How to Convert ISO to MKV Free and Easily in 2025?
Summary: ISO files often take up large storage space and face playback compatibility issues. Converting them to MKV not only reduces file size but also ensures smoother playback across devices—all without quality loss. This guide mentions free, effective ways to convert DVD or Blu-ray ISO to MKV with ease.
Table of Contents
Converting ISO files to MKV is a smart and flexible way to enjoy your movie collection. Unlike large ISO images, which require special players and take up a lot of space, MKV files offer the same high-quality video and keep all your subtitles, audio tracks, and chapters. They are much more compatible with modern devices and media players.
💡Read this article, you can:
- Discover the advantages of using MKV instead of ISO.
- Choose the best ISO to MKV converter based on your needs.
- Learn about the different converters, their features, and what each one does best.
- Follow a step-by-step guide to convert ISO to MKV on your own.
Why Convert ISO to MKV?
Although ISO [WIKI] images is a popular format for DVDs, it can be a hassle to deal with, such as requiring specialized tool to extract the files from the archive. That's where MKV[WIKI] comes in, an excellent alternative that offers several benefits over ISO.
- Smaller File Sizes: MKV compresses files efficiently without sacrificing quality
- Better Compatibility: MKV compresses files efficiently without sacrificing quality.
- Multiple Audio/Subtitle Tracks: MKV supports several tracks, unlike ISO.
- High-Quality Video: MKV retains excellent video quality, often rivaling Blu-ray.
Therefore, converting your DVD and Blu-ray ISO to MKV simplifies video management and improves flexibility. Now it's imperative to find out how to batch convert ISO to MKV on macOS or Windows.
How to Convert ISO to MKV Free on Mac & Windows？
1. Convert Any ISO to MKV with DVDFab DVD Ripper
The converters we want to recommend first are DVDFab Ripper software. DVD Ripper and Blu-ray Ripper allow users to rip the contents of any ISO file, folder, or DVD/Blu-ray disc and convert them to MKV or other digital formats.
Whether you are going to convert DVD, Blu-ray or UHD ISO files, DVDFab software supports a wide variety of output formats and offer a powerful video editor. Here we take DVDFab DVD Ripper as an example to elaborate the key features of DVDFab's Ripper module.
- Support the newest-released encrypted discs
- Rip and convert DVD disc, ISO image or Folder to 1000+ video& audio formats
- Support multiple MKV Profile, such as 3D, Passthrough, 4K/5K/8K, H265, 10/12 bit, etc.
- Output lossless video quality and 5.1 multi-channel audios
- Support batch conversion at GPU-accelerated speed
- Customize the output video via advanced settings and built-in video editor
- Convert DVD subtitles to SRT files; remove or add external subtitles
Tutorial: How to Rip ISO to MKV Format with DVDFab DVD Ripper?
Step 1: Launch DVDFab 13 and add ISO file
Free download DVDFab 13, and select the Ripper module to get started. Insert the disc you want to rip into your optical drive or use the navigation buttons to add an ISO file or folder that's already stored on your computer. DVDFab supports batch conversion, so you can import multiple ISO files here.
Step 2: Choose output profile
DVDFab can recognize the type of ISO you want to rip (DVD, Blu-ray, or UHD Blu-ray) automatically. Then go to the Profile Switcher (Choose Other Profile) > Format > General > MKV. If you want to convert ISO or DVD to MP4, AVI or MOV, choose others based on your needs.
Step 3: Customize output video
On the main interface of DVDFab Ripper, there are two video editing tools, namely, Advanced Settings and Video Edit. The first menu will let you modify things like video quality, frame rate, resolution, encoding method, and more.
Meanwhile, the Video Edit menu contains tools that let you crop and trim the video or add subtitles and watermarks.
Other options like picking audio tracks and selecting specific chapters or titles are found on the main menu. Keep in mind that a few of the options differ depending on what type of ISO you're trying to rip. For example, the options you see when you convert a DVD ISO file will be a bit different from converting a UHD Blu-ray ISO file.
✅Here's a concise table of the best recommended MKV settings for DVDFab DVD Ripper:
| Settings | Recommended Option |
| Video Codec | H.264 (or H.265 for smaller files) |
| Resolution | Same as source (480p) or 720p |
| Bitrate | 1500–2500 kbps (VBR) |
| Frame Rate | Same as source |
| Audio Codec | AAC or AC3 |
| Audio Channel | Stereo or Original (5.1) |
Step 4: Start to convert ISO to MKV file
Before clicking the Start button, decide where to save the file by using the menu at the bottom. It's worth noting that Blu-rays take longer to rip than DVDs. But the speed is still 10 times faster than the normal speed.
|
Feature |
DVDFab DVD Ripper | DVDFab HD Decrypter |
|
License Type |
Paid (with free trial available) | Free |
|
Decryption Support |
Full decryption support including latest protections | Limited decryption (older DVDs/Blu-rays only) |
|
Output Formats |
Over 1000 video and audio formats including MP4, MKV, MP3, etc. | MKV/MP4 |
|
Output Customization |
Advanced (audio/subtitle selection, UI customization) | Basic |
|
User Support |
Full support, updates, and access to customer service | Limited support |
|
Hardware GPU Acceleration |
Yes | No |
💡DVDFab HD decrypter is the totally free but simplified version of DVDFab DVD Ripper and Blu-ray Ripper. After a 30-day free trial, DVDFab 13 will automatically transition into this lifetime free version.
