This comprehensive guide covers the top 8 best free YouTube to MP3 converters as of 2023. We compare their key features, limitations, quality, speed, ease of use and more. Whether you need a lightning fast converter or want to extract audio from an entire channel’s playlists, there is a YouTube to MP3 solution for everyone in this roundup. Read on to find your ideal audio extractor to enjoy music downloaded straight from YouTube!
Understanding the MP3 Format
The MP3 format is the most popular audio format for music files online. MP3 compresses audio while retaining sound quality. As a result, MP3 files take up less storage space compared to lossless audio like WAV. At the same time, MP3 quality is good enough for casual music listening. Many users prefer downloading YouTube videos in MP3 format to extract the audio portion from videos. However, YouTube does not allow direct MP3 conversion. That’s where YouTube to MP3 converters prove useful.
How to Use YouTube to MP3 Music Converters?
Using a YouTube to MP3 converter to download music is a very straightforward process. Here are the typical steps:
- First, copy and paste the URL of the YouTube video that you want to convert. This is usually the most important step. The converter will use this video URL to grab the audio stream.
- Next, select MP3 as the output format. Some converters allow tweaking the audio quality and bitrate settings.
- Then click on the “Convert” or “Download” button to start the audio extraction. The converter will start processing the video and extracting just the audio portion from it.
- Finally, once the conversion is completed, simply download the extracted MP3 audio file to your computer or device.
- Optionally, many converters allow batch converting multiple videos or even downloading entire YouTube playlists as MP3 at one go. This saves a lot of time and effort.
That’s the basic gist of using these tools. The actual steps may vary slightly for different converters, but the core process remains the same.
8 Best YouTube To MP3 Music Converters in USA [2023]
Here are the top 8 MP3 converters for extracting audio from YouTube videos:
Comparison of Top YouTube to MP3 Converters
| Converter | Key Features | Limitations | Quality | Speed | Ratings |
| Youtube2mp3 | User-friendly interface | 2 downloads per day for free users | 128kbps to 320kbps | Fast | 4.3/5 |
| ytmp3.nu | Fastest conversion speeds | Contains some ads | 128kbps default | Extremely fast | 4.5/5 |
| OnlyMP3 | No limits on downloads | Web-based only | Up to 320kbps | Average | 4.0/5 |
| Y2mate.is | Downloads HD resolutions also | Show ads | 128kbps to 320kbps | Very fast | 4.2/5 |
| yt2conv.com | Basic but easy to use | No playlist download | 128kbps | Moderate | 3.5/5 |
| ytmp3.cc | Web-based MP3 downloader | Daily limits without registration | 128kbps default | Fast | 3.8/5 |
| Ripyoutube video downloader | Can download playlists also | 20 videos limit | Up to 320kbps | Good | 4.1/5 |
| Yt1s | No need to install software | Contains some ads | 128kbps only | Moderate | 3.7/5 |
1. Youtube2mp3: The user-friendly YouTube to MP3 Music Converter
Youtube2mp3 is one of the easiest YouTube converters for downloading audio as MP3 files. The tool’s clean interface makes it accessible for beginners. It delivers fast conversion speeds with MP3 quality levels up to 320kbps. Youtube2mp3 also works across devices since it’s completely web-based. The only drawback is the limit of 2 downloads per day for non-registered users. But overall, Youtube2mp3 is a user-friendly option ideal for casual MP3 conversions.
How is this converter used?
- Go to youtube-mp3.org
- Paste the YouTube video URL
- Click the “Convert” button
- Download the extracted MP3 audio
Supported OS: Web-based, works on all operating systems
2. ytmp3.nu: The fastest YouTube to Converter
As the name suggests, ytmp3.nu is one of the fastest online YouTube MP3 converters available. It can rip the audio portion from YouTube videos and convert to MP3 at blazing fast speeds. The converter website has a minimalist design that loads quickly without clutter. It delivers seamless MP3 downloads without the hassle of installing software. The only drawbacks are some third-party ads on the site. But ytmp3.nu’s insanely fast speeds outweigh its negatives for quick MP3 conversions.
How is this converter used?
- Go to ytmp3.nu website
- Enter the YouTube URL
- Click the “Convert” button
- Download the MP3 file when ready
Supported OS: Web-based, compatible with all OS
3. OnlyMP3: Free YouTube to MP3 Converter
As the name hints, OnlyMP3 focuses solely on extracting YouTube audio and converting to MP3. The completely free web-based converter does not impose any download limits. It can grab audio in top quality up to 320kbps from YouTube videos. The tool works smoothly across desktop and mobile devices. Limitations include lack of a mobile app and playlist conversions. But OnlyMP3 delivers on fast, unlimited YouTube to MP3 conversions.
How is this converter used?
