DVDs are still an excellent way to store movies, shows, and personal videos. But what if you want to play them on your phone, tablet, or laptop without using a DVD drive? That’s where a free DVD ripper comes in handy.
This guide will walk you through the top 10 free DVD ripper tools for both Windows and Mac. You’ll also learn how to use them safely, what features to look for, and which one suits your needs best.
What Is a DVD Ripper?
A DVD ripper is software that converts DVD discs into digital formats such as MP4, MOV, AVI, or MKV.
This allows you to:
- Back up your favorite movies safely.
- Watch DVDs on modern devices like smartphones or smart TVs.
- Save space and organize your video library digitally.
Free DVD rippers make this process simple without requiring technical knowledge.
Why Use a Free DVD Ripper?
Many people turn to free DVD ripping tools because they offer:
- Cost savings: No need for paid subscriptions.
- Easy backups: Create digital copies of DVDs before they get scratched or lost.
- Flexible viewing: Play videos anytime, anywhere, even without a DVD player.
However, not all free DVD rippers are safe or reliable. Some include ads or limited features. That’s why we’ve listed only trusted and secure options below.
Top 10 Free DVD Ripper Tools (2025 Edition)
1. WinX DVD Ripper Free Edition
Best for: Fast and high-quality conversions
WinX DVD Ripper is one of the most popular free DVD rippers. It supports nearly every DVD format and converts them into MP4, MOV, or AVI without losing quality.
Key features:
- GPU acceleration for faster ripping
- Built-in profiles for iPhone, Android, and TV
- Clean, ad-free interface
(Learn more about how to use this tool in our WinX DVD Ripper guide.)
2. HandBrake
Best for: Open-source and cross-platform support
HandBrake is a trusted name in video conversion. It’s free, open-source, and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Key features:
- Supports MP4 and MKV output
- Advanced customization options
- Regular updates and community support
You can even use it to compress ripped videos without sacrificing quality.
3. Freemake Video Converter
Best for: Beginners
Freemake offers a simple way to rip DVDs to popular formats like MP4, AVI, or WMV.
Key features:
- Easy drag-and-drop interface
- Presets for specific devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.)
- Converts YouTube videos too
Note: The free version includes a watermark, but it’s great for occasional users.
4. MakeMKV
Best for: Preserving full DVD quality
MakeMKV focuses on one thing, extracting DVD or Blu-ray content into MKV format.
Key features:
- Keeps original audio and subtitles
- Works on both Windows and Mac
- No complicated settings
It’s ideal if you prefer original-quality video without compression.
5. DVD Shrink
Best for: Backing up DVDs
DVD Shrink is an older but still effective free tool for creating backup copies.
Key features:
- Compresses large DVDs into smaller files
- Simple interface for beginners
- Works smoothly on Windows
Although it doesn’t convert into many formats, it’s perfect for archiving.
6. VLC Media Player
Best for: All-in-one media solution
Did you know VLC can rip DVDs too?
Key features:
- Built-in DVD ripping feature
- Converts to MP4, OGG, or WebM
- 100% free and open-source
Just go to Media → Convert/Save, select your DVD, and choose the output format.
7. WonderFox Free DVD Ripper Speedy
Best for: Quick ripping with quality control
WonderFox’s free version lets you copy DVDs at high speed while maintaining clarity.
Key features:
- Hardware acceleration support
- Batch conversion mode
- Auto-detects movie titles
A great choice for users who want simple, one-click ripping.
8. BitRipper
Best for: Quick conversions to AVI
BitRipper is lightweight, fast, and requires no complicated setup.
Key features:
- Converts directly to AVI
- Minimal system resource use
- Simple one-screen layout
It’s great for older systems and users who prefer no-frills tools.
9. Format Factory
Best for: Multi-purpose file conversion
Format Factory handles almost every file type you can imagine, including DVD ripping.
Key features:
- Supports all video and audio formats
- Includes video repair tools
- Batch conversion available
If you need an all-in-one media converter, this one’s hard to beat.
10. Any Video Converter Free
Best for: Versatile conversion options
Any Video Converter supports DVD ripping and video downloading from online platforms.
Key features:
- Converts DVD to MP4, MOV, or WMV
- Includes video trimming tools
- Modern and user-friendly interface
It’s perfect for users who want both ripping and editing features in one package.
How to Choose the Best Free DVD Ripper
When comparing different tools, focus on:
- Format support: Make sure your preferred output format is included.
- Speed: Tools with GPU acceleration work faster.
- Video quality: Choose rippers that don’t compress too much.
- Ease of use: A simple interface saves time and avoids confusion.
If you’re unsure, start with WinX DVD Ripper or HandBrake, they’re trusted by millions worldwide.
How to Rip a DVD Safely
Follow these steps for a smooth and safe ripping process:
- Insert your DVD into the computer’s drive.
- Open your chosen ripper software (like HandBrake or WinX).
- Select the DVD source and pick the main movie title.
- Choose the output format (MP4 is best for universal use).
- Set destination folder and start conversion.
Once done, you’ll have a digital copy ready to play on any device.
Are Free DVD Rippers Legal?
Using a DVD ripper for personal backup is generally legal in most countries. However, distributing or sharing copyrighted DVDs is not allowed.
Always check local copyright laws before converting commercial discs.
(For more info, you can read this guide on DVD region codes).
Best External Sources for Free DVD Ripper Tools
- TechRadar’s Best Free DVD Ripper List
- VideoHelp’s DVD Software Reviews
These resources regularly update reviews of the latest and most secure DVD ripping tools.
Internal Resources You Might Like
- How to Open, Play, and Convert VOB Files Easily on Any Device
- H264 vs H265 Comparison: Key Differences, Quality, and File Size
- How to Use WinX DVD Ripper to Convert DVDs into Digital Files
These posts expand on related topics for video conversion and media quality.
Conclusion
A free DVD ripper is a must-have tool for anyone looking to back up or digitize their movie collection. Whether you prefer open-source software like HandBrake or high-speed tools like WinX DVD Ripper, there’s an option for every need.
Remember to choose tools that are safe, easy to use, and support the file formats you need. With the right software, you can enjoy your favorite DVDs anywhere, anytime, no physical disc required.