Streaming services and online videos have taken over physical format, and ripping a DVD may seem a throwback. But what about old disks with family videos or film collections? Most laptops do not even have disk drives anymore. Transferring the contents from physical media into digital files with a modern codec is still possible via DVD ripper software. It converts files into standard formats such as MP4 or AVI. Here are 16 programs to consider.
1. WinX DVD Ripper
OS: Windows, Mac. License: $30 lifetime.
ISO files support: No. Output formats: 32.
Digiarty Software’s first product (WinX DVD) was created in 2006. In 2019, more than 180 million users have been actively using Digiarty products, making it a leading provider of multimedia software. WinX DVD Ripper is not only a converting software, but also a backup video software. For evaluating purposes, the trial version can only rip a 5-minute video clip no matter what file is being processed.
There are pre-conversion profiles both for specific devices and web services. The number of such profiles, judging by the information on the website, exceeds 350 and each one is apt to edit too. WinX also supports ISO images. Beside the inability to convert to MKV, the application is reliable and copes correctly and quickly. Video compression is at a reasonable level.
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:11 | 2.5 | 0/68 |
Pros
- Ease of use
- High quality compression
- Lots of presets
Cons
- 5-minute limit in free
- Not working with MKV
2. Wondershare UniConverter
OS: Windows, Mac. License: $56 lifetime.
ISO files support: Yes. Output formats: 37.
This application is not for those looking for a free or cheap product. UniConverter is an app that costs $55.96 and brings lots of video options for its value. Audio, video materials, as well as including Virtual Reality, are just a glimpse into all possibilities. Users can convert images, create animations, burn discs, edit metadata, record videos from screen, etc.
Having tested the application as a DVD ripper software from DVD9 disc, we are satisfied with both the obtained quality and the speed. Also, do not expect extensive video conversion settings here.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:17 | 1.81 | 0/72 |
Pros
- Metadata editing options
- Modern interface
- High-quality conversion
Cons
- Product price is above average
3. DVDFab DVD Ripper
OS: Windows, Mac. License: $55 lifetime.
ISO files support: Yes. Output formats: 22.
DVDFab is a universal product for working with video (copying, converting, ripper, creating DVD discs, and some other additional functions). The application dates back to 2003, which automatically makes it one of the pioneers in the industry, the Chinese company Fengtao Software is developing the app.
It comprises all the necessary tools, support for multiple audio tracks and subtitles, advanced settings (choice of codec, encoder method, resolution, and other basic settings). There is also the possibility of converting to 3D (split screen, anaglyph, 2 separate files, 2 video streams in one file).
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:06 | 1.34 | 2/71 |
A unique feature is the separate Enlarger AI upscaling function, with which you can enhance the video quality from 480p (SD) to 1080p (Full HD) or from 1080p to 4K. This feature enlarges video images by 300% while adding more detail to exponentially improve video quality.
The disadvantage of this feature is high system requirements, namely Nvidia GTX 1050 GPU (minimum) and the RTX 2080 recommended. We tested this function using the Nvidia 1080 TI card and converted videos with a duration of 1 hr 31 min, 1.45 GB (720×304) convert to 4.81 Gb (1920×1080). The conversion process took ~ 5 hours.
Pros
- Multifunctional app
- Enlarger AI function
- Fast and high-quality conversion
Cons
- Somewhat difficult to navigate
- High price
4. XViD4PSP 6
OS: Windows. License: Free.
ISO files support: Yes. Output formats: 31.
This DVD ripper is rarely seen in any reviews. And reasons are many: poor navigation, subscription purchase through personal contact, etc. Yet, in terms of functionality XViD4PSP 6 is quite a catch. It is free without any restrictions for earlier versions (7 and 8), and for new releases one has to get a license, the cost of which is $14 for 8.0 version compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux.
The application supports batch conversion, multiple audio tracks, as well as subtitles. Also, you can apply many different filters for both video and audio. The conversion process itself is informative – progress, system resources, estimated file size, library logs. The application is also not deprived of presets for a variety of mobile devices, consoles, and more.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:33 | 1.3 | 0/72 |
Pros
- Support for multiple audio and video tracks
- High-quality conversion
Cons
- No auto import of media data
- Outdated design
5. AnyMP4 DVD Ripper
OS: Windows, Mac. License: $44 lifetime.
ISO files support: Yes. Output formats: 42.
For tasks like DVD to MP4, DVD to AVI, DVD to MOV, etc. AnMP4 app for Windows and Mac will be worth trying. It supports over 160 video and audio formats, including the ones for modern portable iOS and Android devices (iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi, etc.). Plus lots of video editing tools, watermark, 3D effect, filters, adding subtitles – for post-processing.
