browser includes a basic feature in its Page Info settings for downloading media, it often does not work for popular streaming sites. Major websites like YouTube use special protections to stop simple downloads. This protection scrambles the video’s source link, making it impossible to save the file directly. To get around this, you need a special tool. A Firefox add-on, also known as an extension, is a small program you can add to your browser to give it new abilities, like downloading these protected videos.

This guide will walk you through some of the best video downloader add-ons available for Firefox this year. These tools can help you save videos from websites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for free. Using an add-on means you can download videos conveniently without needing to install separate, bulky software on your computer. We will look at what makes each add-on good, what its drawbacks are, and who might find it most useful. Making the right choice depends on what you need, whether it’s high-quality videos, support for many different websites, or just a simple, free tool.

SaveFrom.net Helper

SaveFrom.net Helper is a well-known tool that works with popular sites like YouTube, Dailymotion, and Instagram. It adds a download button directly onto the video page, making it feel like a built-in part of the website.

Capabilities

This add-on is very convenient for saving YouTube videos. When you are on a YouTube video page, a green download button appears right below the player. Clicking this button reveals a small menu with different download options. You can save the video in 720p quality with the sound included, which is considered standard high definition. It also gives you the option to download just the audio as an M4A file. This is useful if you only want to save music or a podcast. The process is self-contained within the browser, so you do not need to install any extra software.

Limitations

The main downside is that this tool is supported by ads. You may see extra banners or be directed to other pages, which can interrupt your experience. A significant restriction for those who want the best quality is that it cannot download YouTube videos in full HD (1080p) or higher resolutions with the sound already mixed in. This is because modern YouTube streams separate high-quality video and audio tracks, and this add-on does not merge them.

Who It’s For

This is a great choice if you need a quick and easy way to download standard-quality videos from YouTube and do not mind the occasional advertisement. It is ideal for users who are not concerned with getting the absolute highest video resolution.

Video DownloadHelper

Video DownloadHelper, often called VDH, is one of the most powerful and long-standing video download extensions. It is famous for its ability to grab videos from a vast number of websites, including major platforms like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), as well as many lesser-known streaming sites.

Capabilities

The Firefox version of VDH is particularly notable because, unlike its Chrome counterpart, it fully supports downloading from YouTube. When VDH detects a video on a page, its icon in the browser toolbar becomes animated. Clicking it shows you a list of all available video files and their quality options. You can choose your preferred resolution and format before downloading. This level of control is a major advantage.

Limitations

To access its most powerful features, VDH has some significant requirements. For downloads in high definition or for converting videos to different formats, you must install a separate “companion app” (CoApp) on your computer. This adds an extra step and means you are installing software outside the browser. The free version can also be unstable at times, and it may place a QR code watermark in the corner of downloaded videos. To remove this watermark and use all features without restriction, you must purchase a premium license, which costs around $28.50.

Who It’s For

VDH is for serious users who need to download videos from a wide variety of websites and want detailed control over format and quality. It is best suited for those who do not mind installing the companion app and are potentially willing to pay for premium features to get the best performance.

Easy YouTube Video Downloader Express

As its name suggests, this add-on focuses exclusively on providing a straightforward downloading experience for YouTube. It has maintained a strong reputation within the Firefox community for being reliable and safe.

Capabilities

This tool adds a simple download button to the YouTube page. Its main strengths are its speed and stability. It is designed to work seamlessly with YouTube’s layout and structure, leading to fewer errors than more generalized downloaders. It supports downloads in full HD (1080p) and allows for direct conversion to an MP3 audio file.

Limitations

Its features are not all free. While you can download lower-quality videos without paying, you must donate to receive a pro license to activate downloads in 720p, 1080p, and MP3 format. The add-on’s biggest limitation is that it only works on YouTube. If you need to download videos from any other site, you will need a different tool.

Who It’s For

This add-on is an excellent investment for users who primarily download videos from YouTube and value a fast, reliable, and dedicated tool. If you frequently save YouTube content and want high-quality files, paying for the pro version is likely worthwhile.

YouTube Downloader (UDL Helper)

UDL Helper is another add-on that specializes in downloading content from YouTube. It also offers some support for other platforms like Instagram.

Capabilities

This tool lets you save YouTube videos in MP4 format with resolutions up to 1080p. It also supports downloading audio-only versions of videos, which is perfect for music or talks. The interface is clean, presenting clear download options on the video page.

