The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Firefox Video Downloader in 2026

Firefox remains one of the most flexible browsers for downloading videos, thanks to its extension ecosystem. However, with the shift to Manifest V3 and evolving streaming technologies, finding a reliable firefox video downloader can be tricky. In this guide, we break down the top extensions and tools, explain what to look for, and help you pick the right video downloader for firefox for your specific needs.

Why You Need a Dedicated Browser Video Downloader Firefox Extension

Firefox does not include a built-in video downloader. While you can sometimes access video files through the Page Info menu, most streaming sites encrypt or fragment their content to prevent direct saving. A dedicated browser video downloader firefox add-on detects video streams and allows you to save them in your preferred format and quality.

How Firefox Video Downloaders Work

Most firefox add on video downloader extensions work by intercepting network requests and identifying media files (MP4, WebM, HLS streams, etc.). When you visit a page with a video, the extension’s icon lights up, and you can click to see available download options. Some advanced extensions also support audio extraction, playlist downloads, and conversion.

Legal Considerations for Using a Firefox Video Downloader

Before downloading, it’s important to understand the legal landscape. Downloading videos for personal offline use is generally acceptable, but redistributing copyrighted content without permission is not. Always check the terms of service of the website you’re downloading from. Most educational and public domain content is safe, but paid streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime have strict anti-downloading policies. For more, see this guide on legal considerations.

Top Firefox Video Downloader Extensions Tested in 2026

We tested dozens of extensions on Firefox 138 across Windows 11 and macOS Sonoma. Here are the best performers, ranked by reliability, quality, and ease of use.

1. Video DownloadHelper – The Most Versatile Firefox Video Downloader

Rating: 4.3/5 | Users: 1.7M+ | Manifest V3: Yes

Video DownloadHelper has been a staple for years and remains the most feature-rich firefox video downloader. It supports over 1,000 websites, including YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and many more. It detects HLS and DASH streams and offers multiple quality options.

Pros:

• Wide site compatibility
• Supports HD up to 4K (with companion app for merging)
• Regular updates and active development
• Privacy-focused (no tracking)

Cons:

• Free version adds a QR watermark on some conversions
• Companion app required for high-quality downloads
• Premium license needed to remove watermark

Best for: Users who need a reliable all-rounder and are willing to pay for premium features.

2. Video Downloader Professional – Clean and Simple

Rating: 4.1/5 | Users: 10K+ | Manifest V3: Partial

If you want a straightforward video downloader for firefox without bloat, Video Downloader Professional is a solid choice. It adds a download button to embedded videos and supports up to 4K on compatible sites.

Pros:

• Minimalist interface
• No companion app needed for most downloads
• Supports video list management

Cons:

• Limited site support (no YouTube)
• Partial Manifest V3 compatibility
• Some users report it stops working after Firefox updates

Best for: Casual users who download from news sites or social media.

3. Easy Youtube Video Downloader Express – Best for YouTube

Rating: 4.1/5 | Users: 352K+ | Manifest V3: Yes

As the name suggests, this firefox add on video downloader specializes in YouTube. It adds a simple download button below YouTube videos, offering formats like MP4, WebM, and MP3 in resolutions up to 1080p.

Pros:

• Super easy to use
• No companion app
• Lightweight and fast

Cons:

• Only works on YouTube
• No 4K support
• Some users report occasional broken links

Best for: Heavy YouTube users who want a one-click solution.

4. SaveFrom.net Helper – Quick YouTube Downloads

Rating: 4.1/5 | Users: 341K+ | Manifest V3: Partial

SaveFrom.net adds a download button to YouTube and other supported sites. It offers quick downloads in various qualities.

Pros:

• One-click download button
• Supports multiple sites (YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo)
• Free to use

Cons:

• Limited to 720p with audio on YouTube
• Some regions blocked
• Partial Manifest V3 support may affect future compatibility

Best for: Quick, low-quality downloads when you don’t need HD.

5. Fetch Video Downloader – New and Promising

Rating: 4.5/5 | Users: 1K+ | Manifest V3: Yes

Fetch Video Downloader is a newer extension that focuses on simplicity and speed. It detects videos on any page and offers download options in a clean popup.

Pros:

• Works on most websites
• No companion app
• Open source (Mozilla Public License)

Cons:

• Smaller user base, less tested
• Limited format options
• No batch download

Best for: Users who want a lightweight, open-source option.

How to Choose the Right Browser Video Downloader Firefox Add-on

Selecting the best browser video downloader firefox extension depends on your specific needs. Consider these factors:

Site Compatibility

Not all extensions support every site. If you mainly use YouTube, a YouTube-specific add-on like Easy Youtube Video Downloader Express is ideal. For general use, Video DownloadHelper offers the broadest support.

