8 Best MakeMKV Alternatives: High-Quality Blu-ray Ripping (Free Included)

Summary:

    MakeMKV has long been one of the most popular tools for ripping Blu-ray and DVD discs into MKV format without losing quality. It’s free while in beta, works on multiple platforms, and preserves the original video, audio, and subtitle streams. However, MakeMKV isn’t perfect—it lacks built-in video compression, limited format output, and some users want more customization options.

In this guide, we’ll explore eight of the best MakeMKV alternatives for high-quality Blu-ray ripping—including three free options—along with a bonus section on how to convert MakeMKV-generated MKVs back into playable Blu-ray discs.

Part 1. 8 Best MakeMKV Alternatives

1. Leawo Blu-ray Ripper

Leawo Blu-ray Ripper is one of the most versatile Blu-ray ripping solutions on the market, offering powerful decryption and format flexibility. Unlike MakeMKV, which primarily focuses on creating lossless MKV files, Leawo allows you to rip Blu-rays into over 180 video and audio formats, including MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV, FLV, and more. This makes it easier to enjoy ripped content on smartphones, tablets, streaming devices, and home media servers.

 

What sets Leawo apart is its ability to handle encrypted commercial discs. With support for AACS, BD+, and the latest MKB protections, it ensures you can back up nearly any Blu-ray you own. Beyond basic ripping, it also includes a suite of video editing tools that let you trim, crop, add watermarks, adjust brightness, or apply filters. For those who want to preserve maximum quality, Leawo also supports lossless MKV output, keeping all audio tracks and subtitles intact.

 

Thanks to hardware acceleration from NVIDIA CUDA and Intel Quick Sync, ripping speeds are significantly faster than standard CPU-only methods. Whether you’re building a digital movie library or simply want Blu-ray movies on your portable devices, Leawo Blu-ray Ripper provides the flexibility and reliability that MakeMKV lacks.

 

Key features:

  • Decrypts commercial discs with AACS, BD+, and MKB protection.
  • Supports lossless MKV/MP4 output with all audio tracks and subtitles preserved.
  • Allows video editing before ripping, including trimming, cropping, watermarking, and adding effects.
  • Built-in hardware acceleration for faster processing.

 

Leawo is ideal for those who want format flexibility, as it supports over 180 video and audio formats, making it easier to play rips on devices like smartphones, tablets, and media servers.

 

Steps to use Leawo Blu-ray Ripper:

1. Install and launch Leawo Blu-ray Ripper.

2. Insert your Blu-ray disc or load an ISO/Blu-ray folder.

3. Switch to the Convert tab and click the "Add UHD/Blu-ray/DVD" button to load the disc.

4. Choose Output Format (MKV, MP4, AVI, etc.).

5. Click Convert to begin ripping.

 

 

2. AnyMP4 Blu-ray Ripper

AnyMP4 Blu-ray Ripper is a popular choice for users who prioritize speed and simplicity without sacrificing output quality. It supports over 500 output formats and device profiles, making it an ideal solution for anyone who wants ripped Blu-ray content ready to play on iPhones, iPads, Android devices, game consoles, smart TVs, and more. Unlike MakeMKV, which produces MKV only, AnyMP4 gives you full control over the output container, codec, and quality settings.

 

The standout feature of AnyMP4 is its ultra-fast ripping capability. With built-in support for Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD GPU acceleration, it can rip even full-length Blu-ray movies in record time while still maintaining 4K UHD resolution, HDR10, and Dolby Vision quality. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate its ability to extract and preserve high-definition audio formats such as DTS-HD Master and Dolby TrueHD.

 

Another advantage is its user-friendly interface. Beginners can simply insert a disc, select a profile (like “Apple TV” or “Samsung Galaxy”), and click Rip. Advanced users can dive deeper, customizing parameters like bitrate, frame rate, and encoding format. Overall, AnyMP4 Blu-ray Ripper is one of the most balanced MakeMKV alternatives, combining professional-grade quality with beginner-friendly usability.

