Looking to transfer your digital videos onto DVDs for easier viewing? We’ve compiled a list of the most reliable free video‑to‑DVD converters, plus a premium alternative that adds powerful features for power users.
Our selection process is thorough: we evaluate popularity, test every product ourselves, compare key metrics (format support, conversion quality, workflow), and incorporate user feedback from trusted review sites.
Best Free Video‑to‑DVD Converters for Windows & Mac
While many converters exist, only a few stand out for their ease of use, speed, and feature set. Below are the top seven options you can try today.
1. Movavi Video Converter
OS: Windows, macOS
Best for: fast, high‑quality conversion
Rating: 4.8/5 on G2
Movavi’s all‑in‑one media converter supports over 180 formats and includes basic editing tools such as trimming, filters, and titles. It delivers lossless quality and allows you to shrink file size without compromising clarity.
- Download & Install – Get the program from the official site.
- Add Files – Drag‑drop or browse to import your videos.
- Select Output – Choose a DVD‑compatible preset.
- Convert – Click Convert and watch the progress. When finished, play the DVD on any standard player.
Pros:
- Supports >180 file types
- Video, audio, image conversion
- Built‑in editing
Cons:
- URL‑based downloads not supported
2. AVS Video Converter
OS: Windows
Best for: creating 4K DVD videos
Rating: 3.1/5 on TopTenReviews
Beyond encoding, AVS can burn videos to DVD or Blu‑Ray, split recordings, and create custom DVD menus.
- Install – Download from the official site.
- Import – Click Menu → Add files to load your source.
- Choose DVD – In the Formats tab, select To DVD and pick a preset or tweak advanced settings.
- Optional Menu – Create a menu by selecting Menu and adding titles or animations.
- Destination – Browse to set the output folder.
- Start – Hit Convert Now!, then click Burn to Disk when ready.
Pros:
- Wide output support including M2TS and Blu‑Ray
- GPU acceleration (NVIDIA GeForce) for speed
- Batch processing
- Built‑in splitter & burner
Cons:
- Free version adds a watermark
3. Free Video to DVD Converter (DVDVideoSoft)
OS: Windows
Best for: straightforward DVD creation
This lightweight tool safely converts any video format to DVD and burns the result on a writable disc.
- Download – Get the installer; it’s ad‑free.
- Open – Launch via Start → All Programs → DVDVideoSoft → Programs → Free Video to DVD Converter.
- Import – Use Browse… to select one or more files; the size bar shows the projected DVD footprint.
- Output – Click Browse… to choose the destination, then pick a preset.
- Convert & Burn – Click Create DVD; once conversion completes, burn the resulting VIDEO_TS folder to disc.
Pros:
- Ad‑free and malware‑free
- Multiple input formats
- Can combine several files on one DVD
- Shows folder size preview
Cons:
- Basic UI may feel dated
- No advanced editing beyond conversion
4. VLC Media Player
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Best for: users comfortable with command‑style workflows
Rating: 4.6/5 on Download.cnet.com (37 reviews)
VLC is a universal media player that also supports DVD conversion and burning. It’s free, open‑source, and trusted by millions worldwide.
- Download – Install the appropriate package for your OS.
- Open – Navigate to Convert / Save (Windows) or Convert / Stream (macOS) and add your video.
- Choose Output – For DVD, pick H.264 + MP3 (TS).
- Destination – Click Save as File and specify the folder.
VLC can also burn DVDs directly if you insert a writable disc; the guided wizard handles the process.
Pros:
- Completely free and safe
- Double‑function as player & converter
- Supports an extensive format range
Cons:
- Occasional playback glitches reported on certain discs
5. Freemake Video Converter
OS: Windows
Best for: Windows users needing conversion & ripping
Rating: 4/5 on Download.cnet.com (864 reviews)
Freemake is a versatile tool that converts videos to DVD and can also rip existing DVDs. It’s user‑friendly and supports 4K & HD content.
- Install – Download and run the installer (Windows only).
- Upload – Select files to convert or a DVD to rip.
- Choose Format – Pick the output device or format.
- Start – Click Convert and wait for the process to finish.
Pros:
- Easy to use; includes ripping
- Broad format support
- Handles 4K & HD
- Burns DVDs & Blu‑Ray discs
Cons:
- Windows‑only
6. WinX DVD Author
OS: Windows
Best for: quick, watermark‑free conversions
Rating: 3.5/5 on TechRadar
WinX DVD Author offers a clean interface and fast conversion speeds. It’s free and doesn’t add watermarks, though users sometimes report sudden crashes.
- Install – Launch the application.
- Insert DVD – Add a blank writable disc, then click + to import your video.
- Set Format – Choose PAL or NTSC, then click Start to burn.
Pros:
- No watermark
- Simple to use
- Fast conversions
Cons:
- Windows‑only
- Occasional unresponsiveness
7. HandBrake
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
Best for: converting to MKV/MP4 for archival
Rating: 3.5/5 on Download.cnet.com (155 reviews)
HandBrake is a well‑known, open‑source converter that supports a wide range of input and output formats. While its DVD output is limited to MKV/MP4 containers, it’s still a solid choice for video preservation.
- Download – Get the installer from the HandBrake site.
- Source – Open your video file via the Source pane.
- Destination – Pick a folder for the output.
- Format – Select a DVD‑compatible container under Output Settings.
- Start – Click Start Encode and wait.
Pros:
- Cross‑platform
- Easy to use for basic conversion
- Advanced editing options available
Cons:
- Output limited to MKV & MP4
Why Choose Movavi Video Converter?
While the free tools above are excellent for most tasks, Movavi’s paid edition offers superior speed, batch processing, and comprehensive editing and compression options. It’s the all‑in‑one solution for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Getting Started with Movavi
Follow these simple steps to convert any video to DVD with Movavi:
- Download & Install – Get the installer for Windows or macOS.
- Add Media – Click Add Media → Add Video to load your files.
- Select Format – Choose Video → DVD‑Compatible Video and pick NTSC or PAL.
- Save & Convert – Choose a destination, then click Convert.
Conversion times vary by file size and system power, but Movavi’s engine delivers high‑quality results with minimal loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
DVDs store video, audio, subtitles, and menus in the VOB format, a container designed specifically for DVD playback. VOB files can be encrypted for copyright protection.
For Mac users, Movavi Video Converter is a reliable choice. Download, open the program, drag your video into the window, choose a DVD preset under the Video tab, and hit Convert.
The maximum DVD resolution is 720×480 (NTSC) or 720×576 (PAL). For HD content, Blu‑Ray discs are recommended.
DVD video is typically encoded in MPEG‑2 (H.262) or MPEG‑1 (H.261). MPEG‑2 is the standard for most commercial releases.
CDs store up to 700 MB of audio or video, whereas DVDs hold up to 4.7 GB, making them suitable for movies and longer content.
It’s possible to burn videos from iPhone or Android to DVD, but you’ll need to transfer the files to a computer first.