- Navigate to onlymp3.net
- Paste the YouTube video link
- Click “Convert” and wait for completion
- Download the MP3 file
Supported OS: Web-based, works on all OS
4. Y2mate.is: High-quality Youtube to MP3 music converter online app
Y2mate is a popular free online tool for converting YouTube videos to MP3 files. It delivers fast download speeds and high audio quality up to 320kbps. The converter also lets you download videos in MP4 format. Useful features like downloading entire playlists and unlimited conversions make Y2mate a versatile YouTube MP3 solution despite some minor ads.
How is this converter used?
- Go to y2mate.is
- Enter the YouTube URL
- Select “Convert to MP3”
- Click “Convert” and download
Supported OS: Web-based, works on any OS
5.yt2conv.com: Free Youtube Downloader
yt2conv is a simple online YouTube downloader without extra frills. It sports a dated but functional interface. The conversion process is straightforward – just paste the YouTube link and click Download. It lacks advanced features but gets the basic MP3 conversion job done. The resulting audio quality is decent at 128kbps. yt2conv meets the needs for occasional MP3 conversions from YouTube.
How is this converter used?
- Visit yt2conv.com
- Paste the video URL
- Click “Convert” and wait
- Download MP3 when ready
Supported OS: Web-based, works on all operating systems
6.ytmp3.cc: Popular online platform for converting YouTube videos into audio files
ytmp3.cc is another solid online tool for extracting YouTube audio as MP3. It delivers good conversion speeds and default 128kbps quality. The website is straightforward with just a search bar and convert button. Limitations include the need to register after 2 conversions. But ytmp3.cc provides an easy way to get MP3 audio from YouTube minus the software hassles.
How is this converter used?
- Go to ytmp3.cc
- Enter the YouTube link
- Click “Convert” to begin
- Download the MP3 afterwards
Supported OS: Web-based, compatible with all OS
7.Ripyoutube video downloader
Ripyoutube downloader is a popular Youtube video downloader for saving YouTube videos as MP4 and MP3 files. It can download MP3 audio in top quality 320kbps. Useful features like batch MP3 conversions and playlist downloads make it versatile. But free users are limited to 20 videos. Overall, Ripyoutube delivers great MP3 quality and features despite some minor limitations.
How is this converter used?
- Visit ripyoutube.com
- Paste the YouTube link
- Click “MP3” and configure settings
- Download MP3 audio after conversion
Supported OS: Web-based, works on all operating systems
8. Yt1s: Free online Youtube MP3 Music Converter
Yt1s is a straightforward online tool for converting YouTube to MP3 audio files. It does not require creating an account to use. The converter delivers functional MP3 downloads albeit limited to 128kbps quality. There are some popup ads present on the site. But yt1s serves the purpose for basic YouTube to MP3 needs without registration or software installs.
How is this converter used?
- Go to yt1s.com
- Paste the video URL
- Click “Convert” and wait
- Download the MP3 afterwards
Supported OS: Web-based, compatible with all operating systems
Is it legal to convert YouTube to MP3?
The legality of downloading YouTube videos as MP3 audio files is somewhat complex. Technically, it violates YouTube’s terms of service to download and convert YouTube content without permission.
However, many countries provide exceptions under fair use laws that permit limited personal use conversions and downloads. For example, in the United States, the YouTube TOS violation does not mean the MP3 conversion itself is entirely illegal.
The key factors are that the MP3 audio extracted is just for personal offline use, only a small portion of the video is converted, and the audio is not redistributed. As long as individuals adhere to these conditions, the risk of legal action is minimal.
But from YouTube’s perspective, they do not approve of such conversions. There is also no global international consensus on the legality of YouTube to MP3 converters.
The safest approach is to use these tools judiciously for exempted personal use as permitted under national copyright laws. Do not share, redistribute or commercially benefit from the downloaded MP3 audio.
Conclusion About YouTube to MP3 Converters
YouTube to MP3 converters unlock the ability to extract and download just the audio portion from YouTube videos. They deliver MP3 audio files while retaining the sound quality. Both free and paid converter options exist. Free ones compensate by showing ads or limiting features. Ultimately, choose a reliable YouTube MP3 solution that best fits your quality, speed and usage requirements. Utilize these tools legally keeping copyright in mind.
FAQ About YouTube to MP3 Converters
What are the benefits of saving YouTube videos in MP3 format?
The MP3 format offers high compressibility without degrading audio quality too much. MP3 files take up less space while retaining music quality. This makes it ideal for extracting and saving just the audio from YouTube videos.
How can I convert YouTube videos to MP3 for free?
Many free online converters like Y2mate, OnlyMP3, ytmp3.nu allow extracting YouTube audio as MP3 without paying anything. Some limit features but deliver the basic conversion.
What is the best music converter for YouTube to MP3?
For overall ease of use, speed and quality, converters like Youtube2mp3, Y2mate, Ripyoutube are recommended. They offer up to 320kbps audio with useful extras like unlimited downloads and playlist support.
