How to Rip a DVD in 7 Easy Ways
To rip a DVD, follow these simple steps:
Best tools to rip DVDs on Windows 10/8/7 and Mac
In this guide, we are delving into ripping DVDs, and how to rip a DVD safely and effectively in the best possible way.
To help you navigate through different DVD-ripping options, we’ve compiled a table. Look at it to find out more about each program and to decide which one is the most suitable for your media converting needs.
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When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.
All the products covered in this article have been tested by our team.
When testing, we compare key characteristics, including supported input and output formats, quality loss when converting, and other significant features.
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How to rip DVDs with Movavi Video Converter
Best for: Ultra-fast conversions on Windows and Mac
OS: Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac OS X 10.13 or later
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5, 3 reviews
Wondering how to transfer your DVD collection to your computer or another device so you can watch your favorite films anywhere? Now you can quickly rip your DVDs using Movavi Video Converter. Just follow the instructions in this tutorial and you'll be able to rip DVDs to any video format you like: AVI, MOV, MKV, M2TS, and many others!
With our handy DVD ripping software, it's a one-click task to convert a DVD to the MP4 file format to watch it on your mobile phone. No need to understand video formats, settings, or technicalities – just run the software, open your DVD, select a ready-made preset and click Convert.
To learn how to rip DVDs to a computer, just download Movavi Video Converter for PC or Mac and read the tutorial below.
Step 1. Download and install Movavi Video Converter
Download Movavi Video Converter on your Mac or Windows to rip a DVD. After the download is finished, run the setup file to install the program.
Step 2. Open the program and add a DVD
Launch Video Converter. Click the Add Media button, then select Add DVD > Open DVD, and find the VIDEO_TS folder on your DVD.
Step 3. Choose the preferred preset
In the Video or Devices tab at the bottom of the video converter interface, select the video format or mobile device you need as your target. You can choose from over 180 media formats and 200 device presets.
Step 4. Rip your DVD
Click Save to to specify the folder on your hard drive where the program should save the converted files. Finally, click the Convert button. The program will start processing your media files.
Step 5. Save your video
If you want to copy your videos to a mobile device after the converting process is complete, minimize or close the program, turn on your mobile device and connect it to your computer. Start the uploading service or just copy and paste the output file to the target folder. And that’s all!
Note that uploading process might take some time depending on the size of your video file.
So now you know how to rip DVDs using Movavi Video Converter!
Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Video Converter does not allow you to convert copy-protected media files and DVDs.
Pros:
180+ supported media formats
Ready-to-use presets
Device-targeted conversions
AI upscaling without quality loss
Cons:
Can’t burn DVDs
How to rip a DVD with VLC
Best for: Playing and ripping media
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11, Mac OS X 10.7.5 or later
CNET rating: 4.6 out of 5, 37 reviews
It’s not hard to learn how to rip a DVD with VLC media player. This freeware is very popular for both Mac and Windows as people choose to play a variety of media files and also try their hand at ripping a DVD with VLC.
How to rip a DVD on Mac and Windows with VLC
Pros:
It is simple and straightforward to use and gives you a lot of control, you can also enjoy the fact that there are a lot of controls over file types. As an option to rip DVDs for free, VLC is understandably very popular.
Cons:
The program can be a bit clunky, and you have to do a lot of exploring in the files of your computer, rather than intuitively rip a DVD through the interface.
How to use HandBrake for a DVD rip
Best for: Free ripping with lots of formats
OS: Windows 10/11, Mac OS X 10.13 or later
CNET rating: 3.5 out of 5, 155 reviews
HandBrake is a similar tool to VLC media player. It offers a free download and whether you’re using Windows 10, an older version, or Mac OS, you can use a HandBrake DVD rip function to get your video off a disc and onto your computer.
How to rip a DVD with HandBrake
Pros:
The big upside is the simple functionality and the fact that it can be used totally free of charge.
Cons:
Though there isn’t a lot of support if anything goes wrong, this is understandable due to the fact that the software doesn’t have a big team behind it. Freeware often has this knock-on effect.
