YouTube Vanced is a popular third-party application for Android users, offering features like ad-blocking, background playback, and more.
However, the original Vanced app was discontinued due to legal issues. In this article, we’ll share 5 of the best alternatives to YouTube Vanced with similar functionality.
ReVanced Manager
ReVanced Manager is a free and open-source alternative to the widely used Vanced Manager.
It lets you install ReVanced patches on the official YouTube app to get rid of ads, play videos in the background, and restore other helpful features.
The best part is that you don’t have to go through complex manual steps, as ReVanced handles everything.
It downloads the necessary files, applies the patches, and easily installs the modified APK on your device.
Most significant features:
- Automated APK modifying
- 50+ Available Apps
- Blocks all YouTube ads
- Background video playback
- Extra video controls
NewPipe
NewPipe is a free, open-source YouTube client app for Android that allows ad-free video watching with background play and Picture-in-Picture mode.
It is designed to provide a lightweight alternative to the official YouTube app.
NewPipe brings back critical functionality that is missing in YouTube due to Google restrictions. With its open-source codebase, the app strongly focuses on privacy without tracking or data collection.
Biggest features:
- Ad-free
- Lightweight
- No account needed
- Background playback
- Picture-in-Picture mode
VidMate
VidMate is a popular Android app that allows users to download videos from YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and over 200 other sites. It also features an online video player that can share videos on WhatsApp status, Facebook stories, and Instagram stories.
The app promises fast video downloads with the option to save multiple qualities like HD, Full HD, or 4K. Downloaded videos can then be watched offline without the internet.
However, VidMate contains ads in the free version. Some advanced downloads are only available in the pro version.
SongTube
SongTube offers an alternate YouTube client experience focused specifically on music and audio content. It enables searching, streaming, and downloading audio files from videos.
The app provides a simple interface to find and play songs, playlists, albums, artists, and other audio content on YouTube.
Music-centric features include:
- A separate artists page.
- Global top charts.
- Playlists.
- Album views.
- Playback via an Android Auto.
Downloaded audio can be saved in MP3 format at the highest available quality. Background playback allows continuous music listening with the screen turned off. The app is also free and doesn’t have ads.
YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service by YouTube that provides an enhanced and uninterrupted watching experience by removing advertisements and unlocking exclusive features.
The core benefits:
- Ad-free. Videos play with no disruptive ads, banners, or sponsorships.
- Background play. Audio from videos can play even with an app in the background.
- Downloads. Ability to save videos offline to watch without the internet.
- YouTube Music. Ad-free and background play for YouTube’s music streaming service.
- Exclusive content. Access to original movies, series, and artist content is unavailable otherwise.
Besides these extras, YouTube Premium offers a cleaner interface by removing prominent upsell prompts for Premium. The service costs $13.99 monthly in the USA and is shareable with up to 5 family members.