2. Convert ISO to MKV For Free via MakeMKV
As a popular and open-source program used to convert media files, MakeMKV simplifies the process of converting ISO files into MKV format. It can extract the video, audio, and subtitle tracks from the ISO file and mux them into a single MKV file. This process retains the original quality of the video and audio while compressing them into a more manageable and widely compatible format.
Last year, MakeMKV faced consequences for decrypting AACS, raising concerns about its legality for ripping UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD discs. As a result, some users are seeking alternative to MakeMKV.
- Compatible with Linux, macOS X, and Windows
- Provides a simple user interface, making it easy for even beginners to use.
- Preserve chapter information, meta-information, all video and audio tracks are preserved.
- Support a wide range of input formats, including Blu-ray, DVD, and ISO files.
- Remove the AACS and BD+ versions of Blu-ray disc protection.
- The resulting MKV files can be quite large, sometimes unnecessarily so.
- It focuses on conversion and lacks video editing and compression features.
- This ISO to MKV converter lacks advanced features that some users require.
Tutorial: How to Convert ISO to MKV free with MakeMKV?
Step 1: Start by downloading this free ISO converter on your Windows or Mac PC. Once it is downloaded, proceed to install and launch the software. （The latest version is 1.18.1)
The official MakeMKV website went offline on June 16, leaving users unable to access downloads, beta keys, or the forum. The sudden outage caused concern across the community, with many unsure of what had happened. Fortunately, as of June 20, the site has been fully restored and is now accessible again. While no official explanation has been given, the issue appears to have been temporary and is now resolved. If you want to seek a more stable and powerful DVD ripping software, DVDFab DVD Ripper is your first choice!
Step 2: In the software interface, navigate to the "File" tab and select "Open files" or use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + O" to choose and import the target ISO file.
Step 3: MakeMKV will analyze the ISO file and display the file structure. Choose the desired video and audio tracks you want to include in the MKV file.
Step 4: Set the output folder where you want the converted MKV file to be saved. Then click on the "Make MKV" button to start the conversion process.
3. Convert ISO to MKV free with Handbrake
Another popular free video transcoder that works well at converting ISO files to MKV is HandBrake. It works with a variety of video formats and is cross-platform. Also, HandBrake is ideal for optimizing file size and quality as it lets users adjust output parameters including resolution, bitrate, and audio tracks.
- Works for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Offers a variety of presets for different devices and platforms.
- Allows you to add subtitles and chapter markers to the output MKV files.
- Adjust resolution, bitrate, audio and video codecs, and other personalized options.
- Requires extra software, such as libdvdcss, to handle encrypted DVDs.
- Might not be suitable for some users as it primarily supports MKV and MP4.
- For newcomers, the wide range of customizing possibilities may be overwhelming.
Tutorial: How to Convert ISO to MKV with Handbrake?
Step 1: Download and install the latest version 1.9.2 of HandBrake from https://handbrake.fr/downloads.php
Step 2: Open the ISO file to be converted after starting HandBrake. You can choose the preferred title and chapter.
Step 3: Choose MKV as the preferred format for conversion under Output Settings. Additionally, you can alter the audio, video, and subtitle settings according to your preferences.
✅Here are optimized settings for converting ISO to MKV using HandBrake, balancing good quality and reasonable file size for most users.
| Settings | Recommended Option |
| Video Codec | H.264 (x264) (or H.265 for smaller files) |
| Quality | Constant Quality RF 20–22 |
| Framerate | Same as source |
| Preset | Fast or Very Fast |
| Audio Codec | AAC (Stereo), or AC3 (Passthru/5.1) |
| Subtitles | Add as “Foreign Audio Scan” or choose “Add Track” / “Burn In” as needed |
| Resolution | 720p or Keep Original |
| Chapters | Include Chapters |
Step 4: Click the "Start Encode" button to start the conversion. HandBrake will convert the ISO to MKV file according to the selected specifications.
4. Convert ISO to MKV using VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a free, open-source multimedia player developed by the VideoLAN project. While primarily known for playing almost any video/audio format, VLC also includes basic conversion features, allowing users to convert ISO files (DVD images) to formats like MKV. However, VLC’s conversion support is quite basic and lacks advanced customization or DVD menu handling.
- Completely free and open-source software.
- No additional codecs or plugins needed; light-weight and easy to use.
- Be compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Can support previewing and converting content in one app.
