Best 5 Methods to Convert DVD to Digital [Free Options Included]

Converting DVDs to digital formats can benefit us a lot. By doing so, we can store our DVD movies on hard drives, and even add them to a media server like Plex for easy access anytime and anywhere. Plus, we'll no longer need to worry about DVDs getting scratched or lost because we already have digital copies.

Well, how to convert a DVD to a digital file? There are many methods you can use.

If you want to digitize your DVDs straight from your phone, you can use VUDU (now Fandango at Home). However, it is important to note that VUDU only supports discs from partnering studios. So you may encounter a situation that your DVD isn't work with VUDU. In this case, you can try a DVD to digital converter software. Both free and paid programs are available in the market. Some popular options include WinX DVD Ripper, HandBrake, and MakeMKV.

Another way to convert DVD to digital without computer is to use devices like ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0. Hardware solutions like this can make it easy to transfer your DVDs onto USB flash drives or SD cards.

Next, we will compare these methods based on price, supported DVD types, output formats, and conversion speed. This will help you find the solution that best suits your needs!

Compare the DVD to Digital Converter Software/Service

For more detailed information about each method, just read on.

Method 1. Convert DVD to Digital on Windows/Mac

What tool you can use: WinX DVD Ripper

Why we picked it

WinX DVD Ripper has garnered praise from top tech publications like TechRadar and PCMag, as well as from online communities such as Reddit and Quora. Its widespread popularity speaks volumes about its effectiveness. Developed by Digiarty Software in 2009, WinX DVD Ripper is a comprehensive DVD to digital converter that caters to both home movie DVDs and commercial discs, offering a variety of output formats.

One of its standout features is its ability to automatically bypass DVD region codes and copy protections without the need for additional software. Unlike VUDU, which is limited to partnering studios, WinX DVD Ripper supports DVDs from all studios including Disney.

Thanks to its support for multi-core CPUs, Hyper-Threading technology, and advanced Level-3 Hardware Acceleration technology, utilizing Intel QSV, NVIDIA NVENC, and AMD, WinX DVD Ripper boasts lightning-fast conversion speeds. In our tests on a Windows 10 (64-bit) PC with an Intel Core i7-8700K CPU, it took just 8 minutes and 45 seconds to rip a 2.5-hour disc.

Another noteworthy aspect is WinX DVD Ripper's extensive range of output profiles, covering all mainstream video and audio formats, as well as popular devices. This allows users to either clone DVDs 1:1 to ISO images and Video_TS folders for exact digital copies, or selectively convert desired titles to formats like MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, and more.

Who it's for

WinX DVD Ripper is ideal for users with large DVD collections who seek a fast and cost-effective solution to convert copy-protected DVDs to digital format on Windows or Mac. Unlike VUDU, which charges per conversion, WinX DVD Ripper offers both one-year subscription and lifetime license. During the eligible period, users can convert as many DVDs as they like without any additional costs.

How to Convert DVD to Digital with WinX DVD Ripper?

The user interface is nearly identical on both Windows and Mac platforms. Therefore, you can follow the steps below whether you want to convert DVD to digital on Windows or Mac.

Step 1. Download and install WinX DVD Ripper.

Download the WinX DVD Ripper installer for your computer here. Run the installer and follow the instructions to complete the installation.

• Download WinX DVD Ripper for Windows
• Download WinX DVD Ripper for Mac

Step 2. Load the DVD disc.

Insert the DVD disc into your computer's DVD drive. Then, open WinX DVD Ripper and click the "DVD Disc" button to import the DVD. WinX DVD Ripper will scan the DVD disc and automatically detect the main movie title. Of course, you can select title manually.

Step 3. Choose an output format.

In the "Output Profile" window, select the output format for your digital copy. You can choose from a variety of popular digital formats, including MP4, AVI, WMV, MKV, ISO, VIDEO_TS folder, MP3, and more.

Step 4. Start DVD to digital conversion.

Click "Browse" to set a folder to store the digital copy extracted from your DVD. Then, click the "RUN" button to start the conversion.

