If you're looking for a media downloader on macOS, you've probably heard of Downie. It's been around for years and has a loyal following. But is it still the best option? We believe Fetch offers a cleaner, more modern, and fully free alternative.
Cost and Licensing
Downie is currently listed at $19.99.
Fetch is fully free, with no activation and no artificial download caps.
Cost Comparison
Downie
$19.99
One-time purchase
Fetch
Free
No activation needed
Modern, Native Experience
Fetch is built entirely in Swift, Apple's modern programming language. This means it integrates seamlessly with macOS, respects system settings like Dark Mode, and feels responsive and native.
The UI is clean, minimal, and focused on what matters — getting your downloads done quickly without clutter.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Downie | Fetch |
|---|---|---|
| Free to Use | ✗ | ✓ |
| License Activation | Required | None |
| Cost | $19.99 | Free |
| Modern Swift UI | Older | ✓ |
| Universal Compatibility | 1000+ sites | 1000+ sites |
| Batch Downloads | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Extraction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Privacy First | Local | Local |
| Lifetime Updates | Major version | ✓ Forever |
Privacy You Can Trust
With Fetch, all processing happens locally on your Mac. We don't track what you download, we don't collect analytics, and your files never leave your device. Your download history is yours alone.
Universal Compatibility
Fetch works with thousands of websites — YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, and many more. If there's media on a page, Fetch can likely grab it.
The Bottom Line
Both Fetch and Downie are solid media downloaders. If you want a fully free app, a modern interface, and a simpler workflow, Fetch is the easier choice.
Try it yourself and see the difference.