MakeMKV Review: Is It Still Worth Using for DVD & Blu-ray Ripping?

With recent MakeMKV down incidents leaving many users unable to access the official website or download the latest version, more people are re-evaluating whether MakeMKV is still the right DVD and Blu-ray backup tool. Most reviews simply list its features, but they rarely answer the questions users actually care about. Can MakeMKV handle today's copy-protected discs? Why does disc scanning sometimes take so long? And is the beta version still safe to use?

To find out, we tested MakeMKV using commercial DVDs alongside several popular alternatives, evaluating ripping speed, output quality, compatibility, ease of use, and real-world reliability. This review also covers the software's biggest limitations, common issues reported by users, and when another DVD ripper may be a better fit.

Part 1. What Is MakeMKV and Features Overview

MakeMKV[1] is popular format converter software, which is also called "transcoder". It converts videos source from encrypted media containers, say DVD or Blu-ray Discs to open and free MKV file, while still preserving most cinematic extras, such as multiple audio tracks (e.g. director's commentary), multilingual subtitles, chapter points, bonus content and more.

Additionally MakeMKV can instantly stream decrypted M2TS video to MKV without intermediate conversion to wide range of players, you may watch Blu-ray and DVD with your favorite player or OS in MKV format.

Key Features of MakeMKV (What Actually Matters)

• Lossless disc backup (remux, not re-encoding) — MakeMKV copies video and audio streams without compression.
• Supports DVD & Blu-ray protection — including newer disc encryption formats commonly found in commercial releases.
• Preserves all original content — keeps multiple audio tracks (DTS, AAC, AC3), subtitles, and chapter information intact.
• Fast ripping based on drive speed — no CPU-heavy encoding; performance mainly depends on how fast your optical drive reads data.
• Creates clean MKV files — ideal for Plex, NAS storage, and long-term archival without quality degradation.

>> Try MakeMKV with: MakeMKV free Beta key/Lifetime Key

Part 2. MakeMKV Performance Test Results (Real Benchmark: NCIS DVD)

To evaluate MakeMKV's real-world performance, we tested it using a commercial DVD source (NCIS Title 7, 41 minutes and 9 seconds, 29.97 fps). The goal of this benchmark was to measure not only ripping speed, but also disc analysis efficiency, system resource usage, and how accurately MakeMKV identifies the correct main title.

Unlike re-encoding tools such as HandBrake, MakeMKV performs a direct stream extraction (remux), so CPU and GPU usage remain relatively low throughout the process. However, performance is still affected by disc structure complexity and title detection behavior.

Read More: DVDFab vs MakeMKV: Our Hands-On Comparison After Real Tests

Part 3. What We Liked About MakeMKV (Why People Still Use It in 2026)

After testing MakeMKV with commercial DVDs under real-world conditions, it becomes clear why this tool is still widely used despite its simple interface and lack of modern UI features. Its value is not in speed or format flexibility, but in one core idea: creating a perfect 1:1 digital backup of physical discs without altering the original content.

In our NCIS DVD benchmark, MakeMKV completed the full ripping process in about 8.6 minutes while keeping CPU and GPU usage extremely low, confirming that it behaves more like a disc stream extractor than a traditional video converter.

Why People Still Love MakeMKV

• Lossless Backup (True Remux Engine) — MakeMKV copies video and audio streams directly from the disc without any compression or re-encoding, preserving original quality exactly as stored on the DVD or Blu-ray.
• Fast Disc Copy Based on Drive Speed — Since there is no encoding stage, performance depends mainly on optical drive read speed. In our test, total runtime stayed stable at around 519 seconds.
• Preserves Chapters Automatically — Chapter structure is fully retained, making it ideal for Plex, NAS libraries, or long-term archiving.
• Full Audio Track Retention — All original audio streams are preserved, including multi-language tracks, DTS, AC3, and commentary audio without any loss.
• Subtitle Preservation — Keeps all embedded subtitle tracks, including forced subtitles used in foreign language scenes.
• Free Beta Model Still Works — Despite being technically in beta, MakeMKV remains usable for free through regularly updated beta keys, which is one of the reasons it still has a strong user base.

