How to Convert VOB to MP4 with HandBrake? Best Settings Included
Summary: HandBrake VOB to MP4 converter can help you convert single and multiple VOB files while compressing them to MP4 without significant quality loss. Learn the detailed steps to convert VOB to MP4 with HandBrake for seamless playback across various devices.
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If you've got old home DVDs, such as wedding footage, family clips, or even movie discs, you may want to copy them to your laptop for easy, anytime access. DVD video is stored as .VOB files inside the VIDEO_TS folder, which aren’t as portable as .MP4. For unprotected content, the free HandBrake converter is a popular way to turn VOBs into MP4s without fuss.
In this guide, we'll show you how to convert single and multiple unencrypted VOB files with HandBrake step by step. We'll also show an alternative for copy-protected discs that can handle decryption while preserving quality. (Only convert discs you own and have the rights to back up.)
Introduction to HandBrake VOB to MP4 Converter
HandBrake is a free, open-source transcoder that can turn DVD VOB files (the video objects inside a disc’s VIDEO_TS folder) into widely compatible MP4 videos for easy storage, playback, and editing. Because VOBs are tied to DVD structure and often require dedicated players, converting them to MP4 removes platform hassles while preserving quality settings you control. Note that HandBrake does not decrypt copy-protected content; this guide covers converting unencrypted single or multiple VOB files only.
How to Convert VOB Files to MP4 With HandBrake
Even if you are a beginner or novice and have VOB files from the internet, you can proceed with the steps given below, as they are similar to those required for converting DVDs to MP4.
Case 1: How to Convert VOB to MP4 HandBrake (Single VOB File)
Step 1: Launch HandBrake.
Install the latest HandBrake for your OS, open it, and click "Open Source".
Step 2: Load VOB file.
Choose File and select the .VOB you want to convert.
Step 3: Choose the output destination.
At the bottom, click "Browse" and pick the destination folder/filename for the MP4.
Step 4: Choose format & preset and start the conversion.
In Format, select MP4. On the right, pick a Preset (e.g., Fast 1080p30); Click "Start Encode" to convert VOB to MP4.
Case 2: How to Convert VOB to MP4 HandBrake (Multiple VOB Files)
Step 1: Open HandBrake and click the "Open Source".
Select the VIDEO_TS folder that contains your VOB files.
Step 2: Pick MP4 and a preset.
Set Format = MP4 and choose a Preset (e.g., Fast 1080p30). Adjust video/audio/subtitles if needed.
Step 3: Set output destination.
Click "Browse" to choose the destination path/filenames.
Step 4: Start the batch.
Click "Start Encode" (or use "Add to Queue" / "Add All" then "Start Queue") to process everything.
Recommended HandBrake Settings to Convert VOB to MP4 Losslessly
Using the correct settings is crucial when converting VOB files to MP4, as this ensures optimal, high-quality output with minimal loss. Considering the file size and video clarity, you must adjust specific encoding options to achieve the best output.
Let's look below at the recommended HandBrake settings to help you losslessly convert VOB files to MP4.
| Various Parameters | Recommended (Optimal) Values |
| Preset | HQ 480p30 Surround |
| Video Codec | H.264 (x264) |
| Encoder Profile | High |
| Framerate | 30 (Peak Framerate) |
| Constant Quality | 18-20 RF |
| Encoder Preset | Slow |
| Encoder Level | 3.1 |
Best HandBrake Alternative: DVDFab DVD Ripper
While HandBrake helps convert and digitize unprotected single and multiple VOB files, you may require expert software to decrypt copy-protected DVDs. Here's where the DVDFab DVD Ripper comes in handy to tackle the VOB conversion for encrypted files. This premium software can convert your physical DVD or digital VOB and ISO files to over 1000 video and audio formats at an accelerated speed without losing quality.
💻Supported OS:
👍Features of DVDFab DVD Ripper:
- Decrypts protected discs/ISOs/VIDEO_TS (CSS, APS, region codes, Sony DADC) via cloud.
- High-quality outputs, incl. MKV Passthrough + 5.1 AC-3 or lighter encodes for mobile/web.
