Rip DVD: Save & Modernize Your Favorite Film Collection

You may want to back up your favorite DVDs, watch them on a phone or tablet, or save space on your shelves. If any of these reasons apply, it is time for you to learn how to rip a DVD. And in this guide, we will show seven different ways to do it. So, please explore each method now!

Part 1. Comparison of the Top 7 DVD Rippers

Part 2. 7 Ways to Rip a DVD Easily

For a clear step-by-step guide on how to use the tools above and get better DVD ripping results, please continue reading.

1. Tipard DVD Ripper

What is the best DVD ripping software? That is none other than Tipard DVD Ripper. It makes ripping DVDs simple and fast with a 30× faster speed. It can rip a DVD, ISO, or folder to many formats like MP4, MKV, AVI, and MOV.

It also gives you the freedom to rip the main title or the whole title list. With options to adjust resolution, frame rate, and encoder, the output matches your needs and can be played anywhere.

Step 1 Get Tipard DVD Ripper ready on your computer. Insert the DVD into your drive and open the program so it can detect the disc automatically.

Step 2 Head to the Ripper tab. Click the Load DVD button in the upper-left corner. Then, choose to load a DVD disc, DVD ISO file, or DVD folder.

Step 3 Once scanning finishes, choose Main Title to rip the main movie or Full Title List for all content. Hit the OK button to load the titles onto the main interface.

Step 4 Now, click the Format menu and select an output format like MP4, MKV, or AVI. You can also pick a quality level or keep the original.

After that, click the Cogwheel button to change video settings like resolution, frame rate, encoder, and bitrate. You can also fine-tune audio settings like channel, sample rate, and bitrate.

Step 5 For the last step, choose a folder in the Save to section for your video. After that, click the Rip All at the bottom-right corner. Please wait for the ripping process to finish, then enjoy your DVD on any device.

2. VLC

Many people know this tool as a video player, but you can also rip a DVD with VLC. This free DVD ripper is easy to use and feels friendly for beginners. It does not show many settings, which helps avoid confusion. However, it cannot rip copy-protected DVDs. The output format choices are limited, and some formats need manual profiles.

Step 1 Insert the DVD into your computer using the optical drive and open VLC.

Step 2 Click Media, then choose Open Disc, select the DVD, and load it into VLC.

Step 3 Pick the correct title and choose the audio and subtitle you want to keep.

Step 4 Hit the Arrow next to Play and select Convert, then choose a format like MP4.

Step 5 Choose a save location and click Start to rip the DVD to a video file.

3. HandBrake

You can also use HandBrake to rip a DVD. It works best with homemade and unprotected DVDs. It allows you to choose presets or fine-tune video size, codec, and clarity. Unfortunately, HandBrake cannot rip copy-protected DVDs on its own. You must install an extra library first.

Step 1 Put the DVD into your computer and open HandBrake.

Step 2 Click Source Selection or drag the DVD into the program to load it.

Step 3 Select the main title and choose MP4 or MKV in the Summary tab.

Step 4 Choose the audio track and subtitle, then keep the original video size.

Step 5 Click Browse to set a folder and press Start Encode to begin ripping.

4. WinX DVD Ripper

Another top DVD ripping software is WinX DVD Ripper. It is built for speed and wide support on both Windows and Mac. It also supports saving DVDs as folders or ISO files. Basic editing, like trimming and cropping, is included. A free version is available, but it limits ripping time. To unlock full features and longer videos, you need the paid version.

Step 1 Install and open WinX DVD Ripper, then insert the DVD into your drive.

Step 2 Click the DVD Disc to load the DVD from your computer.

Step 3 Choose an output format or a device profile from the list.

Step 4 Open the Edit display if you want to trim or adjust the video.

Step 5 Set the output folder and click Start to rip the DVD.

5. Leawo DVD Ripper

This program can help you rip DVD on Mac and Windows. It also lets you merge clips, add subtitles, and choose audio tracks. The built-in player helps you preview DVDs before ripping. However, the ripping speed is slower than most tools. It also fails with some DRM-protected DVDs. It can stop certain discs from converting successfully.

Step 1 Open Leawo DVD Ripper and go to Convert, then click Add UHD/Blu-ray/DVD.

Step 2 Load the DVD, folder, or ISO file into the program.

Step 3 Click the Format box and choose a video or audio output format.

Step 4 Edit the profile if needed, such as resolution or audio settings.

Step 5 Click Convert, choose a save folder, and start ripping the DVD.

6. Freemake Video Converter

Freemake Video Converter is a free DVD ripping software that offers an easy way to rip DVDs with little setup. It supports many DVD types and removes some region limits. It also enables you to reduce file size for small devices and choose from many formats. While the program is free to use, many advanced features require payment to unlock.

Step 1 Launch Freemake and insert the DVD, then click +DVD to load it.

Step 2 Please wait for the program to scan the disc and show the movie titles.

Step 3 Choose an output format like MP4, AVI, or MKV at the bottom.

Step 4 Pick a preset or adjust basic video settings if needed.

Step 5 Choose a save folder and click Convert to start ripping.

7. MakeMKV

Quality comes first with this tool. MakeMKV saves DVDs with all audio tracks and subtitles intact. It works with discs protected by AACS and BD+. It makes it useful for full backups. However, the output files are large and take longer to create. Plus, it only exports MKV files, which some devices do not support well.

Learn how to use MakeMKV to rip DVD below:

Step 1 Insert the DVD into your computer and open MakeMKV.

Step 2 Select the DVD drive from the Source section.

Step 3 Click the large Disc button to scan the DVD content.

Step 4 Choose the title or titles you want to save as MKV.

Step 5 Set an output folder and click the Rip button to start.

Part 3. Common Issues When You Rip a DVD

DVDs can usually be ripped easily, but problems sometimes occur. Understanding these common problems and how to fix them ensures a smoother and more reliable ripping experience.

1. Copy Protection and Encryption

Issue: Many commercial DVDs use protection that can make the ripping fail, produce small files, or give garbled video.

Solution: Use a DVD ripper that can rip copy protected DVD. Also, keep your program updated to deal with new protection types.

2. Unreadable, Scratched, or Dirty Discs

Issue: Ripping may stop or show errors if the disc is dirty or damaged.

Solution: Clean the disc from the center to the edge using a soft cloth and a mild solution. You can also use a program that can still work even if the disc has damaged parts.

3. Software Crashes or Freezing

Issue: The program may freeze or stop mid-ripping.

Solution: Update the software. Close background programs to reduce CPU load. Make sure drivers are current. Also, some programs have safe modes to avoid crashes.

4. Audio/Video Sync or Poor Quality

Issue: The video may have distorted images, bad audio, or the wrong aspect ratio.

Solution: Adjust frame rate and audio sample rate. Keep the output resolution and aspect ratio the same as the original. Re-rip if needed to fix de-interlacing or codec issues.