TranscriptYTDownSub Alternative: TranscriptYT vs. DownSub
DownSub is a free subtitle downloader for YouTube and dozens of other video sites. TranscriptYT focuses on YouTube and goes further with each video: more download formats, a transcript you can read and search beside the video, AI summaries and notes, and an API for bulk downloads.
| TranscriptYT | DownSub | |
|---|---|---|
| Sites | YouTube (videos, Shorts, playlists, channels) | YouTube and 40+ other video sites |
| Download formats | SRT, VTT, TXT, PDF, JSON, CSV, Markdown | SRT, VTT, TXT |
| Translation | 150+ languages, side by side or bilingual SRT | Separate subtitle translator |
| Read in the browser | Transcript synced to the video, click a line to jump | Download only |
| AI tools | Summary, notes, chapters, quiz, thread, blog post | Not offered on their site (Oct 2026) |
| Ads | None | Banner ads |
| Bulk and API | REST API and MCP server, 100 free | API in their paid Pro plan |
When DownSub is the better fit
If you need subtitles from sites other than YouTube, such as Viki, Bilibili, or regional streaming services, DownSub covers far more platforms.
When TranscriptYT is the better fit
For YouTube, TranscriptYT does more with the same paste-a-link flow: the YouTube subtitle downloader saves SRT, VTT, and five more formats, including a printable PDF, and translated subtitles keep their exact timings. You can read the transcript next to the video, and turn it into a summary or notes in one click, with no ads in the way.
For whole playlists or channels, the API returns every transcript in one request instead of one download at a time.
The short version
Subtitles from many different sites? DownSub. YouTube subtitles in more formats, with translation, AI tools, and no ads? TranscriptYT.
Try TranscriptYT free