Video Quality and Formats

Check the maximum resolution and audio support. Some extensions offer 4K but require a companion app. For most users, 1080p MP4 with audio is sufficient.

Manifest V3 Compatibility

Firefox is transitioning to Manifest V3, which restricts some capabilities of older extensions. Choose extensions that are fully compatible to avoid breakage in future updates. See this analysis of MV3 impact.

Privacy and Security

Stick to extensions from the official Mozilla Add-ons store. Avoid extensions that request unnecessary permissions. Video DownloadHelper and Fetch Video Downloader have strong privacy policies.

Companion App Requirement

Some extensions, like Video DownloadHelper, need a companion app for high-quality downloads or conversion. This adds an extra step but enables more features.

When Firefox Add-ons Hit Their Limits: DRM and HLS Streams

Even the best firefox video downloader extension has limitations. DRM-protected content from services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ cannot be captured by browser add-ons. Similarly, some HLS streams are encrypted or require specific decryption keys.

The Manifest V3 Problem

Manifest V3 restricts background scripts and network request modifications, which many video downloaders rely on. While Firefox’s implementation is less strict than Chrome’s, some older extensions have stopped working. Always check the extension’s update history and Manifest V3 status.

Desktop Software as an Alternative

For DRM-protected streams or when you need higher quality, dedicated desktop software like StreamFab or VideoPaw can capture video directly. These tools often support 4K and even 8K downloads from major streaming services, but they come with a cost.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Firefox Video Downloader

Here’s a general guide that works for most extensions:

1. Install the extension from the Mozilla Add-ons store.
2. Navigate to the page with the video you want to download.
3. Play the video (optional, but helps detection).
4. Click the extension icon in the toolbar.
5. Select the desired quality and format from the list.
6. Click download and choose a save location.
7. If prompted, install the companion app (for some extensions).
8. Check the downloaded file for audio and video sync.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No video detected: Refresh the page or try playing the video first.
• Download fails: Check your internet connection or try a different format.
• No audio: Some extensions download video and audio separately; use a companion app to merge.
• QR code watermark: Upgrade to premium or use an alternative format.

Comparing Firefox Video Downloaders vs. Desktop Software

While extensions are convenient, they have limitations. Here’s a quick comparison:

Desktop software is better for power users who need DRM support or batch downloads, but extensions are perfect for everyday use.

Future of Firefox Video Downloaders: What to Expect

As streaming technology evolves, so do video downloaders. Here are trends to watch:

• Manifest V3 adoption: More extensions will update to comply, but some features may be lost.
• Improved HLS support: Extensions are getting better at handling live streams and fragmented media.
• AI-powered detection: Some tools now use machine learning to identify video sources.
• Increased focus on privacy: Users demand no-tracking policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to use a Firefox video downloader?

Yes, for personal offline viewing of content you have the right to access. Avoid downloading copyrighted material for redistribution. Always check the site’s terms of service.

Why do some Firefox video downloaders need a companion app?

Companion apps handle complex tasks like merging separate audio and video streams or converting formats. They extend the extension’s capabilities. For example, Video DownloadHelper requires its companion app for HD downloads from YouTube.

Can I download 4K videos with a Firefox add-on?

Some extensions support 4K, but often require a companion app. Video DownloadHelper can download 4K from YouTube with its companion app. However, most free extensions cap at 1080p.

What’s the best free Firefox video downloader?

Video DownloadHelper’s free version is excellent for most sites, though it may add a QR code to some conversions. Easy Youtube Video Downloader Express is great for YouTube. For a no-frills option, Fetch Video Downloader is good.

Will my Firefox video downloader stop working after an update?

Possibly. Firefox updates can break extensions, especially those not fully compatible with Manifest V3. Choose actively maintained extensions like Video DownloadHelper or Fetch Video Downloader.

What should I do if my extension stops working?

First, check for updates in the Add-ons manager. If that doesn’t help, try reinstalling the extension. If the issue persists, look for alternative extensions or consider desktop software. Many developers provide support through their websites or forums.

Conclusion

Choosing the right firefox video downloader depends on your needs. For general use, Video DownloadHelper is the most versatile and reliable video downloader for firefox. If you mainly use YouTube, Easy Youtube Video Downloader Express offers a simpler experience. For those concerned about privacy, Fetch Video Downloader is a promising open-source option.

Remember to respect copyright laws and only download content for personal use. With the right browser video downloader firefox extension, you can enjoy your favorite videos offline anytime.

This guide was last updated in July 2026. Always check the Mozilla Add-ons store for the latest versions and compatibility notes.