The conversion process may take a few minutes, depending on the length of the DVD, the output format you choose, the settings you use (enable hardware accelerator or not), and your computer configuration.

In my test converting the Disney movie Up to MP4 format, it took approximately 10 minutes to process the 1 hour and 46-minute video using default settings on my computer. My system specs are an Intel Core i5-4460 CPU at 3.20 GHz and 12.0GB of RAM. The frame rate during conversion averaged around 270 FPS.

Step 5. Find your digital copy.

Once the conversion is complete, your digital copy will be saved in the location you specified. You can then play your digital copy on any device that supports the selected format.

For centralized management and easy access, you can also add your DVD digital copies to Plex. Check how to rip and add DVD movies to Plex >>

Method 2. Convert DVD to Digital on iOS/Android

What service you can use: VUDU (now Fandango at Home)

Why we picked it

With VUDU's disc to digital service, you can use your mobile device to scan the UPC barcode on your disc to get a digital copy. No need to open your computer. No need to install a DVD to digital converter software. VUDU can save you a lot of effort.

Moreover, it allows you to convert your DVDs to HDX quality (1080p), although it is a bit pricey. But for some users, the expense may be worth it.

Who it's for

VUDU is a good choice for users who possess a small collection of DVDs and wish to convert them into digital files without the need for a DVD drive. However, it's important to note that VUDU has region limitations and is exclusively available in the US and Mexico.

If you have a substantial DVD collection, the costs can quickly add up. VUDU charges $2 (DVD to SD) / $5 (DVD to HDX) for each conversion, with a cap on the maximum number of conversions per year. Users are restricted to converting 100 DVDs annually. For instance, if you have 500 DVDs to convert, it would amount to $1000 for DVD to SD and $2500 for DVD to HDX, and completing all conversions would take 5 years.

Check the full limits of Vudu disc to digital service >>

How to convert DVD to digital on Android/iPhone with VUDU?

Before you use this service, you'd better type the name of your movie in Vudu.com's search bar to see if your movie is available for conversion.

Step 1. Visit vudu.com/disc on your Android or iPhone, scroll down and tap the Convert Disc button.

Step 2. Sign up if you don't have an account. And then, sign in.

Step 3. Allow app permissions.

Vudu will request permission to access your location data to ensure the billing address associated with your account matches your phone's location. The aim is to prevent misuse of the service, like scanning random DVDs you find outside your home.

Step 4. Scan the UPC barcode on your DVD case.

Step 5. Select output quality, SD or HDX.

Step 6. Pay for the DVD to digital conversion (DVD to SD: $2 per disc; DVD to HDX: $5 per disc), and then the movies will be available in your Vudu account.

Method 3. Convert DVD to Digital for Free

What tool you can use: HandBrake, VidCoder, VLC, or MakeMKV

1. HandBrake

Why we picked it

We notice that HandBrake often emerges as a top recommendation for converting DVDs to digital format. It is widely recommended due to being free and easy to use. HandBrake allows users to convert DVDs to common video formats including MP4, MKV, and WebM. Additionally, it provides a range of customization options for video and audio output, making it ideal for users seeking greater control over their conversion process.

Who it's for

HandBrake is suitable for those with limited budgets for DVD to digital conversion. It is a good choice for digitizing non-protected DVDs. However, if you intend to rip copy-protected DVDs with HandBrake, you will need to install libdvdcss to bypass DVD copy protection.

How to convert DVD to digital with free HandBrake?

Step 1. Download, install, and open HandBrake on your computer. The steps are almost same on the Windows and Mac.

Step 2. Insert the DVD you want to convert into your computer's DVD drive.

Step 3. Choose the DVD you want to digitize under "Source Selection". Then, it will scan you DVD titles.

Step 4. Choose the specific title you want to convert from the drop-down menu of "Title".

Step 5. Select a preset for your desired output format from "Presets".

Step 6. Adjust video audio settings as needed, such as resolution, codec, and bitrate.

Step 7. Specify save path for the digital copy by clicking on the "Browse" button at the bottom right.

Step 8. Click the "Start Encode" button (on Mac, it's "Start") at the top of the HandBrake window to begin the conversion process.

