MakeMKV Review and Its Best Alternatives
Summary:There are many DVD rippers to convert DVD to digital, among which MakeMKV is one of the useful tools. However, there is also the best MakeMKV alternatives like DVDFab DVD Ripper. Choose your favorite ripper software and start to convert DVD to digital formats based on your needs.
- • Rip/Convert DVDs to mainstream video/audio formats
- • Enable you to enjoy DVD files on mobile devices or in a home theater
- • Customize DVD video with the built-in video editor
- • Support batch conversion at GPU-accelerated speed
MakeMKV official website was invisible in the past for several days with only a Russian MakeMKV page left, which made its users and subscribers confused and scared a lot. Can you continue to make MKV with this program again? What happened to MakeMKV and what the secrets behinds MakeMKV down and up? Let me satisfy your curiosity here in this post for make mkv related solutions.
Why is MakeMKV Site Down?
There are many reasons to cause MakeMKV down, among which I have listed them from serious to slight. Any assumption is possible before MakeMKV developer gives an official statement on the MakeMKV forum. So look before you leap so as not to be involved in trouble.
- MakeMKV is moved by Google
This is the severest punishment from Google. Last year, MakeMKV download was punished for its decrypition of AACS. Then, what illegal issue may cause MakeMKV down this time? In the face of MakeMKV up today, you have to be cautious about the legality of MakeMKV to rip UHD or Blu-ray and DVD.
Solution: If you have some copy-protected UHD, Blu-ray and DVD files to be decrypted, copied, ripped and burned, try DVDFab UHD/Blu-ray/DVD Copy/Ripper/Creator, respectively. Is DVDFab safe? Yes. DVDFab will never render you in illegal lawsuits, I promise.
- MakeMKV is shut down by some Russian government agency
Why shut down the MakeMKV download page? Maybe MakeMKV fails to pay the web host as a Russian hosting company, so the hosting was canceled.
Solution: Just pays for the domain to renew it to make the MakeMKV download page return.
- There is something wrong with the MakeMKV developer
It might be health, money, or living situation problem. But, I hope not. No matter what reason causes MakeMKV down, let's wait for the official announcement.
What Is the Influence of MakeMKV Down?
What are the side effects of MakeMKV site down? What functions are not available as before. Here, I have made a list for your reference.
You can still do such things below:
- Download MakeMKV of Mac and PC version (Old Versions)
- Download MakeMKV 1.16.3 (Latest versions)
- Access MakeMKV Forum
You cannot do such things below:
- Send messages with MakeMKV email
- Purchase MakeMKV at $50 due to a credit card processing problem
- Aceess MakeMKV on Linux
- Make MKV from COPY-protected UHD
Today, MakeMKV is up but not sure about the safety of MakeMKV anymore. If you have some important disc copy tasks, want to rip a UHD disk, or back up Dolby Vision contents, DVDFab UHD Ripper is highly recommended.
Why MakeMKV Failed to Open the Disc
- Disc Protection: The disc might have copy protection that MakeMKV can't bypass. Ensure you're using the latest version, as updates may include improved decryption methods.
- Dirty or Damaged Disc: Scratches, dirt, or fingerprints on the disc can prevent it from being read properly. Try cleaning the disc or using a different one.
- Drive Issues: The optical drive may have trouble reading the disc. Test the drive with other discs to see if it's functioning correctly.
- Unsupported Format: MakeMKV supports many formats but may not support all types of discs. Check if the disc type is compatible.
- Software Version: Ensure you have the latest version of MakeMKV, as older versions may lack support for newer disc formats or encryption methods.
- OS Permissions: Sometimes, operating system settings can prevent access. Try running MakeMKV as an administrator or checking your security software settings.
How to Use MakeMKV to Rip DVD/Blu-ray
If you haven't tried MakeMKV and want to try it still. There is everything about this MKV ripper free. MakeMKV, one of the programs to make MKV, has strong compatibility. It is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux and helps you rip DVD and Blu-ray files easily. Does MakeMKV remove copy protection? Yes, it can decrypt DVD ACCS and BD+. But last year, guess what happened to MakeMKV? It was punished for decrypting such two copy protections.
Another point you should be clear about is the output file format. You can only rip DVDs to MKV using MakeMKV. What are the pros and cons of this file format? MKV is a container format that shows better video quality than other formats, but it needs a special player for file playback. Compared with MKV, MP4 is more popular in DVD ripping and Blu-ray digitizing, since MP4 is compatible with all the devices like iPhone, Android, PS4, Xbox One, etc. So, people want to find a MakeMKV alternative to convert DVD to MP4 and other mainstream video formats.
The Detailed Steps of Ripping DVD/Blu-ray with MakeMKV
Step 1: Go to the official MakeMKV website and select the download link that matches your operating system.
Steps 2: Once the installation is complete, launch the software. You'll see all available optical drives displayed in the interface. You can click on File to select either Open Files or Open Disc to import your video.
