Best 8 Ways to Convert DVD to Digital [Free Options Included]

There are several reasons why we might want to convert DVD to digital. One common reason is the desire to watch movies on our smartphones or put them on an external hard drive, NAS, or other storage devices for easy access. Additionally, creating a backup of our DVDs can provide protection against unforeseen circumstances.

Well, how to convert DVDs to digital formats?

In this article, we will introduce 8 methods for converting DVDs into digital formats, including 5 DVD to digital converter software (two of them are free), 2 DVD to digital conversion services, and a DVD to digital hardware device. Now let's check how they work and discover the perfect solution for you!

Method 1. Convert DVD to Digital with WinX DVD Ripper

Best for users who are looking for a tool to convert copy-protected DVDs to digital on Windows and Mac.

Compatible OS: Windows 7 - Windows 11; Mac OS X 10.6 - macOS Sonoma

WinX DVD Ripper is a full-fledged DVD to digital converter released by Digiarty Software in 2009. It can convert home movie DVDs and commercial DVDs to digital files in a variety of formats, including MP4, MOV, and others. It is widely recommended by editors and users for its powerful DVD decrypting ability, superfast DVD ripping speed, high-quality output, and a wide range of output profiles.

Main features:

• Automatically bypass all DVD region codes and DVD copy protections on its own.
• Support all popular digital formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, ISO, VIDEO_TS, MP3, etc.
• 350+ output profiles: iPhone, iPad, Android, PC, Mac, TV, YouTube, Chromecast, iTunes, etc.
• Allow 1:1 cloning DVD to ISO image and Video_TS folder to make an exact digital copy of DVD.
• Offer customizable output settings for video and audio quality, resolution, bitrate, and more.
• Support High Quality Engine, multi-core CPU, Hyper-Threading tech and GPU Hardware Acceleration.
• Digitize a DVD in 5 minutes. 47X real-time speed. 5X faster than similar programs.
• Allow users to crop, trim, merge, and add subtitles to their videos.
• Permit users to digitize an unlimited number of DVDs and select their preferred resolution.

Now, you can free download WinX DVD Ripper to transfer full or part content of a physical DVD disc to a digital file format! Don't worry about processor speed or memory capacity. This software can run smoothly on old and low-end devices.

Pros:

• It supports digitizing both home movie DVDs and commercial copy-protected movie DVDs including Disney DVDs.
• It provides over 350 output profiles to choose.
• It helps users to convert DVD to digital at home.
• It is easy to use, even for beginners. No technology skill needed.
• It is more cost-effective than other methods. Check the price >>
• It works fast. A DVD can be converted to digital within minutes.
• It allows you to convert as many DVDs as you like.
• It allows editing video before ripping.
• It is available in all regions.

Cons:

• Need to download and install this software on your computer.
• A computer with a built-in DVD drive, or an external drive.

[Tutorial] How to Convert DVD to Digital with WinX DVD Ripper?

Step 1. Download and install WinX DVD Ripper.

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

Step 2. Load the DVD disc.

• Insert the DVD disc into your computer's DVD drive.
• 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.

• Adjust the bitrate, resolution and other parameters if necessary.

• You can also add subtitles, adjust the volume, crop and expand the video, and trim the video.

Step 4. Start DVD to digital conversion.

• Click "Browse" to set a folder to store the digital copy extracted from your DVD.
• 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.

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.

Tips: If you meet problems in digitizing DVDs, choose "Safe Mode" to rip any DVD smoothly.

Watch Video Tutorial: How to Convert DVD to Digital

Method 2. Convert DVD to Digital with VUDU

Best for users who have a small collection of DVDs and want to convert DVDs to digital files without DVD drive.

Compatible OS: Android, iOS

VUDU's disc to digital service was initially launched in 2017. With this service, you can get digital copies of your Blu-rays and DVDs simply by scanning the barcodes on your discs and watch them on any VUDU-enabled device. Vudu To Go, the in-home service of Disc to Digital, isn't supported after December 31, 2019. But you can still use In Mobile Disc to Digital which can help scan discs on your phone and tablet. Please be noted that not all discs are eligible for Disc to Digital conversion. You can search for title availability at https://www.vudu.com/content/in_mobile_disc_to_digital.html.

Pros:

• You can process DVD to digital right from your mobile.
• There is no need to use DVD drive.

Cons:

• It costs much if you have a large DVD collection. $2-$5 is required for each disc to video copy.
• It sets limit on maximum conversions per year. You are only allowed to convert 100 DVDs per year.
• Region limitations. It is only available in US and Mexico.
• Not all DVDs are supported to convert. First, only DVDs from partnering studios are compatible with D2D. E.g., you can't convert Disney DVDs to digital files with Vudu. Second, D2D services don't "convert" discs, it provides a digital copy instead if it's in their library. That means you can't convert any homemade DVDs.
• You will need the case and UPC code to convert with Disc to Digital.
• No control on the output quality. Sometimes there is SD version available only and you can't do anything to improve the quality.
• No physical ownership. Some services allow you to download the converted DVD video for viewing offline, but you don't really own it. When you cancel the membership, you lose the movies.
• Data Throttling. Online DVD to digital converter services provide digital files via the internet connection, which can be capped soon.
• Intricate errors. The process can be fraught with issues that are difficult to deal with, for example, can't find any titles in the cart, location doesn't match billing address, can't read barcode, operation timeout, etc.

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

In a word, disc to digital services are a good choice for those who would like to digitize relatively small and new DVD collection. You may want a DVD to digital program like WinX DVD Ripper to create high-quality disc to digital copy without extra fee each time, full control on the output video, and freedom to use the digital copies anywhere.

[Tutorial] How to convert DVD to digital on Android/iPhone with VUDU disc to digital service?