- Broad compatibility: 1000+ formats, 260+ device presets (Apple, Google, Samsung, etc.).
- Faster workflow: Multi-task queue for batch ripping.
- Built-in editor: trim/crop, watermarks/subtitles, brightness/contrast.
How to Convert DVD VOB to MP4 with DVDFab DVD Ripper
Step 1: Download DVDFab DVD Ripper on your Windows computer 7 and above or macOS 10.10 and above.
Step 2: Open DVDFab DVD Ripper and go to the Ripper module. Load your DVD into your computer's drive, and it will automatically access and load the content. The program will automatically decrypt any embedded copy protection. Alternatively, drag and drop your ISO file/folder into the main screen.
Step 3: Choose specific titles or rip the entire DVD. Then, select audio track(s) and subtitle language(s). Extract DVD subtitles to SRT format and add external subtitles. Tap the Info option to see the copy protection embedded in your DVD.
Step 4: Click Choose Other Profile and Format options to pick another MP4 profile as the output video format. You can convert your DVD to mobile devices or other portable devices directly by tapping Device.
The Advanced Settings option lets you tailor the parameters for video, audio, and subtitles to match your demands.
Click the Video Edit or Trim buttons to edit your DVD video.
Step 5: At the interface's bottom, tap the Folder icon to store your output video, whether on a Mobile Device or in a Folder. Decide on an option and click Start. The program will finish the conversion procedure in a maximum of 3 to 5 minutes.
Comparison of DVDFab and HandBrake VOB to MP4 Conversion
Let us examine the detailed comparison of DVDFab DVD Ripper and HandBrake to see the key features, such as compatible platforms, conversion or ripping speed, video quality, decryption and editing capabilities, input/output formats, and much more. This comprehensive table highlights the differences to help you select and settle on the best tool for your needs.
| Different Factors | DVDFab DVD Ripper | HandBrake |
| Supported OS | Windows PC and Mac | Windows, Linux, and Mac |
| User Interface | Polished and modern interface with ease of use | Simple and functional, but may feel less intuitive |
| DVD Decryption | Yes (includes latest-released and encrypted DVDs) | No, it requires third-party software or plugins for copy protection |
| Input Formats | Newest Commercial, Rental, or Recorded DVD, ISO file, or Video_ts folder | Unprotected or home-recorded DVDs and Blu-ray discs |
| Output Formats | 1000+ video and audio formats | Only 3 media formats such as MP4, MKV, and WebM |
| Conversion Speed | Fast conversion up to 50x faster with GPU acceleration | Moderate speed (depends on settings and hardware) |
| Video Editor | Built-in advanced video editor | Basic editing |
| 3D Ripping | Yes, it supports 3D DVD/Blu-ray ripping | No, no support for 3D conversion |
| Preserves Metadata | Yes, it automatically retrieves movie metadata | No, it does not fetch metadata |
FAQs about HandBrake VOB to MP4
Yes. VLC is one of the best free and open-source media player that not only helps open and play video and audio files but also enables combining VOB files for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. The software lets you trim, convert, stream, and record high-quality videos.
While many free and professional software are available to merge VOB files into one, DVDFab DVD Ripper emerges as the best reliable tool. It seamlessly lets users merge multiple VOB files from a DVD or folder, offering a simple interface and high-quality output. Its advanced editing features ensure a smooth merging and conversion process.
Final Wrap Up
Users can locate VOB files in the DVD VIDEO_TS folder. We have seen the best techniques for encoding and using HandBrake VOB to MP4 conversion. While VOB to MP4 HandBrake is convenient for digitizing unprotected VOB files, you can switch to DVDFab DVD Ripper to rip, convert, and merge encrypted VOB files without fail. It offers a comprehensive range of input and output formats for a seamless ripping and conversion process at an accelerated speed. Furthermore, it compresses the files without losing quality, delivering a pro-level output.
This article explains how to rip a DVD with 8 reliable tools we've picked and tested, covering options from newcomers to power users. After reading, you'll know exactly how to deal with overflowing shelves and aging discs.
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