If you're like me and have a shelf full of Blu-rays collecting dust, you're probably wondering if it's time to go digital.
In 2025, streaming and digital storage just make life easier, so I decided to rip my entire collection.
Whether you’re looking to declutter, stream with Plex, or just back up your favorite movies, I’ll help you find the best Blu-ray rippers this year, with all the tips and tools I’ve tested myself.
Why Should You Rip Your Blu-rays?
So, why bother ripping your Blu-rays? For me, it came down to convenience and control. I can now watch my movies anywhere, on my phone, laptop, or smart TV, without digging for discs.
It also protects my collection from scratches or disc rot. Plus, I get to choose what to keep, just the movie or all the extras. It's a smarter way to enjoy everything I own.
Best Free Blu-ray Rippers
MakeMKV
MakeMKV is one of the best tools for high-quality, lossless Blu-ray rips. It preserves all video, audio, and subtitle tracks in MKV format, making it perfect for full-quality backups.
I found it to be fast, reliable, and supports encrypted discs, but since it doesn’t compress files, the rips can be quite large.
To save space, you can run the output through HandBrake for a smaller, more manageable file without sacrificing quality.
HandBrake
HandBrake is an open-source tool that I'm quite fond of. It’s used for compressing large MKV files into smaller, more manageable MP4s, perfect for saving storage while keeping solid video quality.
It works best after ripping your Blu-rays with MakeMKV, allowing you to reformat and compress using built-in presets and codec options.
While it can’t handle copy-protected discs on its own, it’s a must-have follow-up tool for optimizing your digital movie collection.
VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is probably the most famous app known for its ability to play nearly any media file, but it also offers basic Blu-ray ripping for non-encrypted discs.
While it's a quick, free option for simple backups, the ripping process isn’t very intuitive and doesn’t work with most protected content. I feel it’s better suited for playback than as a primary ripping tool.
Best Paid Blu-ray Rippers
DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper
DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper is a feature-rich and powerful software built for serious Blu-ray collectors. It supports 4K HDR, Cinavia removal, GPU acceleration, and even basic video editing.
With a sleek interface and fast performance, it’s great for creating high-quality rips compatible with a wide range of devices.
While it’s on the expensive side and sometimes pushes extra features, it’s a top-tier choice if you manage large libraries or streaming through Plex.
EaseFab Blu-ray Ripper
EaseFab Blu-ray Ripper, as the name suggests, strikes a great balance between speed and simplicity, making it ideal for everyday users.
With GPU acceleration, flexible format options, and a clean, intuitive interface, it’s easy to get started without a steep learning curve.
While it lacks some of the advanced features found in tools like DVDFab, it’s a solid choice for those who want reliable performance without the complexity.
DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper
DumboFab Blu-ray Ripper may have a quirky name, but it delivers solid performance where it counts, especially for budget-conscious users.
It supports 3D and 4K ripping, offers batch conversion, and handles most discs reliably.
While it’s not as popular or frequently updated as bigger names, it covers all the essentials, making it a dependable all-rounder for everyday Blu-ray ripping needs.
Leawo Blu-ray Ripper
Leawo Blu-ray Ripper is a solid mid-range option, especially if you need wide format support and detailed control over subtitles and audio.
With over 180 output formats, it’s great for customizing your rips to suit different devices.
While it’s a bit slower than some competitors and the interface feels dated, it’s an excellent choice for users who value flexibility and customization.
Acrok Video Converter Ultimate
Acrok Video Converter Ultimate is a great pick for converting Blu-rays into mobile and device-friendly formats.
With support for UHD/4K and built-in presets for iOS, Android, PS5, and more, it makes cross-device playback easy.
Cisdem Blu-ray Ripper (for Mac)
Cisdem Blu-ray Ripper (for Mac) stands out as one of the best native Blu-ray ripping tools for macOS.
It has a smooth, Mac-friendly interface, fast performance, and built-in editing features, all without feeling like a clunky Windows port.
While it's exclusive to Mac and runs on a subscription model, it's the ideal choice for Mac users looking for a reliable and streamlined ripping experience in 2025.
Tipard Blu-ray Converter
Lastly, Tipard Blu-ray Converter is a strong alternative to premium tools like DVDFab.
It handles most discs well, supports both Windows and macOS, and includes useful features like video preview and upscaling.
While the interface could use a refresh, it’s a dependable option for users who want good performance without the high price tag.
Do I Need A Blu-ray Drive?
Yes, ripping Blu-rays isn’t possible with software alone. You’ll need the right drive for the job.
For standard Blu-rays, most external or internal USB drives will work just fine. But if you're ripping 4K UHD discs, make sure you have a UHD-friendly drive like the LG WH16NS60 or ASUS BW-16D1HT.
Internal drives usually offer faster speeds and better performance for bulk ripping, while external drives are ideal for plug-and-play convenience. Choose based on your setup and how often you plan to rip.
Common Ripping Issues (And How I Solved Them)
Ripping Blu-rays isn’t always smooth sailing, I hit a few snags along the way. Here’s what went wrong and how I fixed it:
Encryption errors
Many Blu-rays are protected with AACS or BD+, and older software just can’t handle them. I switched to updated ripping tools that specifically support these protections, and the errors disappeared.
Region lockouts
Some discs are locked to specific regions, and switching regions too often can mess up your drive. I used ripping software that automatically bypasses region codes, so I didn’t have to worry about it again.
Drive glitches
My internal drive kept stalling mid-rip. Turns out, it was overheating. I swapped to an external Blu-ray drive and made sure the firmware was current.
File size too large
Early on, my rips were massive. I started using HandBrake with H.265 encoding, which gave me high-quality video at nearly half the file size.
Blu-ray Ripping FAQs
Can you rip 4K Blu-rays?
Yes, but you'll need a UHD-friendly drive and software like MakeMKV or DVDFab UHD Ripper. Just be ready for big file sizes as some movies hit 80GB or more.
Best format for ripped movies?
I usually go with MKV when I want full quality and all the extras. But if I’m saving space or want easier playback across devices, MP4 (H.264 or H.265) works great.
Is it legal to rip Blu-rays?
This depends on where you live. I rip for personal use, which is generally okay in many places. But remember, sharing or distributing your rips definitely crosses the legal line.
Takeaway
Whether you prefer free tools like MakeMKV and HandBrake, or want the advanced features of DVDFab, EaseFab, or Leawo, there's a Blu-ray ripper that fits your needs and budget.
Pair the right software with a compatible Blu-ray drive, and you’re ready to create a personalized, high-quality movie archive you can watch anytime, anywhere.
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