AnyMP4 DVD Ripper has additional features that can be very useful in video editing. The following functions are available to the user in the ToolBox tab: metadata editor, video compressor, GIF maker, 3D maker, and video enhancer.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:17 | 1.77 | 0/73 |
Pros
- Nice interface
- Video editing tools
- Lots of output formats
Cons
- A rather slow conversion (trial version)
- Only 1 audio track saved in output video
6. HandBrake
OS: Windows, Mac. License: Free.
ISO files support: Yes. Output formats: 3.
Similarly to VidCoder, HandBrake can only produce videos in MP4 and MKV. Along with presets there’s much more room to tweak configurations. Crop, change codecs, frame rate, effects, chapter markers, video filters, transfer subtitles and audio tracks. The application has a friendly interface, very convenient navigation, and tips for each function. It works great both with images and disks, but unfortunately, HandBrake does not have encrypted functions.
In terms of features, you can set sound notifications upon completion of encoding or perform shutdown options (sleep, hibernate, logout, etc.), saving encoding logs to separate files. HandBrake is entirely free, multi-platform software that will satisfy the needs of most users. There are not many formats for converting, yet .mkv, .mp4, .webm will do for the most part.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:42 | 0.6 | 1/72 |
Pros
- Many input formats
- A lots of conversion settings
- Multitrack audio
Cons
- Only MP4 and MKV
- No support for encrypted DVD
7. VidCoder
OS: Windows. License: Free.
ISO files support: No. Output formats: 3.
Get DVD or BluRay video into MP4 or MKV formats. However, not for encrypted disks, sadly. To make it easier there are presets. Experienced users can customize encoding settings – bitrate, size, quality. There is a feature of applying video filters as decomb, detelecine, deinterlace, rotate, reflect. Capturing audio and subtitles is also possible.
While testing the software, we were pleasantly surprised, as it seemed to us that VidCoder is one of the best DVD ripper software. Presets for encoding are very conveniently grouped. The Chapter Markers feature is very handy too. Many DVD rippers delete this data altogether, sadly. The output file did not visually differ from the original source in quality, yet the size came down to 646 Mb. The application works completely free of charge under the GNU license type.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:30 | 0.65 | 1/64 |
Pros
- Functional interface
- Conversion settings (presets and manual)
- Supports multitrack audio
Cons
- Slow conversion
- Only MP4, MKV, WEBM output formats
8. MakeMKV
OS: Windows, Mac, Linux. License: Free (beta).
ISO files support: No. Output formats: 1.
MakeMKV is a quick solution to convert DVD or AVCHD disks, as well as remove AACS and BD protection. It converts videos into MKV files without alteration. Converting or streaming Blu-rays is free for 30 days too, but after that you have to purchase a registration key to continue ($60). Converted files retain the original image size, audio tracks, subtitles, as well as chapters on the timeline. No compression.
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 01:40 | 5.3 | 0/71 |
Pros
- Gets job done in a couple of clicks
- Fast DVD ripping
Cons
- MKV only
- No compression settings
9. Magic DVD Ripper
OS: Windows. License: $35 lifetime.
ISO files support: No. Output formats: 7.
This “magical” application can both rip DVDs and back it up on a hard drive with original quality. But that is not all still: it also can split DVD-9 into two DVD-5s or compress any DVD to fit on a standard 4.7 GB disc. On the other hand, there’s no ability to trim a certain part, thus it can only rip the whole DVD or chapters. Magic DVD Ripper will remove different kinds of protection, i.e. DVD CSS, Region Code, Multi-angle.
Despite the lack of the ability to edit the video itself (crop, apply a filter, etc.), there are all the basic functions. There is also a bitrate calculator in the profile settings, and every codec has plenty of settings for compression. The trial version does not cut down features but works for 5 conversions only.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:22 | 0.64 | 0/69 |
Pros
- Removes regional and other types of protection
- Fully-functional trial
- Batch processing
Cons
- No editing tools
- Only 1 audio and 1 subtitle track
10. Freemake Video Converter
OS: Windows. License: $19 lifetime.
ISO files support: No. Output formats: 20.
With Freemake Video Converter, you can digitize DVD and video to AVI, MP4, WMV, MKV, MPG, 3GP, and more formats. Top quality is achieved thanks to 1:1 format with H.264 and AAC codecs. Presets are arranged harmoniously. The free version limits the conversion speed by 4x and overlays a watermark, which is not unusual.
The MKV file we’ve received went through compression, thus file size was reduced to 1.92 Gb. At the same time, we get only those audio tracks and subtitles that were selected before the compression. In paid versions we get various perks, i.e. proper conversion speed, no logo, video editor, DVD burner, HD support, YouTube to MP3, subtitles editor.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 01:05 | 1.92 | 4/73 |
Pros
- Intuitive interface
- Large number of formats
- Video compression
Cons
- Demo conversion speed limits
11. WonderFox DVD Ripper
OS: Windows. License: $40 lifetime.