Step 9. Wait for the conversion process to complete. Once the conversion is finished, you can locate your newly created digital file in the destination folder you specified.

2. VidCoder

Why we picked it

VidCoder is a free, open-source DVD to digital converter that utilizes HandBrake as its encoding engine. This means it offers many of the same functionalities as HandBrake, including the ability to convert DVDs to MP4 and MKV. While HandBrake is often preferred, some users encounter issues with its performance. In such cases, VidCoder serves as a reliable alternative.

Who it's for

VidCoder is ideal for users who encounter difficulties with HandBrake. However, it is important to note that VidCoder cannot deal with copy-protected DVDs.

How to Convert DVD to Digital with VidCoder

Step 1. Download and install VidCoder on your Windows computer. If you are required to install .NET 6.0.2 Desktop Runtime (x64), just do it. The installation process may take quite a long time.

Step 2. Insert the DVD you want to convert into your computer's DVD drive.

Step 3. Open VidCoder and select the "Open Source" button to load your DVD.

Step 4. Select the title you want to rip from DVD.

Step 5. Configure your output settings, including the format, quality, and destination folder.

Step 5. Click the "Encode" button to start the conversion process. VidCoder will handle the rest.

The DVD digitizing process can be resource-intensive, particularly for large or complex DVDs. VidCoder may place a considerable strain on the hardware resources, resulting in elevated temperatures and increased fan speeds.

3. VLC Media Player

Why we picked it

While VLC may not be a dedicated DVD to digital converter, it offers a convenient solution for users who already have the software installed. By utilizing VLC, you can avoid the need for additional programs and extra expenses.

With VLC, you can convert your DVDs into a variety of digital formats, such as MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI, and WMV. Additionally, it provides options to adjust video and audio parameters such as bitrate and resolution. Furthermore, VLC can even handle some encrypted discs, adding to its versatility.

Who it's for

VLC is suitable for users who wish to digitize DVDs and are comfortable with a potentially slower conversion speed. It's worth noting that VLC's conversion process may take as long as the duration of the movie itself, as VLC technically "streams" the video to a file on your hard drive.

How to digitize DVD with VLC?

Step 1. Download and install VLC if you don't have this tool on your computer.

Step 2. Insert the DVD you want to digitize into your computer's DVD drive.

Step 3. Open VLC, click "Media" and then select "Convert/Save".

Step 4. Click "Disc" tab and choose disc device, title, chapter, audio, and subtitle track. Then hit "Convert/Save".

Step 5. Choose profile, the output format you want to use.

Step 6. Click "Browse" to specify destination file.

Step 7. Hit "Start" to begin converting DVD to digital.

The resulting DVD digital files created by VLC may be incompatible with standard media players or contain playback errors that prevent smooth playback. It could be caused by incomplete or corrupted digital copies of the DVD content from VLC Media Player.

4. MakeMKV

Why we picked it

MakeMKV is a popular DVD ripper, frequently mentioned in online forums. With MakeMKV, users can convert protected Blu-ray and DVD discs into digital MKV files for free during its BETA phase. Notably, the conversion process preserves the original quality without any compression, ensuring that users receive a digital copy identical to the original.

Who it's for

MakeMKV features a simple and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent option for beginners who may be new to DVD and Blu-ray ripping. Its straightforward navigation system ensures that users can easily navigate through the software without encountering any complexities.

How to transfer DVD to digital with MakeMKV?

Step 1. Download and install MakeMKV on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.

Step 2. Open MakeMKV and insert the DVD you want to convert to digital.

Step 3. When MakeMKV detects your DVD, click the "Open DVD disk" button to let MakeMKV access your DVD.

Step 4. When you see a tree structure with your titles, video tracks, audios, and subtitles, just choose which titles or tracks you want to convert.

Step 5. Click "Set output folder" button to specify where you want to save the digital copy.

Step 6. Click the "Make MKV" button to begin converting DVD to MKV digital file.

