StreamgrabBest m3u8 downloader for Chrome: four options
Updated
For Chrome, the choices are Streamgrab, Video DownloadHelper, yt-dlp or ffmpeg. This page compares all four, with prices and free limits.
Streamgrab runs in Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Firefox on desktop. No account, no watermark.
Four ways to save an m3u8 video
| Tool | How it runs | Cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| yt-dlp | Command line, any browser | Free | Many videos, playlists, fine control |
| ffmpeg | Command line | Free | One playlist address into one MP4, no extras |
| Video DownloadHelper | Extension for Chrome, Edge and Firefox | Free with limits; Premium €15 a year or €29 for life | The best-known extension, with live-stream recording and format conversion |
| Streamgrab | Extension for Chrome, Edge and Firefox | Free: HLS or DASH streams up to 720p, one at a time. Pro €29 for Lifetime or €15 for 1 year | One click, no companion app, no watermark |
Sources: Video DownloadHelper Premium page, read on 6 October 2026. Its user numbers and free limits come from our comparison page, read on 4 October 2026. yt-dlp is described in general terms, as on our yt-dlp comparison.
In Chrome
Streamgrab is on the Chrome Web Store, Edge Add-ons and Firefox Add-ons. In Chrome the choices also include the command line, or an extension such as Video DownloadHelper, which lists Chrome among its browsers and was reported at about 6 million users on the Chrome Web Store when we read it on 4 October 2026. We have not tested other Chrome extensions, so we do not rank them.
How to choose
- You are happy in a terminal. Use yt-dlp. The steps for finding the playlist address are in our m3u8 guide.
- You want a button on the page in Chrome, Edge or Firefox. Streamgrab fetches the pieces, joins them and saves one MP4, with no companion app.
- You want live-stream recording or format conversion. Video DownloadHelper does both. Read its free limits first.
Streamgrab Pro is €15 for a year or €29 for Lifetime, and it keeps growing from what people ask for. The roadmap page lists what is planned.
Questions
What is the best m3u8 downloader for Chrome?
It depends on how you work. yt-dlp and ffmpeg are free and run outside the browser, and Video DownloadHelper is an extension for Chrome, Edge and Firefox. Streamgrab runs on Chrome, Edge and Firefox.
Is there an m3u8 downloader Chrome extension that is free?
Video DownloadHelper has a free tier with limits: 3 starter advanced downloads, then 1 every 2 hours (its help page, read on 4 October 2026). Its Premium is €15 a year or €29 for life (read on 6 October 2026).
Does Streamgrab work in Chrome?
Yes. Streamgrab is on the Chrome Web Store, Edge Add-ons and Firefox Add-ons, on desktop.
Can any of these download DRM-protected streams?
No. Streamgrab refuses DRM and YouTube, and yt-dlp does not remove DRM.
Save a stream in one click
Free covers every direct file and HLS and DASH streams up to 720p, one at a time, with no account and no watermark.
Streamgrab runs in Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Firefox on desktop. Download only what you have the right to keep. Streamgrab is an independent product.
More guides
Video DownloadHelper facts: its Premium page (price and features, read on 6 October 2026) and, reused from our comparison, its store pages and free-limits help page (read on 4 October 2026).