Top 5 Tools for Converting DVDs to MKV on Windows and Mac

Converting DVDs to MKV is the most reliable way to preserve your movie library. Our curated list below shows how to do it effortlessly.

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OS: Windows 7/8/10/11; macOS 10.13 or higher

Movavi Video Converter is a beginner‑friendly, lossless tool that supports over 180 formats, including H.264 and H.265. It also offers compression, trimming, merging, and subtitle support.

1. Download and install the converter.
2. Insert your DVD and click Add Media → Open DVD.
3. Open the Video tab and select the desired MKV preset.
4. Click Convert and wait for completion.

For a full guide, read our dedicated DVD‑to‑MKV tutorial.

Pros:

• Supports 180+ output formats
• Send converted files to other devices
• Lossless conversion
• Built‑in compression

Cons:

• Cannot rip protected DVDs

OS: Windows XP or later; macOS 10.12 or above

AVAide DVD Ripper delivers fast, quality‑preserving ripping with GPU acceleration. It handles DVDs, ISOs, and offers editing and extraction tools.

1. Install AVAide DVD Ripper.
2. Insert the DVD, click Load DVD, and choose the import option.
3. Open the Video tab and set MKV as the output format.
4. Press Rip All to start the process.

Pros:

• Batch DVD ripping
• High conversion speed
• Built‑in editor

Cons:

• Free version has limited features

OS: Windows 10/11; macOS 10.13+; Linux

HandBrake is a free, open‑source encoder that supports DVD ripping with subtitles and chapters. It offers presets and detailed manual tuning.

1. Download and install HandBrake.
2. Click Open Source and select your DVD.
3. Choose an output folder with Browse and click Save.
4. Set the MKV container in the Output Settings.
5. Select a quality preset from the Presets list.
6. Click Start Encode.

Pros:

• Batch processing support
• Multiple device presets

Cons:

• May struggle with very long videos
• Limited format support compared to commercial tools

OS: Windows XP or later; macOS 10.7+; Linux

MakeMKV is a straightforward ripper that copies DVDs and Blu‑Rays to MKV without quality loss. It’s free in beta and supports encrypted discs.

1. Insert the disc and launch MakeMKV.
2. Click the DVD Player icon to scan for titles.
3. Unselect all titles, then select the ones you wish to rip.
4. Expand each title to choose audio and subtitle tracks.
5. Click the DVD Player icon again to start ripping.

Pros:

• Rips encrypted DVDs
• Fast conversion
• Preserves original quality

Cons:

• Exports only MKV files

OS: Windows XP/7/8/10

VSO DVD Converter supports a wide range of output formats and preserves chapters and subtitles. It also offers NTSC‑to‑PAL conversion and a VCD merge function.

1. Download and install the program.
2. Click Add a video file in the top‑right corner.
3. Select the MKV preset from the list above the Start button.
4. Press Start to begin ripping.

Pros:

• Supports many video formats
• Rich customization options

Cons:

• Long videos may take time to rip

Download the Windows or macOS version from our site, run the installer, and follow the on‑screen prompts.

After installation, launch the converter. Insert your DVD, click Add Media → Add DVD → Open DVD, and select the disc from the dialog.

Open the Video tab, choose an MKV preset, and adjust codecs or resolution via the Cogwheel icon if needed. For device auto‑detection, connect the device and click Device detection.

Specify a destination folder with Save to, then click Convert to begin. The output folder opens automatically once the process completes.

Once you’ve mastered the conversion, you can burn the MKV files back to DVD with Movavi Video Suite, which includes a suite of editing, burning, and recording tools.

Enjoy the convenience of having your media in the format you need!

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