Best Free Video Downloader for iPhone & iPad
If you want to save videos from the web directly to your iPhone or iPad without paying, the top pick is Documents by Readdle. It’s a free file manager that includes a built-in browser with a download manager, letting you grab videos from most sites by simply tapping a download button. Unlike many App Store “downloaders” that are actually just browsers with limited support, Documents is reliable, regularly updated, and doesn’t nag you with ads.
What to Look For
When choosing a free video downloader for iOS, keep these criteria in mind:
- No hidden paywalls: The app should let you download at least a few videos per day without forcing a subscription. Many “free” apps limit downloads or add watermarks after a trial.
- Built-in browser: Since iOS doesn’t allow apps to access Safari’s downloads directly, the best downloaders include their own browser. Look for one with a clean interface and a download button that appears on video pages.
- Format support: The app should handle common formats like MP4, M4V, and MOV, and ideally let you choose quality (e.g., 720p vs 1080p).
- Privacy: Avoid apps that require account creation or track your downloads. Check the privacy label on the App Store.
- No ads or minimal ads: Free apps often show ads, but they shouldn’t interrupt the download process or cover the download button.
Documents by Readdle
Strengths: Documents is a full-featured file manager that also acts as a web browser. It has a dedicated download manager that shows progress, lets you pause/resume, and stores files in a clean folder structure. It supports most direct video links and many streaming sites via the built-in browser’s “Download” button. It’s free with no ads, and it also plays videos in-app.
Trade-offs: It doesn’t automatically detect every video on a page; you may need to tap the download icon and choose the link manually. Some sites with heavy DRM (like Netflix or Hulu) won’t work, but that’s true for all downloaders.
Who it suits: Anyone who wants a reliable, all-in-one tool for downloading videos and also managing files on their iPhone or iPad.
Video Downloader Pro – Free Download Manager
Strengths: This app is specifically designed for downloading videos. It has a simple interface: paste a link, and it fetches the video. It supports many sites, including social media platforms, and lets you choose quality and format. The free version allows a limited number of downloads per day, which is usually enough for casual use.
Trade-offs: The free tier is limited (e.g., 3 downloads per day), and the app shows ads. The browser is not as robust as Documents, so you might need to copy/paste links from Safari.
Who it suits: Users who want a straightforward, dedicated downloader and don’t mind a daily limit.
MyMedia – Video & Music Downloader
Strengths: MyMedia combines a downloader with a media player and file manager. It has a built-in browser, supports multiple formats, and allows background downloads. The free version is generous with daily downloads (often 5-10). It also has a built-in music player, so it’s good for audio too.
Trade-offs: The interface is a bit cluttered with ads, and some features (like cloud storage access) are behind a premium tier. The download detection isn’t perfect on all sites.
Who it suits: People who want a media hub for both video and audio downloads, and who are okay with occasional ads.
Total Files – Video Downloader & Browser
Strengths: Total Files offers a clean, modern interface with a built-in browser and download manager. It supports 4K video downloads (if the source provides it) and has a useful “Download All” feature for pages with multiple videos. The free version includes a reasonable number of daily downloads.
Trade-offs: The free tier is limited (e.g., 2 downloads per day), and the app pushes a premium upgrade. Some users report that the browser crashes on heavy pages.
Who it suits: Users who want a polished app and are willing to upgrade if they need more downloads.
FileMaster – Video Downloader & Manager
Strengths: FileMaster is another file manager with a built-in browser and downloader. It’s known for its speed and supports downloading from many sites. It also includes a video player with subtitle support. The free version is quite usable, with a daily download limit that resets.
Trade-offs: The app is ad-supported, and the download button can be hidden on some pages. The browser is less intuitive than Documents.
Who it suits: Users who need a reliable downloader and also want a good file manager for organizing their downloads.
How to Choose
First, decide how often you’ll download videos. If it’s occasional (a few per week), any of these free options will work. If you download daily, you might hit the limits on the dedicated downloader apps, so Documents or FileMaster (which have higher limits) are better.
Second, think about the sites you use. All these apps work with direct video links (like MP4 files) and many streaming sites. But if you rely on a specific site (e.g., YouTube), note that YouTube’s terms prohibit downloading, and these apps may not work reliably. For YouTube specifically, you might need a separate solution like a shortcut or a web-based service (but those are less reliable).
Third, consider ads and privacy. If you hate ads, Documents is the best choice—it’s completely ad-free. Others show ads but are still usable.
Finally, consider whether you need extra features like a media player or file management. If yes, choose Documents or MyMedia. If you just want a simple downloader, Video Downloader Pro is fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download videos from YouTube with these apps?
These apps cannot download from YouTube because YouTube uses DRM and prohibits downloading. Some apps might work temporarily, but it’s unreliable and against YouTube’s terms. For YouTube, consider using a shortcut like “Shortcuts” app or a web-based downloader, but be aware of legal and policy issues.
Will these apps work with Instagram or TikTok?
Yes, many of these apps can download videos from social media sites like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. The built-in browser will show a download button when you open the video page. However, the site’s structure can change, so it may not always work.
Are these apps safe?
All the apps listed are from reputable developers and are available on the App Store. They don’t require excessive permissions. However, always check the privacy label and avoid granting unnecessary permissions like camera or contacts.
Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone?
No, these apps work on stock iOS without jailbreaking. They use the built-in browser and file system to save videos to the app’s storage, which you can then access or share.
Can I transfer downloaded videos to my computer?
Yes, you can connect your iPhone to a computer and use iTunes/Finder to transfer files from the app’s document folder. Alternatively, you can share the video via AirDrop, email, or cloud services.
Why do some videos download as audio only?
Some sites offer separate audio and video streams. If the app detects only an audio stream, it might download just the audio. To get video, look for a format like MP4 or choose a higher quality option.
Bottom Line
For most people, Documents by Readdle is the best free video downloader for iPhone and iPad. It’s reliable, ad-free, and doubles as a powerful file manager. If you prefer a dedicated downloader with a simpler interface, Video Downloader Pro is a solid alternative, but be prepared for daily limits. Remember that no free app can download from every site, and always respect copyright laws.
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