Step 3: Once you've opened your video, you can select the titles you wish to save as MKV files and choose the tracks you want to keep. After adjusting all your settings, select the output folder, and click the Make MKV icon on the right side of the interface to begin transcoding.
Pros&Cons of MKV
- Completely free to rip DVD into MKV on a computer.
- Rip encrypted discs.
- Preserves all meta-information (track language, audio type).
- The interface is not user-friendly.
- Lack of output parameter settings.
- It is slow to complete the ripping process without hardware acceleration.
- The output format is limited to MKV, no other formats.
- You can't make MKV from copy-protected 4K Blu-ray Discs.
Best MakeMKV Alternatives
DVDFab DVD/Blu-ray/UHD Ripper (the Best Sollution)
Here are three modules about DVDFab: DVD Ripper, Blu-ray Ripper, and UHD Ripper, showing you how to rip a DVD, Blu-ray, and UHD disc, folder, and ISO file. MakeMKV vs DVDFab, the latter supports more output formats, like MP4, MKV, AVI, FLV, VOB, TS, etc. Instead of MakeMKV buy, DVDFab Ripper offers a 30-day free trial.
Features of this MakeMKV alternative:
- Remove the latest protection form encrypted DVDs to make DVD to digital possible
- Compress video size but preserve quality for any mobile device
- Rip DVD/Bluray/UHD to 1000+ Video & Audio Formats via Customized Settings
- Get 50x faster DVD pipping speed with GPU acceleration
- Built-in video editor able to create professional-looking and personalized video
- Upscale Video from 480p to 1080p with Video Enlarger AI
- DVDFab offers a wide range of tools, including DVD/Blu-ray copying, video conversion, and video editing, making it a comprehensive solution for media management.
- The software has an intuitive interface, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced users.
- DVDFab is known for maintaining high-quality video and audio during the conversion and ripping processes.
- The software receives regular updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest formats and media protections.
- DVDFab supports a multitude of video formats, allowing for flexible output options.
- Users can process multiple files at once, saving time.
- The free trial has limitations
- The software can be demanding on system resources, potentially slowing down older computers during operation
Steps on how to make MKV with DVDFab:
Step 1: Download and install DVDFab DVD/Blu-ray/UHD Ripper
Step 2: Select the module of 'Ripper' and add your file
Select the Ripper module. You can drag more than one file to this free ripper and convert them to digital in batches. DVDFab 13 includes many modules which enable you to do more than DVD ripping, Blu-ray converting and UHD digitizing. Moreover, you can burn videos to DVD and convert MKV to MP4, etc.
Step 3: Select one profile, and customize your video
Choose the profile you need after the source has loaded in. Then, select the audio tracks and subtitles you want to keep in the output video.
For further customization regarding the output video, you can set video and audio parameters with the Advanced Settings, and edit the output video with the built-in video editor. 'Enlarger AI' enables you to improve video quality up to 4K. After that, select the output path by clicking "Save to".
Step 4: Click the button of 'Start'
Start to convert DVD/Blu-ray/UHD to digital by hitting 'Start'. DVDFab works 10 times faster than the normal speed, so you will be able to enjoy your files soon.
If a DVD, Blu-ray, or UHD is encrypted with UOPs, RC, RCE, 99 Titles, DVDFab DVD Ripper can decrypt them automatically. If it is Cinavia copy protection, DVDFab Cinavia Removal can do your a favor. It can permanently remove the Cinavia watermarks from Cinavia infected Blu-rays.
HandBrake
In order to convert DVD to digital in other formats including but not limited to MKV, HandBrake comes to your aid. Similar to MakeMKV, it is also compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. But MakeMKV vs HandBrake, the latter is able to rip DVD to MP4 as well. This is the biggest advantage over MakeMKV backup. Can HandBrake rip copy-protected DVDs? No, this MakeMKV alternative cannot do that. Considering most DVD videos include copy protection, you can ask other alternatives to MakeMKV for help if a DVD file is not encrypted.
- HandBrake is completely free to use, making it accessible to everyone without any cost.
- It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering versatility across different operating systems.
- While it has advanced features, the interface is relatively straightforward, making it easier for beginners to get started.
- It supports a variety of video formats, including MP4, MKV, and more, with options for codecs like H.264 and H.265.
- HandBrake cannot bypass DVD copy protections on its own. Users need additional software (like libdvdcss) to handle encrypted DVDs, which can be a hurdle.
- HandBrake does not preserve DVD menus or additional content; it only rips the main feature.
- Depending on your system and the settings chosen, ripping can take a significant amount of time.
- HandBrake primarily focuses on DVD ripping and does not natively support Blu-ray discs, requiring additional tools.
VLC Player
If you think MakeMKV unsafe, install this VLC Player for free. Although there are many functions in VLC, it does a better job in video play than DVD converting to MP4.
