Video Download Helper is free to download and use, but the extension offers paid upgrades
Video Download Helper is a browser extension that lets you save videos from websites. The basic version is free — you can download it from Firefox or Chrome without paying anything. However, the creator offers a paid upgrade called Video Download Helper Premium that removes ads and adds features like faster downloads and conversion to different video formats.
The free version works for most people who download videos occasionally. You get the core download function, the ability to save to your computer, and access to basic video conversion. The paid version costs money only if you choose to buy it; using the free version indefinitely costs nothing.
Key Takeaways
- Video Download Helper's basic download function is free and requires no payment or account creation.
- A paid Premium subscription removes ads and adds faster downloads and more conversion options, but is entirely optional.
- The free version includes video conversion to common formats like MP4 and WebM without paying extra.
- You download the extension directly from your browser's official store, so there is no hidden cost or surprise charge.
What the free version includes
The free version of Video Download Helper lets you download videos from most websites and save them to your computer. You can choose the video quality you want to download, and the extension shows you all available formats before you save. The free version also includes basic video conversion — you can change a downloaded video into MP4, WebM, or other common formats without paying.
The free version does show ads, and downloads may be slower than the paid version. You will also see prompts encouraging you to upgrade to Premium. These are the main differences between free and paid, aside from the extra features Premium adds.
What Video Download Helper Premium adds
Premium removes the ads you see in the free version and speeds up downloads. It also adds more video conversion options — you can convert to additional formats beyond what the free version offers. Premium also includes priority support if you run into problems.
Premium is a subscription, meaning you pay a recurring fee each month or year to keep the features active. If you stop paying, you lose the Premium features and go back to the free version. The exact price varies depending on whether you choose monthly or yearly billing, and pricing can change over time.
How to download and install the free version
Go to the Firefox Add-ons store or the Chrome Web Store and search for "Video Download Helper." Click the official extension by mig (the creator), then click the button to add it to your browser. The extension installs immediately and appears in your browser toolbar. You do not need to create an account or enter payment information to use the free version.
Once installed, you can right-click any video on a website and select the option to download it. The extension shows you the available video files and lets you choose which one to save. Downloaded videos go to your computer's Downloads folder by default, though you can change where they save in the extension's settings.
When you might want to pay for Premium
If you download videos frequently and the ads bother you, Premium removes them. If download speed matters to you — for example, if you are downloading large video files regularly — the faster speeds in Premium might be worth the cost. If you need to convert videos to formats beyond MP4 and WebM, Premium's extra conversion options could be useful.
For most people who download a video once in a while, the free version is enough. The ads are not intrusive, and the download speed is acceptable for occasional use. You can always try the free version first and upgrade later if you find you need Premium's features.
Avoiding scams and fake versions
Video Download Helper is only available through the official Firefox Add-ons store and the Chrome Web Store. Do not download it from other websites or third-party app stores, because fake versions exist that may contain malware or charge you without permission. Always install directly from your browser's official extension store.
The official extension is free to download and install. If a website claims you need to pay to download Video Download Helper itself, that is a scam. The only charge that is legitimate is the optional Premium subscription after you have already installed the free version.
Alternatives if you do not want to pay
Several other free video download extensions exist, including 4K Video Downloader (which has both free and paid versions), DownloadThemAll, and Ant Video Downloader. Each works slightly differently and supports different websites. If you want to avoid any paid options entirely, you can try one of these free-only alternatives instead.
Some websites also let you download videos directly without an extension — for example, YouTube has a download option in the YouTube app, and some streaming services let you download for offline viewing through their own apps. Checking whether the website itself offers a download option can save you from needing an extension at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to use Video Download Helper?
No. The basic download function is free and always will be. You only pay if you choose to buy the Premium subscription, which adds extra features like removing ads and faster downloads. Using the free version costs nothing.
Will Video Download Helper charge my credit card without asking?
No, not for the free version. You do not enter any payment information to download or use the free extension. If you decide to buy Premium, you will go through a clear payment process and know exactly what you are paying for. The free version never charges you.
Can I convert videos without paying for Premium?
Yes. The free version includes conversion to common formats like MP4 and WebM. Premium adds more format options, but basic conversion is included in the free version at no cost.
Is Video Download Helper safe to download?
Yes, if you download it from the official Firefox Add-ons store or Chrome Web Store. Always install directly from your browser's official extension store, never from third-party websites. The official version is safe; fake versions from other sites may contain malware.
What happens if I download the free version and then decide I do not want it?
You can remove it like any other browser extension — right-click the icon in your toolbar and select remove or uninstall. You will not be charged anything for having used it, and there is no cancellation process or account to close.