ISO files support: Yes. Output formats: 38.
WonderFox can rip DVD, ISO image, or a DVD folder, and then allows to edit video content. Also, one can enhance the quality by adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, or apply special effects – mosaic, blur, sharpness, embossing, noise, old film, and so on. This DVD ripper for WIndows is capable of removing/bypassing DVD CSS, region code, multi-angle, and other kinds of DVD protection.
There are a large number of encoders available, individually for every format. The rest of the video settings options are limited, as with most DVD ripping software. Still, everything you need is present (frame rate, resolution, bit rate, encoder) and some settings for audio tracks. The choice of the video format can be made only by selecting a preset (output profile), after which you can change the profile for conversion. However, you cannot save your profile, despite the Custom tab.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:10 | 1.9 | 1/65 |
Pros
- Input and output formats
- Video editing features
- Rips encrypted DVDs
Cons
- Trial limitations
- Only 1 audio and subtitle track kept
12. Blu-ray Master Free DVD Ripper
OS: Windows, Mac. License: $44 lifetime.
ISO files support: Yes. Output formats: 42.
This program with a long generic name is free and can convert DVD to MP4, AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, MKV, and 200 video formats. It also can extract audio files. Moreover, the app is able to overcome DRM protection, often present in Sony and Disney products. Unfortunately, extra options like trimming, merging, subtitles, are available in the Pro version only.
Although the H265 codec is on the list, it didn’t work in our case. As soon as we started converting, we instantly received a 46-byte file and a notification about the successful conversion, but the file was damaged. As for the MPEG codec, without interfering with the settings, we received an image with a 4:3 aspect ratio. In all honesty, presets (profiles) are of little use here.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to AVI) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:14 | 1.25 | 0/68 |
Pros
- 42 export formats
- Video editing features
- Fast conversion
Cons
- May not recognize some video files
- Free version limits
13. Leawo DVD Ripper
OS: Windows. License: $40 lifetime.
ISO files support: Yes. Output formats: 27.
Both ripper and converter, that can transform DVD into more than 180 popular formats, and even 3D. In addition to common editing options (trim, crop, merge) users can tweak codecs, video size, bitrate, aspect ratio, etc. One audio track and one subtitle track can be retrieved. With Leawo one can convert copy-protected disks as well.
The interface of the application is enjoyable, the navigation is intuitive. The number of supported formats for conversion is more than enough: 14 formats for converting video, 13 formats for audio. When it comes to converting to 3D, the settings are pretty limited though.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:12 | 1.8 | 0/67 |
Pros
- A set of editing tools
- Great choice of input/output formats
Cons
- Only 5 minutes of video in the trial version
- Only 1 audio track and 1 subtitle track can be saved
14. Free Any DVD Ripper
OS: Windows, Mac. License: $30 lifetime.
ISO files support: Yes. Output formats: 16.
Despite the name, this program isn’t actually free, you can just use trial for a while. It has output presets for portable iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and Android devices. There is an option of extracting audio from a DVD video and converting it to a music file. In addition, a solid choice of editing tools – to trim, crop, merge, adjust contrast, add watermark, etc.
The application also has functionality that allows you to convert video to 3D: Anaglyph and Split Screen. All functions are available only after purchasing a subscription. The biggest setback is unacceptable video file processing – we get a broken file with a huge static watermark and that’s it.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:20 | n/a | 0/70 |
Pros
- Multiple output formats
- Various editing features
Cons
- Does not recognize all DVDs
- Slow conversion
- Improper processing (full-screen watermark)
15. FreeStar Free DVD Ripper
OS: Windows, Linux (Ubuntu). License: Free.
ISO files support: No. Output formats: 11.
FreeStar is a very simple and quick DVD ripping software that helps to convert to VCD, SVCD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVI, DivX, and XviD formats. Available options to configure are video quality and size, video and audio codecs, frame rate sample. There are no editing tools, so one can only rip the whole DVD or chapters, with 1 audio track and 1 subtitle file (or disabling it).
The MPEG-4 profile is the only one supporting 1080p video, but the problem is that it is only available in the Pro version. By the way, the Pro version for $14.99 gets you the following benefits: full unrestricted DVD ripper software capabilities, technical support, upgrades. In general, if you seek an app for home use or older Windows 98/XP devices, pay attention to FreeStar Free DVD Ripper.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to AVI) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:28 | 0.95 | 0/73 |
Pros
- Good conversion speed
- Free conversion up to 720p
Cons
- Doesn’t work for all DVDs
- Basic features only
16. DVDVideoMedia Free DVD Ripper
OS: Windows. License: Free.
