MakeMKV
Converts DVDs and Blu-ray discs into MKV files without re-encoding.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows, macOS, Linux
Is MakeMKV free?
Free plan, plus paid plans
Switch from MakeMKV to
All 3
HandBrakeOpen source
DVDFabDVD Ripper price: $59.49
VLC media playerOpen source
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 3
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About MakeMKV
MakeMKV is a disc ripper that copies DVDs and Blu-ray discs into MKV files. Instead of re-encoding the video it remuxes it, so every video and audio track, including lossless HD audio, plus subtitles, chapters and track languages, is kept exactly as on the disc, and conversion runs as fast as the drive can read. It handles the copy protection on DVDs and Blu-rays itself, without extra software, and can also stream a decrypted disc straight to a media player. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. DVD ripping is free and stays free; Blu-ray features are shareware with a 30-day trial and a one-off registration key, though the program has spent years in a 'beta' during which a public key unlocks everything. The beta expires after 60 days until you download the latest version. Output files are large because nothing is compressed, so many people pair it with HandBrake to shrink them.
Best for: People backing up their own DVDs and Blu-rays for Plex, Jellyfin or a home theatre.
MakeMKV pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)
Each line is quoted from MakeMKV's own site, with the page it came from.
| Plan or term | What it says | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blu-ray trial | 30 days | Nov 8, 2026 | makemkv.com |
Pros and cons
What works
- Keeps all tracks, chapters and HD audio losslessly
- Handles disc copy protection with no extra tools
- DVD ripping is free
- Can stream discs directly to a player
Why people leave
- MKV files are very large because nothing is compressed
- Beta builds expire after 60 days and must be re-downloaded
- Linux version is distributed through the forum
- No video conversion or compression options
MakeMKV vs HandBrake, DVDFab and VLC media player
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | MakeMKV | HandBrake | DVDFab | VLC media player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan + paid | Open source | Paid | Open source |
| Verified price | — | — | $59.49 | — |
| Free plan | Yes | Free app | No | Free app |
| Open source | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Top MakeMKV alternatives
See all 3- 1HandBrake83.8
Free and open source; compresses discs and files into smaller MP4/MKV, though it can't decrypt Blu-rays.
- 2DVDFab64.8
Paid ripper that also compresses to over a thousand formats, with AI upscaling options.
- 3VLC media player52.6
Free player that can play or convert unprotected discs if you only need occasional rips.
Why people left MakeMKV
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from MakeMKV, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
No approved reviews yet. How we verify reviewers
Write a review of MakeMKV
MakeMKV: common questions
What is MakeMKV?
MakeMKV: Converts DVDs and Blu-ray discs into MKV files without re-encoding. Best for people backing up their own DVDs and Blu-rays for Plex, Jellyfin or a home theatre. Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Is MakeMKV free?
MakeMKV has a free plan and paid plans.
How much does MakeMKV cost?
MakeMKV is free with paid plans. Blu-ray trial: 30 days. Checked on MakeMKV's own site, November 2026.
Does MakeMKV have a free trial or refund?
Blu-ray trial: 30 days. Source: MakeMKV's own site.
Is MakeMKV open source?
No, MakeMKV is not open source. Open-source alternatives include HandBrake and VLC media player.
What platforms does MakeMKV run on?
MakeMKV is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
What are the best alternatives to MakeMKV?
The highest-ranked MakeMKV alternatives right now are HandBrake, DVDFab and VLC media player. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
MakeMKV vs HandBrake: what's the difference?
MakeMKV is free with paid plans; HandBrake is free and open source. HandBrake is open source and MakeMKV is not. Both run on Windows, macOS and Linux.