Top Free DVD Copy Software of 2025: Basic Knowledge and Pro Advice
Summary: Are you looking to find the best free DVD copy software? This guide will walk you through the key information, practical tips, and expert recommendations to help you choose the right DVD copying tool for your needs.
Imagine you're about to watch your favorite classic DVD, only to realize it's starting to show signs of wear and tear from years of use. Or maybe you want to copy your rare movie collection to your computer so you can enjoy it on the go—only you're not sure where to start or which tools are safe and reliable. With so many free DVD copy software options available in 2025, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
What You Need to Know About DVD Copying
DVD is an optical disc which is compact and used to store movies or other data. DVD movie discs can be single-layered and double-layered. The former features a 4.7 GB storage capacity which is the reason we call it DVD-5, and the latter is capable of storing between 8.5-8.7 GB from which we name it as DVD-9.
DVD Types and Forms
There are different types of DVDs. You may have heard of DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM. DVD+R/RW are formats supported by Philips, Sony, Dell, Yamaha and others while DVD-R/RW/RAM are supported by Panasonic, Toshiba, Apple, Hitachi, NEC, Pioneer, etc.
(1) DVD+R and DVD-R: they are a recordable DVD format that can record data only once and then the data will be permanently saved on the disc.
(2) DVD+RW and DVD-RW: they are a re-recordable format and the data on them can be erased and recorded for many times without damaging the discs.
(3) DVD-RAM: it is a kind of disc that can be overwritten many times but it is only supported by a small proportion of DVD drives.
(4) DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL: they are Dual Layer writeable DVD+R and DVD-R which can hold more data than those single-layered discs. All of these together with the last paragraph talk about the physical formats of DVDs.
Also, there are two digital formats of DVDs - ISO files and DVD folders, both of which can be attained by copying DVD discs. A DVD ISO file is an image file that contains all of the data found on a DVD disc. A DVD folder is a folder that contains DVD movie content and the video streams of a DVD are stored in the folder named as VIDEO_TS.
What do you need to copy DVDs?
- External or internal DVD drive for reading DVDs.
- Hard disk space: DVD copies take up a lot of space.
- If you want to copy to a new DVD, you need a blank disc.
- DVD Copy Software: These programs can extract DVD contents to your computer.
Copy DVDs with the Best 6 Free DVD Copy Software
| Software | Compatible OS | Copy Ability | Advanced Settings |
| DVDFab DVD Copy | Windows&Mac | Copy DVD to DVD/ISO/Folder | chapter selection, some editing tools, preview |
| MakeMKV | Windows, Mac, Linux | Copy DVD to DVD | No |
| BurnAware Free | Windows | Copy DVD to DVD/ISO | No |
| DVD Shrink | Windows | Copy DVD to ISO/Folder | title/chapter selection, compression settings |
| WinX DVD Copy Pro | Windows | Copy DVD to DVD/ISO/Folder | title/chapter selection |
| DVD Cloner | Windows&Mac | Copy DVD to ISO/Folder | splitting, merging |
Our Picks: Best 2 DVD Copy Software of 2025
1. DVDFab DVD Copy
DVDFab DVD Copy is powerful enough to remove all known DVD protections, including CSS, RC, RCE, APS, UOP, ARccOS, RipGuard and more. It lets you copy DVDs to an ISO file, folder, or blank DVD disc and provides users some advanced options to choose: 6 copy modes, several output sizes and 3 different output formats, etc.
- The copying process is fast due to the latest acceleration technology
- There are different customization options for copying files
- The output file can be backed up on any media player
- 6 copy modes: Full Disc, Main Movie, Customize, Split, Merge, and Clone/Burn
- 1:1 copy DVD to blank disc or as ISO image file/folder saved on HDD
How to copy Encrypted DVD with DVDFab DVD Copy?
Step 1: After the installation of this DVD copy software on your computer, launch it up and choose the Copy module from the top menu bar. Then insert your original disc to your optical drive, and the program will automatically start to load that disc from your optical drive.
