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FreeTube

Open-source desktop YouTube client that keeps subscriptions and history on your computer.

Open sourceVideo streaming services
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About FreeTube

FreeTube is a desktop app for watching YouTube without a Google account or ads. Instead of logging you in, it fetches videos and channel data itself, either directly or through an Invidious instance if you choose, and keeps subscriptions, playlists and watch history only on your machine. The interface closely resembles YouTube, so switching is easy, and you can import your existing YouTube subscriptions to build a feed right away. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with installers, portable builds, Flatpak and AppImage packages. It's free and open source under the AGPLv3 and supported by donations. Because it depends on scraping YouTube, features can break for a while when YouTube changes, and you lose account-based extras like comments, likes syncing and personalized recommendations. There's no mobile version from the same team.

Best for: Desktop users who want to follow YouTube channels without ads, tracking or a Google account.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Subscriptions without a Google account, stored locally
  • No ads and a familiar YouTube-like layout
  • Imports your existing YouTube subscriptions

Why people leave

  • Can break temporarily when YouTube changes its site
  • No personalized recommendations or account features like commenting
  • Desktop only

Top FreeTube alternatives

See all 3
  1. 1NewPipe logo
    NewPipe

    The same privacy-first, account-free approach for Android phones, with background play and downloads.

    66.5
  2. 2Invidious logo
    Invidious

    Works in any browser instead of a desktop app, and you can self-host your own instance.

    62.6
  3. 3Grayjay logo
    Grayjay

    Combines YouTube with PeerTube, Twitch and other sources in one feed, on desktop and Android.

    59.6

Why people left FreeTube

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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Reviews

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FreeTube: common questions

Is FreeTube free?

Yes. FreeTube is free, open-source software.

Is FreeTube open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at FreeTubeApp/FreeTube.

What platforms does FreeTube run on?

FreeTube is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to FreeTube?

The highest-ranked FreeTube alternatives right now are NewPipe, Invidious and Grayjay. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 3 FreeTube alternatives