Live Stream Downloader

Name: Live Stream Downloader
Rating: 3.5758 (66 reviews)
Author: Chandler Stimson

By: Chandler Stimson

Download M3U8 HLS Streams (HTTP Live Stream) to your local disk

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Live Stream Downloader is a powerful Chrome extension designed to detect M3U8 streaming formats on any active tab and download segmented HTTP Live Streams (HLS) directly to your local disk. It supports multiple video qualities, merges segments automatically, and uses multi-threading technology to significantly accelerate the download process while ensuring stability and reliability.

Key features include instant direct disk writing, network failure recovery with resume support, and the ability to download any arbitrary file using multiple threads. The extension keeps your device awake during downloads (optional) and offers retry mechanisms to handle unstable internet connections, making it ideal for large file downloads and unstable networks. Whether you're saving segmented streams for offline viewing or grabbing files faster than traditional downloading methods, Live Stream Downloader delivers efficiency and convenience in one tool.

Add-on Video Productivity Utilities Developer Tools

By:

Daily users:

Rating:

Version:

0.5.5 Last updated: 2025-04-23

Version code:

5926247

Creation date:

2020-05-11

Risk:

Permissions:

storage
contextMenus
webRequest
declarativeNetRequestWithHostAccess
declarativeContent
scripting
alarms

Host permissions:

*://*/*

Size:

215.11KB

URLs:

Website

Full description:

Source:

Firefox Add-ons Store

Data ingested on:

2025-07-20

Setup email notification for Live Stream Downloader

Ranking

# 611 ▲ 3

Other rankings

#48 in Download Management

#81 in Photos, Music & Videos

#6 in live keyword 36

#6 in stream keyword 53

#24 in downloader keyword 71

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Other platforms

Live Stream Downloader (v0.5.6)

300,000 4.27

(479)

Live Stream Downloader (v0.5.6)

86,654 4.30

(32)

User reviews

Users praise Live Stream Downloader for reliably capturing streaming videos, including m3u8 live streams, where other tools fail. However, many complain about its clunky, unintuitive interface, saving files only in TS format which often causes playback issues, and lack of file naming and saving options before downloads start. Some report bugs and errors in recent updates. Overall, while technically effective, the add-on would benefit greatly from UI improvements and enhanced format and usability options.

Pros

Effectively downloads segmented (m3u8) and live-stream videos where other extensions fail.
Reliable in capturing streaming videos that standard downloaders cannot.
Performs well in downloading various video formats including live streams and mp4 videos.
Surpasses some popular video downloaders like IDM and JDownloader according to users.
Uses the browser's default download location seamlessly.

Cons

User interface is clunky, not user-friendly, and difficult to navigate.
Videos are saved in TS format which often isn't playable or has playback issues; users desire options for mp4 or mkv formats.
Lack of easy file naming or save location options before download begins; users want better control over file naming and save paths.
Some versions or updates cause blank dialogs or the extension does not work properly (e.g., shows blank page or broken pipe errors).
Does not always download audio correctly along with video, causing playback problems.

Recent reviews

As others have said, the UI could be slicker, but it does what other extensions cannot for grabbing segmented (m3u8) video files

by Fi*****, 2025-06-21

by Fi*****, 2025-06-09

I would have given it five stars if it isn't for two issues that are really irritating. Firstly, I don't know why the videos are saved as TS format that isn't playable in 50% of times, especially VLC Player. If it is playable, there is enormous delay when scrubbing. I have to use Miko Video Converter to convert TS to MKV. Secondly, the interface is very clumsy and does need lot of improvements. Renaming files is possible only after you enter the name you wish then close the plug-in then relaunch it. When clicking on the setting icon, the submenu is visible until you move cursor out, then it disappears. Very extremely irritating!!! Please focus on improving the interface and adding the options of different video formats such as mp4, mkv, etc.

by Fi*****, 2025-05-14

View all user reviews ›

Extension safety

Risk impact

Risk impact measures the level of extra permissions an extension has access to. A low risk impact extension cannot do much harms, whereas a high risk impact extension can do a lot of damage like stealing your password, bypassing your security settings, and accessing your personal data. High risk impact extensions are not necessarily malicious. However, if they do turn malicious, they can be very harmful.

Live Stream Downloader requires a few sensitive permissions. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details

Critical Allows access to all websites, posing a significant security risk as it can monitor and modify data from any visited site.
High ****** *** ********* ** ******* *** ******* ******* ** ****** *** *** ******** ******

Risk likelihood

Risk likelihood measures the probability that a Firefox add-on may turn malicious. This is determined by the publisher and the Firefox add-on reputation on Firefox Add-ons Store, the amount of time the Firefox add-on has been around, and other signals about the Firefox add-on. Our algorithms are not perfect, and are subject to change as we discover new ways to detect malicious extensions. We recommend that you always exercise caution when installing a Firefox add-on.

Live Stream Downloader is probably trust-worthy. Prefer other publishers if available. Exercise caution when installing this add-on.

Risk likelihood analysis details

Medium This extension was updated in the past 3 months. New updates may not be stable or safe.
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Low **** ********* *** ***** **** **** * ****** **** ***** ********** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Good **** ********* *** **** **** *******

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