How to Convert Blu-ray to MP4 on Windows & Mac: Top 6 Converters

Blu-ray Discs have long been the standard for HD video quality, providing superior audio and visual clarity. However, because optical discs require specialized hardware and are not easily preserved, more and more people are converting Blu-ray to MP4, a widely supported compression format. H.265 MP4 video can reduce storage space by up to 70%, provide audio and video of equivalent Blu-ray quality, and is compatible with most media players and portable devices. It strikes a good balance between video quality and file size.

Are you experiencing frequent error reports when using HandBrake like the Reddit user? Don't worry, we will introduce 6 verified Blu-ray to MP4 converters that you can try with confidence. You will also master how to edit or share your movies while preserving their original quality.

My Top Picks of Blu-ray to MP4 Converters

Best for Speed and Full Features: DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper

DVDFab earned its place here for consistent speed and stable performance, even with large, high-bitrate Blu-rays. Its GPU acceleration handled demanding tests with ease, completing a full 2.5-hour disc in around 14 minutes. It's the one I reach for when I need dependable results fast.

Best Free Converter: HandBrake

HandBrake is the most versatile free option thanks to its fine control over encoding and compression. It gives me freedom to tune bitrates, frame rates, and filters. It's slower, but the output is reliable and customizable.

Best for Lossless Backup: MakeMKV

MakeMKV preserves every subtitle and audio track exactly as on the Blu-ray disc. While it doesn't output MP4 directly, combining its MKV files with another encoder offers both preservation and flexibility.

How to Rip Blu-ray to MP4 Using DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper

• Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 & macOS 10.10 - 15.x

DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper is a reliable Blu-ray to MP4 converter that can decrypt and losslessly rip any 2D or 3D Blu-ray, ISO file, and folder to popular digital formats including MP4, MKV, AVI, MP3, M2TS, and more. Its exclusive cloud decryption service technology enables it to read any homemade or commercial Blu-rays. 

Pros: 

• Supports the latest-released encrypted Blu-ray discs, ISOs and folders.
• Rip Blu-ray to MKV or MP4 profiles, such as 3D, Passthrough, 4K, H265, 10/12 bit.
• Convert Blu-ray to 1000+ video/audio formats and 245+ preset devices.
• Utilize the NVIDIA AI Enhancer to upgrade Blu-ray video from SDR to HDR10.
• Multi-task mode and GPU acceleration ensure fast performance.
• Trim and crop video, set brightness, and add watermarks via a built-in editor.

Cons:

• The free version is limited for handling newer Blu-rays.
• Some advanced features, such as AI upscaling, are only available in the paid version.

DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper also offers a lifetime-free but simplified version - DVDFab HD Decrypter - that can rip most encrypted DVD and Blu-rays to MP4 & MKV format only. Both versions are installed in one DVDFab package for your easy use.

Step 1: Open DVDFab and Load Blu-ray Source

After installing DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper for Windows or Mac, click on the "Ripper" module. Load your Blu-ray disc, ISO image, or folder into the workspace by drag-and-drop or via the "Add" button.

The main interface will list all the information about the disc, such as chapter list, file size, available audio and subtitle sources, and so on. You can remove unwanted chapters or tracks. Additionally, DVDFab supports adding external subtitles.

Step 2: Choose MP4 Profile and Encoding Mode

Click the Format drop-down option to select your desired MP4 profile.

• Select 4K MP4 (HDR10) to optimize visuals for 4K TVs and HDR-compatible devices.
• If you don't want the video to be re-encoded, Original Quality (Passthrough) is best for you.
• To optimize file size without sacrificing visual fidelity, consider using MP4 with H.265 encoding.

Step 3: Adjust Settings and Edit Your Video

Click the wrench icon to access Advanced Settings. Here you can set the parameters for the video, audio, and subtitles, or change them in terms of codec, resolution, encoding method, frame rate, audio channels, bit rate, etc.

Recommended Settings:

• Try not to adjust the raw frame rate, which ensures smooth playback.
• Reducing the bitrate saves space, and moderate adjustments do not significantly affect the visible quality.
• H.265 reduces file size by 50% while maintaining quality, making it ideal for Blu-ray content.

Using the editor, you can crop video to the suitable aspect ratio, add watermarks (text or images), apply special effects, change subtitles, and more.

Step 4: Start Conversion and Monitor Progress

Select the destination folder right below the interface. When you finish all the operations, click the "Start" button. You can see both the real-time progress and the CPU and GPU loading.