Method 4. Use a DVD to Digital Service near You

What service you can use: DVDWalmart's Digital Media Transfer

Why we picked it

DVDWalmart's Digital Media Transfer service accepts all previously transferred DVDs from Walmart and YesVideo, and other DVDs, MiniDVDs, CDs, and VCDs. It will store the digital copy in MemoryCloud and transfer it to a single USB if you ask it to.

Who it's for

This service is ideal for individuals with a modest collection of DVDs seeking a hassle-free digitization process. However, it's important to note that the service comes at a slightly higher cost. The price for creating a digital copy with MemoryCloud online access is $12.96 for the first 30 minutes and $5.46 for each additional 30 minutes. If it is a 2-hour movie DVD, you need to pay $29.34 for this service.

How to use DVDWalmart to transfer DVD to digital copy?

Step 1. Create your order online or at Walmart.

Step 2. Bring your DVD and order confirmation printout (if you created your order online) to Walmart Photo near you or mail your order.

Step 3. Pick up the digital copy at Walmart if you dropped off your DVD at Walmart and wait for it to be delivered to you if you sent your media directly to Walmart. You may need to wait 3-4 weeks to get the digital copy.

Method 5. Use DVD to Digital Converter Device

What device you can use: ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0

Why we picked it

We have observed that many users search for "DVD to digital converter." When we input this keyword into Google, an Amazon result appears. Upon opening it, we find some DVD to digital hardware devices that can help digitize and record videos from DVDs to USB flash drive or SD card. A good example is ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0. With this device, you can record video from various sources such as VCR's, VHS Tapes, AV, RCA, Hi8, Camcorder, DVD, and Gaming Systems. The whole process can be accomplished without the necessity of a computer or any software. The output format will be in MP4.

Who it's for

The ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0 is ideal for individuals who want to convert their old video tapes or camcorder tapes into digital format without the need for a computer or software. It's suitable for those with VHS tapes, VCRs, DVD players, DVRs, camcorders, Hi8, and retro gaming systems.

How to use ClearClick to convert DVD to digital?

Step 1. Insert the DVD you want to digitize into a standalone DVD player.

Step 2. Connect ClearClick Video2Digital Converter to your DVD player with a RCA cable.

Step 3. Plug in a USB flash drive or a SD card into the converter.

Step 4. Press the Record button on to converter to "digitize" and transfer your DVD to the USB or SD card. It will display the video as it transfers.

Step 5. Press the Record again to stop recording. Don't skip this step, otherwise you'll get a corrupted file.

Tips: You can use the "Auto Stop" feature to stop recording after a preset amount of time.

Step 6. Remove the USB drive or SD card from the converter. After that, you can transfer your DVD video to computer or any device you like.

How to Improve the Quality of Digital Copy

When converting DVDs to digital files yourself, you can take steps to ensure the highest possible quality. Here are a few steps.

1. Prioritize a lossless format when storage allows

Re-encoding video in compressed formats like MP4 can reduce quality. If storage space isn't a concern, consider converting your DVD to an ISO file or VIDEO_TS folder using tools like WinX DVD Ripper. These formats preserve the original DVD quality.

For a more common format with minimal quality loss, use MakeMKV to convert your DVD to MKV format. This method also avoids re-encoding.

2. Choose the right balance with video settings

If storage space is limited, you can still achieve good quality by selecting the appropriate video codec and bitrate.

H.264 or H.265 codecs offer a good balance between quality and file size. Avoid older codecs like MPEG-2. Higher bitrates (measured in megabits per second) generally result in better quality but larger files. Find a balance that suits your needs.

Many DVD to digital converters such as WinX DVD Ripper offer presets optimized for common uses. If you're unsure about individual settings, these presets are a good starting point.

3. Leverage High-Quality processing

Some software boasts features like "High-Quality Engine" to enhance output quality. If video quality is a priority, enable these features before conversion.

4. Deinterlace video

If your DVD source uses interlaced video (common in older content), use deinterlacing to eliminate combing artifacts (jagged edges) and improve motion smoothness.

