Top 6 Software to Convert DVD to MKV Free and Lossless

The days of storing all our favorite movies on DVDs are quickly coming to an end thanks to the rise of Blu-ray and easy access to online streaming platforms like Netflix. Then how do you deal with your old DVD discs? Converting DVDs to digital formats, such as MKV, is a good choice.

In order to create such a digital collection that you can store locally on your computer or on an external hard drive, you'll need the help of a DVD to MKV converter. Then what freeware should you use? Now, follow me to select the ideal solution to modernize your media library.

1. The Best Program to Convert DVD to MKV- DVDFab DVD Ripper

DVDFab DVD Ripper is the best DVD to MKV converter that can rip any type of DVD disc and can even be used to convert ISO files and folders to a format that runs on any compatible media player. Besides the MKV format, this program also supports other formats as well, such as AVI, MP4, WMV, and more. 3D and 4K formats are also included, as is a conversion from video to audio. Here are the main features of this tool.

Main Features of DVDFab DVD to MKV Converter

DVDFab DVD Ripper

DVDFab DVD Ripper allows you to rip and convert any DVD / ISO file / Folder to any video & audio format playable on any device, media player, or home theatre.

Main Features:

• Detect and decrypt copy-protected DVDs with RC, RCE, UOPs, etc.
• The only tool that supports the newly released encrypted DVDs
• Support 1000+ video and audio output formats, like MKV.
• Support 260+ preset output devices such as iPhone, Samsung, Huawei. 
• Provide powerful editing and customization tools.
• Support batch DVD to MKV conversion at 50x faster speed.
• Preserve the original quality, or work with Enlarger AI to upscale the video resolution.

Note: DVDFab DVD Ripper offers a 30-day free trial, after which it will automatically transition to its completely-free but limited version, DVDFab HD Decrypter. This free version can convert most encrypted DVDs into MP4 or MKV formats only.

How to Rip DVD to MKV with DVDFab DVD Ripper

Step 1: Download DVDFab 12 and choose the "Ripper" Module

DVDFab DVD Ripper is one of the modules of DVDFab 12. So when you launch DVDFab 12, select the "Ripper" module from the top menu. Once there, either insert the DVD disc or click the “Add” button to load your file. Meanwhile, if you want to rip an ISO file or folder, simply use the drag & drop method. 

Step 2: Set the output format as MKV

With the source loaded up, it’s time to select the format. To do this go to the "Choose Other Profile" in the upper left corner and select ”Format -> Video“. We want to convert DVD to MKV so we' re going to pick MKV as the output format. Also on this panel, you can click the option of "Device" near "Format" to choose the output preset. And improve video quality using the option of "Enlarger AI". 

The supported output video formats by this ripper include MP4, AVI, FLV, M2TS, MKV, MP4, TS, WMV, etc.

Step 3: Edit the output video using "Advanced Settings" and "Video Edit" (Optional)

Then it's time to customize the ouput MKV video. Go to "Advanced Settings" and you can set the video and audio parameters as you want.

Also, you can edit the video with another tool known as "Video Edit" expressed by a "Pen" icon. With it you can change properties including the brightness, contrast, and saturation, or by cropping and trimming the video. The "Video Edit" menu also lets you add external subtitles to the video as well as text or image watermarks.

Step 4: Start to convert DVD to MKV

After customizing MKV video, where you want to save the converted file? From left to right at the bottom, you can choose ‘Mobile Device’, folder or YouTube as the output directory. Then, you will watch DVD in MKV format on your phone or desktop.

2. Other 5 Recommended Programs to Convert DVD to MKV 

Besides DVDFab DVD Ripper, there are other 5 recommended software to convert DVD to MKV. Now, let's learn what they are.

MakeMKV (Windows, Mac, Linux)

MakeMKV is a versatile DVD to MKV converter that can convert Blu-ray discs and various other video formats to MKV. It offers fast conversion speeds and has the ability to preserve all audio tracks and subtitles. The software is known for its ease of use and high-quality output, and it supports many types of DVDs, including those with copy protection.

Pros:

• Lossless conversion quality
• High-speed conversion
• Wide support for input formats
• Easy to use with a simple and intuitive interface

Cons:

• Limited output options since it only converts to MKV format
• Lacks post-conversion editing options
• Not completely free after trial period

HandBrake ( Windows, Mac, Linux)

HandBrake is a free, open-source software that can rip DVD to MP4 or MKV on multiple platforms. It offers advanced video and audio settings, presets for optimizing output quality, and batch conversion. However, it’s worth noting that some commercial DVDs may be copy-protected, which could prevent them from being converted using Handbrake without additional tools or plugins.

Pros:

• Completely free and open-source
• Advanced settings for fine-tuning output quality
• Cross-platform compatibility

Cons:

• Can be complex for beginners
• Unable to rip some encrypted DVDs
• Occasional stability issues during conversion

Freemake (Windows)

Freemake is a free software that allows users to convert DVD-5 or DVD-9 videos to MKV format. It also has some additional features, such as the ability to rip audio tracks from DVDs and customize output settings like resolution, frame rate, and bitrate. However, it’s worth noting that Freemake may not work with all DVD types or protected discs.

Pros:

• Free to download and use
• Wide support for input DVD formats and output video formats
• Customized options

Cons:

• Can' t rip some discs with DVD copying protection
• Slow conversion speed compared to other software

UniConverter (Mac)

UniConverter, previously known as Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate, is a premium software exclusively designed for Mac users to rip DVD to MKV format. The software supports various input formats, including DVDs and ISO files, and offers a range of output options, including MKV. UniConverter also provides customization options for output settings such as cropping, resolution, bitrate, and audio quality.

Pros:

• Convert DVD/ISO to MP4, MKV, AVI, and more digital formats
• High-speed conversion
• Advanced editing options

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other software
• Limited trial version

OGMConvert (Ubuntu)

OGMConvert is a free and open-source tool designed to convert DVDs into MKV format. It is specifically developed to operate smoothly on Ubuntu operating system. This software comes equipped with a broad range of video and audio codecs, ensuring flawless conversion. To accomplish this task, the app relies on a suite of powerful tools, including MPlayer, ogmtools, MKVtoolnix, lame, encoder, and other essential software.

Pros:

• Completely free and open-source
• Offers a wide range of codecs to choose from

Cons:

• The interface is not very user-friendly and may take some time to get used to
• No support for Windows or Mac

3. Conclusion

Converting DVD to MKV is a great way to keep your movie collection safe by transforming it to digital format. Unlike physical discs, digital movies don’t degrade over time, which means that you’ll never have to worry about your collection ever again. There are many tools that allow you to rip DVD to MKV, but if you want the best, we recommend trying out DVDFab DVD Ripper. Apart from ripping DVD to MKV, if you are also interested in how to convert MKV to DVD, please refer to another post for further information.