YouTube Audio Converter is a popular YouTube downloader that promises free, easy video and music downloads. But the reality, as outlined in thousands of user complaints, is quite different: the site often bombards users with intrusive pop-ups and deceptive ads, which can lead to malware infections and drive-by downloads. It also collects personal information, including IP addresses, and shares it with third parties. That’s a serious privacy risk, and it violates copyright laws in some jurisdictions.

It’s also been linked to malware and phishing, as well as to browser hijackers that can forcibly change the default search engine, home page, or new tab page, flooding the browser with spam ads. And it often asks for permission to send notifications, which can be a trick to get users to click on a malicious ad or link. Some antivirus programs have spotted malware sneaking in through these ad networks, and even if a virus scan doesn’t find it, the website is full of suspicious links that can take you to sketchy adult or gambling sites.

The bottom line is that Y2Mate is not safe for most people, even if they’re tech-savvy and have a good antivirus program. It’s a shady digital jungle, with aggressive advertising, fake download buttons, malware risks, and more, and it may be tempting to jump right in, especially for less tech-savvy users who want to save their favorite videos and music for offline use.

Y2Mate Review: Security Risks, Features, and User Opinions

There are a few things you can do to reduce the risks: Install a reputable ad blocker like uBlock Origin or AdBlock One. Run a complete virus scan using a reputable program such as Malwarebytes or Antivirus One. Clear browser data and remove any suspicious extensions from your browser. Disable browser notifications for Y2Mate in your browser settings (e.g., Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Site settings > Notifications).

Y2Mate isn’t the only video downloader out there, but it’s definitely not a good choice. We’ve compiled a list of safer, easier, and faster alternatives that are both more reliable and much more secure than Y2Mate. Try NoteBurner instead – it’s completely ad-free, supports high-quality 4K downloads, and keeps all of the song details when downloading audio. You can even download multiple songs at once! Plus, it’s fast and works right in your browser.