Best Free DVD Ripper Software for PC & Mac (2025)
In today’s digital age, physical media like DVDs still hold a significant place for many users who want to preserve, backup, or convert their favorite movies and home videos. However, watching DVDs on modern devices can be inconvenient without a disc drive, making free DVD ripper software a valuable tool to digitize your collection.
If you’re searching for the best free DVD ripper that works seamlessly on both Windows and Mac, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the top free DVD ripper software available in 2025, highlight their key features, and provide a simple guide on how to rip DVDs effectively.
Top Free DVD Ripper Tools (2025)
Choosing the right free DVD ripper depends on factors like format support, ease of use, and handling of copy protections. Below are the most reliable and popular options for PC and Mac users.
1. HandBrake
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Overview: HandBrake is a long-standing, open-source video transcoder that offers powerful features for ripping DVDs without copy protection. Although it cannot directly rip copy-protected DVDs, its flexibility and free nature make it one of the most trusted free DVD ripper software solutions.
Key Features:
- Supports MP4 and MKV output formats
- Customizable video and audio settings
- Preset profiles for various devices
- Batch encoding
Ideal for: Users who want control over video encoding and non-protected DVDs.
2. MakeMKV
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Overview: MakeMKV is a dedicated DVD and Blu-ray ripping tool that converts discs into high-quality MKV files. It’s well-known for bypassing most disc encryptions, making it a favorite among users who want a hassle-free experience.
Key Features:
- Supports DVD and Blu-ray ripping
- Preserves original video and audio quality
- Maintains chapter structure and metadata
- Simple and straightforward interface
Ideal for: Users looking for the best free DVD ripper to preserve quality without complicated settings.
3. Leawo Blu-ray Ripper (Free Trial)
Platform: Windows, macOS
Overview: Leawo Blu-ray Ripper is a powerful tool that supports ripping DVDs and Blu-rays, including encrypted discs. While it offers a free trial, the full version unlocks its comprehensive features, making it a top choice for users who want versatility and professional-grade results.
Key Features:
- Supports over 180 output formats
- Handles copy-protected and region-locked DVDs
- Offers video editing and 3D conversion options
- High-speed conversion with GPU acceleration
If you want to convert Blu-ray to mp4 or rip DVDs with enhanced features, Leawo is highly recommended. You can check out Leawo Blu-ray Ripper here.
4. WinX DVD Ripper (Free Edition)
Platform: Windows
Overview: WinX DVD Ripper offers a robust free edition for Windows users, capable of ripping DVDs quickly and handling scratched or region-locked discs.
Key Features:
- Supports multiple output formats including MP4, AVI, WMV
- Fast ripping speed
- User-friendly interface
- Basic editing options
Ideal for: Windows users looking for a reliable free DVD ripper with no-frills performance.
5. VLC Media Player
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Overview: Known primarily as a media player, VLC also has DVD ripping capabilities. While limited compared to dedicated rippers, it’s a good option for occasional use without installing extra software.
Key Features:
- Free and open-source
- Supports multiple platforms
- Basic ripping functionality
- No watermark or ads
Ideal for: Users needing a quick, no-cost solution for ripping occasional DVDs.
6. Freemake Video Converter
Platform: Windows
Overview: Freemake combines video conversion and DVD ripping in one easy-to-use package. It’s beginner-friendly but the free version adds a watermark, which can be removed with a paid upgrade.
Key Features:
- Supports popular formats (MP4, AVI, WMV)
- Simple drag-and-drop interface
- Basic editing features
Ideal for: Windows users who want an intuitive interface and don’t mind the watermark in free mode.
Comparison Table: Key Features at a Glance
| Software | Platform | Copy Protection Support | Output Formats | Ease of Use | Best For |
| HandBrake | Win, Mac, Linux | No | MP4, MKV | Moderate | Custom encoding, non-protected DVDs |
| MakeMKV | Win, Mac, Linux | Yes | MKV | Easy | Quality-preserving rips |
| Leawo Blu-ray Ripper | Win, Mac | Yes | 180+ (MP4, AVI, MKV, etc.) | Easy | Professional ripping & editing |
| WinX DVD Ripper | Windows | Yes | MP4, AVI, WMV | Easy | Fast ripping on Windows |
| VLC | Win, Mac, Linux | Limited | MP4 | Basic | Quick, occasional ripping |
| Freemake | Windows | Yes | MP4, AVI, WMV | Easy | Beginners, simple conversion |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Rip a DVD Using Leawo Blu-ray Ripper
For those looking to get started quickly with a powerful tool, here’s a simple guide on using Leawo Blu-ray Ripper:
Step 1: Download and Install
Download Leawo Blu-ray Ripper from the official website and install it on your Windows or Mac device.
Step 2: Insert DVD
Place the DVD you want to rip into your computer’s DVD drive.
Step 3: Launch the Program and Load DVD
Open Leawo, navigate to the “Convert” section, and click “Add Blu-ray/DVD” to import your disc.
Step 4: Select Ripping Mode
Choose between Full Movie, Main Movie, or Custom Mode to select the content you want to rip.
Step 5: Choose Output Format
Click the format dropdown and select the output format that suits your needs (e.g., MP4 for universal compatibility).
Step 6: Set Output Folder
Specify the destination folder where the ripped files will be saved.
Step 7: Start Ripping
Hit the “Convert” button to begin the ripping process. You can track the progress until it completes.
For detailed instructions on how to convert Blu-ray to mp4 using Leawo, check this guide here.
Conclusion
When searching for a free DVD ripper, it’s important to balance ease of use, output quality, and compatibility with your system. Whether you prefer open-source solutions like HandBrake, simple tools like MakeMKV, or feature-rich applications like Leawo Blu-ray Ripper, there’s a perfect option for everyone.
For Mac users, HandBrake and Leawo stand out as the best free DVD ripper for Mac, offering excellent performance and wide format support. Windows users have a broader selection, including WinX DVD Ripper and Freemake.
Don’t let your DVD collection gather dust — digitize and enjoy your favorite movies anytime, anywhere with these top free DVD ripper software options in 2025.
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