Download DVD Copy: Best Software and Apps
If you own a physical DVD collection, you already know the frustration. Discs scratch, cases crack, and that movie you bought ten years ago suddenly plays with a skip right through the best scene. Backing up your DVDs to a digital file is the practical solution, and the right software makes it straightforward. This guide covers the best DVD copy tools available today, what each one does well, and how to pick the right one for your setup.
Why DVD Copying Software Matters
A raw DVD rip without the right tool produces either a bloated file or a broken one. Consumer DVDs use CSS (Content Scramble System) encryption, along with region coding and other protections that block a simple file copy. Dedicated DVD copy software handles decryption, compression, and format conversion in one workflow. Get the right app and the process takes a few clicks. Get the wrong one and you spend an afternoon troubleshooting.
Top DVD Copy Software at a Glance
| Software | Platform | Free Version | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| HandBrake | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes (fully free) | Ripping to MP4/MKV |
| DVD Shrink | Windows | Yes (fully free) | Disk-to-disk copying |
| MakeMKV | Windows, Mac, Linux | Beta is free | Lossless MKV backup |
| DVDFab DVD Copy | Windows, Mac | Trial available | Full-featured copying |
| WinX DVD Ripper | Windows, Mac | Free version exists | Fast ripping |
| Leawo DVD Copy | Windows, Mac | Trial available | 1:1 disc copies |
The Best Options in Detail
HandBrake
HandBrake is my first recommendation for anyone who wants a free, open-source solution that has been maintained for years. It converts DVD content to MP4 or MKV files with fine control over quality, bitrate, and resolution. The catch is that HandBrake alone cannot decrypt CSS-protected discs on Windows. You pair it with libdvdcss, a small library you install separately, and the combination handles the overwhelming majority of retail DVDs without issue.
The interface looks a little technical on first launch, but the preset system makes it approachable. Pick a preset like “Fast 1080p30” or “HQ 720p30 Surround,” point it at your DVD drive, and let it run. Output files are compact and compatible with virtually every media player and device.
DVD Shrink
DVD Shrink is old software, last updated in 2004, and it still works. It targets one specific job: copying a full DVD9 (dual-layer) disc down to DVD5 (single-layer) size so you can burn it to a standard 4.7 GB disc. It uses re-encoding to compress the video while keeping menus, subtitles, and audio tracks intact.
The compression quality drops if you push it too hard, so DVD Shrink works best when the original disc is under 8 GB. For a clean 1:1 archive copy, pair it with DVD Decrypter (also freeware) to rip the disc first, then shrink as needed. Both tools are old but reliable for this specific use case.
MakeMKV
MakeMKV is the tool I reach for when I want a lossless backup. It copies every audio track, subtitle stream, and chapter marker from a DVD or Blu-ray into a single MKV container file with zero quality loss. The file sizes run large because there is no compression, but storage is cheap and the quality is perfect.
The software is technically still in beta, which means the registration key resets every 60 days and you can grab a fresh free one from the MakeMKV forum. Paying for a permanent license is also an option and the price is reasonable. MakeMKV works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, which makes it one of the most flexible tools in this category.
DVDFab DVD Copy
DVDFab is the commercial pick and the most polished of the group. It handles CSS, region codes, and newer protections that trip up older freeware tools. The interface is clean and the copying modes cover the full range of needs.
Key copy modes include:
- Full Disc: copies everything including menus and extras
- Main Movie: copies only the primary film, skipping bonus content
- Customize: lets you select specific titles, audio tracks, and subtitles
- Clone/Burn: creates an identical copy to burn to a blank disc
- Merge: combines multiple films onto one disc
The trial version processes a limited number of discs before requiring a purchase. If you have a large collection with newer releases, DVDFab handles protections that free tools sometimes miss.
WinX DVD Ripper Platinum
WinX DVD Ripper focuses on speed. It uses hardware acceleration through Intel Quick Sync, NVIDIA NVENC, and AMD AMF to push ripping times down significantly compared to software-only tools. A two-hour film can rip in under ten minutes on a mid-range machine with a compatible GPU.
The output format list is long, covering MP4, AVI, MKV, H.264, H.265, and many device-specific presets for iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. The free version has some output limitations, and the paid version removes them entirely.
What to Look for When Choosing
Pick your tool based on what you actually need. Ask yourself these questions before downloading anything.
Do you want a free solution? HandBrake plus libdvdcss or MakeMKV covers most personal backups at no cost.
Do you need to burn physical copies? DVD Shrink or DVDFab with its Clone/Burn mode handles disc-to-disc workflows.
Do you want lossless quality? MakeMKV is the clear answer. Accept the large file sizes in exchange for bit-perfect audio and video.
Do you have newer discs with aggressive protection? DVDFab or WinX DVD Ripper Platinum are the safer commercial bets.
Do you prioritize speed? WinX with GPU acceleration is hard to beat on modern hardware.
Key Takeaways
The best DVD copy software depends entirely on your goal. For free and flexible ripping, HandBrake with libdvdcss is the workhorse. For lossless archives, MakeMKV is unmatched. For commercial-grade handling of newer discs, DVDFab DVD Copy is worth the investment.
Start with the free tools. If they handle your collection, you save money. If you hit a disc that defeats the freeware options, that is the moment to evaluate a paid license. Download, test, and back up your collection before those discs become unplayable. Your future self will appreciate the effort.
