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  • Outdated user interface

Download HTTrack

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

Download SurfOnline

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

Download Website eXtractor

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

Download Getleft

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

Download SiteSucker

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.

Download Cyotek Webcopy

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.

Visit Wikipedia Dumps

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

Download Teleport Pro

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.

Download Offline Pages Pro

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.