Step 2: At the output destination, your optical drive will be selected by default. You can also click the ISO button to choose a location from your hard drive to save the cloned DVD as an ISO image file.
Step 3: Press the Start button at the bottom right corner of the main interface to start to copy your DVD.
Ideal Users:
- Movie collectors and home theater enthusiasts
- Anyone wanting to back up, duplicate, or preserve DVD collections
- Beginners and advanced users alike
Best Use Scenarios:
- Creating exact or compressed copies of DVDs
- Backing up rare, valuable, or out-of-print discs
- Restoring content from scratched or damaged DVDs
- Converting physical DVDs into digital files for easier access
Reasons to Recommend:
DVDFab DVD Copy is recommended for its intuitive interface, strong decryption ability, versatile copy modes, and fast, high-quality results, making it a reliable choice for efficient DVD backup and management.
2. MakeMKV
MakeMKV is a popular and highly recommended free DVD copy tool known for its ease of use and reliable performance. With just a few clicks, you can use MakeMKV to rip your DVDs into MKV files, automatically removing most copy protections in the process. One of its biggest advantages is that it keeps the original video and audio quality, so you don't lose any detail in your backups. MakeMKV works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it accessible no matter what system you use.
👍Pros of MakeMKV
- Very easy to use, with a straightforward interface
- Removes most DVD copy protections automatically
- Maintains lossless video and audio quality
- Supports multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Output files (MKV format) are highly compatible with most modern media players
👎Cons of MakeMKV
- Only exports to MKV format—no support for other file types or disc cloning
- Lacks advanced editing or customization options
- Cannot Copy DVD to DVD
- No compression, so file sizes can be large
🖥️Work System: Windows/Mac/Linux
Ideal Users:
- Users who want a simple way to digitize DVDs and Blu-rays
- Anyone needing lossless backups of their discs
Best Use Scenarios:
- Quickly ripping DVDs or Blu-rays to MKV files
- Backing up discs to preserve original video and audio quality
- Creating digital libraries for easy playback on computers or media players
Reasons to Recommend:
MakeMKV is recommended for its straightforward operation, automatic removal of most disc copy protections, and ability to produce lossless, high-quality MKV files. It works across Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it a convenient, no-fuss solution for anyone looking to digitize and safeguard their DVD or Blu-ray collection.
3. BurnAware Free
BurnAware Free is a well-regarded DVD burning and copying tool that stands out for its simplicity and reliability. Designed for users who need a straightforward way to copy DVDs or create data, video, and audio discs, BurnAware Free offers an easy-to-navigate interface that makes the burning process quick and hassle-free. It's a great option for beginners and anyone looking for basic disc copying and creation features without complicated menus or technical jargon. The software works on Windows and supports a wide range of CD, DVD, and Blu-ray formats.
👍Pros:
- Clean and intuitive, perfect for users of all experience levels.
- Supports not only DVD copying, but also the creation of data discs, audio CDs, and even ISO images.
- Lightweight and can be installed quickly with minimal system resources.
- Regularly updated to maintain compatibility with the latest disc drives and media.
👎Cons:
- Does not remove copy protections, so you cannot use it to copy encrypted or commercial DVDs.
- Advanced features, such as direct disc-to-disc copying and extra burning options, may only be available in the paid versions.
- Lacks video editing, customization, or format conversion tools.
🖥️Working System: Windows Vista 7, 8, 10, 11
Ideal Users:
- Everyday users who need basic disc burning and copying
- Beginners looking for a straightforward DVD burning tool
- Anyone working mainly with unprotected or home-recorded DVDs
Best Use Scenarios:
- Burning data, audio, or video discs quickly and easily
- Making simple copies of personal or unprotected DVDs
- Creating ISO images or bootable discs for backups
Reasons to Recommend:
BurnAware Free is recommended for its simple, intuitive interface that makes disc burning easy for anyone. It supports various disc types and tasks, installs quickly, and uses minimal system resources. While it doesn't handle copy-protected DVDs, it's an excellent free choice for basic burning or copying needs, especially with home videos and data discs.
