# Video downloaders for Windows compared

URL: https://steveshines.com/video-downloader/

Three SteveShines apps save supported videos and streams to a Windows PC. This page compares them and lists what to use once the file is saved. Only download videos you own or have permission to save.

## Direct Link Downloader: MP4, MP3, M3U8

Download 4K and 8K videos when available, save M3U8 and MPD streams, record live streams directly from URLs, batch download multiple video links, and extract MP3 audio. Direct Link Downloader brings powerful video downloading and stream recording tools together in one easy-to-use Windows app.

Choose it if you work with direct links and streams: M3U8/HLS and MPD/DASH, supported livestream recording, fast trimming and MP3, and batches of up to 500 links with Pro.

- Details: https://steveshines.com/products/direct-link-downloader-mp4-mp3-m3u8/ (Markdown: https://steveshines.com/products/direct-link-downloader-mp4-mp3-m3u8.md)
- Microsoft Store: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9PJPP73G2DDX

## VidFetch: 4K Video Downloader

4K & 8K VIDEO DOWNLOADER FOR WINDOWS Download high-quality videos in 4K Ultra HD and up to 8K with VidFetch Pro.

Choose it if you want a focused downloader with clear quality choices, a queue with progress and retries, and a local download history.

- Details: https://steveshines.com/products/vidfetch/ (Markdown: https://steveshines.com/products/vidfetch.md)
- Microsoft Store: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9NJBR8JVCCSC

## QuickMedia: 4K Video Downloader

Download 4K videos, save supported playlists, and manage your media on Windows. QuickMedia combines video downloading, format conversion, trimming, compression, and audio extraction in one easy-to-use app.

Choose it if you want to download and then convert, compress, trim, extract MP3 audio or make GIFs in the same app.

- Details: https://steveshines.com/products/quickmedia/ (Markdown: https://steveshines.com/products/quickmedia.md)
- Microsoft Store: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9NS671FB16L7

## Feature comparison

"Pro" means the feature needs the app's Pro option. "Not listed" means it is not in that app's published feature list.

| Feature | Direct Link Downloader: MP4, MP3, M3U8 | VidFetch: 4K Video Downloader | QuickMedia: 4K Video Downloader |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Save videos from supported links | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 4K and 8K when the source offers it | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| M3U8 (HLS) and MPD (DASH) streams | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
| Record supported livestreams | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
| Playlists and many links at once | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| Download queue with progress | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Retry failed downloads | Yes | Yes | Not listed |
| Local download history | Yes | Yes | Not listed |
| Video to MP3 | Yes | Not listed | Yes |
| Trim videos | Yes | Not listed | Yes |
| Convert to MP4 and compress | Pro | Not listed | Yes |
| Make GIFs and capture frames | Not listed | Not listed | Yes |

## Check a link before downloading

- [M3U8 Inspector](https://steveshines.com/tools/m3u8-inspector/): Free, in the browser. Shows a playlist's resolutions, bitrates, live or VOD status and encryption signals, and estimates the size of each quality.
- [Download Time Calculator](https://steveshines.com/tools/download-time-calculator/): see how long a video or file takes to download at your internet speed.

## After you download

- Convert to MP4 or HEVC, or make a file smaller: [Video Converter: MP4 & HEVC](https://steveshines.com/products/video-converter-mp4-hevc/)
- Compress large videos and work on playback errors: [FixVideo](https://steveshines.com/products/fixvideo/)
- Cut clips, remove silence and add captions: [CreatorCut](https://steveshines.com/products/creatorcut/)
- Turn speech into a transcript or subtitles on your PC: [Tapescript: Offline AI Transcription & Subtitles](https://steveshines.com/products/tapescript-offline-ai-transcription-subtitles/)

## Common questions

### Which app downloads M3U8 (HLS) streams on Windows?

Direct Link Downloader: MP4, MP3, M3U8 saves supported M3U8/HLS and MPD/DASH streams and direct video links, and can record supported livestreams. Encrypted or DRM-protected streams are not supported.

### Can I download a playlist or many links at once?

VidFetch: 4K Video Downloader Pro supports playlists and multiple-link downloads, with a queue and retries. Direct Link Downloader: MP4, MP3, M3U8 Pro downloads batches of up to 500 links and playlists of up to 500 items. QuickMedia: 4K Video Downloader Pro downloads multiple links and playlists of up to 100 videos.

### Can I download 4K or 8K video?

All 3 downloaders on this page save 4K and 8K video with Pro when the source offers it. A download cannot add detail the source does not have.

### Can I save a video as MP3?

Direct Link Downloader: MP4, MP3, M3U8 converts video to MP3 and extracts MP3 audio from local files. QuickMedia: 4K Video Downloader includes MP3 audio extraction in its Media Studio.

### Where do I get these apps?

All of them are Windows apps on Microsoft Store, which handles installation and updates. Each listing shows current pricing, Pro options and system requirements.

### Which videos can I download?

Only download videos you own, that are offered for download, or that you have permission to save. Rules depend on the site and where you live.