FreeTube
A desktop app for watching YouTube without an account.
Instead of YouTube
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FreeTube is a desktop YouTube viewer that keeps your subscriptions, history and playlists on your own computer instead of in a Google account. It is open source, has no ads of its own, is licensed AGPL-3.0, and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.
FreeTube scores a 5 on lock-in, self-direction and power, a 4 on footprint and a 3 on longevity and delivery.
It describes itself as beta, and it does not use YouTube's official APIs, which means it can break after changes, so Longevity and Delivery are a 3 each.
Using it means a subscriptions list that lives on your own machine.
- Watch YouTube on the desktop with no Google account
- Subscriptions and history stay on your computer
- Can break when YouTube changes
What stands out
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For comparison, we also reviewed YouTube (16/30) as a benchmark.
Other tools for “watch without being watched”
- VLCThe cone-shaped player that plays almost any file, with no ads or account.
mpvA minimal video player controlled by a config file and keys.
JellyfinA media server for your own films, shows and music.
KodiA media centre for your TV that plays your own films, shows and music.
NewPipeA lightweight Android app for watching YouTube without an account or ads.