Best DVD Rippers for Windows & macOS (2025) : Free & Paid

The digital shift has made DVDs seem like relics, but for many enthusiasts and archivists—myself included—DVD collections remain a treasure trove of films, rare concerts, and family videos. As the landscape of media consumption shifts, many of us have turned to DVD rippers to convert our collections into digital files. However, converting your DVDs isn't always straightforward—many traditional tools have become obsolete, and finding trustworthy software that operates seamlessly on Windows and the latest macOS can be surprisingly challenging.

This review is crafted for those who value their time, seek consistent results, and desire DVD ripping software that are both effective and user-friendly.

Top Picks by Scenario for Selecting the Best DVD Ripper

💡Best DVD Ripper for Windows & macOS: DVDFab DVD Ripper

Comprehensive support, consistent updates, and powerful customization. Ideal for advanced users needing flexibility and batch conversion.

💡Best Free DVD Ripper for Windows 10/11: HandBrake

Open-source, precise controls, reliable results for unencrypted discs — favored by power users and DIYers.

💡Best Free DVD Ripper for Mac: MakeMKV

Excellent for direct, lossless ripping. Simple interface, preserves quality, and works both on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

List of the Best DVD Ripping Software (2025 Edition)

Here are the best DVD rippers for 2025, handpicked for their reliability, update frequency, user experience, and compatibility. Each tool has its own strengths—some are free and open source DVD rippers, while others are polished commercial solutions offering advanced features.

Below, you'll find an overview of why each makes the list, what platforms they support, their pricing models, plus a quick look at pros and cons to help match you with the right tool.

DVDFab DVD Ripper

DVDFab DVD Ripper is a comprehensive tool for digitizing DVD collections, supporting over 1,000 video and audio formats like MP4, MKV, MP3, and AAC. It offers compatibility with 260+ device presets from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei, and advanced decryption capabilities for handling various DVD protections such as CSS, APS, and Sony DADC. The software also includes a cloud decryption service for new encrypted DVDs. Users can select from lossless formats like MKV. Passthrough or compressed formats like MP4 for mobile devices. With GPU acceleration (NVIDIA CUDA, AMD, Intel Quick Sync), DVDFab rips DVDs in the shortest time and features a task queue system for batch processing multiple DVDs at once.

DVDFab DVD Ripper consistently receives positive feedback from users, particularly for its user-friendly interface and robust performance. Many users appreciate the software's ability to quickly and efficiently convert DVDs into various digital formats, making it a valuable tool for digitizing physical media collections. The software's support for a wide range of output formats and device presets ensures compatibility with numerous devices, enhancing its versatility.

Supported OS: 

Pricing: DVDFab sells by Monthly / 1-Year / Lifetime license. A common reference price for DVD Ripper Lifetime is US$84.99 (promos may reduce this).

Free trial: 30-day fully functional trial; During the trial period, you can fully rip 3 DVDs and 3 Blu-ra discs for free, and you can also experience various advanced features during the copying process. After the trial ends, it will automatically transition to the free version DVDFab HD Decrypter with limited functions.

👍Pros:

• Wide format and device support (1000+ output, such as MP4, MKV, ISO, presets for phones/tablets)
• Handle region codes and most copy protections (where legally permitted)
• Advanced acceleration technologies for fast processing
• Excellent subtitle, audio track handling, and chapter control
• Batch processing for large libraries
• Provide a free trial and a free version(limited functions) for users

👎Cons:

• Requires a subscription or one-time payment for full features

HandBrake

HandBrake is a free, open-source DVD ripper available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It's stable, actively maintained, and taps into Windows' native hardware encoders (Intel Quick Sync and NVIDIA NVENC) to speed up H.264/H.265 exports without much tinkering. However, it cannot handle encrypted DVDs without additional software like libdvdcss. Users can select specific titles, chapters, and audio tracks, and apply video filters such as deinterlacing and cropping. While HandBrake provides a portable version and extensive editing capabilities, its advanced settings may be complex for some users.

Users appreciate HandBrake's simplicity and effectiveness for ripping unprotected DVDs. Many find it useful for creating digital backups of their DVD collections. However, some users have reported difficulties with encrypted DVDs, requiring additional steps to decrypt them. Additionally, the software's advanced settings may be overwhelming for beginners. Despite these limitations, HandBrake remains a popular choice for users seeking a free and open-source DVD ripping solution.