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.

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 watch instantly.

Watch Video Tutorial: How to Convert DVD to Digital with VUDU Disc to Digital

Method 3. Convert DVD to Digital with DVDWalmart - DVD to Digital Service near You

Best for users who want to convert a small collection of DVDs with a DVD to digital service.

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. 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.

Pros:

• You don't need to do the conversion by yourself.

Cons:

• It is troublesome.
• It is expensive.
• Users will wait long time to get digital copy.

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.

Tips: If you have a lot of DVDs that need to be converted to digital format, it will cost a shedload of money. If you're on a budget, DVD to digital conversion software will be a better choice. Take WinX DVD Ripper as an example, you only need to pay $34.95 to get a one-year license, which can be used on 3 computers. After activating WinX DVD Ripper with this license, you can convert as many DVDs as you like and choose a desired output format. And it only takes a few minutes to get a digital copy of your DVD.

If you're interested in WinX DVD Ripper, click the download button below to have a try!

Method 4. Convert DVD to Digital for Free with HandBrake

Best for advanced users who need a free DVD to digital converter.

Compatible OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux

If you want to convert your DVDs to digital files without paying money, you can check HandBrake. This is a free open source video transcoder for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers a range of customization options for video and audio output, making it ideal for users who want to have greater control over the video and audio output. Handbrake is also suitable for users who are comfortable with technology and are willing to invest the time to learn how to use the software effectively.

It can convert your non-protected DVDs to digital files in MP4, MKV, and WebM. Without libdvdcss, it cannot rip copy-protected DVDs.

Pros:

• It is totally free.
• It provides dozens of output presets.

Cons:

• It can't bypass copy protections.
• Some settings are confusing for beginners.

How to convert DVD to digital with free HandBrake?

Step 1. Download, install, and open HandBrake on your computer.

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 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.

Watch Video Tutorial: How to Convert DVD to Digital for Free with HandBrake

Method 5. Convert DVD to Digital for Free with VidCoder

Best for digitizing unencrypted DVDs on Windows

Compatible OS: Windows

VidCoder is another free open-source DVD to digital converter for Windows. It uses HandBrake as its encoding engine. Like HandBrake, VidCoder cannot digitize copy-protected DVDs.

While VidCoder and HandBrake share similar core functionalities, there are key distinctions worth noting. Here's what sets VidCoder apart. Firstly, VidCoder is tailored exclusively for Windows users, while HandBrake extends its reach to a broader audience, catering to Windows, Mac, and Linux users. Secondly, VidCoder specializes in exporting content to MP4 and MKV formats. In contrast, HandBrake offers a broader range of output options, including MKV, MP4, and WebM, providing users with more flexibility in choosing their preferred digital format.

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.

Pros:

• It is free to use and open-source.
• It allows users to fine-tune output parameters.

Cons:

• It isn't compatible with Mac and Linux.
• It cannot digitize encrypted DVDs.
• It requires .NET 6.0.2 Desktop Runtime (x64) installed.
• The installation process is very slow.

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.

Method 6. Convert DVD to Digital for Free with VLC Media Player

Best for tech-savvy users who require a free and open-source solution for converting their DVDs to digital.

Compatible OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux

In spite of its name, VLC is not just a media player. It has a remarkably long list of features including media playback, online streaming, and DVD digitization. It can convert your DVDs to a dozen of digital formats. And it can even deal with some encrypted discs. The disadvantage is that it takes as long as the movie length to finish ripping DVD. If you don't mind this, just follow the steps below to use VLC to turn your DVDs into digital videos.

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.

Pros:

• It is free of charge.
• It can do more than DVD to digital.

Cons:

• It requires quite a long time to digitize DVD.

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.

Watch Video Tutorial: How to Convert DVD to Digital for Free with VLC

Method 7. Convert DVD to Digital for Free with MakeMKV

Best for beginners who want a fast and easy way to convert their DVDs to digital without requiring many customization options.

Compatible OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux

MakeMKV has a simple and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it a suitable option for beginners. It can convert protected Blu-ray and DVD discs to digital files in MKV for free during BETA. But as its name indicates, MakeMKV can only export MKV files, which may not be suitable for users who require other formats. And, there is no compression, which means you'll get a high-quality but large-size digital copy.

Pros:

• It can decrypt DVDs and Blurays.
• It is free to use.
• It keeps the original quality.

Cons:

• It can only output uncompressed MKV files.

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.

Watch Video Tutorial: How to Convert DVD to Digital for Free with MakeMKV

Method 5. Convert DVD to Digital with ClearClick

Best for users who want to convert DVD to digital without computer.

In addition to DVD to digital software and DVD to digital services, there are also DVD to digital hardware devices that can help you 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.

Pros:

• No computer or software required.
• Easy to use.

Cons:

• Don't support customizing output.
• Considered relatively expensive at $159.95.
• Time-consuming due to the recording process for DVD digitization.
• A standalone DVD player is required.
• A USB flash drive or SD card is necessary.
• Cannot bypass copy protection mechanisms.

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.

Compare the DVD to Digital Converter Software/Service

Here, we will compare various aspects including price, supported DVD types, supported output formats, and conversion speed to help you determine the best approach for converting DVDs to digital formats.

Sum 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.

Consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting the best DVD to digital converter option for you.

Suggested reading: How to Convert VHS to Digital/MP4: Use a Service or Do It Yourself

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 for Mac OS X 10.6 or later

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. How to convert Disney DVD to digital?

Digitizing Disney DVDs is really a matter of headache, as they are always strictly protected. There may be 99 titles to confuse you and DVD converters. Happily, WinX DVD Ripper can read and convert them without errors. Just give it a try.