4. DVD Shrink
DVD Shrink is a classic and widely used free tool for copying and backing up DVDs on Windows. It’s especially popular for its ability to compress large DVD movies so they can fit onto standard-sized DVD discs. With DVD Shrink, you can choose to copy the entire disc or just the main movie, and you have the option to remove unwanted extras, languages, or subtitles to save space. The program also lets you save your copies as ISO images or DVD folders on your computer for later burning.
👍Pros:
- Completely free and easy to use, even for beginners
- Offers compression options to fit dual-layer DVDs onto single-layer discs
- Allows selection of specific titles, languages, and extras for customization
- Saves output as ISO or DVD folder, ready for burning with other software like ImgBurn
👎Cons:
- No longer updated, so it may not handle the latest copy protections on newer commercial DVDs
- Only available for Windows
- Does not offer direct burning; you'll need an additional tool to burn the final files to disc
- Lacks advanced editing or conversion features
🖥️Working System: Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8
Ideal Users:
- Users with older or unprotected DVDs
- Anyone looking for a free tool to customize DVD content
Best Use Scenarios:
- Compressing large DVDs to fit onto standard single-layer discs
- Making backup copies of unprotected or older DVDs
- Removing unwanted content, languages, or extras from discs
Reasons to Recommend:
DVD Shrink is recommended for its ease of use, reliable compression features, and customization options like removing extras and selecting specific content. Although it's not updated for the newest protections, it remains a practical free solution for backing up and shrinking older or home-recorded DVDs.
5. WinX DVD Copy Pro
WinX DVD Copy Pro is a wonderful DVD backup tool that helps users easily clone, copy, or back up their DVD collections. It offers flexible copy modes, such as full disc backup, main title extraction, and ISO creation, making it suitable for different backup needs. The software stands out for its fast performance, straightforward interface, and the ability to bypass many common DVD protections like CSS and region codes. WinX DVD Copy Pro is especially helpful for saving scratched or damaged DVDs by making exact digital copies.
👍Pros:
- User-friendly interface that's simple for beginners
- Supports a wide range of DVD backup options (full disc, main title, ISO, folder)
- Handles many standard DVD copy protections
- Fast copying speed with stable results
- Useful for restoring and preserving old or damaged discs
👎Cons:
- May not handle newer or advanced copy protections on the latest DVDs
- The free version has some feature limitations (full functionality requires a paid license)
- Only available for Windows
- Fewer advanced editing or customization options compared to professional software
🖥️Working System: Windows 11/10 and lower.
Ideal Users:
- Anyone looking to create ISO files or DVD folders for archiving
Best Use Scenarios:
- Making exact or main title copies of DVDs
- Creating ISO images or folders for playback and storage
- Repairing or rescuing content from damaged DVDs
- Making quick, straightforward backups for everyday use
Reasons to Recommend:
WinX DVD Copy Pro is recommended for its fast, reliable copying, support for various backup modes, and ability to bypass many standard DVD protections. It has an easy interface, can recover unreadable discs, and offers flexible options for both new and experienced users who want hassle-free DVD backups.
6. DVD Cloner
DVD Cloner is a powerful DVD copying tool known for its strong decryption capabilities and versatile copy options. It allows users to create exact 1:1 copies, clone main movies, split or merge discs, and burn or save backups as ISO files or DVD folders. The software is regularly updated to bypass the latest DVD copy protections, making it suitable for both old and new DVD releases. Its user-friendly interface and advanced settings cater to both beginners and power users.
