Top 7 Best Open Source DVD Rippers You Must Know [2026 Update]

FFmpeg

FFmpeg is an open-source suite of computer programs used for recording, converting, and streaming digital audio and video. It is renowned for its powerful features, including video capture, format conversion, frame extraction, and adding watermarks to videos. It can convert DVDs (not encrypted ones) to almost all video formats. Originally developed for Linux, FFmpeg can also be compiled and run on other operating systems such as Windows and Mac OS. 

💻Work on: Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.

👍Main Features: 

• Powerful command-line tools for video/audio encoding, decoding, and transcoding.
• Support a wide range of audio and video formats for conversion and playback.
• It's free to use and regularly updated.
• Support batch processing and automation via scripting.

👎Cons:

• Lack a graphical user interface.
• Unfriendly for beginners and non-technical users.
• No official technical support (community-driven help only).
• Batch operations and complex edits can be tricky without scripting knowledge.

Free & Freemium Alternatives for Encrypted DVDs

DVDFab HD Decrypter

DVDFab HD Decrypter is a totally free DVD/Blu-ray ripper software on both Windows and Mac. As the simplified version of DVDFab DVD Ripper, it comes with stronger functions compared with other open source tools. DVDFab HD Decrypter can not only rip most encrypted DVDs or Blu-rays to MP4/MKV files, but also help you customize and edit your vides with multiple settings.

💻Work on:  

👍Main Features: 

• Completely free.
• Remove many DVD/Blu-ray protections from discs released one year ago.
• Convert DVD/Blu-ray disc, ISO file or Folder to MKV & MP4 formats.
• 1:1 Copy DVD and Blu-ray to disc, ISO file or Folder.
• Provide multitasking Mode and Meta Info generation.

DVDFab HD Decrypter has an advanced version called DVDFab DVD Ripper. 

👎Cons:

• Unable to rip newly released discs.
• Only support 2 output formats when ripping.

How to Rip DVDs with DVDFab HD Decrypter

Step 1: Launch DVDFab HD Decrypter and load the source DVD

Get this DVDFab HD Decrypter free downloaded and tab the Ripper option when it runs. Insert the DVD disc you want to rip into the optical drive or navigate to it via the Add button if it is already inserted. If the source is an ISO file or a folder, simply drag and drop it onto the workspace. 

Step 2: Choose one profile and customize the output video

Click "Choose Other Profile" > "Format" > "Video" to convert DVD to MP4 or MKV format. Options are available to select audio tracks and subtitles, set video and audio parameters, and more.

Set video and audio parameters based on your needs via 'Advanced Settings and 'Video Edit'. 

Step 3: Start to rip DVDs

Finally, click the Start button to rip DVDs. The actual ripping process will be shown clearly. You can cancel the task at any time, have your PC shut down, exit the program, hibernate, or do nothing after the task is done.

MakeMKV

MakeMKV is a free, open-source DVD ripper and format converter available for various platforms. It's currently in public beta with unrestricted use. The software effortlessly converts proprietary encrypted DVDs and Blu-rays into a set of MKV files without altering the original content or quality. While it's suggested that Blu-ray decryption may become a paid feature in the final release, DVD ripping will remain free forever.

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 MakeMKV alternative.

💻Work on: Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux

👍Main Features: 

• Converts DVD and Blu-ray discs to MKV format only.
• Able to read discs protected with AACS and BD+.
• Keep all video/audio tracks intact, including HD audio.
• Retain chapters information as well as meta-information.

👎Cons:

• Only output MKV format.
• Unable to decrypt new copy-protected DVD discs.
• Generate large MKV files due to no-decoding ripping.
• Lack video editing features.

Freemake Video Converter

Freemake Video Converter is an open-source DVD ripper that can rip DVD to MP4, AVI, and MKV formats and also doubles as a video converter. The software comes equipped with a clean and minimalistic interface that's very intuitive for average users. It's designed for optimal compatibility with multiple devices such as HDTVs, USBs, iPads, iPhones, and Android. Freemake can also select titles or chapters from DVDs while preserving audio tracks and subtitles.

💻Work on: Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, 7, Vista

👍Main Features: 

• Convert region-locked DVDs/folders into more that 20 video formats.
• Include a library of over 50 preprogrammed profiles.
• Select DVD titles or chapters, audio tracks and output quality.
• Cut or crop DVD videos.

👎Cons:

• Can only rip copy-protected region code DVDs.
• Doesn't rip DVD ISO files.
• Any you rip using the software will feature a small watermark.
• Some advanced features actually requires payment.

Comparison: Open Source DVD Rippers vs Free Alternatives

Insights:

• Need DVD decryption (simplest path): DVDFab HD Decrypter → very easy and powerful; outputs MP4/MKV only.
• Lossless-ish backup to MKV (keep everything): MakeMKV → high-quality MKV only; great first step before compressing elsewhere.
• Feature-rich transcoding & compression (no decryption): HandBrake → tons of controls; steeper learning curve but excellent results.
• Windows-only, easy UI for encoding (no decryption): VidCoder → simpler front-end feel; great if HandBrake overwhelms you.
• Just play almost anything; occasional basics: VLC → super versatile player; ripping/encoding features are limited.
• Windows, broad format conversion (with decrypted sources): Freemake → converts to 20+ formats; can't rip DVD ISO files.
• Power users, scripts, headless workflows (no decryption): FFmpeg → command line, ultra-flexible; not beginner-friendly.

FAQs