Supported OS: Windows 10/11; Mac 10.13+; Linux Flatpak builds (distro-agnostic)

Pricing: Free, open source

👍Pros:

• Completely free and open source
• Consistently updated for modern systems
• Produces high-quality MP4 or MKV files
• Offers batch encoding and custom presets
• No ads, watermarks, or bundled software

👎Cons:

• Won't work with most copy-protected DVDs
• The interface may look a bit plain or complex at first for newcomers
• The output is limited (only support MP4, MKV, and WebM)
• No built-in video editing function

MakeMKV

MakeMKV is a simple, one-click converter that turns DVDs and Blu-rays into lossless MKV files without re-encoding, preserving video, HD audio, chapters, and metadata. It is an ideal choice for Mac users looking for a free and straightforward DVD ripper. It quickly converts DVDs and Blu-rays into lossless MKV files without re-encoding, ensuring that the video, audio, chapters, and metadata remain intact. The process is fast, running at the speed of the drive's read capability, and it can even stream content while converting.

Users on Mac love MakeMKV for its simplicity and the ability to create high-quality MKV files that work perfectly with media servers like Plex. The tool's lossless output is especially appreciated by those who prefer to transcode later. But some users think the MKV-only output and the occasional setup steps for the LibreDrive tools.

July beta key expired at the end of July 2025, which led users to "key expired / version too old" messages starting Aug 1 and forum threads asking for a new key. Additional posts on Aug 4–8 reported the payment link/site for purchasing licenses was down, with some users discussing temporary workarounds.

Supported OS: Windows XP/7/8/10/11, macOS 10.7+, Linux x86_64 builds available

Pricing: One-time license required to enable full functionality (DVD ripping operates while in beta; Blu-ray generally requires a license after beta).

👍Pros:

• Lossless, one-to-one DVD-to-MKV ripping
• Retains full audio, multiple language tracks, chapters, and subtitles
• Cross-platform and works seamlessly on new Macs

👎Cons:

• Output format limited to MKV—no built-in conversion to MP4
• Interface is very basic and offers a few customization options
• No batch conversion support
• May not support high-definition DVDs, and couldn't retain its audio track and subtitles sometimes

VidCoder

VidCoder is a free, open-source DVD ripping software for Windows that leverages HandBrake's powerful encoding engine. It offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those new to video conversion. VidCoder supports a wide range of output formats, including MP4, MKV, and WebM, and allows for basic editing tasks such as trimming, cropping, and adding subtitles. However, it's important to note that VidCoder does not have built-in support for removing copy protections like CSS or AACS.

Users appreciate VidCoder for its simplicity and effectiveness in converting DVDs and Blu-rays to digital formats. The software's integration with HandBrake ensures high-quality outputs, and its batch processing feature allows for efficient handling of multiple files. However, some users have reported occasional issues with the software's stability, particularly when dealing with large files or complex conversions.

Supported OS: Windows 10/11

Pricing: Free, open source

👍Pros:

• More user-friendly interface than HandBrake
• Supports MP4/MKV export and batch queue
• Live previews and subtitle control
• No bundled extras, ads, or signups

👎Cons:

• Limited to unprotected DVDs and Blu-rays
• Some advanced settings may be less detailed than HandBrake
• Lacks macOS and Linux support

MacX DVD Ripper Pro

MacX DVD Ripper Pro is a comprehensive DVD ripping software designed specifically for macOS users. It offers a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily convert DVDs into various digital formats such as MP4, MOV, and AVI. The software supports a wide range of output formats and device presets, making it versatile for different needs. It also provides basic editing features like trimming, cropping, and adding subtitles, enhancing the customization options for users.

Users appreciate MacX DVD Ripper Pro as one of the fastest DVD rippers on Mac. The software utilizes hardware acceleration to expedite the conversion process, allowing users to rip DVDs in a relatively short time. Additionally, it effectively handles various DVD protections, enabling users to convert both homemade and commercial DVDs. However, some users have noted that the free version has limitations, such as a 5-minute ripping restriction, and lacks advanced editing features.

Supported OS: macOS 10.12-15

Pricing: commonly offered around US$59.95 lifetime (promo pages vary)

Free trial & limits: Trial converts up to 5 minutes per DVD; some advanced features disabled.