 

Key features:

  • Ultra-fast ripping with multi-core and GPU acceleration.
  • 4K UHD output with optional compression.
  • Extracts lossless audio tracks such as DTS-HD Master and Dolby TrueHD.
  • Simple interface suitable for beginners.

 

AnyMP4 Blu-ray Ripper is a great choice for users who want quick rips without needing deep technical knowledge. It’s also frequently updated to support new disc protection schemes.

 

Steps to use AnyMP4 Blu-ray Ripper:

1. Launch the program and insert your Blu-ray disc.

2. Click Load Blu-ray Disc to scan content.

3. Select Output Format (e.g., 4K MP4, MKV, HEVC).

4. Use the Video Toolbox to edit or compress if desired.

5. Choose a save path, then click Rip All.

 

 

3. VideoByte Blu-ray Ripper

VideoByte Blu-ray Ripper is designed for users who want complete control over their Blu-ray rips, without unnecessary complications. It can rip Blu-rays to more than 300 formats, including MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, and WebM. Unlike MakeMKV, which limits you to MKV files, VideoByte ensures compatibility across a wide range of devices and media servers.

 

What makes VideoByte appealing is its ability to preserve all original audio tracks and subtitles. Whether your disc has multiple language tracks or special commentary audio, VideoByte can include them in your final rip. It also supports 3D video conversion, making it suitable for users who still own 3D-capable TVs and projectors.

 

Another key feature is the built-in video editor. Before ripping, you can trim, crop, rotate, or add watermarks to your video. It even supports batch conversion, letting you process multiple titles simultaneously. GPU acceleration ensures that 1080p and even 4K ripping tasks are handled efficiently.

 

For users who want the best of both worlds—lossless preservation and format flexibility—VideoByte Blu-ray Ripper stands out as a capable MakeMKV alternative. It offers the advanced customization missing from MakeMKV while still maintaining an easy-to-use interface.

 

Key features:

  • Supports ISO, Blu-ray folder, and physical discs.
  • Lossless MKV and MP4 output with multi-audio and subtitle preservation.
  • 3D video conversion for compatible devices.
  • Built-in video editor for trimming, cropping, rotating, and adding watermarks.

 

Its simple interface and flexible format options make VideoByte a great alternative for those who want full control over rip quality without complex settings.

 

Steps to use VideoByte Blu-ray Ripper:

1. Open the software and load your Blu-ray disc/folder/ISO.

2. Select titles you want to rip.

3. Choose an output format (MKV, MP4, MOV, etc.).

4. Optionally, use the editor to trim, rotate, or crop videos.

5. Click Rip All to start the process.

 

 

4. MKVToolNix [Freee]

MKVToolNix isn’t a disc ripper like MakeMKV but a powerful open-source toolkit for handling MKV files after they’ve been decrypted. If you already used MakeMKV or another tool to create an MKV from your Blu-ray, MKVToolNix lets you modify it without re-encoding, ensuring no loss in video or audio quality.

 

The software allows you to remux MKVs—adding or removing audio tracks, subtitles, or chapters. This makes it perfect for customizing rips. For instance, if you only want the main audio track and forced subtitles, MKVToolNix lets you strip away everything else in seconds. It also allows chapter editing, metadata adjustments, and track renaming.

 

Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, MKVToolNix is lightweight, fast, and completely free. While it doesn’t bypass encryption or rip directly from discs, it’s a must-have companion tool alongside any Blu-ray ripper. Many MakeMKV users pair the two: MakeMKV for the initial rip, and MKVToolNix for fine-tuning the output.

 

If you want complete control over your MKV files with zero quality loss, MKVToolNix is an essential tool in your Blu-ray management toolkit. It complements MakeMKV beautifully or works as an editor for rips from other software.

 

Key features:

  • Lossless MKV editing without quality loss.
  • Add or remove audio/subtitle tracks.
  • Change metadata, chapter info, and track names.
  • Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

 

While MKVToolNix doesn’t bypass copy protection or read encrypted discs, it’s a must-have companion tool for anyone who works extensively with MKV files.