What Could Be Better in MakeMKV

While MakeMKV performs extremely well in lossless disc backup scenarios, our testing also revealed several limitations that may affect users who expect a more modern DVD ripping experience or broader output flexibility.

Key Limitations You Should Know

• MKV Only Output — MakeMKV does not support MP4 or other compressed formats, which means additional software is required if you want mobile-friendly files.
• No Video Compression or Editing Tools — There is no built-in editing, trimming, or compression functionality, unlike modern all-in-one DVD rippers.
• Manual Title Selection Required — In our NCIS test, the software detected multiple similar titles (7, 10, 11, 13, 14), all with nearly identical durations, requiring manual identification of the correct main episode.
• Disc Reading Can Be Slow on Complex DVDs — While extraction itself is fast, initial scanning and title parsing may take longer depending on disc structure.
• Beta Key Dependency — Continuous free use depends on updating the beta key, which may not feel convenient for some users.
• Outdated Interface Design — The UI is functional but minimal, and lacks modern workflow enhancements found in newer DVD ripping tools.

Part 4. Who Should Use MakeMKV?

MakeMKV is not designed to be a universal DVD converter. Instead, it targets a very specific group of users who care about preserving original disc quality rather than creating compressed, mobile-friendly files. Based on our testing and real-world usage patterns, its strengths and limitations clearly define who it is best suited for.

Best For These Users

• DVD & Blu-ray collectors: create exact 1:1 digital archives of their physical disc collection without any quality loss.
• Plex media server users: MKV output works seamlessly with Plex libraries, preserving chapters, subtitles, and multi-audio tracks.
• NAS storage setups: long-term archiving on Synology, QNAP, or other network storage systems.
• Remux-focused users: keep original video streams untouched rather than re-encoding or compressing content.
• MKV format enthusiasts: Users who specifically want clean MKV containers with full metadata preservation.

Not Ideal For These Use Cases

• Mobile device playback: MakeMKV does not output MP4 or optimized mobile formats.
• Users who need MP4 or compressed formats: Additional conversion tools are required after ripping.
• Quick editing or social media workflows: MakeMKV does not support trimming, compression, or format optimization.

In short, MakeMKV is best suited for users who prioritize preservation over convenience, and archival quality over device compatibility.

Part 5. How to Rip Blu-ray or DVD to MKV with MakeMKV software?

To use MakeMKV to back up a DVD on Windows 10/11 or Mac, go to the official site and download the latest version.

MakeMKV Quick Start Guide:

• Latest MakeMKV version: MakeMKV v1.18.3 (1.25.2026) 
• System Requirements: Windows, macOS, or Linux; an optical drive (Blu-ray drive for BDs).
• Input Formats: Physical Discs, ISO Images, and Video_TS Folders.
• Output Format: 1:1 Lossless MKV (No compression).
• Beta Key: MakeMKV is free while in beta, but requires a new registration key every 2 months.
• Official download page: http://www.makemkv.com/download/

Step 1. Load the Disc.

After downloading and installing the MakeMKV package on your Windows 10/11, inserting your disc into DVD-ROM drive, and launch MakeMKV. MakeMKV will recognize the Blu-ray or DVD disc automatically and all the info. will show up on the interface. Click the big DVD disc button, MakeMKV will add and analyze all the titles of DVD.

Step 2. Select Titles and Tracks.

Once MakeMKV finishes scanning the movie information, it will shows all the titles and chapters in the disc. User can view all the actions on progress area. Eventually, the most possible right titles will be listed as a tree structure with a MPEG2 video file, several audio and subtitle files in each title. Since not all checked titles need to be backed up, it's advisable to backup the title with relatively larger size.