👍Pros:

• Optimized for modern Macs with excellent speed and stability
• Handles commercial and region-locked DVDs
• Offers extensive format presets and quality settings
• Intuitive UI for beginners, with deeper options for advanced users
• Frequent updates for macOS compatibility

👎Cons:

• Paid software; trial has limitations
• Windows users need to look elsewhere
• Some features are locked to the full version

WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro

WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro is a user-friendly DVD ripping software designed for Windows users. It allows you to convert DVDs, including encrypted ones, into various digital formats such as MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, and more. The software supports over 300 output formats and device presets, making it versatile for different needs. It also offers features like DVD region code removal, subtitle addition, and basic video editing tools.

Users appreciate WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro for its high-quality output. The software utilizes advanced encoding algorithms to compress large DVD files without significant loss of quality. Additionally, it can automatically detect the main movie title, saving time by eliminating unnecessary content like previews or menus. However, some users have noted that the free trial version limits the conversion to 5 minutes, which may not be sufficient for evaluating the full capabilities of the software.

Supported OS: Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11

Pricing: Paid (Lifetime 1-PC $69.95).

Free trial & limits: Trial imposes output-length limitations (e.g., restricted minutes per file).

👍Pros:

• Clean and intuitive interface
• Fast conversion speeds with hardware acceleration
• Preset profiles for over 500 formats and devices
• Customizable subtitle and audio selection

👎Cons:

• Paid license required for full features
• No macOS or Linux support
• The trial version has limitations on output

AnyMP4 DVD Ripper

AnyMP4 DVD Ripper is a versatile DVD ripping software designed for both Windows and macOS users. It supports over 500 digital video and audio formats, including MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI, and MP3, allowing users to convert DVDs, DVD folders, and ISO image files into various formats. The software boasts GPU acceleration, enhancing ripping speeds up to 30 times faster than previous versions. Additionally, it offers basic video editing features such as trimming, cropping, and adding watermarks.

Users appreciate AnyMP4 DVD Ripper for its ability to handle various DVD protections, including CSS and region codes, ensures compatibility with a broad range of DVDs. However, there are reports of delayed or unresponsive customer support. One user mentioned that after changing their motherboard, the software's license key stopped working, and their emails seeking assistance went unanswered.

Supported OS: Windows 7/8/10/11, macOS 10.12-15

Pricing: Paid (Lifetime 1-PC $68.7)

Free trial & limits: Trial typically limits convertible length per title (commonly a few minutes).

👍Pros:

• Cross-platform, with a consistent experience on PC and Mac
• Wide output format support (MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, and more)
• Batch conversion and file merging
• Real-time video preview and subtitle editing

👎Cons:

• Most features require a paid license
• The trial version adds limits to output and conversion length
• Some UI dialogs can feel "busy" with advanced options

Tipard DVD Ripper

Tipard DVD Ripper is another veteran DVD ripping software that is available for both Windows and macOS users. In actual use, I found Tipard particularly approachable for beginners — its clear, step-by-step interface makes quick work of disc-to-digital transfers. Power users aren't left out, either: advanced settings for video quality, resolution, and subtitle/audio track selection are intuitive.

Some users mentioned that while Tipard DVD Ripper offers a range of basic editing tools like cropping, rotating, and adding subtitles, I found its capabilities lacking for more advanced editing needs. For instance, it doesn't support multi-track audio or complex transitions, which are essential for my projects.

Supported OS: Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11, macOS 13-14

Pricing: Paid (Lifetime 1-PC $60)

Free trial & limits: Trial limits to 5 minutes of each source.

👍Pros:

• Consistent, easy-to-navigate interface on both PC and Mac
• Supports a wide range of video formats and devices
• Fast conversion performance with hardware acceleration
• Custom subtitle and audio track controls
• Batch ripping and merging capabilities

👎Cons:

• The free version has functional limitations
• Paid license required to unlock all features
• Occasional advanced options might be overwhelming for casual users

DVD-Cloner

DVD-Cloner is a versatile DVD, Blu-ray, and UHD copying software developed by OpenCloner, offering a range of features for users looking to back up their physical media collections. The software provides multiple copy modes, including Full Copy, Main Movie, and Custom, allowing users to choose the best option for their needs. It supports various disc types such as DVD5, DVD9, BD25, BD50, and UHD, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of media.

Some users have reported issues with the software's performance, including problems with copying certain DVDs and Blu-rays, as well as difficulties in burning discs. Despite these concerns, other users have found DVD-Cloner to be a reliable tool for backing up their media collections, appreciating its ease of use and the quality of the copies produced.