 

Note: MKVToolNix cannot handle encrypted Blu-ray discs. If your disc is copy-protected, you must first decrypt it and save it as a Blu-ray BDMV folder before using MKVToolNix.

 

Steps to use MKVToolNix:

1. Download and install MKVToolNix.

2. Open MKVToolNix GUI, right-click anywhere in the interface, and choose “Add files” from the context menu. In the Blu-ray BDMV root directory, select either index.bdmv or MovieObject.bdmv. The program will scan the Blu-ray titles, after which you can pick the title corresponding to the main movie.

3. Add/remove subtitle or audio tracks as needed.

4. Click Start Multiplexing to generate the new MKV file.

 

 

 

5. Tipard Blu-ray Converter

Tipard Blu-ray Converter is a well-rounded alternative that combines Blu-ray ripping with comprehensive format conversion. Supporting over 500 output formats and device profiles, it ensures your Blu-ray movies can be enjoyed on virtually any device, from smart TVs to tablets. Unlike MakeMKV, which only outputs MKV, Tipard lets you choose from MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, and more.

 

The software is particularly beginner-friendly while still offering advanced options for power users. It features batch conversion, so you can rip multiple titles simultaneously. It also includes basic editing tools—allowing you to trim unwanted scenes, crop black bars, add effects, or even insert watermarks. This makes it useful not only for ripping but also for preparing content for presentations or home projects.

 

Tipard supports Blu-ray discs, folders, and ISO files, giving you flexibility in handling backups. GPU acceleration ensures that even large 4K rips are processed quickly. For users who care about quality, it preserves high-definition video and supports multiple audio and subtitle tracks.

 

As a MakeMKV alternative, Tipard is perfect for those who want more than just basic ripping. It combines speed, customization, and format flexibility into one package.

 

Key features:

  • Supports 4K and 1080p output.
  • Rip Blu-ray to over 500 formats, including device-optimized profiles.
  • Basic editing tools for trimming, cropping, and applying effects.
  • GPU acceleration for faster speed.

 

Tipard Blu-ray Converter strikes a balance between usability and advanced features, making it suitable for both casual and advanced users.

 

Steps to use Tipard Blu-ray Converter:

1. Launch the program and load your Blu-ray disc/ISO/folder.

2. Choose Output Format from over 500 available profiles.

3. Use editing features (trim, crop, effects) if needed.

4. Select destination folder.

5. Click Convert to finish.

 

 

6. DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper

DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper is often considered the gold standard in Blu-ray ripping due to its advanced decryption support and professional-grade features. It can handle nearly every form of copy protection, including AACS, BD+, Cinavia, and Java-based protections. This ensures you can rip even the newest commercial discs—something MakeMKV sometimes struggles with.

 

DVDFab offers both lossless and compressed ripping modes. If you want a perfect backup, you can create MKV or MP4 files that preserve HDR10, Dolby Vision, and high-quality audio formats like DTS-HD and TrueHD. Alternatively, you can compress rips to save storage space while still maintaining excellent quality.

 

One of DVDFab’s biggest strengths is its constant updates. Its cloud decryption service means it can keep up with new disc protections without requiring manual patches. The software also includes advanced customization, letting you tweak bitrate, resolution, frame rate, and audio channel configurations.

 

Though DVDFab comes with a higher price tag compared to most competitors, its reliability, speed, and professional feature set make it one of the best MakeMKV alternatives for serious collectors and enthusiasts who want uncompromising quality.

 

Key features:

  • Complete decryption support for AACS, BD+, Cinavia, and Java protections.
  • Lossless MKV and MP4 output with HDR10/Dolby Vision preservation.
  • Cloud decryption service for automatic updates.
  • Advanced video customization, including bitrate control, resolution adjustment, and audio channel selection.

 

DVDFab is perfect for users who want the most comprehensive ripping and decryption capabilities, though it comes at a higher price point than most competitors.