Limitations

The add-on has some performance issues, especially with high-quality videos. When you select a resolution of 720p or higher, the tool must perform a conversion process that can take a very long time, sometimes hours. This process can also use a lot of your computer’s resources, causing your browser to slow down significantly. Furthermore, the add-on frequently encourages you to download its separate UDL client software, especially if you want to download in 4K resolution.

Who It’s For

UDL Helper is suitable for patient users who want free access to 1080p YouTube downloads and do not mind long wait times. It is less ideal for those who need to download videos quickly or want to save content in 4K without installing another program.

Addoncrop YouTube Video Downloader

This is a feature-rich downloader for YouTube that stands out for its modern design and extra tools. It is available for Firefox and other browsers but is not found on the official Mozilla add-on store.

Capabilities

Addoncrop provides a visually appealing interface with a wide range of download options, offering qualities from 360p up to 1080p. It includes unique features like an MP3 trimmer for cutting audio files and the ability to generate a QR code for each download. Scanning this code lets you save the video directly to your mobile device.

Limitations

This add-on has a significant restriction on video length. If you try to download a longer video (for example, one over 30 minutes), it may only offer you the lowest quality option, like 360p. To get past these limits or to download in 4K, you are prompted to install an extra Windows-only software toolkit called Flixmate. Because this add-on is not hosted on the official Firefox add-on website due to Mozilla’s policies, you must visit the Addoncrop website and follow manual installation instructions, which carries a higher security risk.

Who It’s For

This tool is for users who prioritize a modern interface and clever features like the QR code for mobile downloads. It is best for those who typically download short YouTube clips and are comfortable with the security implications of installing an add-on from a third-party website.

HLS Downloader

HLS Downloader is a specialized tool designed for a specific type of video streaming protocol. It is not intended for mainstream sites like YouTube.

Capabilities

This add-on captures videos that use HTTP Live Streaming (HLS). HLS is a technology where a video is broken into small segments and sent over the web. This is common on live-streaming platforms and with some protected video players. HLS Downloader excels at detecting these streams, such as on Twitch VODs or videos hosted on platforms like JW Player and Brightcove. It lets you choose from the available quality segments and quickly downloads and assembles them into a single video file.

Limitations

The primary drawback is its specialization. It will not work on popular sites like YouTube or Facebook, which use different streaming methods. It is a tool for a specific job, and if you do not encounter HLS streams, it will not be useful.

Who It’s For

This add-on is essential for developers, students, or users who need to save educational content, live stream recordings, or other videos from websites that use HLS streaming. It is for a technical user who understands the kind of video they are trying to download.

Ant Video Downloader

Ant Video Downloader was once a top choice for Firefox but is now largely outdated. It is a legacy tool that may still have limited functionality.

Capabilities

The add-on attempts to detect and offer direct downloads for videos on various websites, including Dailymotion. For the sites where it still works, it provides a simple way to save videos directly from the browser.

Limitations

This add-on has not been updated in several years, which is a major problem. The internet is constantly changing, and outdated add-ons often fail to work on modern websites. You are likely to encounter frequent download errors or get corrupted files. For many sites, it requires you to install a separate native application to download high-quality videos or to merge video segments, which is a common practice for older downloaders. Its lack of updates also makes it a potential security risk.

Who It’s For

Ant Video Downloader is not recommended for most users in 2025. It might only be worth trying as a last resort if you need to download a video from an older, obscure website and other, more modern tools have failed.

Important Risks of Using Video Downloader Add-ons

While browser extensions are convenient, they are not always a perfect solution for downloading videos. You should be aware of several potential issues.

• Quality Restrictions: Most free add-ons limit the download quality. To get full HD (1080p) or 4K resolutions, you often need to pay for a premium license or install a separate companion program on your computer.
• Limited Website Support: An add-on might work perfectly on one site but fail completely on another. Websites with advanced protections or non-standard video protocols can be impossible for a simple browser extension to handle.
• Lack of Maintenance: Add-ons must be actively updated to keep working as websites and browser policies change. A tool that is not maintained will eventually break, leading to failed downloads and security vulnerabilities.
• Browser Performance: Running multiple add-ons, especially heavy-duty ones like video downloaders, can consume a lot of your computer’s memory and processing power. This can make your Firefox browser run slowly or even crash. Always be cautious when installing any add-on and check its permissions and user reviews.