ByWith physical media slowly being phased out, Blu-ray discs still hold a special place for movie lovers and collectors due to their superior video and audio quality. But what if you want to back up your Blu-ray collection or watch your movies on your phone, tablet, or laptop without the disc? That’s where a free Blu-ray ripper comes in.
Ripping Blu-rays allows you to convert physical discs into digital files for easier access, portability, and archiving. In this article, we’ll introduce the best free Blu-ray ripper tools available in 2025 and help you choose the right one based on features, compatibility, and ease of use.
Top Free Blu-Ray Ripper Tools You Should Know
Here are some of the most reliable and widely used free Blu-ray ripping software options you can try in 2025. Whether you’re looking to convert Blu-ray to MP4 or just back up your discs for safekeeping, these tools have you covered.
1. MakeMKV
MakeMKV has been a fan favorite for years, and for good reason. It specializes in converting Blu-ray and DVD discs into high-quality MKV files with all video/audio tracks, metadata, and subtitles preserved.
- Pros:
- Completely free for Blu-ray and DVD ripping (during beta)
- Preserves full quality with no compression
- Supports encrypted discs (AACS)
- Simple and clean interface
- Completely free for Blu-ray and DVD ripping (during beta)
- Cons:
- Only outputs in MKV format
- No built-in compression or file size optimization
- Only outputs in MKV format
- Best for: Users who want a raw, lossless copy of their Blu-ray content.
If you’re looking for a free Blu-ray ripper that prioritizes quality and simplicity, MakeMKV is a great starting point.
2. HandBrake
HandBrake is a powerful and open-source video transcoder that’s well-known for compressing and converting videos. Although it doesn’t natively decrypt Blu-ray discs, it pairs well with MakeMKV for a two-step ripping and conversion process.
- Pros:
- Supports many output formats (MP4, MKV, WebM)
- Highly customizable settings
- Great for reducing file size
- Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Supports many output formats (MP4, MKV, WebM)
- Cons:
- Cannot rip encrypted Blu-rays on its own
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Cannot rip encrypted Blu-rays on its own
- Best for: Users who want to convert Blu-ray to MP4 free with detailed control over compression, bitrate, and resolution.
While not a ripper by itself, HandBrake is one of the best tools to convert Blu-ray to MP4 after using another ripper like MakeMKV.
3. VLC Media Player
Most people know VLC as a media player, but it also has basic disc-ripping capabilities. It’s not a full-fledged Blu-ray ripper, but it can be useful in simple situations.
- Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Available on all major platforms
- Can play and convert media, including unprotected Blu-rays
- Free and open-source
- Cons:
- Limited support for encrypted discs
- Minimal control over output settings
- Not user-friendly for disc ripping
- Limited support for encrypted discs
- Best for: Basic conversions and users who already use VLC for media playback.
While it’s not the best free Blu-ray ripper, VLC can handle unprotected discs and is useful for lightweight tasks.
4. Leawo Blu-ray Ripper (Free Trial)
Leawo Blu-ray Ripper stands out for its blend of user-friendliness and professional-grade features. It’s not fully free, but the free trial version allows limited ripping, making it a good option for trying before buying.
- Pros:
- Supports over 180 video/audio formats
- Allows you to convert Blu-ray to MP4, MKV, AVI, and more
- Preserves subtitles, audio tracks, and quality
- Useful video editing and customization options
- Can handle encrypted Blu-rays (region, AACS)
- Supports over 180 video/audio formats
- Cons:
- Free version has limitations
- Full version is paid
- Best for: Users who want a complete tool that’s easy to use, even during the free trial.
If you want a professional-grade free Blu-ray ripping software to test before buying, Leawo Blu-ray Ripper is a top contender.
5. CloneBD (Free Trial)
CloneBD is a popular Blu-ray ripping tool that can copy Blu-rays to hard drive or convert them into various file formats. Like Leawo, it offers a free trial with limited features.
- Pros:
- Can rip full discs or select chapters, subtitles, and audio tracks
- Converts to MP4, MKV, and other formats
- Supports partial compression and video editing
- Can rip full discs or select chapters, subtitles, and audio tracks
- Cons:
- Free version doesn’t support AACS-protected discs
- Limited features unless you purchase full version
- Free version doesn’t support AACS-protected discs
- Best for: Users with unprotected discs or those looking to explore features before buying.
CloneBD works well for straightforward ripping tasks and is worth trying out if you’re testing options.
Comparison of These Free Blu-ray Tools
| Software | Encryption Support | Output Formats | Free? | Best For |
| MakeMKV | Yes (AACS only) | MKV | Free (beta) | High-quality raw Blu-ray copies |
| HandBrake | No (needs MakeMKV) | MP4, MKV, WebM | Free | Format conversion & compression |
| VLC | Limited | MP4, AVI, others | Free | Light use, unprotected discs |
| Leawo Blu-ray Ripper | Yes (trial) | MP4, MKV, AVI, etc. | Free Trial | Easy, versatile ripping |
| CloneBD | No (trial) | MP4, MKV | Free Trial | Basic ripping, feature preview |
FAQs
1. Can I legally rip Blu-ray discs?
That depends on your country. In many regions, making personal backups of Blu-rays you own is allowed. However, bypassing copy protection might still violate copyright laws. Always check your local regulations before using a free Blu-ray ripper.
2. What’s the best format to convert Blu-ray to?
For most users, MP4 is ideal because it’s compatible with almost all devices and media players. If you’re aiming to convert Blu-ray to MP4, tools like Leawo Blu-ray Ripper or HandBrake (after using MakeMKV) are great options.
3. Does ripping Blu-rays reduce video quality?
Not necessarily. Tools like MakeMKV preserve full quality, while others like HandBrake allow you to compress video to save space—with or without noticeable quality loss, depending on your settings.
Conclusion
Choosing the best free Blu-ray ripper in 2025 depends on your needs—whether you prioritize full-quality backups, compressed file sizes, or ease of use.
Here’s a quick recommendation:
- Use MakeMKV for raw, high-quality rips.
- Use HandBrake to convert Blu-ray to MP4 free after ripping.
- Try Leawo Blu-ray Ripper if you want an all-in-one tool with broad format and encryption support.
- VLC and CloneBD are decent for light users or those testing the waters.
Regardless of which tool you choose, having the right software means your Blu-ray collection is no longer limited to discs—enjoy your movies whenever, wherever.