 

Steps to use DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper:

1. Open DVDFab and insert a Blu-ray disc.

2. Choose Ripper mode from the main menu.

3. Select your titles, audio, and subtitles.

4. Choose output format (MKV, MP4, etc.) and enable HDR preservation.

5. Click Start to begin ripping.

 

 

7. HandBrake (Free)

HandBrake is a popular open-source video transcoder that excels at compressing and re-encoding video. While it cannot decrypt Blu-rays by itself, it’s an excellent companion tool for converting already ripped content into more efficient formats. For example, if you used MakeMKV to create a massive 30GB MKV, HandBrake can compress it into a 5–10GB MP4 with very little quality loss.

 

HandBrake supports modern codecs like H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9, and AV1. It also comes with a range of device presets, making it easy to optimize videos for playback on iPhones, Android phones, Roku, game consoles, and more. Advanced users can fine-tune parameters such as bitrate, filters, cropping, and subtitles to create highly customized outputs.

 

Because it’s free and open-source, HandBrake is widely used by both casual users and professionals. It’s cross-platform, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. While it doesn’t replace MakeMKV for disc decryption, it’s the perfect follow-up tool for shrinking, converting, and optimizing your rips for long-term storage or streaming.

 

If your goal is to save space without compromising too much on quality, HandBrake is an essential addition to your Blu-ray ripping toolkit.

 

Key features:

  • 100% free and open-source.
  • Supports H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9, AV1, and more.
  • Device presets for iPhone, Android, Roku, and gaming consoles.
  • Extensive customization: bitrate control, filters, cropping, subtitles.

 

When paired with a decryption tool, HandBrake is perfect for compressing and re-encoding high-quality rips for portable devices or streaming.

 

Note: HandBrake cannot process encrypted Blu-ray discs. If your disc is copy-protected, you must first decrypt it and save it as a Blu-ray BDMV folder or ISO before using HandBrake.

 

Steps to use HandBrake:

1. Open HandBrake and click Open Source.

2. Load your Blu-ray folder, ISO, or decrypted disc.

3. Select a preset (Fast 1080p, HQ 4K, etc.) or customize.

4. Choose output container (MKV/MP4).

5. Click Start Encode to rip/convert.

 

 

8. VLC Media Player (Free)

VLC Media Player is one of the most popular media players worldwide, known for its ability to play almost any format without additional codecs. What many users don’t realize is that it also includes basic disc ripping and conversion functions, making it a surprisingly effective free alternative to MakeMKV for simple tasks.

 

With VLC, you can insert a Blu-ray or DVD and rip it directly to formats like MP4 or AVI. For unencrypted discs, it’s straightforward—simply open the disc, choose Convert/Save, and select your preferred format. For encrypted Blu-rays, additional libraries are required, but with the right setup, VLC can handle many titles.

 

While VLC doesn’t offer the advanced customization or speed of tools like DVDFab or Leawo, it’s perfect for casual users who want a quick way to back up movies. Beyond ripping, it doubles as a media manager, streaming tool, and even a simple video converter.

 

Since it’s free, cross-platform, and open-source, VLC is a great entry-level tool for users just getting started with Blu-ray ripping. It won’t replace professional software, but for light tasks, it’s a simple and reliable alternative to MakeMKV.

 

Key features:

  • Free, open-source, and available on all major platforms.
  • Plays and rips Blu-ray/DVD content.
  • Supports a wide range of formats.
  • Simple conversion tools for casual users.

 

While VLC can’t match the ripping speed or features of dedicated software, it’s a convenient option if you already use it as your primary media player.

 

Steps to use VLC for ripping:

1. Insert your Blu-ray or DVD.

2. Open VLC and go to Media > Convert/Save.

3. Select Disc and check Blu-ray.

4. Click Convert/Save, then choose output format (MP4 recommended).

5. Set destination folder and click Start.

 

Note: VLC Media Player cannot process encrypted Blu-ray discs. If your disc is copy-protected, you must first decrypt it and save it as a Blu-ray BDMV folder or ISO before using VLC Media Player.