How to Convert Blu-ray to MP4 for Free with HandBrake

Compatibility: Windows, macOS and Linux

Handbrake is a prevalent video transcoder that comes with the support of DVD and Blu-ray ripping functions. It is one of the best and free Blu-ray rippers to convert homemade Blu-rays to MP4, MKV, and Webm. This tool works with batch scanning and line-up features to deliver fast conversion. It also works efficiently to compress or modify the format of movies or shows ripped with another tool.

Step 1: Install and Verify HandBrake

First, access the official website and select the appropriate version for your OS. Ensure that download HandBrake only from official sources: HandBrake.fr, GitHub, and Flathub.

💡Verify the Download: Check the provided checksums or OpenPGP signatures to ensure file integrity.

Step 2: Load the Blu-ray Disc

Insert the disc into the BD drive connected to your computer. Or click Folder (Batch Scan) and File on the left to load the corresponding Blu-ray folder and ISO image file.

💡HandBrake can't bypass copy protections, so use third-party tools like DVDFab Passkey or MakeMKV to decrypt the Blu-ray first.

Step 3: Select MP4 Format and Customize Settings

You must select the longest title if you are ripping the main movie. Then choose "MP4" as the output format.

Suggested preset options:

HandBrake allows you to fine-tune the configuration of advanced settings, for example:

• Video Bitrate: Set constant quality (e.g. RF 20-22 for 1080p or RF 18-20 for 4K).
• Audio Settings: Select AAC 160-192 kbps for stereo or AC3 640 kbps for surround sound.
• Filters like Denoise or Deinterlace can improve image stability for older discs.

Step 4: Save and Start Encoding

Click the Browse button at the bottom and select the final path to save the file. Finally, click "Start Encoding" on the top toolbar. While performance depends on your CPU and GPU, HandBrake generally takes longer to process Blu-rays compared to paid tools.

How to Rip Blu-ray to MP4 Using MakeMKV

• Compatibility: Windows, macOS and Linux

MakeMKV is a free Blu-ray ripping software that enables you to convert DVDs or Blu-rays into MKV files. It provides a near-lossless backup without re-encoding. The MKV files it generates are compatible with most modern players and media servers, including VLC, Plex, and Kodi. Another advantage is its real-time streaming capability. You can play decrypted video directly without waiting for the entire conversion to finish.

Step 1: Install and Activate MakeMKV Beta

Go to the official website https://www.makemkv.com and download the latest version for Windows, macOS, or Linux. During installation, MakeMKV automatically installs both the application and necessary drivers.

MakeMKV is still in beta. To unlock Blu-ray functionality, you need to enter the latest Beta Key. You can always find the current key pinned at the top of the MakeMKV forum. Copy and paste the key under Help → Register within the software.

Step 2: Load the Blu-ray and Select Titles

Insert your Blu-ray disc into the drive. When MakeMKV launches, it automatically scans and detects any inserted disc. Click the Blu-ray drive icon to start analysis.

Once scanning completes, MakeMKV displays all available titles, along with their length, chapters, and audio/subtitle options.

• Select the main title (usually the longest one).
• Keep or remove additional audio tracks or bonus content as needed.
• You can include subtitles for multiple languages if you plan to use the MKV on a media server.

Step 3: Choose Destination and Start Ripping

Click the Folder icon to set your output location (a full Blu-ray movie can exceed 20 GB). Then, press the Make MKV button to begin ripping. The progress bar will indicate estimated completion time. 

Step 4: Convert MKV to MP4

After MakeMKV finishes ripping, you'll get a large MKV file. Import it into HandBrake or another transcoding program. Choose MP4 (H.264 or H.265) as the output format to reduce file size. In my tests, transcoding a 33GB movie to MP4 with H.265 cut the file down to around 3G.

Convert Blu-ray to MP4 with More Options

VLC

• Compatibility: Windows 64bit, Linux, Mac, Android or iOS

VLC Media Player is a well-known open-source player that supports CDs, DVDs, and various media formats. In addition to playback, VLC also lets users convert DVDs and Blu-rays to MP4. However, most people report that VLC can only play and rip unencrypted Blu-ray discs. When attempting to process commercially protected discs, the conversion often fails.

Technically, VLC can support playback and ripping of encrypted discs with the help of external libraries such as KEYDB.cfg and libaacs, but setting this up requires technical know-how. Even when successful, the ripping process is typically slow and lacks the flexibility offered by dedicated Blu-ray ripping software.

How to Convert Blu-ray to MP4 using VLC Media Player?

