How to Convert DVD to MKV: 4 Best Methods for Lossless Backup

DVDs are great for physical collections, but they aren’t always practical in today’s digital-first world. Whether you're trying to back up your media, watch your favorite movies on your phone, or simply preserve them in high quality, converting DVD to MKV format is a smart move.

MKV (Matroska Video) is a powerful container format that supports high-quality video, multiple audio tracks, and subtitles—all in a single file. This makes it ideal for creating lossless backups of your DVDs.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to convert DVD to MKV using four of the best tools available. Whether you're a beginner or a power user, there's a method here that will suit your needs.

What You Need Before Conversion

Before you start to rip DVD to MKV, make sure you’re prepared with the following:

•  DVD Drive: An internal or external DVD drive is required to read the disc.
  
  
• Enough Storage Space: MKV files are often large, especially if uncompressed.
  
  
• Software Tools: Depending on your choice of converter, you’ll need to install specific applications.
  
  
• Legal Consideration: Ensure your DVD ripping is for personal use. Circumventing copy protection may violate copyright laws depending on your location.

Top 4 Methods to Convert DVD to MKV

1 Using MakeMKV for Straightforward Conversion

If you're looking for a simple, fast, and largely lossless way to convert DVD to MKV, MakeMKV is a top choice.

Features:

• Free during beta stage
  
  
• Preserves all video/audio streams, subtitles, and menus
  
  
• Very easy to use

How to Use MakeMKV:

1. Download and install MakeMKV.
   
   
2. Insert your DVD into the drive and launch the software.
   
   
3. Click the DVD drive icon to scan the disc.
   
   
4. Select the titles, audio tracks, and subtitles you want.
   
   
5. Click “Make MKV” to start ripping.

Pros:

• Near-lossless conversion
  
  
• Retains menus and multiple audio/subtitle tracks

Cons:

• Limited format output (MKV only)
  
  
• Doesn’t compress video (larger files)

If you just want a 1:1 DVD to MKV conversion without much customization, MakeMKV is perfect.

2 Using HandBrake for Customizable Conversion

For users who want more control over the output file size, resolution, or codecs, HandBrake is a great choice.

Features:

• Free and open-source
  
  
• Custom encoding settings
  
  
• Support for various formats, including MKV

How to Rip DVD to MKV with HandBrake:

1. Install HandBrake and a DVD decryption plugin (like libdvdcss) if needed.
   
   
2. Launch HandBrake and select your DVD source.
   
   
3. Choose MKV as the output format.
   
   
4. Adjust video/audio settings as needed.
   
   
5. Click “Start Encode” to begin conversion.

Pros:

• Full control over quality and file size
  
  
• Can compress videos for mobile viewing

Cons:

• Slight learning curve
  
  
• Requires additional tools for encrypted DVDs

Want to rip and compress a DVD for flexible playback? HandBrake is your go-to DVD to MKV converter.

3 Using VLC Media Player for Basic Conversion

You may already have a powerful DVD-to-MKV tool on your PC without knowing it—VLC Media Player.

Features:

• Free and widely available
  
  
• Simple UI for basic conversions
  
  
• Also works as a DVD player

How to Convert DVD to MKV with VLC:

1. Open VLC and go to Media > Convert/Save.
   
   
2. Select the Disc tab and choose your DVD.
   
   
3. Click Convert/Save, then set output to MKV.
   
   
4. Choose a destination and start conversion.

Pros:

• Doesn’t require extra software
  
  
• Lightweight and quick for small tasks

Cons:

• Limited settings
  
  
• May struggle with encrypted DVDs
  
  
• Slower conversion speed

VLC is useful for quick, no-frills conversions but isn’t ideal for complex or high-quality backups.

4 Using Leawo Blu-ray Ripper for Comprehensive Solutions

If you want an all-in-one tool that supports DVDs, Blu-rays, and multiple output formats, Leawo Blu-ray Ripper is a powerhouse.

Features:

• Supports both DVD and Blu-ray ripping
  
  
• High-speed, lossless MKV conversion
  
  
• Built-in video editor and subtitles manager
  
  
• GPU acceleration for faster processing

How to Use:

1. Download and install Leawo Blu-ray Ripper.
   
   
2. Load your DVD by clicking “Add Blu-ray/DVD.”
   
   
3. Select MKV as the output format.
   
   
4. Customize output (choose chapters, audio, subtitles).
   
   
5. Click the Convert button to begin.

Pros:

• Extremely versatile
  
  
• Great for both beginners and advanced users
  
  
• High-speed performance and top video quality

Cons:

• Not free (trial version has limitations)

If you're also looking to convert Blu-ray to MP4, Leawo’s Blu-ray Ripper covers all your needs. It also ranks as one of the best DVD ripper tools available today.

Comparison of DVD to MKV Conversion Methods

Conclusion

Backing up your DVDs by converting them to MKV is a smart and future-proof decision. Whether you’re aiming for a lossless copy, want more control over output quality, or just need a quick rip for offline use, there’s a tool that fits your needs.

To recap:

• Use MakeMKV for high-quality, straightforward conversions.
  
  
• Use HandBrake if you want to customize file size or re-encode video.
  
  
• Use VLC for quick, basic conversions.
  
  
• Use Leawo Blu-ray Ripper for a complete, professional solution that supports both DVD and Blu-ray.

All four methods are reliable, but for the best balance of power and ease of use, Leawo Blu-ray Ripper stands out. It also gives you options beyond MKV, making it a strong choice if you ever want to explore other formats.

Now that you know how to rip DVD to MKV, start preserving your DVD collection today—before your discs gather dust or degrade over time.