Supported OS: Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11; DVD-Cloner for Mac is another seperate software

Pricing: Standard Lifetime listed at US$59.99 (variants available).

Free trial & limits: 7-day trial (time-limited).

👍Pros:

• Supports 1:1 disc cloning, ISO creation, and partial backups
• User-friendly interface with step-by-step wizards
• Handles multi-angle, subtitle, and audio stream selection
• Suitable for both quick copying and in-depth archive creation
• Regular updates and a good track record for Windows compatibility

👎Cons:

• Paid software; key features are locked in trial mode
• Windows-only; no support for macOS or Linux
• UI design feels dated compared to some competitors
• Effectiveness can vary with newer copy protection methods

VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player, developed by the VideoLAN project, is a free and open-source multimedia player known for its versatility across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also serves as a great open-source DVD ripping software. Beyond its playback capabilities, VLC offers a built-in feature to rip DVDs into digital formats such as MP4 and MKV. This functionality is accessible through the "Convert / Save" option in the Media menu, allowing users to extract video content from DVDs for personal use.

VLC Media Player is widely praised for being a free, open-source solution that offers basic DVD ripping functionality alongside its robust media playback capabilities. Users appreciate its versatility across different operating systems and its straightforward, user-friendly interface. However, some users have pointed out limitations, particularly when dealing with encrypted DVDs. While VLC can handle some unprotected DVDs, it often requires additional tools, like libdvdcss, for more complex copy protections.

Supported OS: Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10/11, macOS 10.7.5+, Linux widely available via distro repos/Flathub

Pricing: Free, open source

👍Pros:

• 100% free and open source
• Works on all major operating systems
• Can rip unprotected DVDs to basic file formats
• No ads, no bloat, and very lightweight

👎Cons:

• Limited ripping features; no support for copy-protected DVDs
• Lacks advanced options (batch conversion, editing, rich output settings)
• Not suitable for preserving chapters, menus, or multiple audio streams

DVD Ripper Software Comparison Table (2025)

Selecting the right DVD ripper is mainly about trade-offs between platform support, output control, and whether the tool can (legally) handle copy-protected discs. The table below summarizes what each vendor publicly claims and what the open-source projects document, focusing on OS versions, hardware-acceleration APIs, and the kinds of DVD copy protection each product advertises it can handle.

How to Rip a DVD — Step-by-Step Guides by Scenario

DVD ripping might sound technical, but with the right tool and a few pointers, anyone can get reliable results—whether you want lossless backups, portable MP4 videos, or easy subtitle preservation. Here's a guideline of the simplest workflows for the most popular situations and platforms, based on what I’ve found works best in real-world use.

Best DVD Ripper for Windows and Mac: Step-by-Step with DVDFab

You need a DVD ripper that works seamlessly on both Windows and Mac—whether you're sharing media files between office PCs and personal Macs, archiving discs for team projects, or preparing videos for use across different devices. DVDFab's cross-platform support and updated compatibility make it an easy choice for anyone who moves between Windows and macOS environments.

Step 1: Install and launch DVDFab DVD Ripper on either Windows or macOS. Consistent updates ensure similar functionality and interface across both platforms.

Step 2: Load Your DVD. DVDFab quickly recognizes the disc and lists all the main movie, bonus features, and chapters.

Step 3: Select Output Profile. Choose from MP4, MKV, or preset device profiles (phones, tablets, media players, etc.), depending on your workflow needs.

Step 4: Locate and Check Output. You can also use the built-in editor to edit your videos.

Step 5: Start Ripping. 

💡Pro Tips:

• When working with shared drives or cloud storage, output to a commonly accessible folder so both Windows and Mac users can collaborate seamlessly.
• For master archiving, use lossless output; for day-to-day use, convert to MP4 with multi-audio and subtitle tracks preserved.

Best Free DVD Ripper for Windows 10/11: HandBrake Detailed Guideline

You want a free, open-source DVD ripper for Windows 11, macOS, or Linux—ideal for converting unprotected DVDs or home videos to MP4 or MKV for smooth playback across all your devices. HandBrake is straightforward, up-to-date, and gives you full control, making it a favorite among advanced users and beginners alike looking for high-quality results without hidden costs.

Step 1: Download and install HandBrake from the official website for your operating system.

Step 2: Insert your DVD and launch HandBrake. Select your DVD drive as the source; HandBrake will scan and display all available titles and chapters.

