10 Ways to Download Entire Websites for Offline Access
There are countless reasons why you might want to download an entire website. Sometimes, websites are taken down, and all the valuable content they contain disappears with them. Other times, you may find yourself in a location with limited or no internet access. In these situations, having offline access to websites can be incredibly useful.
Thankfully, there are many software and web services available that allow you to download websites for offline browsing. In this article, we will explore ten of the best options.
1. HTTrack
HTTrack is one of the oldest web downloaders available for Windows. Although it may have a dated user interface, it is still a powerful tool. HTTrack allows you to download webpages, files, and images while preserving the links between them. It even has the ability to download only the recently updated parts of a website, saving you time and bandwidth.
Pros:
- Free and open source
- Offers scan rules for customization
Cons:
- Outdated user interface
2. SurfOnline
SurfOnline is another Windows-only software that lets you download websites for offline use. While it is not free, it does offer some unique features. Unlike other programs, SurfOnline allows you to download password-protected files and webpages. It also supports writing to CDs and comes with a built-in browser for offline browsing.
Pros:
- Supports password-protected pages
- Includes a built-in browser
Cons:
- Limited scan rules
- Not free
3. Website eXtractor
Website eXtractor is a software that comes with its own browser. While it may not be as popular as some of the other options, it offers similar functionality. With Website eXtractor, you can download webpages and files based on various criteria, such as links, names, media types, and file types. It also includes a search feature for finding specific file types.
Pros:
- Includes a built-in browser
- Offers search by file type
Cons:
- Not free
- Basic user interface
4. Getleft
Getleft is a free and open source website downloader with a modern user interface. While it lacks support for secure sites (https), it offers features like downloading specific file types and setting rules for what to download. Getleft is a reliable option for those looking to download smaller websites.
Pros:
- Free and open source
Cons:
- No development
5. SiteSucker
SiteSucker is a macOS website downloader that may not have the most appealing user interface but gets the job done. While it lacks advanced features like search and scan rules, it allows you to download webpages and translate downloaded materials into different languages.
Pros:
- Offers language translation
Cons:
- No scan rules
- No search feature
6. Cyotek Webcopy
Cyotek Webcopy is a free software that allows you to download websites for offline access. While it lacks the ability to download specific file types, it offers scan rules for customizing the download process. Cyotek Webcopy is supported by donations and contains no ads.
7. Dumps (Wikipedia)
If you're looking to download Wikipedia pages, you don't need a website downloader. Wikipedia itself offers dumps of its content in various formats, including HTML, XML, and DVDs. These dumps can be downloaded and accessed offline, providing a wealth of information at your fingertips.
8. Teleport Pro
Teleport Pro is a powerful website crawler and downloader that can handle large sites with hundreds of thousands of pages. It supports password-protected sites and allows you to search, filter, and download files based on file type and keywords. Teleport Pro is a paid software but worth the investment for heavy users who work with large amounts of data.
Pros:
- Supports javascript
- Handles large sites
- Advanced scan rules
- FTP support
Cons:
- None
9. Offline Pages Pro
Offline Pages Pro is an iOS app that allows iPhone and iPad users to browse webpages offline. While it is a bit on the expensive side, it is perfect for those traveling to areas with limited internet connectivity. Offline Pages Pro lets you surf your favorite sites even when you're on a flight, making it a convenient tool for accessing important web content on the go.
10. Wget
Wget is a command line utility available for Windows, Mac, and Linux that allows you to download websites. In addition to downloading websites, Wget can also download YouTube videos, MP3s, and files behind login pages. While it may require some knowledge of the command line, Wget is a versatile tool for downloading various types of content.
Pros:
- Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Free and open source
- Can download almost everything
Cons:
- Requires command line expertise
In conclusion, these are some of the best tools and apps available for downloading websites for offline use. Whether you're looking for a free option like HTTrack or a more powerful tool like Teleport Pro, there's something for everyone. Additionally, Wget is a great choice for those comfortable with using the command line.
Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”