There is a reason YouTube aggressively targets download extensions: they offer a $13.99/month solution called YouTube Premium.
If you are using an extension to avoid paying for music streaming and offline video, you are fighting an uphill battle. Google updates its code weekly. An extension that works today might break tomorrow.
Why you should consider YouTube Premium instead: youtube videos download extension
If you value your time more than the monthly fee, Premium is the rational choice. If you are a student or on a budget, extensions remain necessary.
The legal status of these extensions is murky, residing in a gray zone that varies by jurisdiction. There is a reason YouTube aggressively targets download
In the United States, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) generally prohibits circumventing technological protection measures. However, courts have occasionally sided with consumers on the right to "time-shift" media (recording to watch later), a precedent set in the VCR era (Sony v. Universal City Studios).
The developers of these extensions often walk a precarious line. They argue they are merely providing a tool—a neutral technology that can be used for legitimate purposes (downloading Creative Commons content, one’s own uploads, or public domain videos) or illegitimate ones. This is the "substantial non-infringing use" defense. Yet, the pressure from copyright holders is immense, leading to the takedown of popular open-source projects and the harassment of independent developers. If you value your time more than the
Verdict: For advanced users.
There are several browser extensions that act as a GUI for yt-dlp (the open-source command-line downloader). These are the safest (code is auditable) and most powerful (they download 8K video, 360° video, and subtitles in all languages). However, they require technical setup.