If you want to this MakeMKV alternative, convert DVD to MKV, MP4, MPEG, WMV, FLAC, OGG, and MP3. Follow the steps below. Launch it on Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac, and Linux. Then, click the button of "Media" > select "Convert/Save". Insert your disc and choose the title you are going to rip with this MakeMKV alternative. Then go to "Setting" - "Convert" to choose your wanted output format and start to rip DVD to your chosen output folder. How long does it take to rip a DVD? Not very fast according to some users' feedback.
- VLC is completely free to use and is developed by a large community, making it accessible to everyone.
- It supports a vast range of audio and video formats without needing additional codecs, including MP4, AVI, MKV, FLAC, and more.
- VLC is free from advertisements and does not collect user data, ensuring a clean user experience.
- Users can customize the interface with skins and adjust playback settings to suit their preferences.
- While functional, some users find the interface less modern or visually appealing compared to other media players.
- While it supports many formats, some specialized formats or codecs might still require additional software.
- Being open source, some users may encounter bugs or stability issues that vary depending on the version and platform.
UniConverter
The next alternative to MakeMKV is UniConverter. How to rip DVDs with this software? Get it launched first on your Windows or Mac. Then select the module of Converter and load your file. There is a video editor in this MakeMKV alternative, so you can customize your video based on your preference. Then choose the output format and decide where to save your file. At last, rip DVD to MKV/MP4 or others using this MakeMKV alternative.
- UniConverter supports a vast array of video and audio formats, making it easy to convert files for different devices.
- The software has an intuitive and straightforward interface, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
- Beyond conversion, it includes features for editing videos, downloading online content, burning DVDs, and creating GIFs.
- The software comes with a media player for previewing files before conversion.
- UniConverter is a paid software, and while it offers a trial version, many features are locked behind a subscription or one-time purchase.
- The free trial has restrictions on file size and features, which might not provide a complete experience.
WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro
WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro is another alternative to MakeMKV. It is compatible with Windows 10/8/7 or lower operating systems. There is no multilingual user interface in this DVD ripping software. You can input DVD Disc, ISO Image, and DVD Folder to this alternative to MakeMKV. If you want to rip DVDs to multiple formats do it in a paid version. Similar to DVDFab DVD Ripper, it also decrypts 99 titles and region codes. Meanwhile, you can use its embedded video editor to add or remove subtitles and crop your files.
- The software is designed with an intuitive interface, making it accessible for beginners and experienced users alike.
- It maintains good video and audio quality during the ripping and conversion processes.
- The software supports a variety of formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, and more, making it versatile for different devices.
- Users can trim, crop, and add subtitles to videos before conversion, allowing for some basic editing capabilities.
- WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro is a paid software, and while it offers a trial version, many features are limited in that version.
- There are times you will encounter an imprecise display and some freezing in extreme cases during the ripping process.
FAQs
MakeMKV works on Mac OS X and Windows. Users can also install MakeMKV Linux by following a detailed instruction post on the MakeMKV forums. To download MakeMKV, you can go to its official website. Few MakeMKV alternatives can work on this system.
MakeMKV contains both freeware and shareware functionality. You may use this software to convert or rip DVDs for free. Yet when it comes to "rip Blu-ray", you need to purchase a MakeMKV activation key after a 30-day trial period. If you only rip Blu-rays with MakeMKV occasionally and think it costs too much to buy this software, you can reinstall this software after 30 days to obtain a new trial period, as MakeMKV is a beta version.
MKV is short for “Matroska”. It's not an audio or video compression format as people always think like MKV vs. MP4. Instead, it's a video container, much like MOV and AVI, but also supports an unlimited number of audio, picture, and subtitle tracks into a single file – even if those elements use different types of encoding. Apart from this, as MKV supports descriptions, ratings, convert art, and even chapter points, it is often seen as the carrier for high-definition online video. This is why MKV is chosen as the default video container format by MakeMKV and its alternatives.
MakeMKV is easy to use. It will automatically detect DVD or Blu-ray and show it if they already exist in the DVD drive. When your DVD or Blu-ray information shows up, you can click on the large optical drive icon to initiate the program and let the software begins scanning the drive.
Once the scanning process is done, all chapters of DVD or Blu-ray will show up. This is when you can do some settings, like selecting subtitles you need, choosing the chapter you want, or other things.
Then click “Make MKV” to start the conversion. If you happen to have 4K Blu-ray discs and want to rip them with MakeMKV, just repeat the above steps. When the MKV file is made, you can use DVDFab Player 6, the best 4K media player, to play it right away.
Is MakeMKV Safe?
If you want to rip DVDs and Blu-rays that you created yourself, it is definitely legal. However, ripping protected Blu-rays or DVDs for commercial purposes is illegal. In some cases, you can rip encrypted Blu-rays and DVDs for personal use.
Conclusion
With good MakeMKV alternative, you can yield twice the result with half the effort. Since the market has been flooded by converters and rippers, it may take you a while to weed through them one by one. If you happen to need a DVD converter or DVD ripper, turn to DVDFab DVD/Blu-ray Ripper for help. For information about more like Format Factory, VideoSolo Video Converter, Uniconverter, DVD Shrink, read another article.