Cobalt

Active

Overview

Cobalt is a web-based media downloader that enables users to save public video, audio, photos, or GIFs from websites by pasting a URL. It operates as a proxy without caching content, ads, trackers, or paywalls, emphasizing user responsibility for downloaded material which must be free and publicly accessible.¹²

Key Features

URL-based downloading - Paste a link to download video, audio, photos, or GIFs from supported sites.
No ads or trackers - Operates without advertisements, tracking, or paywalls.
Remux functionality - Fixes file container issues losslessly for better compatibility with older software.
On-device processing - Remuxing and downloads processed locally without sending files to servers.
Proxy-like operation - Fetches public content without caching, similar to browser dev tools.
Video and audio options - Choose to download full video or extract audio only.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free	$0	Unlimited downloads, remuxing, no account required.

Platforms & Requirements

Cobalt runs entirely in web browsers with no installation needed, accessible on any device with internet. No specific minimum requirements beyond a modern browser; supports direct downloads in browsers like Chrome. Limitations may include unsupported sites or invalid links.²³

Integrations & Ecosystem

Browser direct download
Local file remuxing
YouTube support
Instagram support

Alternatives

App	Difference
yt-dlp	Command-line open-source tool requiring installation, supports more sites but less user-friendly.
4K Video Downloader	Desktop app with GUI, free tier limited, supports fewer platforms than web-based Cobalt.
OnlineVideoConverter	Web-based but includes ads and potential privacy issues unlike ad-free Cobalt.
SaveFrom.net	Web downloader with ads and trackers, less emphasis on privacy.

Reputation

Cobalt is perceived as a straightforward, privacy-focused downloader praised for lacking ads, trackers, and requiring no sign-up, with GitHub repository indicating active open-source development.¹ Users appreciate its simplicity for public content but note it only supports free, accessible material and disclaims liability for misuse.¹² Some report occasional unsupported links, though it remains efficient for compatible sites.³

Sources (8)