👍Pros:
- Excellent decryption ability, handles most DVD copy protections
- Offers multiple copy modes, including full disc, main movie, split, merge, and ISO creation
- Regular updates keep up with new disc encryptions
- Simple and intuitive interface with advanced options for customization
- Available for both Windows and Mac
👎Cons:
- Advanced features are mostly only available in the paid version
- Free version may have limitations on copy speed or functionality
- Lacks extensive video editing tools
- Larger file sizes when making 1:1 copies
🖥️Working System: Windows 11/10 and lower
Ideal Users:
- Dedicated DVD collectors and home theater enthusiasts
- Users needing to back up the latest commercial DVDs
- Anyone who values versatility in backup and customization options
Best Use Scenarios:
- Creating 1:1 exact copies or custom backups of DVDs
- Copying DVDs with the latest and most advanced copy protections
- Splitting, merging, or compressing DVDs for various storage needs
- Archiving rare or valuable movie collections
Reasons to Recommend:
DVD Cloner is recommended for its powerful decryption capabilities, regular updates to handle new protections, and flexible copy modes like full disc, main movie, split, and merge. Its user-friendly design, compatibility with both Windows and Mac, and reliable performance make it a top choice for anyone seeking professional-grade DVD backup and management.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the question "Is it legal to copy DVDs", please first refer to your country’s laws and then think about your purpose to make copies. In some countries it is illegal to bypass the CSS, APS or other protections on DVDs, so the behavior of copying DVD may be at risk of violating the Digital Copyright Act.
But in some countries, the law says that people have all the rights to deal with the things they purchased only you don’t infringe the copy right. That defines that you can copy encrypted DVD for personal use, but you cannot make copies of these copyrighted DVDs for distribution or any commercial use. Any actions of spreading these copyrighted contents should be illegal.
For homemade DVDs, you can copy as many as you can easily and freely, but that is not the case for commercial DVDs. Commercial DVDs always come with some protection schemes to protect their copyrights. Here are some of the main DVD copy protection schemes.
(1) APS
APS, short for Analog Protection System, is a DVD protection scheme designed to distort the color and brightness of the unauthorized DVD copying. The process works by adding pulses to analog video signals to negatively impact the AGC circuit of a recording device.
(2) UOP
UOP means User Operation Prohibitions. Most DVD players prohibit viewers from performing lots of actions during sections of a DVD, and display no symbol or a message. It is used mainly for copyright notices or warnings, such as an FBI warning.
(3) Cinavia
Though Cinavia is one of the major protections used on Blu-rays, it is founded on increasing commercial DVD discs. Cinavia is a protection scheme that embedded in the audio tracks of DVDs and can mute the audio tracks of an unauthorized copy of a copyrighted DVD.
(4) RC
RC, known as Region Code, is a digital rights management technique to protect copyright and the rights and profits of rights holders. With it, movie studios can control the international distribution of a DVD release, including its content, release date, and price.DVD copy protections are more than these, you can remove them with the best DVD Copy software and copy DVDs on Windows 10/Mac easily. But before we begin, you may want to know whether it is legal to copy a commercial DVD.
A powerful DVD copy should come with a decrypter that can bypass the protections on commercial DVDs. Let's see what other factors may influence the quality of a powerful DVD copy tool.
Copy Mode: A good DVD backup software program should not only copy DVDs in 1:1 ratio without compression but also have the ability to compress DVD-10 to a smaller size.
Quality: A good DVD copy software should output exact copies which are indistinguishable from the original under 1:1 copy, and should give a copy with minimal quality loss when users choose to compress their DVDs.
Copy speed: though a DVD is not as large as a Blu-ray movie, you still need take some time to copy the nearly 5 G or 10 G contents from a disc. You won’t want to spend more than one or two hours copying a DVD disc.
Output formats: DVD-5 or DVD-9 should be the basic output formats. But if a DVD copy program has the ability to output ISO files or DVD folders for digital storage we believe it will bring great convenience to you.
Customization Tools: A DVD copy expert will give you some customization tools to copy your DVDs in your way. You should have the choices to copy the exact part you want or to get rid of the protections or not.
Conclusion
In the article, we have introduced all the things about DVD copy you need to know. We hope you do learn some useful knowledge here and know how to copy DVD to computer with a good DVD copy tool and make your own DVD copies. Now get moving to back up your DVDs in your way!
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