If you need the video in a specific format, download it for free in the original format, and then use a free, open-source video converter like HandBrake or VLC Media Player to convert it to the format you need. This bypasses the Video DownloadHelper conversion engine entirely, meaning no license is required and no watermarks are added.

Video DownloadHelper is technically free to install and use. However, the developers introduced a paid licensing model to support the continued development of the software.

When you use the extension without a license, you might notice two major limitations:

Purchasing a license removes these watermarks and supports the developers who keep the tool updated.

JDownloader 2 is a powerful, open-source download management tool. It is completely free and allows you to download from almost any file hosting or video site. While it has a steeper learning curve than a browser extension, it is the most robust free option available.

If the license prompts are too annoying and you are looking for completely free tools to download videos, consider these legitimate alternatives: