Straight answers.
What Hopper does, what it doesn't, and what to expect when a file doesn't cooperate.
Basics
What is Hopper?
A browser extension that detects video on supported pages, downloads it from the web through a small Windows companion, and converts or trims files on your own computer.
How does auto-detect work?
Open a supported video page and click Hopper. The Video tab reads the page you are already on, finds the video, and asks the companion for the available formats. No link hunting, no copy-paste.
Can Hopper download videos from the web?
Yes, on supported video pages. Auto-detect finds the video, the companion fetches the format you choose over your own connection, and it saves to your Downloads folder. The companion is a direct, unsigned Windows installer on the download page; local file conversion works without it. Use it only on media you have the right to download and keep.
Is Hopper free?
Yes. There is no account, subscription, or paid tier.
Where do I install Hopper?
Hopper is listed in Microsoft Edge Add-ons and Firefox Add-ons. Choose your browser's listing; the store handles installation and updates.
Which browser does it support?
Microsoft Edge and Firefox 142+ on Windows 10 and 11 are the supported targets. Other Chromium browsers may load the package, but they are not tested or supported.
Is there an Android version?
Yes. Hopper for Android is a direct APK on the download page: version 1.7.1, about 74 MB, Android 10 or newer on an arm64 phone. It supports YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, X, Pinterest and Dailymotion, saves to Hopper folders, and checks GitHub plus this site for a newer APK when it starts. It is not on Google Play yet, so Android asks once for permission to install from your browser.
Is there a macOS or Linux version?
No macOS or Linux companion build. Hopper runs as an Edge or Firefox extension on Windows and as an Android app on phones; the companion is a Windows app.
How do I remove it?
In Edge, open edge://extensions; in Firefox, open about:addons. Find Hopper and choose Remove. That deletes its local preferences. Converted files stay in your downloads folder.
Formats and files
Which output formats can I choose?
MP4 and WebM for video; MP3 and M4A for audio. Each has three quality levels: high, balanced, and small.
Can I trim a file?
Yes. Set a start and end time, or line up clips to merge. Times accept seconds or mm:ss.
Where are converted files saved?
Wherever your browser saves downloads. Hopper hands the finished file to the browser's normal download flow and keeps no copy.
Why is the output larger than the source?
Converting between codecs re-encodes the file. A high quality setting can produce a larger file than a highly compressed source. Try the balanced or small setting.
Can Hopper open a file with DRM?
No. Hopper does not bypass access controls or copy protection. Use it on media you have the right to convert or save.
Privacy
Does Hopper upload my files?
No. Local file conversion happens on your computer. Auto-detect and web downloads use the companion, which fetches the page you choose through your own connection.
Does Hopper collect analytics?
No analytics, telemetry, advertising IDs, or tracking pixels. There is nothing to opt out of.
What does the extension store?
Your last output format and quality, in local browser storage. Removing the extension deletes them.
Does it read every page I visit?
No. Hopper declares no content scripts, so it never runs inside a page. When you open the Video tab it reads only the address of the tab you are on, so it can recognise a supported video site. It does not read page contents, form data, cookies or history.
Companion
Do I need the companion?
For local file conversion, no. For auto-detect and web downloads, yes. The companion is the Windows app that fetches the media; get it from the download page. It is unsigned, so Windows may warn. On Firefox, allow loopback access to 127.0.0.1 in about:addons so the extension can reach it.
Where do I get the companion?
The Windows companion is a direct download on the download page: version 4.1.1, about 71 MB. It is not code-signed, so Windows SmartScreen may warn; verify the SHA-256 shown there before running it. Local file conversion works without it.
Does the companion send data anywhere?
It contacts the page you choose, exactly as a browser would. The extension reaches the companion over 127.0.0.1, which is your own machine.
Troubleshooting
Does Hopper need developer mode?
No. Hopper installs from Microsoft Edge Add-ons or Firefox Add-ons like any other extension, and the browser updates it for you. Developer mode is only needed for a manual ZIP, which this page no longer offers.
A conversion stops partway
Try a shorter trim or a smaller file, and close heavy tabs to free memory. If it still fails, email the file type, size, and the exact message.
The popup won't open
Reload the extension from edge://extensions in Edge or about:addons in Firefox, then reopen it. If it still won't open, remove it and install it again from the store.
How do updates work?
Hopper updates automatically through Microsoft Edge Add-ons or Firefox Add-ons. You can check the installed version on the listing page, in edge://extensions, or in about:addons. No ZIP, replacement folder, or developer mode is involved.
Still have a question?
Email is the support channel. Include your Hopper version and the exact message you saw.
Ready to try it?
The Edge Add-ons and Firefox Add-ons listings are live. The Windows companion is available as an unsigned direct installer.