ISO files support: Yes. Output formats: 20.
DVDVideoMedia covers a great number of common video formats – MP4, H.264, AVI, MP3, WMV, WMA, FLV, MKV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, etc. Also, it has presets for portable players such as iPad, iPhone 4, PSP, iPod Classic, iPod Nano, iPhone, Apple TV, Xbox, and more. Along with conversion, there are extra tools – trim, merge, crop, brightness, contrast, saturation, resolution, bitrate, frame rate, encoder, audio channels.
During installation, the application tries to slip third-party software. Also, after converting to MKV, we’ve got a file with a broken picture and out-of-sync audio. After doing the same for recommended MP4 settings, the result was the same poor quality and it took 22 minutes. Nevertheless, the application is entirely free and supports a large number of formats.
| Testing (DVD ISO file to MKV) | ||||
| File duration (hh:mm) | File size (GB) | Processing (hh:mm) | Output file size (GB) | Virustotal |
| 01:39 | 5.6 | 00:18 | 1.47 | 6/73 |
Pros
- Multiple output formats
- Video editing features
- Conversion speed
Cons
- Issue with subtitles
DVD ripper software: Summary
* Prices are one-time purchase for a lifetime use.
| License | OS | DVD protection removal | ISO files support | Editing options | Output formats | |
| UniConverter | $56 | Windows, macOS | No | Yes | Yes | 37 |
| DVDFab Ripper | $55 | Windows, macOS | Yes | Yes | Yes | 22 |
| XViD4PSP 6 | Freeware | Windows | Yes | Yes | 31 | |
| AnyMP4 | $44 | Windows, macOS | Yes | No | Yes | 42 |
| HandBrake | Freeware | Windows, macOS, Linux | No | No | Yes | 3 |
| VidCoder | Freeware | Windows | No | No | Yes | 3 |
| WinX DVD | $30 | Windows, macOS | Yes | Yes | Yes | 30+ |
| MakeMKV | Freeware | Windows, macOS, Linux | No | No | No | 1 |
| Magic | $35 | Windows | Yes | No | No | 7 |
| Freemake | $19 | Windows | No | No | Yes | 20 |
| WonderFox | $30 | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 38 |
| Blu-ray Master | $44 | Windows | Yes | No | Yes | 42 |
| Leawo | $40 | Windows, macOS | Yes | Yes | Yes | 27 |
| Free Any | $30 | Windows, macOS | No | No | Yes | 16 |
| FreeStar | Freeware | Windows | No | No | No | 11 |
| DVDVideoMedia | Freeware | Windows | No | Yes | Yes | 20 |
Read next: 10 free video converters.
FAQ
Q: What is the best way to rip a DVD?
A: There are many special software products, with different usability, settings, input, and output formats. Some of them are free, like Handbrake and VidCoder, a lot of them have trial versions.
Q: Can I copy a video from DVD to my computer?
A: There are two ways to copy a video from DVD: 1 - copy all files entirely; 2 - rip and select the outgoing format via any software mentioned above in the article.
Q: How to rip a video from ISO file?
A: Some programs can do this - DVDVideoMedia, WonderFox, WinX, Leawo, MakeMKV, Anymp4.
Q: What is the best free DVD ripper software?
A: MakeMKV, HandBrake, VidCoder, Blu-ray Master, FreeStar, DVDVideoMedia.
Q: How to merge video files from DVD?
A: Use applications that are capable of such a task: DVDVideoMedia, WonderFox, WinX, Free Any, Leawo.
Q: Does ripping a DVD remove files from the disc?
A: No, ripping a DVD means only copying files and/or editing it. Original files stay on DVD without change.
Q: How to rip a video from DVD with all audio tracks?
A: The best way to save all audio tracks from DVD in output video is ripping by VidCoder, HandBrake or MakeMKV with selecting MP4 or MKV output formats.
Q: How to rip a video from DVD with all subtitles tracks?
A: Use applications that are capable of such a task: VidCoder, HandBrake, MakeMKV.
Q: How to rip DVDs with region code for free?
A: Some software can do this: Blu-ray Master, MakeMKV, Magic.
Q: How to rip a DVD and enhance video quality?
A: Use applications that are capable of such a task: DVDVideoMedia, WonderFox, Free Any, Leawo, AnyMP4, Aimersoft.
Q: How long does it take to rip a DVD?
A: It depends on hardware setup, video duration, selected software, quality and output format. It will range from 20 minutes to hours, yet with most DVD ripping software the process lasts for 30-40 minutes on average with median quality settings.