Step 3. Set Output Folder.

Under the "Output folder" section, choose where you would like to save the rip. As MakeMKV will back up disc in MKV format, the output MKV video will take as large as the original DVD or Blu-ray. So you need to make sure that the hard drive on your computer has enough free space.

Step 4. Start Ripping.

Click the "Make MKV" to start backing up the disc to your computer. Then a window pops up where sourc name/size, read rate, output file/size, free space, elapsed/remaining DVD backup to MKV time and the operation progress can be viewed. Smartly, the DVD/blu-ray backup to MKV task can also be canceled at any time the orange pause button is clicked.

If there're multiple/hundreds of playlists, you may want to know which title to rip with MakeMKV.

MakeMKV can only back up DVDs with some DVD copy protection schemes including CSS and region code (better than HandBrake). It can't handle copy protections such as Sony ArccOS, UOPs, APS, or Disney X-project DRM. So, when you find the MakeMKV backup DVD on Windows 10/11 greyed out, failed or disabled, it's time to turn to a MakeMKV alternative.

Quick Reference: MakeMKV Key Parameters and Usage Tips

MakeMKV Tutorial: How to Rip DVD to MKV Using MakeMKV

Part 6. Best MakeMKV DVD Backup Alternative Software

WinX DVD Ripper Platinum – the best DVD backup alternative to MakeMKV. It's able to fix MakeMKV DVD backup failure/error on Windows 10/11; Decrypt DVDs protected by region codes, RCE, CSS, Sony ArccOS, UOPs, Disney X-project DRM, etc. AND backup DVD main/full title (the right title checked); Rip DVD to MP4, MOV, WMV, AVI, MP3, iOS, Android devices.

WinX DVD Ripper Platinum mainly rip/backup DVD in 4 ways:

• Main Title Content Copy to a MPG video file (with selected audio/video tracks), Full Title Copy (with all videos, videos and subtitles), 1:1 Clone DVD to ISO Image;
• Rip/Backup DVD to video formats. MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, WebM and other mainstream PC/Mac/Web formats are all included.
• Rip/Backup DVD to diversified devices, even the latest iPhone 7/Plus, Galaxy S7 are offered. [Recommend for mobile users]
• Extract audio from DVD for backup in MP3, AAC or AC3.

How to Use Best MakeMKV Alternative to Backup Rip DVD

Compared to MakeMKV, this alternative DVD backup software is easier to operate. Apart from DVD disc and ISO image file, it also supports backup/rip DVD folder to digital file. It can effortlessly kick the copy protection on disk on one side and check the right title content by default. To ensure the DVD backup/ripping on Windows 10 is finished rightly and smoothly, check "Safe Mode" before the DVD conversion.

Step 1. Insert the DVD disc into DVD-ROM and launch WinX DVD Ripper Platinum. Click the "DVD Disc" button to load the DVD content.

Step 2. In the pop-up output profile window, choose DVD Backup and select a DVD backup mode as you need.

Step 3. Click "Browse" button to set a preferred destination folder to store the converted DVD video file.

Step 4. Then hit "RUN" button to start backing up your DVD to Windows 10/11 PC withi this MakeMKV alternative DVD backup software.

Bonus features of MakeMKV alternative:

• Edit video codec, bit rate, frame rate, aspect ratio, resolution, video codec, channel when ripping DVD to video format.
• Choose/Disable subtitles, add .srt subtitle, choose audio channel, crop/trim video at will.
• Define or open destination folder to save output DVD content; Preview checked title.
• Merge several titles into one; Set video tag; Make full use of multi-core CUP (up-to-8).

Moreover, we will continuously update WinX DVD Ripper Platinum to support any new DVD copy protections. This software is undoubtedly your first choice for DVD backup once your favorite movies are available on DVDs. Kindly to notice that 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.

Part 7. Frequently Asked Questions about MakeMKV