 

 

Part 2. How to Convert MKV to Blu-ray

While MakeMKV is great for backing up Blu-ray discs into MKV files, sometimes you might want to convert those MKVs back into a playable Blu-ray disc with menus for watching on a standalone Blu-ray player.

 

This is where Yuhan Blu-ray Creator comes in. It’s a powerful authoring tool that allows you to burn MKV (and many other formats) to Blu-ray with professional-looking menus, while preserving high-quality video and audio.

 

Yuhan Blu-ray Creator is a professional authoring tool that goes beyond simple ripping—it allows you to take video files in formats like MKV, MP4, MOV, AVI, and more, and transform them into fully playable Blu-ray discs with menus, chapters, and high-quality audio. This makes it the perfect companion for MakeMKV users who have already ripped their discs but want to enjoy them on a standalone Blu-ray player. Unlike basic burning software, Yuhan Blu-ray Creator supports multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and advanced sound formats such as DTS-HD Master, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos. It also offers pass-through mode, letting you skip re-encoding when the video is already Blu-ray compliant, saving both time and preserving quality. With over 30 customizable menu templates, hardware acceleration, and outputs to disc, ISO, or BDMV folder, Yuhan Blu-ray Creator delivers a complete Blu-ray authoring solution for both casual and advanced users.

 

Why Use Yuhan Blu-ray Creator?

  • Wide format support: Handles MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, and more.
  • Multiple audio tracks & subtitles: Keeps the original streams from your MakeMKV rips, including DTS-HD, TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos.
  • Customizable menus: Over 30 menu templates, plus the option to set your own background images, music, and button layouts.
  • Pass-through mode: If your MKV file is already Blu-ray compliant, it can skip re-encoding to save time and maintain quality.
  • Hardware acceleration: Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA GPU support for faster encoding when needed.

 

Step-by-Step Guide: Converting MKV to Blu-ray with Yuhan Blu-ray Creator

Before we start, we need to download and install Yuhan Blu-ray Creator. If your computer is Windows, you can click the button on the left below to download it. If your computer is Mac, please click the button on the right below to download it.

 

       

Step 1: Import MKV Videos

Open the program and go to the "Blu-ray" tab. Import your MKV video files by either clicking the "Add Video" button or simply dragging and dropping them. You can choose multiple audio tracks and subtitles, and even add external subtitle files in formats like SRT, ASS, or SUP.

 

Step 2: Customize Your Menu

Click the "Select Menu" button to open the menu editing window. You’ll find over 30 menu templates to choose from. Select your preferred template from the panel on the right and customize it to your liking. You can adjust the background image, music, and button layout. Additionally, you can choose from four scene menu display modes, allowing you to display the menu by files or chapters, and in either text or thumbnail format.

 

Step 3: Output Settings

You can save the Blu-ray as a BDMV folder, an ISO image, or burn it directly to a disc. Additionally, you can customize settings such as the disc label, default audio track, default subtitles, and more.

 

Step 4: Burn Your Blu-ray

Click the "Start" button, and Yuhan Blu-ray Creator will begin converting your MKV file to Blu-ray. Once the process is finished and the disc is automatically ejected, the Blu-ray creation is complete.

 

 

Part 3. Conclusion

MakeMKV has been a go-to solution for lossless Blu-ray ripping for years, but recent instability has made some users look elsewhere. Whether you want faster speeds, more format options, or built-in editing, these eight MakeMKV alternatives—including free tools like HandBrake and VLC Media Player—offer excellent performance and flexibility.

 

And if you ever need to transform your MakeMKV-generated MKVs back into a playable Blu-ray with menus, Yuhan Blu-ray Creator is the perfect companion for preserving quality and enhancing playback compatibility.

 

If you want to learn more about Yuhan Blu-ray Creator, please click: https://yuhanmedia.com/bd-creator

 

If you want to download and try it for free, please click the button below to download it.