Best 8 Free DVD Copy Software in 2026
DVD copying sits in a strange spot right now. Streaming dominates, yet millions of people still own physical disc collections they want to back up, preserve, or convert before those discs deteriorate. The problem is that most good DVD copy software costs money, and the free tools range from excellent to outright scamware. I’ve tested a lot of these programs over the years, and I know which ones actually work and which ones waste your afternoon.
This list focuses on tools that are free in a meaningful sense, deliver real output quality, and handle modern DVD protection without sending you on a wild goose chase for codec packs.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Software | Platform | DVD Decryption | Output Formats | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HandBrake | Windows, Mac, Linux | Requires libdvdcss | MKV, MP4 | General conversion |
| MakeMKV | Windows, Mac, Linux | Built-in | MKV | Lossless backup |
| DVD Shrink | Windows | Built-in | DVD folder, ISO | Compression + copy |
| VLC Media Player | Windows, Mac, Linux | Via libdvdcss | Direct playback | Quick viewing and ripping |
| Freemake Video Converter | Windows | Limited | Multiple | Casual users |
| DVDFab HD Decrypter | Windows, Mac | Built-in | MKV, MP4, ISO | Modern disc protection |
| ImgBurn | Windows | Requires decryptor | ISO, disc image | Disc burning and imaging |
| CloneDVD Mobile (free tier) | Windows | Limited | MP4, AVI | Mobile device output |
The 8 Best Free DVD Copy Tools
1. HandBrake
HandBrake is my go-to recommendation for most people. It converts DVDs to MP4 or MKV with excellent quality control, and the preset system makes it accessible to newcomers while giving experienced users full control over bitrate, framerate, and audio tracks.
The catch is that HandBrake alone cannot break CSS encryption, which covers most commercial DVDs. You need to install libdvdcss separately, a free open-source library that slots in quietly. Once you pair those two, HandBrake handles almost every disc you throw at it. The output quality at its default “Fast 1080p30” preset is genuinely impressive for a free tool.
2. MakeMKV
MakeMKV is the cleanest lossless DVD backup solution available at no cost. It copies your entire disc to an MKV container with zero quality loss, preserving all audio tracks, subtitles, and chapter markers. The free version handles DVDs indefinitely, while the Blu-ray feature runs on a beta license that the developer has renewed for years.
I recommend MakeMKV specifically if storage space is abundant and you want an archive-quality copy. The files are large, typically 4 to 7 GB per movie, but the fidelity is perfect. Setup takes about three minutes.
3. DVD Shrink
DVD Shrink is old software, last updated in 2004, but it remains one of the most downloaded DVD tools on the planet for good reason. It compresses dual-layer DVDs to fit on a single 4.7 GB disc, bypasses CSS protection, and outputs either a DVD folder or an ISO file. The interface looks dated, but every function works exactly as expected.
My one note of caution: newer discs with ARccOS or RipGuard protection may trip it up. For classic releases from the pre-2008 era, it is close to flawless.
4. VLC Media Player
Most people think of VLC as a player, and it is, but it also rips DVDs directly. Go to Media, then Convert/Save, load your disc, pick an output format, and VLC encodes the file. Pair it with libdvdcss and it handles encrypted discs without complaint.
The ripping speed and compression options are more limited compared to HandBrake, but if VLC is already installed on your machine, it is the path of least resistance for a quick one-off copy.
5. Freemake Video Converter
Freemake targets users who want a simple drag-and-drop experience. The free tier handles unencrypted DVDs and home recordings well. The interface is polished, the preset list covers phones, tablets, and smart TVs, and conversion speed is solid.
The limitation to know upfront: Freemake adds a watermark to video output in its current free version. That makes it impractical for archiving movies you care about, but fine for home video projects or test conversions.
6. DVDFab HD Decrypter
DVDFab makes premium software, but HD Decrypter is the permanently free module inside the DVDFab suite. It handles a wide range of protections including CSS, RCE, and several newer schemes that trip up older tools. Output options include MKV, MP4, and ISO.
The free tier limits you to copying the main movie title without extras, which suits most backup scenarios. I find it particularly useful for discs that DVD Shrink or HandBrake struggle with, because DVDFab’s decryption engine updates far more frequently.
7. ImgBurn
ImgBurn excels at one specific task: creating and burning ISO images. It does not decrypt protected DVDs on its own, so you need another tool like DVD Decrypter or MakeMKV to produce the unencrypted image first. Then ImgBurn takes over for disc-to-disc duplication or image archiving.
The interface is dense but well-documented. For anyone building a physical disc library from backups, ImgBurn is the final step in a reliable workflow.
8. CloneDVD Mobile (Free Tier)
CloneDVD Mobile converts DVD content to device-friendly formats like MP4 and AVI. The free version processes unencrypted discs and home videos. It lacks the decryption muscle of the paid version, but the output quality and speed are competitive.
This tool fits users who care more about getting content onto a tablet or phone than about bit-perfect archiving. The preset library covers most modern devices.
What to Watch For When Choosing
Before you download anything, keep these points in mind.
- Match the tool to your goal. Lossless archive means MakeMKV. Compressed playback file means HandBrake. Disc duplication means ImgBurn plus a decryptor.
- Check that the tool handles your disc’s protection scheme. Older tools miss newer protections.
- Free tiers sometimes include bundled software installers. Use custom install options and decline extras.
- Output file size matters if you plan to store many copies. MKV lossless files are large. HandBrake’s compressed MP4 files are far smaller with minimal visible quality loss at high bitrate settings.
Key Takeaways
The strongest free combination for most users is MakeMKV for decryption and lossless backup, followed by HandBrake to compress the MKV into a manageable MP4. DVD Shrink remains relevant for older disc collections. DVDFab HD Decrypter fills the gap when newer protections block other tools.
Pick the tool that fits your specific use case, pair it with libdvdcss if needed, and you have a complete DVD backup workflow at no cost. Your disc collection is worth preserving, and the tools to do it properly are right here.