Step 1: To start with, get the latest version of VLC from the official website to ensure the best performance.

💡Tip: If you run into problems with installation or playback, you can search or post questions on the VideoLAN forum: https://forum.videolan.org/.

Step 2: To enable VLC to access encrypted discs, you first need to download keydb.cfg file from https://vlc-bluray.whoknowsmy.name. Then place it in:

• Windows: C:\ProgramData\aacs\
• macOS: ~/Library/Preferences/aacs/

Next, download the AACS dynamic library (libaacs) for your operating system and move it to the correct location:

• For Windows 64-bit: Place libaacs.dll in the same folder where vlc.exe is installed
• For macOS: Place libaacs.dylib in /usr/local/lib/

Step 3: Insert your Blu-ray disc and open VLC. Click on the "Media" menu at the top menu and select "Convert / Save..." from the dropdown. In the pop-up window, switch to the "Disc" tab, select "Blu-ray Disc" as the disc type, and select your Blu-ray drive from the list. 

Step 4: In the next window, select an appropriate conversion profile, such as Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4). Then click "Browse" to select the destination folder and output file name.

Step 5: After confirming your settings, hit the "Start" button to rip Blu-ray. 

VideoByte BD-DVD Ripper

• Compatibility: Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X 10.7 or above

Ranking fifith among our recommended software, VideoByte BD-DVD Ripper is reliable tool for converting Blu-ray and DVD content to digital formats. This program can rip Blu-ray discs to MP4 while preserving subtitles, multiple audio tracks, and chapter markers. In addition to physical discs, it converts folders and ISO to MP4 and over 300 other video and audio files.

💡Refer to this VideoByte BD-DVD Ripper Review to know more in detail.

How to Rip Blu-ray to MP4 using VideoByte BD-DVD Ripper?

Step 1: Get the VideoByte software from the official website. Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. The whole process may be slower than some competitors.

Step 2: Insert the disc into your Blu-ray drive, or make sure you have a Blu-ray folder or ISO file ready. Once you upload a Blu-ray source, the program will show the full title list and directly choose the main movie.

Step 3: The default format is MP4, but you can click the inverted triangle next to the format to explore other options:

• Choose MP4 (H.265) for compact files or MKV (Passthrough) to retain original quality.
• For Specific Devices: Pick presets for devices like iPhone, Android, PS5, or Smart TVs.

Step 4: In addition to fine-tuning advanced settings and editing videos, VideoByte offers more customization options.

• Add movie titles, genres, release years, and annotations, and import cover images using the Media Metadata Editor.
• The built-in video enhancer has 4 functions: boost resolution, reduce handheld camera shake, eliminate video noise, and optimize brightness and contrast for poorly lit scenes.

Step 5: Finally, hit the "Rip All" button to start Blu-ray to MP4 conversion.

CloneBD Blu-ray Ripper

• Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10/11

To convert Blu-ray discs to MP4, CloneBD Blu-ray Ripper is the last tested software you need to consider. It supports both unprotected and encrypted Blu-ray discs and can rip 2D/3D Blu-ray movies to more than 180 video and audio formats. You can process entire discs or select specific titles, chapters, and audio tracks. The software also lets you adjust resolution, bitrate, and codec settings for finer control over the output.

How to use CloneBD Blu-ray to MP4 Converter?

Step 1: Visit the official CloneBD website and download the latest version on your Windows PC. If the download button doesn't respond, try again a few times. After installation, click Open Disc to load your Blu-ray content.

Step 2: Once the disc is loaded, select the title of the episode to be ripped and choose your preferred audio language and format (e.g. Dolby Digital, DTS).

💡Tip: Keeping forced subtitles ensures you don't miss important dialogue in multilingual movies.

Step 3: Select MP4 as the output format. For 1080p content, H.264 encoding with a 3500-5000 kbps bitrate offers the optimal middle ground.

When adjusting the advanced configuration, you can slightly reduce the bitrate to reduce the file size without noticeable quality loss. If the video comes out with black bars, crop it with the editor or adjust the aspect ratio manually.

Step 4: Enable hardware acceleration (if your GPU supports it) and set the destination folder. Finally, start the conversion project and CloneBD will display a progress bar and estimated completion time.

Conclusion

Mastering Blu-ray to MP4 conversion unlocks true device flexibility for your movie collection. When selecting converters, prioritize decryption capabilities and editing tools like DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper - our top recommended BDMV to MP4 converter for customizing video parameters, audio tracks, and subtitles, compressing files using H.265 encoding, and preserving original Blu-ray quality in the MP4 format.