5. Enhance the digital copy with additional video enhancer

Nowadays there are separate video enhancement tools that can further improve video quality. One good example is Winxvideo AI. By utilizing advanced AI models, this program can enhance the quality of DVD videos and even increase the resolution by 2X, 3X, and even 4X to fit modern large-sized screen.

Wrapping up

WinX DVD Ripper Platinum is our top recommendation as it offers a range of pricing options, supports various DVD types, provides a wide selection of output formats, and performs conversions at a fast speed. It is a cost-effective solution that allows users full control over the output.

VUDU is a convenient service option, but it is limited to the US and Mexico and has some restrictions on supported DVD titles. DVDWalmart offers a service for transferring DVDs but comes with a high price and a long wait time.

HandBrake and VidCoder are free software options but can only handle unencrypted DVDs and cannot process copy-protected DVDs. VLC media player is another free option but works slow and has difficulties with commercial discs.

MakeMKV is a free software that supports both unencrypted and some encrypted DVDs, but it can only export to MKV format.

ClearClick is a way to go when you need to digitize DVDs, old video taps and camcorder tapes.

Consider your specific needs, such as budget, the size of your DVD collection, and desired output formats, when selecting the best DVD to digital converter option for you.

How We Tested

We began by researching and identifying the most popular DVD to digital conversion methods and tools recommended by trustworthy sites and forums.

Afterward, we installed each software and thoroughly tested them to evaluate their functionality, interface design, available settings, and overall user-friendliness.

Our testing process involved using the same computer for each method and tool. We tested various types of DVDs, including homemade and store-bought ones, to check compatibility with copy-protected discs. Additionally, we conducted complete DVD to digital conversions with each method to gauge conversion speed and assess any potential quality loss. We compared the quality of the digital copies with the original DVDs, as well as compared the quality of the digital copies made by each method to determine the best performer.

After comparing the results of our testing, we identified the strengths and weaknesses of each method and tool. This comprehensive evaluation allowed us to provide informed recommendations and valuable insights to our readers, helping them choose the most suitable DVD to digital conversion solution for their needs.

FAQs

1. How to convert DVD to digital on Mac?

WinX DVD Ripper Platinum has a Mac version which can help you digitize DVDs on Mac. The procedure is like digitizing a DVD on Windows, so just download this tool and follow the steps in method 1.

Free Download

If you want to try something different, you can try Disk Utility – Mac's built-in app that can digitize DVDs without copyright. However, it can only export image file. Don't expect it to make a MP4 copy or other mainstreaming format from your DVD. If it's ok for you, just follow this:

Step 1. Go to Applications > Utilities, find and open Disk Utility.

Step 2. Locate your DVD and click on it.

Step 3. Choose New Image which is in the centre along the top.

Step 4. The next option to look out for is Image Format, which you should set to DVD/CD Master.

Step 5. Set Encryption to None.

Step 6. Hit save and the DVD will begin copying to the destination you specified. When the process is complete, just eject your DVD.

2. Can I convert copy-protected DVDs to digital?

It depends on the DVD to digital converter software you are using. Some programs, such as WinX DVD Ripper, can bypass copy protection and digitize protected DVDs, while others may not be able to. It is important to check the software's capabilities before attempting to turn a copy-protected DVD into a digital file.

3. What digital file formats can I convert my DVD to?

Most DVD to digital converter software can convert DVDs to common file formats such as MP4, AVI, and MOV. Some software may also support less common file formats or allow you to customize the output format.

4. Can I convert my DVD to digital without losing quality?

It depends on the DVD to digital conversion software and the settings you use. Some programs will not allow you to preserve the menus of the original DVD, such as HandBrake. However, some software may offer options to preserve menus for the digital file.

5. Will my converted digital files have menus like the original DVD?

Yes. For example, if you choose to clone DVD to ISO or VIDEO_TS folder on WinX DVD Ripper, you won’t lose quality. As for other output options, this program offers High Quality Engine to minimize this loss of quality and produce high-quality digital copies of your DVDs.

Disclaimer: Digiarty Software does not advocate ripping copy-protected DVDs for any commercial purpose and suggests referring to the DVD copyright laws in your countries before doing so.