Step 3: Select the detailed settings.

1. Choose Output Format
   1. Select MP4 or MKV, depending on your needs.
   2. Use a preset—"Fast 1080p30" for speed and compatibility, or "High Profile" if you want maximum quality.
2. Add Subtitles and Audio Tracks:
   1. Include the main language and forced subtitles (important for foreign films or occasional dialogue translations).
   2. You may select multiple audio tracks if you want to keep both original and dubbed versions.

💡Optimal HandBrake Settings for DVD Ripping Quality:

• Video Codec: Use H.264 (x264) for the best balance; try H.265 (x265) if your devices support it and you want smaller files.
• Quality (RF) Value: Set "Constant Quality" mode with an RF between 18–20 for DVDs (lower RF = higher quality/larger files).
• Deinterlace/Decomb: Enable these filters (on the Filters tab) for older, interlaced DVDs to avoid combing artifacts.
• Audio Bitrate: Use AAC at 160kbps or higher for good stereo sound.

Step 4: Set Destination Folder: Decide where you want the final video file saved; Start Encode: Click "Start Encode". HandBrake processes the disc; progress is shown in real time.

Best free DVD Ripper for Mac MakeMKV Detailed Tutorial

You want a free solution for lossless DVD ripping on Windows, macOS, or Linux—ideal for preserving all content, audio tracks, and subtitles exactly as on the original disc. MakeMKV is especially popular with collectors and anyone who needs a simple, reliable ripper that just works out of the box, regardless of system updates or platform.

Step 1: Download and install MakeMKV for your operating system.

Step 2: Insert your DVD and launch MakeMKV. The program will detect the disc and read its structure automatically.

Step 3: Scan the contents: Click the large "Open disc" button; MakeMKV will analyze the DVD and list available titles, audio tracks, and subtitles.

Step 4: Select Titles and Tracks: By default, MakeMKV will select the main movie. You can customize your selection to include bonus features, multiple languages, or specific subtitle streams; Then, choose the output folder.

Step 5: Start ripping: Click the "Make MKV" button. The program will extract the content and create an MKV file with full video/audio/subtitle fidelity—no transcoding or compression unless you choose it later.

Trouble Shooting

Even the best DVD ripping software can run into issues. Here are some of the most common problems and straightforward solutions to help you get back on track.

DVD not detected by software

First, check that your disc is clean and free from heavy scratches. Try reinserting the DVD and restarting the ripping software. If the problem persists, test in a different DVD drive—hardware compatibility varies, and some drives read discs more reliably.

Ripping speed is extremely slow

Slow performance can be caused by old or damaged discs, heavy copy protection, or if hardware acceleration isn't enabled. Make sure you have hardware acceleration turned on in your ripping tool’s settings where available, and close other demanding programs while ripping. For particularly stubborn discs, slower reads can help reduce errors.

Video or audio is out of sync in output files

This usually results from incorrect encoding settings or poor handling of damaged discs. Use the default presets provided by your ripper for the best results. If issues continue, try a different tool or update to the latest version of your current software.

Ripper crashes or freezes mid-process

Ensure you’re using the latest version of your ripping software and that your operating system is fully updated. Disable any non-essential background software and try ripping to a different hard drive with sufficient free space. If the problem continues, check the DVD itself for scratches or defects.

Output file has missing subtitles or audio tracks

Always double-check your selection of audio and subtitle tracks before starting the rip. Previewing a short segment can help confirm your settings are correct. Some discs label subtitles or audio options unclearly, so you may need to do a quick test to identify the right track.

The rip completes, but the video won't play

Verify that you're using a modern, up-to-date media player (such as VLC) that supports the file format you exported. If the file is corrupt, try ripping again at a slightly lower speed or with error correction features enabled.

Conclusion

Finding the best DVD ripper for your needs in 2025 comes down to your workflow, system, and expectations. If you want a highly reliable, feature-rich solution that works across both Windows and Mac, DVDFab DVD Ripper stands out for its steady updates, comprehensive format support, and powerful customization. For those seeking free and open-source tools, HandBrake and MakeMKV continue to provide trustworthy performance for unprotected or home-made discs—HandBrake for great flexibility and MP4 outputs, MakeMKV for fast, lossless backups.

Ultimately, the right DVD ripper is the one that fits your environment and makes preserving your DVD memories easy and dependable. With the options and advice above, you can confidently digitize your collection and keep your favorite content accessible long into the future.