How to rip a DVD to computer with WinX DVD Ripper
Best for: Quick ripping
OS: Windows 11 and lower
G2 rating: 2.5 out of 5, 3 reviews
WinX DVD Ripper can be used on both Windows and Mac, but it is undeniably faster and more effective for those who want to know how to rip a DVD on Windows 10.
How to rip DVDs on Windows 10 or Mac using WinX DVD Ripper
Pros:
The ripper supports both old and new models of DVDs and has incredible speed without being too demanding on your computer and its RAM. The ripper is also good for some damaged DVDs and can do a great job of salvaging video footage.
Cons:
The interface is a little clunky and doesn’t feel particularly modern, and Mac users might find it tough to use, but it is still effective.
How to rip a DVD using Windows Media Player
Best for: Support and tutorials
OS: Windows 7/8/10/11
Windows Media Player isn’t the most powerful software, but to rip DVDs on Windows 10 or earlier versions, the Media Player is a good choice. It’s already on your machine and ready to do its job.
How to rip a DVD using Windows Media Player
Open Windows Media Player, which will already be on your computer if you’re using Windows.
In the Player Library, select the Rip button and select from the choices next to the button to change formatting.
When you're finished with the settings, select Start Rip.
Pros:
This is a convenient method for ripping DVDs. There is plenty of support for Windows users due to the popularity of this app.
Cons:
Windows Media Player can extract a video from DVDs if you are using a Windows system, but keep in mind the fact that it is not the quickest way to rip DVDs and the app can be clunky, especially if you update the system without updating the software.
How to rip DVDs to a PC with WonderFox DVD Ripper
Best for: Ripping protected DVD content
OS: Windows 11 and lower
Windows Report review: 4.7 out of 5, 5 646 reviews
WonderFox DVD Ripper is Windows software that can allow you to rip DVDs to a computer. It’s got a lot of great features and can rip in high-quality, but there is both a paid and free version so you might have to upgrade.
How to rip a video from a DVD using WonderFox
Download and install the program.
Download WonderFox
Load your DVD files. Please choose one of the sources to load your DVD file into the program: DVD Disc, ISO Image, or DVD Folder. This is where you will find the video file within the disc.
Select the desired output format. Please pick your desired format by clicking on the upper right corner of the interface. You can choose MPG, MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, WMV, VOB, and many more file formats.
Hit Run button to rip DVDs to your hard drive.
Pros:
It's quick and effective, and allows you to access video files on some of the more protected DVDs.
Cons:
One downside of this software is the fact that if you want the full features and functionality, you’ll need to pay for the full version. There are free DVD rippers on the market so this doesn’t necessarily give the best solution. It is also not a way for Mac to rip DVDs, as it only works on Windows.
How to use Freemake on Windows and rip a DVD with it
Best for: Simple and quick conversions
OS: Windows 10 and lower
CNET rating: 4 out of 5, 864 reviews
Freemake Video Converter is a very simple way to rip a DVD. Their website has some online converters, but you do need to download the Freemake free software if you are looking to rip from DVD.
How to rip a DVD to MP4 with Freemake Video Converter
Download and launch Freemake Video Converter.
Download Freemake Video Converter
Add the DVD disc that you want to convert.
Choose the video format you are looking to use as well as conversion parameters.
Begin the ripping process to convert the file and put it on your computer.
Pros:
It’s completely free of charge and easy to use.
Cons:
Freemake doesn’t allow you to rip DVDs on Mac, it only works on Windows. On top of that, it only allows you to rip to a few formats, such as MP4 and AVI. There aren’t as many settings and editing options as some competing models.
How can you choose the ideal DVD ripper for you? If you want to know which is the best way to rip a DVD, then the chances are that you will need to consider your individual needs.
Things to consider include:
Usability: Does it have the ease of usability you need? Is a program you’re choosing to rip a DVD compatible with your device?
Features: Can this do everything that you need? The features should be effective, easy-to-use, and ideally fast.
User reviews: Always check what others have said about the software, whether it has bugs, and if it is well-received.
Support: Ideally, you should use software that allows you to get the right level of support if you come across any issues, such as bugs. Tutorials are also very helpful.
References
Frequently asked questions
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