- Cannot directly open encrypted commercial DVDs from ISO.
- Limited output options and minimal customization.
- No batch processing or chapter control.
Tutorial: How to Convert ISO to MKV with VLC Media Player?
Step 1: Mount and open the ISO file.
Download VLC 3.0.21
Right-click the ISO file and choose "Mount" (this creates a virtual DVD drive); You'll now see a new DVD drive appear in your file explorer or Finder.
Step 2: Open the Disc or File
Go to Media > Convert / Save...; Click on the "Disc" tab; Select "DVD" and make sure the "Disc device" path points to the mounted ISO (virtual DVD drive).
Optional: Check "No disc menus" to skip menus.
Step 3: Customize the videos
Click "Convert / Save" at the bottom; In the next window; Under settings, choose "Convert"; For Profile, select "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)", then click the wrench icon to set Encapsulation as MKV.
- Under the Video Codec tab, make sure Video is enabled and codec = H.264.
- Under Audio Codec, set codec = MP3 or AAC.
Step 4: Choose Output File and Start the Conversion
Click "Browse" to select the destination and name your file (with .mkv extension).
How to Choose the Best ISO to MKV converter?
After thoroughly testing the top ISO to MKV converters, we've compiled a comparison table to help you choose the best option for your needs. This table highlights key features, speed, output quality, and additional functionalities for each converter.
| Tools | Decryption Capability | Output Formats | Video Resolution |
GPU Acceleration |
Free/Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DVDFab DVD Ripper | Advanced decryption for almost all DVDs/Blu-rays | 1000+ video/audio | Lossless | Yes | 1 month free trial |
| DVDFab HD Decrypter | Commercial discs released 1 year ago | MP4/MKV/DVD/BD | Lossless | No | Free |
| MakeMKV | AACS and BD+ | MKV | Unstable | No | Free |
| Handbrake | No | MP4, MKV, WebM | Lossy | Yes | Free |
| VLC Media Player | No | MP4, MKV, AVI | Lossy | NO | Free |
Top DVD Copy Software Showdown: Paid vs Free Tools Compared and Tested
💡Test Environment and Source Movie Information
- Operating System: Windows 10 X64
- System Memory: 16GB
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB
- Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6700 CPU
- Source Movie: 8 Mile; 1h50min14s; 6.13GB
DVDFab DVD Ripper is ideal for users seeking both speed and flexibility. It lets you choose between a fast passthrough mode, which preserves the original video and audio quality, or a re-encoded version optimized for smaller file sizes. Even when compressing, DVDFab ensures that visual quality remains virtually intact, making it a great choice for freeing up storage space without sacrificing clarity. With its advanced hardware acceleration and intelligent encoding, DVDFab delivers fast performance while giving users full control over the output. MakeMKV prioritizes speed by skipping re-encoding altogether, which makes it ideal for quick backups—but the tradeoff is massive file sizes due to uncompressed output. HandBrake, while strong in re-encoding efficiency, lacks a true passthrough option for video, which can limit its adaptability depending on the user's needs.
FAQs
Can VLC convert ISO to MKV?
Yes, VLC Media Player can convert ISO to MKV free, but it lacks the customization options, speed, and output quality controls that you'd get from specialized software. Here’s a quick overview of how you can do it with VLC:
- Launch VLC Media Player on your computer. Go to "Media" > "Open File" and select your ISO file.
- Click "Media" > "Convert/Save" (or press Ctrl + R).
- In the "Convert" window, select a profile that uses MKV as the container format. You might need to choose a profile with MP4 and then manually change the container to MKV.
- Choose where you want to save the output file and give it a name with the .mkv extension.
- Click "Start" to begin the conversion process.
Yes, VLC media player can play ISO files. You can open an ISO file in VLC by going to the "Media" menu, selecting "Open File", and then choosing your ISO file. However, VLC may not work with all of them depending on codec support and other factors.
If you want to watch the ISO file on a wider range of devices, it is recommended to convert it into MKV or MP4 format using tools like DVDFab. These formats have better compatibility and can be played by almost all devices and media players.
The DVDFab Ripper program supports converting any 2D or 3D ISO image file into a 2D or 3D video formats, including MKV. To convert a 3D ISO file to MKV formats, follow these simply steps:
- Step 1: Open DVDFab software and choose the "Ripper" module.
- Step 2: Load your source 3D ISO file.
- Step 3: Click "Choose Other Profile" and select 3D MKV formats or 3D MKV formats as the output. Then do necessary video and audio settings.
- Step 4: Finally, select an output directory and click the "Start" button to begin the conversion process.
Conclusion
This article has discussed more about ISO and MKV formats in general and demonstrated how to batch convert ISO to MKV free and easily. All the rippers discussed are professional tools and are guaranteed to work as advertised. What's more, you can use any of these free DVD rippers to initiate DVD, Blu-ray, or UHD ISO image file conversion to MKV and edit it based on your personal needs.
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