So I have been a long term user of newpipe, which is an open source youtube player for Android, but on PC I was previously just using youtube. I am trying to move away from using the youtube site on desktop too and yesterday found freetube (been around for a long while, but new for me).
FreeTube is just a standalone open source app available for linux, mac, windows etc that allows you to watch youtube videos and importantly for me also subscribe, but without actually logging in to youtube. Your watch history and subscriptions etc are all ONLY stored locally. You can easily download videos through the app and if you want to you can use Invidious servers to do things like hide your IP from youtube/google too.
Another feature I like is that comments are hidden by default, you can choose to view them, but cannot add your own comments. Generally a good thing, I think, as youtube comments really are a cesspool most of the time.
https://freetubeapp.io/